Government student loans & Grants
- StudentAid BC
- Adult Basic Education Student Assistance Program (ABESAP)
- Part-time Financial Assistance
StudentAid BC
Students in post-secondary studies (first year college level or higher), enrolled in a minimum course load as determined by their program of studies, may be eligible for student loans and, in some cases, grants. Please phone or visit a Financial Aid Advisor during open service hours if you need assistance.
Apply to StudentAid BC to see if you are eligible for one or more of the following:
- Canada Student Loan
- BC Student Loan
- Canada Student Grant for Students from Low Income Families
- Canada Student Grant for Students from Middle Income Families
- Canada Student Grant for Students with Dependants
- Canada Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities
- Supplemental Bursary for Students with Permanent Disabilities
- BC Access Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities.
If you do not meet StudentAid BC's BC residency guidelines, apply to the student loan program in the province where you last resided for 12 consecutive months.
Online applications
- Online applications are processed faster. Apply online for your student loan or
- You may also download a form or request one by mail or request one by calling 1-800-561-1818 (Canada). Remember that a paper application will take much longer to process.
Apply before you register
- Camosun later confirms your loan eligibility through your enrolment and attendance in a minimum 60% of full course load as per the Camosun calendar (40% for students with a permanent disability with an appeal approved by StudentAid BC).
- Applying early allows you to make a spending plan based on your approved student loan/grant amounts.
- You can cancel your application if needed.
Apply one term at a time
- Apply for student loans one semester or one quarter or one vocational study term at a time (for example, Trades programs).
- Correct start and end dates of study are necessary to process an application. If you're not sure of your program dates, contact a Financial Aid Advisor during open service hours. Deadline to apply is six weeks before your study term end date.
Co-op students
- Co-op students are considered full-time students and may apply for loans.
- Co-op students with outstanding student loans must contact Financial Aid for forms to keep loans interest-free during co-op terms.
- For more information see the Co-op Education...
Check your application status
- Check your application status using your application number and your social insurance number on the StudentAid BC website, or use the 24-hour computerized phone line at 250–387–6100 or 1-800-561-1818 (Canada).
Cash your student loan
- Cash your student loan by taking your documents, certificate or loan agreement to a designated Canada Post Outlet with your social insurance number card, government-issued photo ID, and a void cheque (one for each loan document) or your bank branch's name, ID number, and transit number, and your account number.
- Your student loan documents are mailed to the address you provided on your student loan application- keep your address up-to-date with StudentAid BC and Camosun.
Service bureaus
- Service bureaus establish your student loan accounts, process electronic deposits of student loan funds into your bank account, notify you when you must repay your loans, and administer your student loans in repayment status.
- National Student Loan Service Centre
- BC Student Loan Service Bureau
Ask questions
- Ask questions to ensure you understand your student debt responsibilities - read all instructions & general information to know what you must do and when.
- Keep a filed copy of your student loan application and all other financial aid information and forms.
- Check with Financial Aid & Awards before changing your program or course credit load, as your eligibility for different kinds and amounts of funding can be affected.
Adult Basic Education Student Assistance Program (ABESAP)
College students with financial need may be eligible for this BC government grant funding for educational fees, tuition (if applicable) and books for programs such as Foundations (FDN), academic upgrading (also known as Adult Basic Education (ABE), Better Employment Strategies and Techniques (BEST), College Prep, or, Employment Training & Preparation (ETP, formerly ASE), English Language Development (ELD).
- ABESAP application (pdf version) - Please print application, complete it in ink and bring it to either Financial Aid & Awards Office during open service hours with your Social Insurance Number and photo identification.
Part–time Financial Assistance
If you are studying part–time at a post–secondary level (between 20% and 59% of a full–time course load), and your family income is below a certain level, you may apply for part-time financial assistance. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for one or more of the following:
- Canada student grant for part-time students
- Canada student loan for part-time students
- Canada student grant for students with permanent disabilities
- Supplemental bursary for students with disabilities
- Canada student grant for part-time students with dependants
Pick up an application at the Financial Aid & Awards office at either campus or print it online. Complete and return it the Financial Aid & Awards office for processing. Apply early!