Student Loans

Full-time funding

Government loans and grants are available to eligible full-time students who are registered in eligible programs.

What it means to be a full-time student

For the purpose of financial aid, you're full-time if you are registered in an eligible program with a minimum of 60 percent of a full course load (40 percent if you are designated as a student with a permanent disability, or a persistent or prolonged disability). The number of credits needed to meet the full-time threshold varies by program. If you are unsure about your required credit load or to confirm if your program is eligible for funding contact Financial Aid & Awards.

What loans and grants will I be assessed for when I apply?

One application ensures you are assessed for all government funds for which you are eligible. They may include:

• Federal and provincial integrated student loan
• Canada Student Grant for full-time students
• Canada Student Grant for students with dependents
• B.C. Access Grant for full-time studies
• Students with disabilities
  • Canada Student Grant for students with disabilities
  • B.C. Supplemental Bursary for students with disabilities
  • B.C. Access Grant for students with disabilities

Do I have to repay all of it?

No. You must pay back the loan portion of your funding. Grant and bursary funds do not need to be repaid. Once your application has been assessed, you will receive a notification that tells you how much money and what type of money you will receive.

How do I apply?

Visit the StudentAid B.C. website where you can determine your eligibility and apply for a full-time loan online.

Remember to contact Financial Aid & Awards if you have any questions as you are completing the application. If you need to fix your application after you've submitted it, it can result in unnecessary delays.

How do I check my status?

Check your status online using your StudentAid B.C. Dashboard.

What if I'm not a resident of BC?

You will want to apply for a student loan through your home province or territory. For more details refer to Canada Student Grants and Loans – Apply with your province or territory.

Part-time funding

The Part-Time Studies program  has moved to an online application. You will need a current B.C. Services Card with photo and B.C. Services Card Login to submit an application.

Government loans and grants are available to part-time students who are registered in eligible programs. It is important to be aware that part-time funding assesses only for tuition, student fees, books and supplies, transportation, and child care. You will not be assessed for living costs.

What does it mean to be a part-time student for the purposes of financial aid?

Part-time students are registered in 20-59 percent of a full-time course load. Be aware that financial aid course load requirements can vary from Camosun academic course load. Contact Financial Aid & Awards  if you need clarification on your program course load.

If you are a student with a disability and need help with your living costs, you can elect to apply for a full-time loan if you are studying in 40 percent or more of a full-time credit load.

What will I be assessed for when I apply?

Your application will ensure you are assessed for all available funds for which you are eligible. Funds may include:

• Canada Student Loan for part-time studies
• B.C. Access Grant (part-time)
• Canada Student Grant for part-time studies
• Canada Student Grant for part-time students with dependents
• Students with disabilities
  • Canada Student Grant for students with disabilities
  • B.C. Supplemental Bursary for students with disabilities

Do I have to repay all of it?

No. You must pay back the loan portion of your funding. Grant and bursary funds do not need to be repaid. Once your application has been assessed, you will receive a notification that tells you how much money and what type of money you will receive. As a part-time applicant, you can choose whether to apply for both a loan and grant, or just grant funding.

How do I apply?

Visit StudentAid B.C. where you can determine your eligibility and apply for part-time student financial aid online.

Remember to contact Financial Aid & Awards if you have any questions as you are completing the application. If you need to fix your application after you've submitted it, it can result in unnecessary delays.

What if I'm not a resident of B.C.?

You will want to apply for a student loan through your home province or territory.

Refer to Canada Student Grants and Loans – Apply with your province or territory.

Former youth in care

The Provincial Tuition Waiver program provides financial support for tuition and mandatory student fees for former youth in care. 

Not eligible for BC government student loans?

Out-of-province loans

Not a BC resident? You may be eligible for a student loan and grants through your home province or territory. Refer to Canada Student Grants and Loans – Apply with your province or territory.

Canada Apprenticeship Loan

Apprenticeship students may apply for up to $4000 in interest-free loans per period of on-campus technical training. Funds are available to help you pay for tuition, books, tools, equipment, and to assist with living expenses while you're attending classes on campus.

Important: The Canada Apprenticeship Loan (CAL) program is for students registered in Red Seal apprenticeship programs. Trades Foundation and pre-apprenticeship training is not eligible for CAL funding. 

Learn more

Other loans

Not eligible for a student loan? There may be other funding sources available to you. Please connect with your lender (bank or credit union) to ask if they have student loans or lines of credit to help fund your education.

US Federal Loans

US Federal Loans are not an option for funding your studies at Camosun. For more information, please contact our Financial Aid & Awards office.