Government Student Loans
Student loans are a form of government-funded repayable financial assistance. This funding is intended to help students finance their post-secondary education. Eligibility is determined by a standard means test developed by the federal and provincial governments. While you pursue post-secondary studies on a full-time basis, the government subsidizes the interest on your loan.
To obtain a loan, apply directly to the government assistance provider in your home province. This is a one-stop process that considers you for federal and provincial loans and grants. If you apply for a loan, you are held responsible for understanding how your province's program works, so read their information carefully.
To receive a loan or to establish interest-free status (*New apply online) for a previous loan, students must be attending on a full-time basis. This is very important, as dropping below this threshold can mean early repayment and loss of funding. For the purposes of most university-level programs offered at Kwantlen, a student is considered to be attending on a full-time basis provided that they are registered in a minimum of 9 credits per semester (in courses numbered 1100 or higher). Generally, students attending in trades, career or vocational programs are deemed to be attending on a full-time basis. Some exceptions apply and it is the student’s responsibility to confirm the eligibility of their program of studies.
You can confirm the eligibility of your program of studies using Kwantlen's Institutional Appendix
Residents of BC should apply for student loan and grant assistance via StudentAidBC. For more information on the Canada Student Loan, BC Student Loan and Debt Reduction Programs, and to access application forms, please contact the Kwantlen Student Awards and Financial Assistance Office, or visit the Ministry of Advanced Education at studentaidbc.ca or call their toll free number 604.660.2610 for information.
Residents of BC can now apply for their student loan online. For more information and to apply, go to studentaidbc.ca. Paper applications are also available from the Student Awards and Financial Assistance Office on any campus.
Interest-Free Status: Students who are undertaking post-secondary level studies on a full-time basis are not required to make payments, or pay interest on previously negotiated government student loans. It is, however, the student responsibility to inform their government lending institution that they have returned to full-time study. Students may now apply online for interest-free for BC and Canada at www.studentaidbc.ca. Students who have negotiated student loans with a province other than BC may be required to submit alternate documents. For any questions visit Student Awards & Financial Assistance office on any campus.
Successful Completion of Studies and Withdrawal: students in receipt of government student loan and/or interest-free status are required to maintain registration in, and successfully complete, a minimum of 60% of a full-time course load. Students who withdraw from full-time studies while in receipt of student loan or interest free status will be ineligible for further assistance following a 2nd withdrawal. Students who do not successfully complete a minimum of a 60% course load during 68 weeks (the equivalent of 4 semesters) of study will be ineligible for further assistance.
Students with Permanent Disabilities: A 40% course load (the equivalent of 6 credits of study for most Kwantlen students) is considered full-time for students with a documented permanent disability.
Student Loan Repayment: Students are not required to make payments or pay interest on government student loans for a period of 6 months after leaving full-time studies. Interest begins to accrue the day after students cease to be a full-time student (students returning to full-time study within 6 months will have this interest paid on their behalf by the government). Canada Student Loans and Provincial Student Loans are held by separate lenders and repayment arrangements must be made with each individual lender. Students having difficulty with student loan repayment can pursue debt relief measures with their lender(s) but must contact them directly.
Registration Deposit and Fee Payment Deadline Override
Students who have applied for government student loan assistance from the StudentAidBC or through their province of residence may be eligible for an exemption from the Fee Payment deadline. Please complete the Registration Deposit and Tuition Fees Override Form, available from the Student Awards and Financial Assistance Office, at least one week prior to the Fee Payment deadline. Faxed copies are acceptable.
Fee Deferments for Trades and Selective-Entry Program Students
Students who are qualified for admission to a program which requires the payment of a commitment fee to secure their seat may be eligible for a deferral of the commitment fee if they have applied for government student loan assistance. Please contact the Student Awards and Financial Assistance Office on any campus for more information.