Financial Assistance

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Funding post-secondary school

If you are planning to attend college, university, or any post-secondary program, you need to think about how you will pay for it. Costs will differ by program and university. If you have to move elsewhere to attend the school, you have to consider how much that will cost. Check the websites of the specific schools you are interested in attending and see what the costs are.

To help finance your school you have several options:

1. Financial support from parents or guardians
   If you feel comfortable, you can ask your parents or guardians for help. But you need to know schooling is expensive and they may not be able to help.
2. Scholarships & bursaries
   There are many scholarships and bursaries available that you may qualify for. It can seem intimidating to apply, but most students have more success than they think they will. Apply for as many scholarships and bursaries as you can and do not get discouraged if you don’t get one. Check out a helpful resource to find scholarships and bursaries here or on the financial aid page of the school you want to attend.
3. Student loans
   You can apply for a student loan from the Government of Canada to help pay for costs related to school like tuition and living expenses. You will not have to pay back the loan until 6 months after you graduate or stop schooling. Learn more about student loans here.

Income assistance & disability assistance

These programs are funded by the provincial government and help to financially support people when they are in need. If you are eligible for income assistance, it may help to support you financially when you have no other options are available. It is usually offered together with finding and obtaining employment.

Disability assistance supports those who are designated as a Person with Disabilities.

To find out if you are eligible, and to apply for income assistance or disability assistance visit My Self Serve. If you have trouble with any part of the application you can contact the ministry at 1-866-866-0800.