Determine your educational needs. Understanding your goals will help narrow the list of programs and institutions you may want to attend.

Assess your financial situation.

A full review of your finances and financing options may help you decide what type and length of program to pursue. It may also reveal that there are other financing options open to you. For help in considering your financial options, including available scholarships and bursaries, visit the “Financing” section of CanLearn.

The Canada Student Loans

Program (CSLP) is only one part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to Canada Student

Financial Assistance

The CSLP helps to make postsecondary education affordable for many Canadians by providing loans and grants to eligible full- and parttime students with demonstrated financial need. Its purpose is to supplement, not to replace, the financial resources that you (and your family, where applicable) are expected to contribute.

Since August 1, 2001, the Government of Canada and the governments of Ontario and Saskatchewan have partnered their respective full-time loans to create Canada–Ontario Integrated Student Loans and Canada–Saskatchewan Integrated Student Loans.

If you decide a Canada Student Loan is the right option for you, consider the following:
A. Is your chosen school designated for the Canada Student Loans Program? Ensure that it is by checking with your provincial or territorial Student Financial Assistance Office.
B. Are you eligible? The CSLP works in partnership with the provinces/territories to deliver financial assistance to parttime students. Quebec, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories do not directly participate in the CSLP and operate their own student financial assistance programs.