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Financial Aid Directory

Government Funding Programs in Saskatchewan

Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities

The EAPD Program in Saskatchewan does not cover normal post-secondary education costs such as tuition, books, living costs and transportation. Students are encouraged to receive support through Student Loans. Disability-related expenses may be covered through a student loan, grant or, when necessary through the EAPD Program. Examples of eligible disability related costs are technical aids, tutoring, attendant care, interpreting, and specialized transportation.

At the time of writing the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training reported that it did not have a waiting list for access to EAPD supports. For further information contact:

Student Financial Assistance Branch
Tel.: 306-787-5620 (Regina area and outside Canada)
Toll-free: 1-800-597-8278
www.student-loans.sk.ca

Saskatchewan Student Loans Program

The Saskatchewan Student Assistance Program consists of a number of plans, grants and programs to assist qualified Saskatchewan students in realizing their post-secondary education and career goals.

The federal and provincial governments offer repayable financial assistance as a supplement to the full-time student's and/or family's resources under the following programs. The Canada Student Loans Program provides 60% (to a maximum of $165 per week of study) of a student's total assistance; and the Saskatchewan Student Loans Program provides the remaining 40% (to a maximum of $110 per week of study). Also, under he Special Incentive Plan eligible students may receive an additional $110 per week of study in provincial assistance.

Students are automatically assessed for assistance under the Canada and Saskatchewan Student Loans Programs when they apply using the appropriate application for the loan year in which their course begins.

Federal administrative criteria are used by the Student Financial Assistance Unit to determine the applicant's financial need. In calculating need, the allowable expenses (tuition, books, supplies and living expenses, etc.) are determined and the resources available (including contributions by the student and/or parental/guardian/sponsor, in which the financial contribution is based on total combined parental income and family size) are subtracted. Assistance is awarded where need is demonstrated. To qualify for a Saskatchewan Student Loan, the full-time student must meet the above eligibility criteria for Canada Student Loans (see below). In addition, the student must not be in default on a previous Saskatchewan Student Loan and the course must be taken in Saskatchewan unless:

The student is enrolled in a program which is not offered in Saskatchewan; or
The student is enrolled in a graduate degree program outside Saskatchewan; or
The student is not able to obtain the program in Saskatchewan because of a quota system (for example, the program is offered in Saskatchewan but space is not available); or
The student is not able to obtain the program in Saskatchewan because the student's marks were insufficient for acceptance in a Saskatchewan school; or
The student is receiving advanced post-secondary credits that will reduce the length of the program by at least one full semester; or
The student is receiving a major scholarship this year that reduces the total cost of tuition by at least $1,500 below the cost if the student remained in Saskatchewan; or
The cost of tuition at the out-of-province school is $1,500 or more below these costs at a Saskatchewan school; or
The student was attending a program of more than one year in length outside Saskatchewan prior to 1997/98 for which the student received Saskatchewan Student Loans and wishes to continue studies at the same program at the same school; or
The student's spouse, who is also a student, qualifies for provincial assistance under one of the above criteria.

For further information contact:

Student Financial Assistance Branch
Tel.: 306-787-5620 (Regina area and outside Canada)
Toll-free: 1-800-597-8278
www.student-loans.sk.ca

Canada Student Loans Program

The Student Financial Assistance Unit, on behalf of the Province of Saskatchewan administers this federal program. To qualify for a Canada Student Loan, the student must:

Be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident;
Be a Saskatchewan resident according to program rules;
Be enrolled in a program of studies at a designated school approved for student loan purposes by the Province of Saskatchewan, leading to a degree, diploma or certificate;
Be in financial need according to the student loan program guidelines;
Be enrolled as a full-time student, taking at least 60% of a full course load in each semester or term. (NOTE: Students with permanent disabilities are considered full-time under the Canada Student Loans Program if they are enrolled in a minimum of 40% of a full course load);
Be in regular attendance in the course of study (must attend 90% or more of classes in each calendar month and over the entire length of the course);
Maintain a satisfactory scholastic standard to continue to be eligible for student loans. This means that the student must successfully complete 60% of the full course load in each year loans were received;
Be receiving assistance for less than 340 weeks of study.

Exceptions to the 340 week lifetime limit are:

Students who received Canada Student Loans prior to August 1, 1995, or students with permanent disabilities who are eligible for funding until their programs are complete or the lifetime limit of 520 weeks of study on assistance is exceeded; and doctoral students with a maximum lifetime of 400 weeks;
Students must not exceed the maximum duration of eligibility for each level of study (the normal duration of the level specified by the school for completion, plus one additional period.

Canada Student Loans are interest-free while the recipient is a full-time student. Interest on the Canada Student Loan begins to accrue on the first day of the first month after the student graduates or ceases full-time study. Interest does not accrue between academic years if the break is six months or less, and if the appropriate documentation is submitted to a lender.