Government Student Loans

Money Matters

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Financial Aid & Awards
General Inquiries
Call: 780 853 8418
Call: 780 853 8573

If you didn't take out a government student loan in your first year, you may still be eligible for those loans or a grant.

Eligibility is based on financial need. Contact Lakeland’s financial aid and awards office. We can help you determine if you are eligible

All government student aid, whether federal or provincial, is administered by provincial governments. You apply through your province of legal residence (permanent address).

To learn about where to start and how to contact your provincial government student aid office, please go to government student aid in our admissions section.

Government student aid is interest-free while you're at school. Plus, you don't have to start paying for six months after you finish.

Please note: After May 2025, you will need to use a My Service Canada Account (MSCA) to access the national student loan centre. You are encouraged to register for an account as soon as possible, so there isn't a delay for you signing your agreement and receiving funding. Learn more at My Service Canada account and new way to access NSLSC online services.

If you already have a loan, then you can manage your loan at the National Student Loan Centre (NSLSC). You can access the centre through the Student Aid - Canada website.

If you haven't had a student loan before, check out their online orientation webinar or the NSLSC YouTube channel.

Wherever you start, don’t delay. Apply as soon as the application is available in your province. Processing may take up to 6 weeks.

Other federal student aid

The Student - Aid Canada website also includes information about a number of specialized funding sources. Follow the links on that main page to find out more about:

federal student grants for full and part-time students, with or without dependants as well as grants for students with disabilities
loans and grants for apprentices as well as particular tax breaks
scholarships, bursaries and education programs for Indigenous Canadians
aid for reservists

Repaying your student loan

Within 6 months of finishing your program, you'll receive information about loan payment terms and options.

The same time period applies if you change from full to part-time studies or if you leave school or take time off. In some circumstances you may be able to delay when you start paying back your loan.

Depending on your province you may have to repay the federal and provincial loans separately.

Check the repay a student loan website for other information including taxes, repayment assistance and payment options.