Q14. Name of School

Enter the name of the school you are or will be attending. If you are or will be attending two schools at the same time, this is called a split enrollment. Enter the name of the school where you are or will be taking the most courses and from which you will receive your credential.

This will be considered your “home school.” The “home school” must approve the split enrollment and must take responsibility for verifying you are maintaining a minimum course load for credits.

Q19. Select your Program of Study

Program Search for B.C. schools only. If you are studying outside B.C., leave questions 19 and 20 blank, and continue to the Program Information section.

Q20a. Is your program being delivered online or blended?

Programs with online or blended delivery must be approved by StudentAid BC before you can submit your application for StudentAid BC funding. Your institution may need to complete the Confirmation of StudentAid BC Distance Education Eligibility form for your program of study to be considered.

Q21. Date Classes Start

Enter the date of your first day of classes in the study period for which you are or will be registered and are applying for financial assistance.

Example: If you attend university, most classes will begin in September and end in April.

The correct start date of your classes is critical. If you are not sure when classes start, contact your school.

Note: Class start date to class end date cannot be more than 52 weeks.

Q22. Date Classes End

Enter the date of your final class or exam, whichever is later. Remember, we are only interested in the study period for which you are registered and are applying for financial assistance.

Example: If you attend university, most classes will begin in September and end in April.

The correct end date of your classes is critical. If you are not sure when classes end, contact your school.

Note: Class start date to class end date cannot be more than 52 weeks.

Q23. Program/Faculty

Select the program/faculty in which you are or will be registered.

Q24. Major/Department (if applicable)

Programs may have more than one option. In such cases, list your chosen option. For example:

If you do not have a major or option, leave this section blank.

Q25. Program Type

A program is a combination of courses leading to a credential. The program type identifies the certificate, diploma or degree you expect to receive upon completion of the program.

Example: If you are enrolling in a diploma program, select ‘Associate/Diploma,' even if you plan to go on to a bachelor or master’s degree. If you are enrolled in university transfer courses, select the ‘University Transfer’ box, not the ‘Unclassified/Qualifying’ box. If you have questions regarding your program type, contact your financial aid office or school official.

Note: “Unclassified/Qualifying” studies refers to a study period where you are taking courses in preparation for entry into a specific program or faculty. For example: If you have completed an undergraduate degree, you may need to take additional courses before being admitted into graduate studies. Maximum funding for “Unclassified/Qualifying” studies is 52 weeks.

Q26. What year of this program will you be in?

Most programs have a standard length for completion. Indicate the year of the program you will be in, not the total number of years you have spent working towards completion of the program.

For Example:

• If the program requires one year or less to complete, select “1st.”
• If you are entering the third year of a four year program, select “3rd."

If you are not sure which year of your program you are in, contact the financial aid office at your school.

Q27. Course Load

To receive full-time student financial assistance, you must be a full-time student. If you are in a credit‑based (academic) program, you must take at least 60 per cent of a full-time course load as defined by your institution (40 per cent for students with a permanent disability, or a persistent or prolonged disability). If you are in a non-credit (hours based) program, you must attend a minimum of 20 hours of instructional time per week at your school.

Note: Students with a permanent disability, or a persistent or prolonged disability who are taking between 40% and 59% of a full-time course load have a choice to be considered full-time or part-time.

If you are repeating a previously passed course only to improve your grade level, the course cannot be included as part of the 60 per cent calculation. If you are not sure what percentage of courses you are taking, contact your financial aid office or school official.

Note: Students with a permanent disability, or a persistent or prolonged disability may qualify for other programs. Contact the Accessibility Services Coordinator, Adult Special Education Coordinator or financial aid office at your school, or visit www.StudentAidBC.ca

Q28. Student Number (if known)

Enter the student number your post-secondary school assigned to you. Your student number will assist your school in confirming your full-time enrollment to StudentAid BC. If your school did not assign a student number to you, leave this question blank.

Information on lost, expired and replacement cheques

Loans and most grants are deposited directly into the bank account you have specified, but some grants may be sent to you by cheque. If you have a question about a cheque you have received or think you should have received, please read the following:

I did not receive, or I lost my cheque and I need a replacement.
If you didn’t receive or lost your cheque and would like a replacement, please contact StudentAid BC and we will issue you a new cheque.

I did not receive, or I lost my cheque, but I no longer need the funds.
If you didn’t receive or you lost your cheque and do not want a replacement, please contact StudentAid BC and indicate you don’t need the funds. If you don’t notify us that you no longer need the funds, it may impact your income taxes as a T4A will be issued.

I received my cheque but it has expired.
If you have received the cheque but it has expired, please contact StudentAid BC and we will issue you a replacement cheque. Cheques should be cashed as early as possible as they expire six months after being issued.

I received a cheque but I am not sure what the payment is for.
If you received a cheque and are unsure of what the payment is for, please review your Notice of Assessment (NoA) to determine what grant you have received.

I received my cheque but I no longer need the funds.
If you have received a cheque but do not intend to use the funds, please mail it back to StudentAid BC at the address below. Please include your application number and indicate you don’t need the funds so the cheque may be cancelled. If you don’t notify us that you no longer need the funds, it may impact your income taxes as a T4A will be issued.

You can keep in-study payment-free status for your student loans if you need to take a break from school and you are approved for the following reasons:

• medical or mental health reasons, or
• following the birth or adoption of a child

Time on medical or parental leave does not count towards your lifetime maximum weeks of student aid.

To learn more about the eligibility requirements and to access the application for medical or parental leave, please visit the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program page.

You do not have to make payments on your student loans if you need to take a break from school for:

• medical or mental health reasons, or
• following the birth or adoption of a child

Your application for medical or parental leave is for a 6-month period. If you need to, you can extend your leave for up to two additional 6-month periods.

Your time on medical or parental leave does not count toward your lifetime maximum weeks of student aid.

Where can I apply for medical or parental leave?

You can apply online through the National Student Loans Service Centre website. Visit the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program website for details.