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Maximum funding limits

There are weekly and lifetime maximum funding limits that you should be aware of. Not all students receive the maximum amount.

2026/2027 weekly maximums for full-time students

  • If you have dependant children, you can receive up to $740 per week of full-time study in combined loan and grant funding.
  • If you do not have dependant children, you can receive up to $520 per week of full-time study.

Note: the above amounts reflect a temporary increase to the weekly Canada Student Loan limit, in place until July 31, 2027.

The total amount you receive is determined by the length of your study period measured in weeks.

The following table shows the maximum amount and number of weeks of StudentAid BC funding you can receive over your lifetime. Weeks on in-study payment-free status also count towards your maximum number of weeks.

Funding type $ limit Time limit
Canada student loan (non-doctoral) 340 weeks (80 months)
Canada student loan (doctoral) 400 weeks (94 months)
Canada student loan (persons with a permanent disability, or a persistent or prolonged disability; or received loans prior to August 1, 1995) 520 weeks (120 months)
B.C. student loan (non-doctoral) $50,000 340 weeks (80 months)
B.C. student loan (doctoral) $50,000 400 weeks (94 months)
B.C. student loan (persons with a permanent disability, or a persistent or prolonged disability) $50,000 520 weeks (120 months)
Canada and B.C. integrated student loan (non-doctoral) 340 weeks (80 months)
Canada and B.C. integrated student loan (doctoral) 400 weeks (94 months)
Canada and B.C. integrated student loan (persons with a permanent disability, or a persistent or prolonged disability, or received loans prior to August 1, 1995) 520 weeks (120 months)

If you reach the maximum number of weeks of StudentAid BC funding and are still in full-time study, you continue to be eligible for in-study payment-free status and the six-month non-repayment period following your studies. Your school will need to confirm your enrolment with the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC) to have your student loan repayment deferred until after you have completed your studies and the 6-month non-repayment period ends.

For more information see in-study payment-free status and maximum weeks.

Your outstanding principal and any accrued interest, if applicable, for all part-time Canada student loans cannot exceed $10,000 at any given time. Students who reach the $10,000 part-time loan limit remain eligible to receive Canada Student Grants.

Note: If a student has been in receipt of full-time financial assistance and has reached/exceeded their maximum allowable of 340 weeks of full-time assistance, they will not be eligible to receive part-time financial assistance (loans, grants or in-study payment-free).

Maximum funding limits

There are weekly and lifetime maximum funding limits that you should be aware of. Not all students receive the maximum amount.

2026/2027 weekly maximums for full-time students

  • If you have dependant children, you can receive up to $740 per week of full-time study in combined loan and grant funding.
  • If you do not have dependant children, you can receive up to $520 per week of full-time study.

Note: the above amounts reflect a temporary increase to the weekly Canada Student Loan limit, in place until July 31, 2027.

The total amount you receive is determined by the length of your study period measured in weeks.

The following table shows the maximum amount and number of weeks of StudentAid BC funding you can receive over your lifetime. Weeks on in-study payment-free status also count towards your maximum number of weeks.

Funding type $ limit Time limit
Canada student loan (non-doctoral) 340 weeks (80 months)
Canada student loan (doctoral) 400 weeks (94 months)
Canada student loan (persons with a permanent disability, or a persistent or prolonged disability; or received loans prior to August 1, 1995) 520 weeks (120 months)
B.C. student loan (non-doctoral) $50,000 340 weeks (80 months)
B.C. student loan (doctoral) $50,000 400 weeks (94 months)
B.C. student loan (persons with a permanent disability, or a persistent or prolonged disability) $50,000 520 weeks (120 months)
Canada and B.C. integrated student loan (non-doctoral) 340 weeks (80 months)
Canada and B.C. integrated student loan (doctoral) 400 weeks (94 months)
Canada and B.C. integrated student loan (persons with a permanent disability, or a persistent or prolonged disability, or received loans prior to August 1, 1995) 520 weeks (120 months)

If you reach the maximum number of weeks of StudentAid BC funding and are still in full-time study, you continue to be eligible for in-study payment-free status and the six-month non-repayment period following your studies. Your school will need to confirm your enrolment with the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC) to have your student loan repayment deferred until after you have completed your studies and the 6-month non-repayment period ends.

For more information see in-study payment-free status and maximum weeks.

Your outstanding principal and any accrued interest, if applicable, for all part-time Canada student loans cannot exceed $10,000 at any given time. Students who reach the $10,000 part-time loan limit remain eligible to receive Canada Student Grants.

Note: If a student has been in receipt of full-time financial assistance and has reached/exceeded their maximum allowable of 340 weeks of full-time assistance, they will not be eligible to receive part-time financial assistance (loans, grants or in-study payment-free).

Maximum funding limits

There are weekly and lifetime maximum funding limits that you should be aware of. Not all students receive the maximum amount.

2026/2027 weekly maximums for full-time students

  • If you have dependant children, you can receive up to $740 per week of full-time study in combined loan and grant funding.
  • If you do not have dependant children, you can receive up to $520 per week of full-time study.

Note: the above amounts reflect a temporary increase to the weekly Canada Student Loan limit, in place until July 31, 2027.

The total amount you receive is determined by the length of your study period measured in weeks.

The following table shows the maximum amount and number of weeks of StudentAid BC funding you can receive over your lifetime. Weeks on in-study payment-free status also count towards your maximum number of weeks.

Funding type $ limit Time limit
Canada student loan (non-doctoral) 340 weeks (80 months)
Canada student loan (doctoral) 400 weeks (94 months)
Canada student loan (persons with a permanent disability, or a persistent or prolonged disability; or received loans prior to August 1, 1995) 520 weeks (120 months)
B.C. student loan (non-doctoral) $50,000 340 weeks (80 months)
B.C. student loan (doctoral) $50,000 400 weeks (94 months)
B.C. student loan (persons with a permanent disability, or a persistent or prolonged disability) $50,000 520 weeks (120 months)
Canada and B.C. integrated student loan (non-doctoral) 340 weeks (80 months)
Canada and B.C. integrated student loan (doctoral) 400 weeks (94 months)
Canada and B.C. integrated student loan (persons with a permanent disability, or a persistent or prolonged disability, or received loans prior to August 1, 1995) 520 weeks (120 months)

If you reach the maximum number of weeks of StudentAid BC funding and are still in full-time study, you continue to be eligible for in-study payment-free status and the six-month non-repayment period following your studies. Your school will need to confirm your enrolment with the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC) to have your student loan repayment deferred until after you have completed your studies and the 6-month non-repayment period ends.

For more information see in-study payment-free status and maximum weeks.

Your outstanding principal and any accrued interest, if applicable, for all part-time Canada student loans cannot exceed $10,000 at any given time. Students who reach the $10,000 part-time loan limit remain eligible to receive Canada Student Grants.

Note: If a student has been in receipt of full-time financial assistance and has reached/exceeded their maximum allowable of 340 weeks of full-time assistance, they will not be eligible to receive part-time financial assistance (loans, grants or in-study payment-free).

Your financial need

StudentAid BC funding varies according to your financial situation, status, length of study program, number of dependants and other factors.

The amount of money you receive from StudentAid BC depends on your financial need, which is calculated using this formula:

Educational costs - Student Resources = Financial need

We subtract your total resources from your total educational costs to calculate your assessed financial need.


Student Living Allowances for full-time students

The monthly student living allowances for each category of student are intended to cover costs for shelter, food, local transportation, and miscellaneous expenses. They are standard allowances for a moderate standard of living established by the federal government. The allowances vary based on a student's living situation and the province or territory where they will be studying.

The 2026/27 allowances for students residing in B.C. are below. Allowances for other living situations can be found in the SABC Policy Manual.

2026/27 Living Allowances for Students residing in B.C. Monthly Weekly
Single student away from home $2,327 $541
Single student living at home $841 $196
Single parent (add child allowance x number of dependants) $3,002 $698
Married student/spouse (add child allowance x number of dependants) $4,384 $1,020
Child allowance $970 $226


Note: These allowances are used to calculate your financial need and may not be the monthly amounts you will receive. The amount of student financial assistance available to you is determined by your assessed need, whether you have dependants, the length of your study period and the maximum amounts set by the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program and by StudentAid BC.


Educational costs:

  • tuition, fees, books and school supplies
  • moderate standard of living allowance for shelter, food, transportation and miscellaneous costs
  • child/dependant living expenses
  • day-care expenses

Student resources:

You are expected to contribute as much as possible to the cost of your own post-secondary education. The more you contribute from your own resources, the less you will have to borrow and repay.

What you are expected to contribute

The financial contribution expected from you will depend on the total family income declared on your previous year’s income tax submission to the Canada Revenue Agency, as well as other resources you may have that can be applied to your education costs.

You are expected to contribute to your education costs. A fixed contribution amount is calculated based on your prior year family income; other resources you have that are targeted toward your education costs, such as scholarships and other funding sources, are considered as well.

If you are classified as a dependent student, StudentAid BC may also expect a parental contribution from your parent(s), step-parent, or legal guardian based on the total family income declared on their previous year’s income tax submission to the Canada Revenue Agency.

If you are married or living common-law, a spouse/partner contribution may also be expected based on their total family income declared on their previous year’s income tax submission to the Canada Revenue Agency.

What your parents are expected to contribute

If you are an Independent student, no parental contribution is expected. However, if you are receiving money voluntarily given to you by your parents, declare this on your loan application.

If you are a Dependent student, a financial contribution may be expected from your parent(s), step-parent, or legal guardian based on the total family income declared on their previous year’s income tax submission to the Canada Revenue Agency. StudentAid BC will assess the amount based on family size, income and allowable deductions (such as income taxes payable, Canada Pension Plan contributions and employment insurance contributions).

Your parents' financial assets (term deposits, stocks, bonds, GICs, bank accounts and rental properties) will also be considered in the assessment.

Because the assessment process is complex, you are encouraged to contact us if you need more information about expected parental contributions.

If you are married or living common-law, your spouse or partner may be expected to make a financial contribution toward your education while you are attending post-secondary school.

If your spouse/partner is also attending school full-time, or is in receipt of employment insurance (EI), social assistance, or disability benefits, no contribution is expected.

Your spouse/partner may be expected to contribute to your education costs as well, and a fixed contribution amount will be calculated based on their prior year total income.

There are many sources of funding to finance your post-secondary education. They include:

  • Scholarships, grants and awards administered by StudentAid BC.
  • Other scholarships, bursaries and awards - check with your school for upcoming opportunities and deadlines.
  • Direct loans from banks and credit unions.
  • Financial support from community organizations and service clubs.
  • Part-time employment.
  • Family resources.
  • For more information visit the explore funding options section.

Family Income Eligibility Thresholds for the 2026/27 Program Year - Part-Time Students

To be eligible for federal part-time grants and loans, your total family income for the program year must be below the amounts shown on the following table:

Family size Canada Student Loan for Part-Time Students (CSL-PT)
Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Students with Disabilities (CSG-D)
Gross Annual Family Income Threshold for CSL-PT and CSG-D
Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Studies (CSG-PT)
Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Students with Dependants (CSG-PTDEP)
B.C. Access Grant for Part-Time Studies (BCAG-PT)
Gross Annual Family Income Eligibility for Maximum CSG-PT, CSG-PTDEP, and BCAG-PT
1 $78,890 $38,474
2 $110,336 $54,412
3 $131,635 $66,641
4 $144,687 $76,952
5 $156,762 $86,033
6 $168,236 $94,245
7+ $178,137 $101,797

Your financial need

StudentAid BC funding varies according to your financial situation, status, length of study program, number of dependants and other factors.

The amount of money you receive from StudentAid BC depends on your financial need, which is calculated using this formula:

Educational costs - Student Resources = Financial need

We subtract your total resources from your total educational costs to calculate your assessed financial need.


Student Living Allowances for full-time students

The monthly student living allowances for each category of student are intended to cover costs for shelter, food, local transportation, and miscellaneous expenses. They are standard allowances for a moderate standard of living established by the federal government. The allowances vary based on a student's living situation and the province or territory where they will be studying.

The 2026/27 allowances for students residing in B.C. are below. Allowances for other living situations can be found in the SABC Policy Manual.

2026/27 Living Allowances for Students residing in B.C. Monthly Weekly
Single student away from home $2,327 $541
Single student living at home $841 $196
Single parent (add child allowance x number of dependants) $3,002 $698
Married student/spouse (add child allowance x number of dependants) $4,384 $1,020
Child allowance $970 $226


Note: These allowances are used to calculate your financial need and may not be the monthly amounts you will receive. The amount of student financial assistance available to you is determined by your assessed need, whether you have dependants, the length of your study period and the maximum amounts set by the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program and by StudentAid BC.


Educational costs:

  • tuition, fees, books and school supplies
  • moderate standard of living allowance for shelter, food, transportation and miscellaneous costs
  • child/dependant living expenses
  • day-care expenses

Student resources:

You are expected to contribute as much as possible to the cost of your own post-secondary education. The more you contribute from your own resources, the less you will have to borrow and repay.

What you are expected to contribute

The financial contribution expected from you will depend on the total family income declared on your previous year’s income tax submission to the Canada Revenue Agency, as well as other resources you may have that can be applied to your education costs.

You are expected to contribute to your education costs. A fixed contribution amount is calculated based on your prior year family income; other resources you have that are targeted toward your education costs, such as scholarships and other funding sources, are considered as well.

If you are classified as a dependent student, StudentAid BC may also expect a parental contribution from your parent(s), step-parent, or legal guardian based on the total family income declared on their previous year’s income tax submission to the Canada Revenue Agency.

If you are married or living common-law, a spouse/partner contribution may also be expected based on their total family income declared on their previous year’s income tax submission to the Canada Revenue Agency.

What your parents are expected to contribute

If you are an Independent student, no parental contribution is expected. However, if you are receiving money voluntarily given to you by your parents, declare this on your loan application.

If you are a Dependent student, a financial contribution may be expected from your parent(s), step-parent, or legal guardian based on the total family income declared on their previous year’s income tax submission to the Canada Revenue Agency. StudentAid BC will assess the amount based on family size, income and allowable deductions (such as income taxes payable, Canada Pension Plan contributions and employment insurance contributions).

Your parents' financial assets (term deposits, stocks, bonds, GICs, bank accounts and rental properties) will also be considered in the assessment.

Because the assessment process is complex, you are encouraged to contact us if you need more information about expected parental contributions.

If you are married or living common-law, your spouse or partner may be expected to make a financial contribution toward your education while you are attending post-secondary school.

If your spouse/partner is also attending school full-time, or is in receipt of employment insurance (EI), social assistance, or disability benefits, no contribution is expected.

Your spouse/partner may be expected to contribute to your education costs as well, and a fixed contribution amount will be calculated based on their prior year total income.

There are many sources of funding to finance your post-secondary education. They include:

  • Scholarships, grants and awards administered by StudentAid BC.
  • Other scholarships, bursaries and awards - check with your school for upcoming opportunities and deadlines.
  • Direct loans from banks and credit unions.
  • Financial support from community organizations and service clubs.
  • Part-time employment.
  • Family resources.
  • For more information visit the explore funding options section.

Family Income Eligibility Thresholds for the 2026/27 Program Year - Part-Time Students

To be eligible for federal part-time grants and loans, your total family income for the program year must be below the amounts shown on the following table:

Family size Canada Student Loan for Part-Time Students (CSL-PT)
Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Students with Disabilities (CSG-D)
Gross Annual Family Income Threshold for CSL-PT and CSG-D
Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Studies (CSG-PT)
Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Students with Dependants (CSG-PTDEP)
B.C. Access Grant for Part-Time Studies (BCAG-PT)
Gross Annual Family Income Eligibility for Maximum CSG-PT, CSG-PTDEP, and BCAG-PT
1 $78,890 $38,474
2 $110,336 $54,412
3 $131,635 $66,641
4 $144,687 $76,952
5 $156,762 $86,033
6 $168,236 $94,245
7+ $178,137 $101,797

Your financial need

StudentAid BC funding varies according to your financial situation, status, length of study program, number of dependants and other factors.

The amount of money you receive from StudentAid BC depends on your financial need, which is calculated using this formula:

Educational costs - Student Resources = Financial need

We subtract your total resources from your total educational costs to calculate your assessed financial need.


Student Living Allowances for full-time students

The monthly student living allowances for each category of student are intended to cover costs for shelter, food, local transportation, and miscellaneous expenses. They are standard allowances for a moderate standard of living established by the federal government. The allowances vary based on a student's living situation and the province or territory where they will be studying.

The 2026/27 allowances for students residing in B.C. are below. Allowances for other living situations can be found in the SABC Policy Manual.

2026/27 Living Allowances for Students residing in B.C. Monthly Weekly
Single student away from home $2,327 $541
Single student living at home $841 $196
Single parent (add child allowance x number of dependants) $3,002 $698
Married student/spouse (add child allowance x number of dependants) $4,384 $1,020
Child allowance $970 $226


Note: These allowances are used to calculate your financial need and may not be the monthly amounts you will receive. The amount of student financial assistance available to you is determined by your assessed need, whether you have dependants, the length of your study period and the maximum amounts set by the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program and by StudentAid BC.


Educational costs:

  • tuition, fees, books and school supplies
  • moderate standard of living allowance for shelter, food, transportation and miscellaneous costs
  • child/dependant living expenses
  • day-care expenses

Student resources:

You are expected to contribute as much as possible to the cost of your own post-secondary education. The more you contribute from your own resources, the less you will have to borrow and repay.

What you are expected to contribute

The financial contribution expected from you will depend on the total family income declared on your previous year’s income tax submission to the Canada Revenue Agency, as well as other resources you may have that can be applied to your education costs.

You are expected to contribute to your education costs. A fixed contribution amount is calculated based on your prior year family income; other resources you have that are targeted toward your education costs, such as scholarships and other funding sources, are considered as well.

If you are classified as a dependent student, StudentAid BC may also expect a parental contribution from your parent(s), step-parent, or legal guardian based on the total family income declared on their previous year’s income tax submission to the Canada Revenue Agency.

If you are married or living common-law, a spouse/partner contribution may also be expected based on their total family income declared on their previous year’s income tax submission to the Canada Revenue Agency.

What your parents are expected to contribute

If you are an Independent student, no parental contribution is expected. However, if you are receiving money voluntarily given to you by your parents, declare this on your loan application.

If you are a Dependent student, a financial contribution may be expected from your parent(s), step-parent, or legal guardian based on the total family income declared on their previous year’s income tax submission to the Canada Revenue Agency. StudentAid BC will assess the amount based on family size, income and allowable deductions (such as income taxes payable, Canada Pension Plan contributions and employment insurance contributions).

Your parents' financial assets (term deposits, stocks, bonds, GICs, bank accounts and rental properties) will also be considered in the assessment.

Because the assessment process is complex, you are encouraged to contact us if you need more information about expected parental contributions.

If you are married or living common-law, your spouse or partner may be expected to make a financial contribution toward your education while you are attending post-secondary school.

If your spouse/partner is also attending school full-time, or is in receipt of employment insurance (EI), social assistance, or disability benefits, no contribution is expected.

Your spouse/partner may be expected to contribute to your education costs as well, and a fixed contribution amount will be calculated based on their prior year total income.

There are many sources of funding to finance your post-secondary education. They include:

  • Scholarships, grants and awards administered by StudentAid BC.
  • Other scholarships, bursaries and awards - check with your school for upcoming opportunities and deadlines.
  • Direct loans from banks and credit unions.
  • Financial support from community organizations and service clubs.
  • Part-time employment.
  • Family resources.
  • For more information visit the explore funding options section.

Family Income Eligibility Thresholds for the 2026/27 Program Year - Part-Time Students

To be eligible for federal part-time grants and loans, your total family income for the program year must be below the amounts shown on the following table:

Family size Canada Student Loan for Part-Time Students (CSL-PT)
Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Students with Disabilities (CSG-D)
Gross Annual Family Income Threshold for CSL-PT and CSG-D
Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Studies (CSG-PT)
Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Students with Dependants (CSG-PTDEP)
B.C. Access Grant for Part-Time Studies (BCAG-PT)
Gross Annual Family Income Eligibility for Maximum CSG-PT, CSG-PTDEP, and BCAG-PT
1 $78,890 $38,474
2 $110,336 $54,412
3 $131,635 $66,641
4 $144,687 $76,952
5 $156,762 $86,033
6 $168,236 $94,245
7+ $178,137 $101,797

Your school eligibility

The first thing you will need to do is check your school designation under StudentAid BC. To receive student financial aid, your school must be deemed eligible. In addition, there is special information if you are attending two schools, if you attend a private institution, or if you are going to school outside of B.C. or outside of Canada.

Here are some important things to consider before beginning your studies at a private post-secondary school in B.C.

  • Is your school approved?
    Private post-secondary schools in British Columbia are regulated to ensure that standards of integrity and educational competence are met by private institutions offering post-secondary education in B.C.
  • For-profit schools
    Pending regulatory approval, students at for-profit private schools in Canada are not eligible for the Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students (CSG-FT). All other federal loan and grant eligibility requirements for students studying in Canada remain.

    Note: Impacted students enrolled in programs with high labour market priority (Nursing, Early Childhood Education, Dental Hygienist, or Paramedic) may be eligible for CSG-FT funding in program year 2026/27 under an exemption provision. Contact your school directly for more information on eligibility.
  • Career training schools
    You can only receive StudentAid BC funding if the private post-secondary school holds a Designated Institution Certificate from the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU), Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, and has been designated by StudentAid BC.
  • Degree granting schools
    Private schools issuing degrees in B.C. must be approved through the Degree Quality Assessment Board. You can only receive StudentAid BC funding if the private degree-granting school is approved and has been designated by StudentAid BC.
  • Signing an enrolment contract
    Once you have been accepted by a B.C. private post-secondary school that holds a Designated Institution Certificate, you must sign an enrolment contract. Enrolment at an accredited school designated by StudentAid BC requires that you complete this contract.

    The enrolment contract should contain the following information:
    • Name and address of the school.
    • Name of your course or study program.
    • Start date, end date and duration of the course.
    • Cost of the course.
    • Date that the contract is entered into.
    • Name, mailing address and signature of the student or guardian.
    • Signature of the school official.
    • A tuition payment schedule if you are paying by instalments.
    • The school's tuition refund policy.

Attending more than one post-secondary school at the same time is called "split enrolment." In some cases, you can receive StudentAid BC funding for courses taken at the second school.

Before registering at your second school, check with the financial aid office at your "home" school about student financial aid options. The home school is the one that will issue your credential at graduation time.

You may be eligible for funding if courses at the second school are:

  • Offered with the same start and end date as those taken at the home school.
  • An essential element of your study program.
  • Counting for credit towards your certificate, diploma or degree at your home school.
  • Either not offered by your home school or are full.

Your second school must be a designated school under StudentAid BC.

Split enrolments involving private vocational/trade schools are not permitted.

Here are some important things to consider before you enrol in a post-secondary school outside British Columbia but within Canada:

  • To be eligible for StudentAid BC funding, the school you plan to attend must be designated.

Students at private schools outside of B.C. and within Canada are not eligible for provincial student aid.

Note: Students enrolled at an out-of-province private school within Canada during the 2025/26 program year who received provincial student financial aid for the same program at the same school, may request to continue to receive B.C. student financial aid until their program is complete, or until July 31, 2029, whichever occurs first.

Here are some important things to consider before you enrol in a post-secondary school outside Canada:

  • To be eligible for StudentAid BC funding, the school you plan to attend must be designated.

Students at for-profit private international schools are not eligible for federal or provincial student aid.

Students at international public schools, or international not-for-profit private schools, are eligible to apply for student financial aid. Provincial grants are generally not available for study outside B.C. The B.C. Access Grant for Deaf Students (BCAG-DS) will continue to be available to eligible deaf students attending approved schools outside Canada (Gallaudet University and the National Technical Institute for the Deaf).

Note: For students enrolled at for-profit private international schools during the 2025/26 program year (Aug 1-July 31):
- A train out provision allows some returning students to keep receiving funding for a short time, even though that funding is ending.
- To qualify for train out funding, you must stay in the same program at the same school you received student aid for in the 2025/26 program year.
- After receiving your 2026/27 Notice of Assessment, you can request train out funding through your online Student Account.
- If your request is approved, your application will be reviewed again, and you will receive a new Notice of Assessment.

Online programs offered by designated B.C. public or private post-secondary schools are eligible for StudentAid BC funding if they meet basic StudentAid BC program eligibility requirements. However, a moratorium restricting student financial aid eligibility for net new 100% online programs offered by BC private post-secondary schools remains in place for program year 2026/27.

Designated schools located outside of B.C. delivering online, blended, or other programs with a non-traditional form of delivery, must meet all basic StudentAid BC program eligibility requirements. In addition, these programs must meet one of the following additional eligibility requirements to be eligible for StudentAid BC funding:

  • The academic or career training program with the same study period length is offered and delivered at 100% course load on site.
  • A similar program where a student will earn the same number of academic credits in the same time period as a student in other StudentAid BC-eligible programs is delivered on site at the same institution.
  • A student will earn academic credits for 100% of the program at the undergraduate level for a program that is recognized as equivalent at another designated institution listed in the B.C. Transfer Guide, Alberta’s transfer guide or other comparable articulation agreements from other jurisdictions.

Note: All programs must also meet all other required StudentAid BC program eligibility criteria, as outlined in the Policy Manual.

Your school eligibility

The first thing you will need to do is check your school designation under StudentAid BC. To receive student financial aid, your school must be deemed eligible. In addition, there is special information if you are attending two schools, if you attend a private institution, or if you are going to school outside of B.C. or outside of Canada.

Here are some important things to consider before beginning your studies at a private post-secondary school in B.C.

  • Is your school approved?
    Private post-secondary schools in British Columbia are regulated to ensure that standards of integrity and educational competence are met by private institutions offering post-secondary education in B.C.
  • For-profit schools
    Pending regulatory approval, students at for-profit private schools in Canada are not eligible for the Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students (CSG-FT). All other federal loan and grant eligibility requirements for students studying in Canada remain.

    Note: Impacted students enrolled in programs with high labour market priority (Nursing, Early Childhood Education, Dental Hygienist, or Paramedic) may be eligible for CSG-FT funding in program year 2026/27 under an exemption provision. Contact your school directly for more information on eligibility.
  • Career training schools
    You can only receive StudentAid BC funding if the private post-secondary school holds a Designated Institution Certificate from the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU), Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, and has been designated by StudentAid BC.
  • Degree granting schools
    Private schools issuing degrees in B.C. must be approved through the Degree Quality Assessment Board. You can only receive StudentAid BC funding if the private degree-granting school is approved and has been designated by StudentAid BC.
  • Signing an enrolment contract
    Once you have been accepted by a B.C. private post-secondary school that holds a Designated Institution Certificate, you must sign an enrolment contract. Enrolment at an accredited school designated by StudentAid BC requires that you complete this contract.

    The enrolment contract should contain the following information:
    • Name and address of the school.
    • Name of your course or study program.
    • Start date, end date and duration of the course.
    • Cost of the course.
    • Date that the contract is entered into.
    • Name, mailing address and signature of the student or guardian.
    • Signature of the school official.
    • A tuition payment schedule if you are paying by instalments.
    • The school's tuition refund policy.

Attending more than one post-secondary school at the same time is called "split enrolment." In some cases, you can receive StudentAid BC funding for courses taken at the second school.

Before registering at your second school, check with the financial aid office at your "home" school about student financial aid options. The home school is the one that will issue your credential at graduation time.

You may be eligible for funding if courses at the second school are:

  • Offered with the same start and end date as those taken at the home school.
  • An essential element of your study program.
  • Counting for credit towards your certificate, diploma or degree at your home school.
  • Either not offered by your home school or are full.

Your second school must be a designated school under StudentAid BC.

Split enrolments involving private vocational/trade schools are not permitted.

Here are some important things to consider before you enrol in a post-secondary school outside British Columbia but within Canada:

  • To be eligible for StudentAid BC funding, the school you plan to attend must be designated.

Students at private schools outside of B.C. and within Canada are not eligible for provincial student aid.

Note: Students enrolled at an out-of-province private school within Canada during the 2025/26 program year who received provincial student financial aid for the same program at the same school, may request to continue to receive B.C. student financial aid until their program is complete, or until July 31, 2029, whichever occurs first.

Here are some important things to consider before you enrol in a post-secondary school outside Canada:

  • To be eligible for StudentAid BC funding, the school you plan to attend must be designated.

Students at for-profit private international schools are not eligible for federal or provincial student aid.

Students at international public schools, or international not-for-profit private schools, are eligible to apply for student financial aid. Provincial grants are generally not available for study outside B.C. The B.C. Access Grant for Deaf Students (BCAG-DS) will continue to be available to eligible deaf students attending approved schools outside Canada (Gallaudet University and the National Technical Institute for the Deaf).

Note: For students enrolled at for-profit private international schools during the 2025/26 program year (Aug 1-July 31):
- A train out provision allows some returning students to keep receiving funding for a short time, even though that funding is ending.
- To qualify for train out funding, you must stay in the same program at the same school you received student aid for in the 2025/26 program year.
- After receiving your 2026/27 Notice of Assessment, you can request train out funding through your online Student Account.
- If your request is approved, your application will be reviewed again, and you will receive a new Notice of Assessment.

Online programs offered by designated B.C. public or private post-secondary schools are eligible for StudentAid BC funding if they meet basic StudentAid BC program eligibility requirements. However, a moratorium restricting student financial aid eligibility for net new 100% online programs offered by BC private post-secondary schools remains in place for program year 2026/27.

Designated schools located outside of B.C. delivering online, blended, or other programs with a non-traditional form of delivery, must meet all basic StudentAid BC program eligibility requirements. In addition, these programs must meet one of the following additional eligibility requirements to be eligible for StudentAid BC funding:

  • The academic or career training program with the same study period length is offered and delivered at 100% course load on site.
  • A similar program where a student will earn the same number of academic credits in the same time period as a student in other StudentAid BC-eligible programs is delivered on site at the same institution.
  • A student will earn academic credits for 100% of the program at the undergraduate level for a program that is recognized as equivalent at another designated institution listed in the B.C. Transfer Guide, Alberta’s transfer guide or other comparable articulation agreements from other jurisdictions.

Note: All programs must also meet all other required StudentAid BC program eligibility criteria, as outlined in the Policy Manual.

Your school eligibility

The first thing you will need to do is check your school designation under StudentAid BC. To receive student financial aid, your school must be deemed eligible. In addition, there is special information if you are attending two schools, if you attend a private institution, or if you are going to school outside of B.C. or outside of Canada.

Here are some important things to consider before beginning your studies at a private post-secondary school in B.C.

  • Is your school approved?
    Private post-secondary schools in British Columbia are regulated to ensure that standards of integrity and educational competence are met by private institutions offering post-secondary education in B.C.
  • For-profit schools
    Pending regulatory approval, students at for-profit private schools in Canada are not eligible for the Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students (CSG-FT). All other federal loan and grant eligibility requirements for students studying in Canada remain.

    Note: Impacted students enrolled in programs with high labour market priority (Nursing, Early Childhood Education, Dental Hygienist, or Paramedic) may be eligible for CSG-FT funding in program year 2026/27 under an exemption provision. Contact your school directly for more information on eligibility.
  • Career training schools
    You can only receive StudentAid BC funding if the private post-secondary school holds a Designated Institution Certificate from the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU), Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, and has been designated by StudentAid BC.
  • Degree granting schools
    Private schools issuing degrees in B.C. must be approved through the Degree Quality Assessment Board. You can only receive StudentAid BC funding if the private degree-granting school is approved and has been designated by StudentAid BC.
  • Signing an enrolment contract
    Once you have been accepted by a B.C. private post-secondary school that holds a Designated Institution Certificate, you must sign an enrolment contract. Enrolment at an accredited school designated by StudentAid BC requires that you complete this contract.

    The enrolment contract should contain the following information:
    • Name and address of the school.
    • Name of your course or study program.
    • Start date, end date and duration of the course.
    • Cost of the course.
    • Date that the contract is entered into.
    • Name, mailing address and signature of the student or guardian.
    • Signature of the school official.
    • A tuition payment schedule if you are paying by instalments.
    • The school's tuition refund policy.

Attending more than one post-secondary school at the same time is called "split enrolment." In some cases, you can receive StudentAid BC funding for courses taken at the second school.

Before registering at your second school, check with the financial aid office at your "home" school about student financial aid options. The home school is the one that will issue your credential at graduation time.

You may be eligible for funding if courses at the second school are:

  • Offered with the same start and end date as those taken at the home school.
  • An essential element of your study program.
  • Counting for credit towards your certificate, diploma or degree at your home school.
  • Either not offered by your home school or are full.

Your second school must be a designated school under StudentAid BC.

Split enrolments involving private vocational/trade schools are not permitted.

Here are some important things to consider before you enrol in a post-secondary school outside British Columbia but within Canada:

  • To be eligible for StudentAid BC funding, the school you plan to attend must be designated.

Students at private schools outside of B.C. and within Canada are not eligible for provincial student aid.

Note: Students enrolled at an out-of-province private school within Canada during the 2025/26 program year who received provincial student financial aid for the same program at the same school, may request to continue to receive B.C. student financial aid until their program is complete, or until July 31, 2029, whichever occurs first.

Here are some important things to consider before you enrol in a post-secondary school outside Canada:

  • To be eligible for StudentAid BC funding, the school you plan to attend must be designated.

Students at for-profit private international schools are not eligible for federal or provincial student aid.

Students at international public schools, or international not-for-profit private schools, are eligible to apply for student financial aid. Provincial grants are generally not available for study outside B.C. The B.C. Access Grant for Deaf Students (BCAG-DS) will continue to be available to eligible deaf students attending approved schools outside Canada (Gallaudet University and the National Technical Institute for the Deaf).

Note: For students enrolled at for-profit private international schools during the 2025/26 program year (Aug 1-July 31):
- A train out provision allows some returning students to keep receiving funding for a short time, even though that funding is ending.
- To qualify for train out funding, you must stay in the same program at the same school you received student aid for in the 2025/26 program year.
- After receiving your 2026/27 Notice of Assessment, you can request train out funding through your online Student Account.
- If your request is approved, your application will be reviewed again, and you will receive a new Notice of Assessment.

Online programs offered by designated B.C. public or private post-secondary schools are eligible for StudentAid BC funding if they meet basic StudentAid BC program eligibility requirements. However, a moratorium restricting student financial aid eligibility for net new 100% online programs offered by BC private post-secondary schools remains in place for program year 2026/27.

Designated schools located outside of B.C. delivering online, blended, or other programs with a non-traditional form of delivery, must meet all basic StudentAid BC program eligibility requirements. In addition, these programs must meet one of the following additional eligibility requirements to be eligible for StudentAid BC funding:

  • The academic or career training program with the same study period length is offered and delivered at 100% course load on site.
  • A similar program where a student will earn the same number of academic credits in the same time period as a student in other StudentAid BC-eligible programs is delivered on site at the same institution.
  • A student will earn academic credits for 100% of the program at the undergraduate level for a program that is recognized as equivalent at another designated institution listed in the B.C. Transfer Guide, Alberta’s transfer guide or other comparable articulation agreements from other jurisdictions.

Note: All programs must also meet all other required StudentAid BC program eligibility criteria, as outlined in the Policy Manual.