Canadian Student Loans
To qualify for government-funded Canadian student loans you must be:
- a full-time student registered in 9 or more credit hours each semester
- a citizen or permanent resident of Canada
Students who are registered in 6-8 credit hours may be eligible for a part-time student loan.
Financial need is assessed based on personal income and financial situation. Typically, the maximum amount students can receive is $10,880 per year. It is important to find additional financial sources to cover your tuition and living expenses. Once your loan has been approved you will receive an email from National Student Loan (NSLC) outlining how to set up an account. Follow their instructions in order to complete your loan and receive your funding. For more information visit the Canadian Student Loans website.
How to Apply for Canadian Student Loans
First – Are You Eligible?
Enrolled in 9+ credits/semester at Columbia: You can apply for a full-time student loan.
Enrolled in 6-8 credits/semester at Columbia: You can apply for a part-time student loan.
Enrolled in the EA certificate only: Educational Assistant Certificate students aren’t eligible for student loans.
Need a form filled out by Columbia for your loan?
Just say the word. Please email Tara with your request.
1 - Register for Classes
If you’ve been accepted to Columbia, but still haven’t registered, email Admissions to set up an appointment.
2 - Apply through your home province
- Use the links below to access your province’s Canadian student loan program.
- Applications open in early June for the upcoming school year and typically take 4-6 weeks to process.
- Aim to submit your application by July 15th for the fall semester/full academic year, or by November 1st for the Winter semester.
- You can wait to apply for a loan until 6 or 8 weeks before the end of your study period, but we don’t recommend it. It is best to apply for student loans as soon as possible to ensure that your application is processed before the financial payment deadline.
3 - Are you from BC?
BC students: you will need a BC Services Card to apply for a BC loan.
4 - Are You From Alberta?
Alberta student loan applicants need to refer to this document, detailing program costs, as you complete your application.
5 - Know your Start & End Dates
Your student loan application will ask you to provide start and end dates for your program: September 3, 2024 to April 17, 2025. Using different dates will delay the processing of your application.
6 - Submit Your Documents
- Send your Financial Aid Advisor your Notification of Assessment or your Funding Summary once you’ve received it from the government.
- If you have applied for your loan but it has not been approved by payment deadline (August 15 for the fall semester), you will need to follow the Canadian Student Loan Payment Plan (see Payment Plans & Dates below).
US Student Loans
Students from the United States have many options for obtaining student loans through private institutions and banks. Columbia also participates in the Sallie Mae Smart Option Loan Program.
Sallie Mae Smart Option Loans
Sallie Mae Smart Option Loans are funded through the US Department of Education and require students to make small, interest-only payments while in school.
For more information and to apply, visit the Sallie Mae Smart Option Student Loan website.