StudentAidBC applications now available
StudentAidBC applications for full- and part-time students for the 2022/2023 school year (beginning on or after August 1, 2022) are now available. For details on how to apply for a full-time student loan, please review the information below.
As a full-time student, you may be eligible for Awards, Scholarships & Bursaries in addition to the Government Student Loans and Grants below.
For some programs, students have the option of taking a full-time course load with part-time studies courses.
Government student loans and grants
Student loans are a form of government-funded repayable financial assistance. This funding is intended to assist students in financing their education.
Eligibility
Eligibility is determined by a standard means test developed by the federal and provincial governments.
To receive a loan, or interest-free status for previous loans, students must be attending an eligible BCIT program on a full-time basis. This is very important, as falling below the minimum required course load can mean early repayment and loss of funding. Repeat courses do not qualify as part of the minimum course load.
Note that apprenticeship programs do not qualify for StudentAidBC funding. Please contact the Apprentice Services office for information on financial assistance.
Canadian, non-BC residents should apply for government student assistance through their home province.
Note: BCIT is no longer participating in the Direct Loan Program through the U.S. Department of Education.
How to apply
To be assessed for a loan, apply directly to StudentAidBC. With a single application you are assessed for federal and provincial loans and grants. If you apply for a loan, you are responsible for understanding how the loan program works; ensure you read their information carefully.
For more information on Canada and BC student loans and grants, please visit StudentAidBC, or contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
Interest-free status
Students attending an eligible BCIT program on a full-time basis are not required to make payments on previously negotiated student loans.
However, it is your responsibility to inform your government lending institution that you are attending full-time every term. This is called “maintaining interest-free status.“
Students who have negotiated loans with a province other than BC may be required to submit alternate documents. Please contact your home province for detailed information.
Tips
- Apply early. You do not have to be fully accepted to BCIT to begin the application process.
- The final deadline for submitting your application is six weeks before the end date of the study period.
- StudentAidBC applications are done for one term at a time. BCIT does not automatically inform the government of your return to classes each term.