Government Student Loans

You may be eligible for a government student loan. You may also qualify for government grants. Eligibility is based on financial need.

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

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.

Where should you start?

​You can look to any of these places to start learning about how student aid works, how to apply and other important information.

• Find your provincial or territorial student aid office in the list below.
• View the National Student Loan Service Centre (NSLSC) Orientation webinar about government funding, or visit them on the new NSLSC YouTube channel.
• Go to the national Student Aid - Canada site. It includes lots of information about funding your education, loans, scholarships, grants and costs.
• Contact Lakeland’s financial aid and awards office. We can help you determine if you are eligible.

When can you apply?

Provinces release a new funding application each academic year.  The funding application for the upcoming academic year is available in the spring.  Exact date varies by province, so use the links below to learn when you can apply.

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