Financial Assistance

Financial Assistance

There are many financial assistance programs available to Centre for Arts and Technology students. These include the Federal Canadian and Provincial Government Student Loans Programs, as well as Industry Sponsorships, Student Bursaries, Scholarships and CAT Financial Assistance. Here you can learn how the Centre for Arts and Technology can assist students through our financial assistance programs, student loans, and various bursaries and scholarships. But why not speak with one of our Financial Advisors now so we can help you put together the financial assistance program best suited for you?

Government Student Loans

Canadian citizens or landed immigrants may be eligible for government student loans and financial assistance through the Canadian and Provincial government student loan programs. To be eligible for financial assistance via government student loans, students must attend 60% or more of a full time course load. Students must apply for loans through the province in which they have 12 months of established residency. Student loans must be repaid at interest rates established by the government through the National Student Loan Service Centre starting six months after the borrower graduates.

However, the government pays interest to the bank on the student's behalf while they are engaged in full-time study. Students who are actively seeking work, but are unemployed at the end of the six-month grace period, may apply for Interest Relief on their Federal and Provincial Student Loans. Student Loan and financial assistance eligibility is determined by the provincial agencies which are independent of the Centre for Arts and Technology.

Applications for Government Student Loans and Grants may be obtained from Student Financial Aid Offices or through the campus Financial Advisor. So there you go; another reason to call and let us help you.

Please find below additional details about government student loans and financial assistance specific to the Centre for Arts and Technology location applicable to you. For additional helpful information about student loans and financial assistance you can also contact Human Resources Development Canada through their website at www.canlearn.ca.

Kelowna, British Columbia

Residents of British Columbia who have lived in the province for a minimum of 12 months apply for government student loans and financial assistance through the BC Student Assistance Program (BCSAP). This combines the Federal Canada Student Loan Program and the Canada Study Grant for Students with Dependent Children with the Provincial BC Student Loan Program. Students can now apply for Student Loans online at www.aved.gov.bc.ca/studentaidbc/.

Fredericton, New Brunswick

Residents of New Brunswick can apply for government loans and financial assistance through New Brunswick Student Financial Services. This combines the Federal Canada Student Loan Program and the Canada Study Grant for Students with Dependent Children with the Provincial NB Student Loan Program. Students can now apply for Student Loans online at www.studentaid.gnb.ca.

Students living in New Brunswick may also qualify for the New Brunswick Tuition Rebate.  Contact Mindy at our Fredericton campus for more information.

Other Student Loan and student financial Assistance Programs

In addition to government student loans and financial assistance there are a number of additional ways students may finance their education, such as the Bank of Montréal's Brain Money Program through which students may be eligible for financial assistance via personal student loans. Some students are sponsored by the TSD or WHSCC. Contact your TSD or WHSCC office (or legal representation) directly as requirements for sponsorship may vary. Once you have applied to TSD or WHSCC we will provide any additional information required.

Provincial and Territorial Student Loans

Traveler Acceptance Corporation Ltd.

Qualified Centre for Arts and Technology applicants may be eligible for student financing through Travelers Acceptance Corporation Ltd. Student loans to 50% of tuition and to a maximum $8,500 are available. Minimum payments are required while enrolled. The loans are interest free during this period. Students will have an opportunity to build a credit history as well as the option to pre-pay or pay off the loan at any time without penalty. Twenty-four and thirty-six month terms are available.

For more information contact a Centre for Arts and Technology Financial Coordinator.

Lifelong Learning Plan

The Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) allows eligible students to withdraw up to $10,000 per year, tax-free, (up to $20,000 over a four-year period) from their Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP). Withdrawals are repayable over 10 years. For details about the plan and eligibility requirements read the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) Guide at the Revenue Canada website at: www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca and then speak with a Financial Advisor.

External Bursaries, Grants & Scholarships

To assist with your search for financial assistance, grants, bursaries and scholarships, StudentAwards.com provides a unique service that matches awards with eligible candidates and institutions. Membership is free and you can choose to receive updates of new awards via email. For more information and to register for this service visit their website at www.studentawards.com.

Scholarships Canada is another comprehensive scholarship portal. The site includes a database of scholarships, student awards, bursaries and grants, as well as information about student loans, applications and budget planning. Visit their website at www.scholarshipscanada.com.

CAT Financial Assistance

Eligible applicants may finance their tuition through the Centre for Arts and Technology Financial Assistance Department. Each campus offers different payment plans to suit your budget. This program is limited in scope requiring all tuition be paid prior to completion of the program.

For more information, contact a Program Advisor.

(The Centre for Arts and Technology cannot guarantee and is not responsible for the validity of information contained on external websites.)