Part-time Loan and Grant Funding

Students who are attending Mount Royal University on a part-time basis may be eligible to apply for part-time government financial assistance to help offset the cost of their education.

Top 8 questions about part-time government funding

Who can apply for part-time government funding?
When should I apply for part-time government funding?
How do I apply for part-time government funding?
How much will I receive?
How do I pay / defer my tuition with a student loan?
What happens if I drop a class or withdraw from studies?
What if I didn't get enough money?
How do I repay my part-time funding?

1. Who can apply for part-time government funding?

In order to apply for part-time government funding you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (Landed Immigrant). International students should visit the International student page for more information on how to fund their education.
Part-time funding is income based, so you must demonstrate financial need based on last year’s income and current assets.
To be eligible you must be enrolled in at least 20% and no more than 59% of a course load which is defined by the following criteria:
- less than three university level courses or nine credits
- two or fewer academic upgrading (high-school level) courses and less than 18 hours of class time per week.

2. When should I apply for part-time government funding?

The earlier you apply, the sooner you’ll know if you are eligible to receive any student financial assistance. Your application will take six to eight weeks to be processed. Please apply within two weeks of the start of class as funds are limited and availability cannot be guaranteed.

3. How do I apply for part-time government funding?

Part-time applications packets can be picked up and appointments for assessments can be made at the Skills Investment Office in E106.

4. How much will I receive?

Part-time funding is intended to help cover the cost of:

tuition
books
travel
childcare

Unlike full-time funding, part-time students cannot apply for funding to cover their living expenses (i.e., rent, utilities, food, etc.)

Part-Time Post-Secondary Students

Part-time Bursary

If you are an Alberta resident you may be eligible to be considered for up to $600 per semester.

The maximum funding available for one calendar year is $1,800.

Part-Time Canada Student Loan

If you find a $600 bursary is insufficient to offset your education costs, or if you don’t qualify for the Part-time Bursary, (i.e., you’re not an Alberta resident) you may apply for a part-time interest bearing Canada student loan(s).

You may borrow up to $10,000 in interest-bearing Part-time Canada Student Loans.

Although interest does accrue while you are in school you may choose to defer your interest payment until the end of your study period.

Depending on your circumstances you may also be eligible for:

Canada Study Grant for Part-time Students

You must be from a low income household as determined by the Canada Student Loans program to receive up to $600 per semester to a maximum of $1,200 per loan year.

Canada Access Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities

For a person with a permanent disability as defined by the Canada Student Loan Program and part-time Canada Student Loan eligibility.

Canada Study Grant for Services and Equipment for Persons with Permanent Disabilities

If you have a need for exceptional education-related services or equipment required to participate in post-secondary studies you could receive up to $8,000 per loan year to help cover these costs.

5. How do I pay / defer my tuition with a student loan?

If you wish to pay your fees via part-time student loan and/or bursary, it is your responsibility to ensure the Student Awards and Financial Aid Office has been notified that you have been approved for funding, before the appropriate fee deadline.

If you don’t know the results of your assessment before the fee deadline you should pay your own tuition fees to ensure you will not be de-registered from your courses.

6. What happens if I drop a class or withdraw from studies?

The Student Awards and Financial Aid Office is required to inform Students Finance if you drop or withdraw from any or all of you classes.

If you have to re-take a course(s) that you previously dropped, withdrew from or did not pass, you are not eligible to re-apply for funding for that course(s).

7. What if I didn’t get enough money?

If you feel like you haven’t been fairly assessed you can appeal by writing a letter with supporting documentation.

A student line of credit is another option if you are ineligible for part-time government funding. See your bank for details as each bank offers different products.

8. How do I repay my part-time funding?

If you have received part-time interest bearing Canada student loan(s), you will have to start making interest payments the month after you have cashed your loan.

Repayment of the full amount starts once you have completed your studies. Contact the National Student Loans Service Centre at 1.888.815.4514 to ensure everything is in order and to find out specific details about your loan(s).

If you received part-time grants or bursaries, you will not have to repay these.

Questions about your student loan? Chat live with a Financial Aid Advisor Tues. 10-11:30a.m. and Fri. from 2:30-4p.m. To contact us outside of chat hours, call 403.440.6223.