Would you like to apply for loans and bursaries so you can continue your studies? Depending on your situation, your parents' income may be factored in.
The Loans and Bursaries Program supports students whose financial resources are insufficient for them to study. The program is managed by the Ministère de l’enseignement supérieur’s Student Financial Assistance (AFE) section.
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for loans or bursaries, you must meet requirements that include:
- being a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or having refugee or protected person status
- being considered a Québec resident
- being enrolled in a recognized educational institution and study program
- being a full-time student or being deemed a full-time student
You may be deemed to have full-time status if you are a part-time student enrolled in at least 20 course hours per month and if you or your child have a major functional disability. This status also applies if, for example, you are at least 20 weeks pregnant or if you are a single parent and have a child of preschool age or a child with a mental disorder.
Who contributes?
The amount of assistance awarded depends on your financial needs, calculated based on your personal situation. Your income will be taken into account and, if applicable, the income of the person considered to be contributing to your studies.
Three situations are possible:
1. You are a student with a spousal contribution.
This is your case if you are married or in a civil union, or if you are living with a spouse and you or your spouse have at least one child.
2. You are a self-supporting student without a contribution if:
- You are a parent and you do not live with a spouse
- You are at least 20 weeks pregnant.
- You worked for 24 months without studying full time.
- You earned 90 credits in a single university program.
- You are studying full time at the graduate level.
See the AFE website to find out about other situations in which you could be considered a self-supporting student.
3. You are a student with a parental contribution or a contribution from a sponsor.
This is the case in most other situations.
The declaration
When you apply for loans and bursaries, you will need to estimate your future income. You will then have to confirm the income.
Declare your situation to the best of your knowledge and inform AFE of any changes within 45 days. Be aware that a false declaration could prevent you from accessing financial aid.
If you are not a self-supporting student, the person or persons contributing financially to your studies must also declare their income.
If your parents are the ones making the financial contribution and they live together, both must declare their income. If they live separately, the parent with whom you live or with whom you last lived must declare their income.
Questions or problems?
For questions about your specific situation, contact AFE Customer Service.
Not satisfied with AFE's services or a decision? Contact the Protecteur du citoyen. Our services are confidential and free of charge.
