StudentAid BC is transitioning to the BC Services Card App, and you'll no longer be able to sign in using your StudentAid BC user ID and password. Set up your BC Services Card App as soon as possible to avoid system issues.
If you are a resident of British Columbia enrolled in full- or part-time undergraduate or graduate studies at UBC, you may be eligible for government student loan assistance. StudentAid BC funding exists to supplement, not replace, funds available to students through individual and family financial resources, savings, and income.
A full-time loan application evaluates a student’s income and other financial resources against the costs of post-secondary study, including educational costs and typical living costs associated with a moderate standard of living. A part-time loan application evaluates resources and costs of study, but does not include living costs.
Since StudentAid BC funding is intended to supplement other available financial resources, federal and provincial student financial assistance programs have weekly and lifetime in-study payment-free funding maximums. Not all students receive the maximum amount. Refer to StudentAid BC for more information.
The province of British Columbia offers Canada-BC integrated loans to students studying full-time. An integrated student loan has two lenders, the governments of Canada and British Columbia. However, it is administered as a single loan, which streamlines service delivery as students sign a joint federal-provincial loan agreement and have a single point of contact for managing their loans. Residents of BC apply for a student loan through StudentAid BC.
If you’re a part-time student living in BC, please review your specific eligibility requirements and assessments.
Some students who apply for student loans will be eligible for grant funding, which does not have to be repaid. Your eligibility is based on your application.
Refer to StudentAid BC to view a list of available programs to support students with the cost of post-secondary education.
Students are classified as dependent or independent to determine residency and financial need.
You are considered to be dependent on a financial sponsor, such as your parent(s) unless you meet at least 1 of the criteria for independent status as defined below.
You are considered "independent" if you meet at least 1 of the following criteria:
Watch the YouTube videos created by StudentAid BC to learn about the different types of financial aid available, basic eligibility requirements, application deadlines, processing times, and how to receive your funding. Further, learn about loan repayment and when students qualify for in-study payment-free funding.
All undergraduate students in a degree program have a dedicated Enrolment Services Advisor (ES Advisor) to help navigate the loan application process. If you don't have an assigned advisor, they're still available to help.
Apply for a loan at least 2 months before classes start to receive your funding at the beginning of the term or up to 6 weeks before the end of your study period.
To apply for student loans, follow these steps:
If you are receiving a full-time loan, we also recommend applying for the UBC Bursary.
There is no interest assessed on the provincial portion of your student loan. Effective Apr 1, 2023, the Government of Canada has permanently eliminated the accumulation of interest on the federal portion currently being repaid. You continue to be responsible for paying any interest that may have accrued on your loan before Apr 1, 2023. Before Apr 1, 2023, interest is waived on the federal portion of your student loan from Apr 2021 until Mar 2023. Payments are not required until you've been out of school for 6 months.
If you return to school with a full-time student loan at a designated post-secondary institution before this grace period ends, the interest (if any) that has accumulated since your last study end date will be waived and you will be in payment-free status for your new study term.
If you return full-time to school at a designated post-secondary institution but do not plan on applying for full-time loans, you will need to apply for in-study payment-free status through your loan provider for your previous loans to be in interest-free status.
Being in payment-free status means you are in a "funded term" whether you have new loans or not. If you withdraw or have an unsuccessful term, it may affect your eligibility for further assistance.
Eligible graduate and undergraduate students will have fees deferred for one month after the tuition fee deadline in September or January.
You are eligible for automatic tuition deferral if you meet both requirements:
If you have questions, please contact your Enrolment Services Advisor directly.
For general questions, please call 604 822 9836 or submit a question through the online form.
