Frequently Asked Questions

Application

Why am I asked if I identify as Indigenous or as a visible minority on my application?
What is the pre-study period?
How is provincial residency determined?
How is student category determined?
What does it mean if my application was reassessed?
What does it mean when I have been overawarded?
Can I cancel my application?
What do I do if my circumstances change after I submit my application?
Can I appeal?

Eligibility

Can I work while in full-time studies?
Is there assistance for shorter periods of study?
Does academic performance affect student loans?
How long can I receive a student loan?
Can I get a loan for a different program (subsequent program or program switch)?
What is a letter of rationale?
What happens if I report false information?
What is an audit?

Students with Disabilities

Who can qualify as a student with a disability?
What are education-related costs for students with disabilities?

Receiving your Funds

How do I provide my banking information?
How do I register my Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA)?

Repayment

Am I required to make payments on my student loan if I return to school?
How and when do I repay my student loan?
Whom should I contact regarding my student loan balance?
What do I do if my student loan is in default/collections?
What do I do if I cannot afford to make a payment on my student loan?
I have filed for bankruptcy. Do I have to continue making payments on my student loan?

Why am I asked if I identify as Indigenous or as a visible minority on my application?

Under the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program, those who self-identify as an Indigenous student will be exempt from the student fixed contribution for federal funding.

StudentAidNL captures information regarding self-identification as a visible minority to provide evidence to improve the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Student Financial Assistance Program in the future. This information is not required to receive assistance.

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What is the pre-study period?

The pre-study period is the time between the end of the last period of full-time studies (post-secondary or high school) and the first day of classes for the current academic year, for a minimum of four weeks to a maximum of 17 weeks. A break between studies that is less than four weeks in duration is not considered a pre-study period.

For example, if a student finishes high school in June and is starting post-secondary studies the following September, their pre-study period is the time between the day they finished high school and the start of classes in September – about 9 weeks. A break between the end of the fall semester and the start of the winter semester is not considered a pre-study period unless the break is four weeks or more.

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How is provincial residency determined?

Determining provincial residency is a two-step process:

  1. To access student financial assistance, an individual must be a Canadian citizen (as defined in the Citizenship Act), permanent resident or a protected person (as defined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act), or a person registered as an Indian (under the Indian Act).
  2. To access student financial assistance through the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the student must meet the residency requirements outlined within subsection 9 of the Student Financial Assistance Administration Regulations under the Student Financial Assistance Act, 2019.

Residency, as outlined in subsection 9 of the Student Financial Assistance Administration Regulations under the Student Financial Assistance Act, 2019, is established when a student has lived in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador for 12 consecutive months while not enrolled in full-time studies. To be eligible for student financial assistance from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the student’s most recent province of residence (and, if applicable, their parents’ or spouses’ residence) must be Newfoundland and Labrador.

A student is a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador if:

  • they are a dependent student and, at the start of their studies, Newfoundland and Labrador is the last province their parents lived for at least 12 consecutive months;
  • they are a dependent student, their parents are separated or divorced, and the parent with whom they live or who provides their principal means of financial support has lived for at least 12 consecutive months in Newfoundland and Labrador;
  • they are a dependent student, their parents moved away from the Province but they remain in Newfoundland and Labrador to begin or continue post-secondary education within 12 months of their parents’ move;
  • they are a dependent student, their parents reside outside Canada but their parent’s last province of residence for at least 12 consecutive months was Newfoundland and Labrador before leaving Canada;
  • they are an independent or single parent student and, at the start of their studies, Newfoundland and Labrador is the last province they lived for at least 12 consecutive months while not enrolled in full-time studies; or
  • they are married or living common-law and, at the start of their studies, Newfoundland and Labrador is the last province their spouse has lived for at least 12 consecutive months while not enrolled in full-time studies.

Note: Permanent residents who do not meet any of the above criteria may still qualify for student financial assistance. Permanent residents who currently live in Newfoundland and Labrador but, have not lived in any other province in Canada for more than 12 months since arriving in Canada, may be considered a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador for the purposes of issuing student financial assistance.

If students do not meet the any of the above requirements, they may apply for financial assistance from the Province or Territory for which the above criteria would be true.

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How is student category determined?

There are five student categories:

  1. Single dependent student living at home;
  2. Single dependent student living away from home;
  3. Single independent student;
  4. Married or common-law student; and
  5. Single parent student.

single dependent student is financially dependent on their parent(s), stepparent(s), sponsor(s) or legal guardian(s).

A student is a dependent if:

  • They have never been married or in a common-law relationship (to be considered as living common-law, they must have lived with their partner for a period of at least 12 consecutive months); and
  • They have never been a single parent with legal custody and financial responsibility for supporting dependents and/or other wholly dependent individuals; and
  • They are pursuing post-secondary education within four years (48 months) of leaving regular high school; and
  • They have not been in the labour force full-time for two years, excluding time spent as a full-time student. The two years do not need to be consecutive; however, each period must be 12 consecutive months (with unemployment counting as part of those 12 months).

An independent student is financially independent of their parent(s), stepparent(s), sponsor(s) or legal guardian(s).

A student is independent if:

  • They are not married or living in a common-law relationship; and
  • They do not have any dependents.

And at least one of the following applies:

  • They have been out of regular high school for four years (48 months);
  • They have been active in the labour force full-time for at least two years, excluding time spent as a full-time student. The two years do not need to be consecutive; however, each period must be 12 consecutive months (with unemployment counting as part of those 12 months);
  • They have no parent, guardian sponsor or other supporting relative due to death or disappearance; or
  • They are a ward of the Crown.

married or common-law student meets one of the following criteria:

  • They are legally married; or
  • They have been living in a conjugal relationship for at least one year (12 consecutive months).

single parent student has legal and physical custody and responsibility for supporting a dependent. They must not currently be married on in a common-law relationship.

StudentAidNL determines a student’s student category by their status on the first day of the month in which their study period begins. StudentAidNL cannot change a student’s category for the remainder of that study period except under exceptional circumstances.

For example, if a student’s category changes during the fall semester, StudentAidNL cannot not update their status until the winter semester. Students may appeal to change their student category from dependent to independent, but only in exceptional situations where there is a family breakdown. A written explanation from an unbiased, unrelated third party who has personal knowledge of the situation and who can state the reason(s) is required.

If a student’s category changes from married/common-law to independent or single parent, they may be required to provide proof of this change from an unbiased, unrelated third party.

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What does it mean if my application was reassessed?

A reassessment is the result of StudentAidNL receiving new information related to a past, current or future semester for which a student was previously assessed for student financial assistance.

Reassessments generally occur for the following reasons:

  • Information is received which differs from what was previously provided. For example, the Income Confirmation Form indicates a different pre-study income than what the student indicated on their application.
  • An audit of a student’s income tax reveals their income was different from previously reported.
  • The student did not provide information requested by the StudentAidNL.
  • The educational institution reports a change to the student’s course load and/or fees.

A reassessment may mean that a student is entitled to receive the same, more, or less financial assistance than the initial assessment indicated. If there is no change, no action is required. If it is determined that the student is eligible to receive more financial assistance, the additional funds will release once the educational institution confirms the student’s enrollment (again). If it is determined that the student is not eligible for student financial assistance already received, StudentAidNL will overaward that amount. StudentAidNL recovers overawards from future student financial assistance entitlements unless the student opts to repay the overawarded amount up-front. Students may appeal overawards.

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What does it mean when I have been overawarded?

An overaward (overpayment) is the result of a reassessment that determined a student has received more student financial assistance than they were eligible to receive.

The overaward recovery process depends on the type of funding overawarded and is outlined below.

  • NL Student Loans and Canada Student Loans
    The student can repay the overaward to the National Student Loans Service Centre and notify StudentAidNL that the amount has been repaid. Once confirmed, StudentAidNL will reduce the overaward on the student’s file. Otherwise, StudentAidNL will deduct the amount of the overaward from any future loan entitlements. The student will repay any outstanding overawards according to their repayment plan once they enter repayment.
    Example: StudentAidNL reassesses the fall semester application because of a change in income. Through the reassessment it was determined the student was not eligible for $500 of the loan they received. StudentAidNL will reduce the student’s loan by $500 when disbursed in the following winter semester.
  • NL Student Grants
    The student can repay the overaward to StudentAidNL by sending a cheque or money order made payable to NL Exchequer. Otherwise, StudentAidNL will deduct the amount of the overaward from any future NL Grant entitlements. StudentAidNL will convert any outstanding NL Student Grant overawards into a repayable NL Student Loan once the student enters repayment.
  • Canada Student Grants
    If the student withdraws from studies or changes from full-time to part-time status within 30 calendar days of the first day of classes, any Canada Student Grants received for that period of study will be converted into a repayable Canada Student Loan.

Note: These overaward scenarios are in accordance with the conditions stated on the Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA).

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Can I cancel my application?

StudentAidNL can only cancel applications if funds have not disbursed. If a student wants to cancel their application, they should notify StudentAidNL via email, mail or fax. (See contact details).

Students must include their full name, date of birth and last three digits of their Social Insurance Number in all correspondence.

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What do I do if my circumstances change after I submit my application?

Students must notify StudentAidNL  by email if their circumstances change after submitting their application (i.e., course load or financial situation changes).

In your email, please include your:

  • Full name
  • Date of Birth
  • Last three digits of your Social Insurance Number
  • Details regarding the change in your circumstances

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Can I appeal?

Students may appeal if they feel that StudentAidNL assessed their application incorrectly or did not consider extenuating circumstances.

  • Students and/or their parents can appeal the assessment by completing a Student Appeal Form. If appealing the parental contribution, both the student and their parents must sign this form.
  • If appealing on medical grounds, the student should submit a completed Medical Appeal Form. The medical assessor must sign this form. Supporting documentation may be required.

The review time for appeals is up to 14 business days. For more information, please visit the Appeals section.

Appeal Deadline: For semesters 12 weeks or greater, the deadline is eight weeks prior to the end of the period of study (semester) to which the appeal relates. For semesters less than twelve weeks, the deadline is four weeks prior to the end of the period of study (semester) to which the appeal relates.

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Can I work while in full-time studies?

Yes, students can earn $100/week with no impact on their needs assessment, however, anything above this threshold could impact your assessment.

Is there assistance for shorter periods of study?

Student financial assistance is available for periods of study that are at least six weeks in duration; however, the study period must be part of a program of study that is at least 12 weeks in duration. For study periods that are less than 12 weeks, the student must submit a completed application no later than two weeks after the start of classes. All other conditions remain the same.

For a 6-week period of study (full-time or part-time), students are encouraged to submit their application well in advance of the start of classes to ensure timely processing.

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Does academic performance affect student loans?

To remain eligible for full-time federal student financial assistance, students must successfully complete at least 60% of a full course load during each period of study for which they receive funding. To remain eligible for provincial student financial assistance, students must successfully complete at least 80% of a full course load.

To remain eligible for federal student financial assistance for part-time studies, students must successfully complete all courses for which they receive part-time funding.

Students with a verified disability must successfully complete at least 40% of a full course load to remain eligible for full-time federal and provincial funding, or successfully complete all courses for which they receive part-time funding.

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How long can I receive a student loan?

Students are eligible to receive assistance for the normal length of their program, as defined by the school, plus an additional period of up to a maximum of one academic year (2 semesters).

Example: A Bachelor of Arts program is normally eight semesters (four academic years) in duration. Financial assistance is available for those eight semesters (four academic years) plus an additional two-semester (one academic year) grace period, totaling ten semesters (five academic years) of funding.

There is a lifetime borrowing limit of 340 weeks for full-time student financial assistance. If a student is pursuing PhD studies, this increases to 400 weeks. Eligible students with a confirmed disability and students who obtained a guaranteed loan (prior to August 1, 1995) are eligible to access up to 520 weeks of assistance.

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Can I get a loan for a different program (subsequent program or program switch)?

Students may be eligible for assistance beyond their initial program, provided the subsequent program demonstrates academic progression, has good labour market and salary prospects, and will not result in the accumulation of an unmanageable level of debt. The student may be required to submit a letter of rationale to support their decision.

Switching programs may affect eligibility for financial assistance if a student switches programs after reaching the midpoint of their current program (for undergraduate university students, this is typically after the fourth semester). StudentAidNL will require the student to provide a letter of rationale to support their decision to switch programs before approving additional financial assistance. The letter of rationale must demonstrate academic progression, good labour market prospects and confirm the new program will not result in the accumulation of an unmanageable level of debt.

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What is a letter of rationale?

A letter of rationale is a letter written by the student demonstrating to StudentAidNL that funding for a program beyond their first program is reasonable and justified. It is up to the student to determine what material to submit in a letter of rationale but it must demonstrate the labor market prospects of the new program and confirm the additional student financial assistance will not result in the accumulation of an unmanageable level of debt.

For more information on gathering labour market information, click here.

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What happens if I report false information?

StudentAidNL may consider false or misleading statements, information, and misrepresentation, including by omission, fraud or abuse. Students providing false or misleading information may be restricted from receiving student financial assistance. Student financial assistance includes loans, grants, and repayment assistance. In some instances, StudentAidNL may require students who received loans or grants from fraudulent or abusive actions to repay immediately.

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What is an audit?

All information provided to StudentAidNL is subject to audit, including the number of dependents, marital status, the date the student left high school and financial information.

The financial information students provide to StudentAidNL is confirmed by verifying the information they and their parents or spouse, if applicable, have provided to the Government of Canada when submitting income tax returns. If there are discrepancies, StudentAidNL will adjust the student’s file and notify them in writing.

Submitting false or misleading information in relation to any application for government-subsidized student financial assistance is an offense pursuant to the Criminal Code of Canada, the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act, and the Student Financial Assistance Act, 2019 (Newfoundland and Labrador).

Who can qualify as a student with a disability?

In Budget 2021, the Government of Canada announced its intent to extend disability supports under the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program to recipients whose disabilities are persistent or prolonged.

To be eligible as a student with a disability, students must have a disability which is defined as any impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment – or a functional limitation – that:

  • Restricts your ability to perform the daily activities necessary to pursue studies at a post-secondary school level or to participate in the labour force; and
  • Has lasted, or is expected to last, for a period of at least 12 months or is expected to remain for your expected life.

Refer to the Students with Disabilities section for more information.

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What are education-related costs for students with disabilities?

Students with a disability may qualify for extra funding specifically designed to help cover the costs of equipment and/or services directly related to overcoming the functional limitations/impairments that restrict/impact their ability to perform the daily activities necessary to pursue post-secondary studies because of their disability.

The equipment and/or services covered by these grants may include but are not limited to the following:

  • Tutors
  • Note takers
  • Interpreters
  • Readers
  • Alternate format
  • Assistive technology (computer, software, etc.)
  • Attendant care for studies
  • Reimbursements for learning disability assessments

Refer to the List of Services and Equipment (2021-22) – CSG-DSE for a more extensive list of services and equipment. The 2023-24 academic year list is not yet available. For more information, please visit the CSG-DSE section.

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How do I provide my banking information?

A student may have to submit their banking information twice depending on the type of funding the student receives.

  • The National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC) disburses most student financial assistance funding. The NSLSC will deposit the student’s eligible funds directly into their bank account. Students submit their banking information to the NSLSC when they complete and submit the Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA). Students can update their banking information through their NSLSC account whenever their banking information changes.

Note: If you change your banking information while your application is in process, your funds may be mailed to your address on file via cheque by the NSLSC, resulting in payment delays.

  • Students in receipt of any of the following grants or those entitled to a  refund must also provide their banking information directly to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Finance  as the Province disburses these funds.
      • NL Part-Time Incentive Grant
      • Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment – Students with Disabilities
      • NL Debt Reduction Grant
      • NL Early Childhood Education Grant

Refer to Provincial Grant Disbursement for the steps required to submit banking information.

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How do I register my Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA)?

Submitting the MSFAA is an online, electronic process. It will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.

Within 1-2 business days from the date of receiving the student’s Notice of Assessment, StudentAidNL will send the student an email indicating their unique 10-digit MSFAA number is available. The student can obtain their MSFAA number by logging into their StudentAidNL online account.

Within 1-2 business days from the date of receiving their MSFAA number, the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC) will send the student a “Welcome Email” with the subject line “Complete your MSFAA/Remplissez votre EMAFE” including a link to begin the online process.

The student must complete the MSFAA registration process in one session. The process includes:

      1. Linking into the NSLSC website and confirming identity;
      2. Registering for an online NSLSC account; and
      3. Completing the online MSFAA registration.

Please contact the NSLSC if you require assistance completing your registration at 1-888-815-4514.

Refer to Receiving Your Funds for the steps required to complete the MSFAA.

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Am I required to make payments on my student loan if I return to school?

Students are not required to make payments on their loans while studying full-time and can keep the payment-free status of their existing loan. To ensure they do not enter repayment, the student’s full-time status must be reported to the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC).

The school will confirm enrollment for students in receipt of new funding before their repayment start date and the NSLSC will update their status without any additional action by the student.

Students not in receipt of new funding must confirm their enrolment to maintain their interest-free status and keep their loans in good standing. Students can confirm their enrolment in two ways:

      1. Sign on to the NSLSC Online Services and navigate to the “Confirm your enrolment” section; or
      2. Contact administration/registrar’s office at their school to request they electronically confirm the student’s enrolment with the NSLSC.

Students having difficulty accessing their NSLSC Online Services account should contact the NSLSC at 1-888-815-4514.

Note: Students in part-time studies are required to make payments on their full-time loans.

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How and when do I repay my student loan?

Repayment on a student loan begins on the first day of the seventh month following the student’s period of study end date. If the student returns to full-time studies prior to the seventh month, their previous loans will revert to payment-free status as long as the National Student Loans Service Centre (1-888-815-4514) is aware of their status.

Students completing their studies and entering repayment should visit Repaying Your Loan for more information.

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Whom should I contact regarding my student loan balance?

The National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC) manages the repayment of student loans on behalf of the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Students can review their loan balance and more through their NSLSC Online Services account.

Students having difficulty accessing their NSLSC Online Services account should contact the NSLSC at 1-888-815-4514.

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What do I do if my student loan is in default/collections?

A student loan is in default when a student is behind on their payments for 270 days (nine months) and collection activities are required. Students who default on a student loan should contact StudentAidNL to determine if their Canada Student Loan and/or their NL Student Loan is in default. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) completes the collection activity for the federal student loan and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Finance completes the collection activity for the provincial student loan. The student may need to follow two different processes to make payment arrangements and get their loan(s) back in good standing depending on which loan is in default.

      • Canada Student Loan: Contact the National Student Loans Service Centre at 1 888 815-4514 (within North America) 800 2 225-2501 (outside North America).
      • NL Student Loan: Contact Provincial Collections at 1-709-729-6465 (Local)/1-877-520-8800 (Toll Free) or email collections@gov.nl.ca

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What do I do if I cannot afford to make a payment on my student loan?

Students should contact the National Student Loans Service Centre as soon as they realize they are unable to make a payment to access available repayment assistance options to aid in keeping their loan in good standing.

Refer to the Student Loans Repayment section for more information.

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I have filed for bankruptcy. Do I have to continue making payments on my student loan?

Student loan debts are eligible for discharge along with other debts if the student has been out of studies for more than seven years as of the date of filing for bankruptcy. A discharge from bankruptcy releases the student from their obligation to repay their student loans. Students not meeting this rule are obligated to repay their student loan.

Visit You owe money — Student loans and bankruptcy – Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy Canada or contact the National Student Loans Service Centre at 1-888-815-4514 for additional information on how bankruptcy affects student loan debt.

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