| Student Loans
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Government Student Loans
Alberta students attending SAIT may be eligible for financial aid in the form of Alberta Student Loans and Canada Student Loans. Since Alberta Students Finance administers both loan programs, you will only have to fill out one application! Students who are residents of provinces other than Alberta must apply for provincial and federal loans from their province of residence.
To be eligible for a student loan:
- You must be a Canadian citizens or have permanent resident status to apply.
- You must be enrolled as a full-time student in a designated program as deemed by SAIT.
The amount of money awarded is based on an assessment of your needs, and is intended to supplement, not replace, the resources of you and your family.
When to apply for your student loan
You can begin to apply for student loans for the next academic year commencing June 1. Applying early will ensure that your loan will be processed in time for the start of classes. You do not have to wait for your notice of acceptance to SAIT before applying for financial assistance.
Online applications are preferred and may be processed more quickly. To apply online, visit Alberta Learning Information Services. With this application, you will also be considered for government bursaries and study grants. A separate application is not required.
You may be directed to complete and submit a paper application, if so the student loan application packages are available at any Alberta Service Centres/Canada-Alberta Service Centres or SAIT Student Services. Relevant documentation must be attached.
**When completing student loan applications by paper, all educational costs, as well as program start and end dates need to be as accurate as possible. It is the responsibility of the learner to ensure this information is correctly entered on the loan application. Inaccuracies may result in delayed funding.
Read your Notice of Assessment
After your loan application is processed, you will receive a Notice of Assessment from Alberta Students Finance. This document explains how much money you will receive for the academic year, as well as when and how you will receive it (Canada Student Loan, Alberta Student Loan, grants, etc.).
You may appeal your assessment
If you receive less money than requested on your loan application, a reason for the reduction will appear on your Notice of Assessment. If the reason for reduction does not seem appropriate, then you may appeal your assessment by completing a Change of Circumstance Form for Post-Secondary Studies.
Certificate of Eligibility (Loan Document)
After receiving your Notice of Assessment, you will be sent a Certificate(s) of Eligibility or Student Loan Agreement. These are commonly referred to as Loan Documents.
Confirmed Loan Document
If you receive a Confirmed Loan Document, which means the Authorized Signature and Today’s Date fields in the Confirmation of Registration section are pre-printed – this signifies that SAIT has confirmed your registration with Students Finance. You do not need to take these certificates to SAIT for a signature. You may take the certificate(s) directly to an authorized Canada Post outlet for processing, along with your photo identification and Social Insurance Number (SIN). You will also be required to include either a VOID cheque or an encoded deposit slip with your banking account number, transit number and institution number.
Unconfirmed Loan Document
If you received an Unconfirmed Loan Document, this means the Authorized Signature and Today’s Date fields in the Confirmation of Registration section are not pre-printed, and SAIT has not confirmed your registration with Student Finance. You need to take these certificates to SAIT Student Services to have them signed to confirm your enrolment.
For information on loan requirements, please read your loan document.
Keep in mind that student loans are not a prize or a grant. They are a debt, which you have an obligation to repay. Be sure that you understand the terms and conditions you have agreed to under the Student Loan Agreement. Read the reverse side of your loan document carefully for details.
Why you need to maintain full-time status
To be eligible for student loans, you must meet and maintain the minimum requirement for full-time status. This means you must be registered in at least 60 per cent of the program credits for the duration of the time you had indicated on your loan application..
Dropping course may affect your student loan
Before making changes to your course load, know the consequences! Students dropping courses may change their status from full to part-time. As a result, you may have your student loan adjusted, and may be cut off from further funding for that academic year. If your status changes (to part-time, to special student, etc.) and you are eligible for a tuition fee refund, EDULINX (for Alberta loans) or the Receiver General of Canada (for federal loans) will receive the money. For more information, please visit Alberta Learning Information Service.
Information that you must report to Alberta Students Finance
You must report any changes to your financial, marital and/or academic status. Send these changes to the Alberta Students Finance in writing and include your Social Insurance Number.
Repaying your student loan
Loan repayment begins six months after you leave school and begin to accrue interest. You should notify your lender within six months of the end of each academic session to confirm that you are still a fulltime student, and to keep your previous student loans at interest-free status. If you are in school but not receiving student funding, then you must complete a Schedule 2 for Canada Student Loans and a Form B for Alberta Student Loans. The form will need to be signed by a SAIT Student Services representative before you present it to your lender.
Visit Alberta Learning Information Service for additional information.
Contact Us!
For additional information, contact the SAIT Student Loan Office, part of Student Services.
Student Loan Information:
Phone: 403.284.7248
Phone: 403.210.4994
Email: student.loans@sait.ca
The Immigrant Access Fund (IAF)
Are you an immigrant and do you want to work in your profession or trade in Canada? The Immigrant Access Fund provides micro loans to immigrants who need help to pay for the costs associated with obtaining the Canadian accreditation or training that will allow them to work in their profession or trade. IAF loans help immigrants move out of low-level/low-income jobs, become self-reliant, and make their best possible contribution to Canada’s economy.
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