Student loans are a great help if you need some financial assistance to get through school. But they're meant to give you a helping hand, not to pay for your entire post secondary education. You are still expected to contribute some money.

In Canada, there are 2 main categories of government student loan programs.

1. The federal program, called the Canada Student Loans Program (for full-time and part-time students).

2. Provincial and territorial programs. In 4 provinces, provincial-federal loans programs are integrated. You apply to only 1 place (your province of residence ). As well, your loan management and repayment will be through the National Student Loans Service Centre. The 4 provinces offering integrated student loans are:

• Ontario
• Saskatchewan
• Newfoundland and Labrador, and
• New Brunswick.

All remaining provinces and territories, with the exception of Yukon, offer stand-alone loans programs. You apply to one place to receive your student financial assistance, but will receive and manage two separate loans. To learn more about the program(s) that you could apply for, go to the Web site of the Student Assistance Office of your province or territory of residence.

Search the following pages for more details about government student loans.

• Eligibility for Loans and Grants
• How to Apply
• How to Obtain Government Student Loans and Grants
• Understanding Student Loans
• Lifetime Limits for Student Financial Assistance
• Managing Loans While at School
• Changes to Student Financial Assistance
• Frequently Asked Questions - Student Loans, Grants and Scholarships