Although the CEGEP system is tuition free, there are costs associated with education. The government loans and bursaries program addresses the needs-based problems associated with continuing post-secondary studies.

Who is eligible?

Students registered full-time, minimum 180 hours per semester, or deemed full-time who are in financial need can apply for the Quebec Loans and Bursaries Program. Students have to be a resident of Quebec and be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a convention refugee.

How to apply?

Students can apply for financial assistance online or by filling out the paper form available at Dawson’s Financial Aid Office or you can print them off the ‘Forms’ section of the Aide financière aux études website.

You can submit an application at anytime through your program of study but it is best to apply earlier in the spring as the application process can take up to 8 weeks for processing. You do not have to be accepted into your program to submit an application for financial assistance but you will not receive funding until you are registered.

How much will you receive?

The calculation is based on family situation and income. This includes the student’s income for the current tax year and parental or spousal income for the previous tax year. On the Aide financière aux études web page, you can use the Assessment Simulator to calculate an estimate of the loan amount that you can receive.

Once the Ministry calculates your allocation, print your Certificate of Guarantee and bring it to your financial institution to start your direct deposit. All communication from the Ministry at this point will be through your Aide financière aux études file.

How can we help you?

The Financial Aid Department is available to review your application before submission, to verify supporting documents to be submitted with your applications and to answer any questions concerning your file.