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Receiving Student Loans and Grants

RECEIVING A STUDENT LOAN

Cashing the Certificate of Eligibility

If you qualify for assistance, the Student Financial Services Division will issue a document in your name. The official name of this document is Certificate of Eligibility and Canada Student Loan and Newfoundland and Labrador Student Loan Agreement. It is commonly referred to as the Certificate of Eligibility.

The Certificate of Eligibility identifies the amount of provincial loans, federal loans and/or Canada Student Grants to which you are entitled.

Certificates of Eligibility are generally issued once a week and are sent to the educational institutions for distribution to students.

The specific steps involved are as follows:

  1. To pick up your Certificate of Eligibility, you must bring acceptable identification with you.
      2. A. Photo ID: You must present a valid photo identification that was issued in Canada by either the federal, provincial or territorial government. Examples include:
      • a valid driver’s license;
      • a passport;
      • a provincial health card with a photo; or
      • a permanent residency or citizenship card.

      B. Proof of SIN: To prove that the Social Insurance Number (SIN) on your loan or grant document is yours, you must also present your SIN card or an official Government of Canada document that includes your SIN. Examples of such documents include:

      • Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment;
      • Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contributions; or
      • a confirmation of your Social Insurance Number from Service Canada.
  2. Ensure your educational institution has completed Section 3 of the Certificate of Eligibility to confirm your full-time enrolment and has provided instructions to the National Student Loans Service Centre, if required. (For students of Memorial University and Marine Institute, this process occurs automatically.)
  3. Provide your banking information by completing Section 4 or attach a void cheque to your Certificate of Eligibility.
  4. Ensure all of the information is accurate, read the terms and conditions associated with the document and sign and date the Certificate of Eligibility.
  5. Drop off the completed Certificate of Eligibility at the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC) kiosk at your educational institution or bring it to a designated Canada Post outlet (visit CanLearn.ca for a list of locations).

The NSLSC will contact the federal and provincial governments to initiate the process of disbursing loan and grant funding to your educational institution for the payment of tuition and fees, if applicable. If there is a federal or provincial portion still owing to you, it will be deposited directly into your bank account. The disbursement to you and your institution may NOT occur simultaneously due to a difference between the federal and provincial deposit dates.

The Certificate of Eligibility MUST be cashed before the end date of the period of study indicated on the document and not later than 30 days after the document is signed by your educational institution. It is your responsibility to ensure it is delivered to the NSLSC. Contact the NSLSC at 1-888-815-4514 to ensure your document has been received.

Allow 7 to 10 business days for the funds to be deposited into your account.

If you do not have a bank account, a cheque made payable to you will be mailed to the address you provided. Note: This will delay receiving your financial assistance.

RECEIVING A GRANT

Up-Front Provincial Grant

If you are eligible for an Up-front Provincial Grant, payment will be issued 6 weeks after the start of the semester, provided you have submitted a fully completed Income Confirmation Form.

When and how you receive your grant depends on where you will be going to school.

  1. If you are attending Memorial University or the Marine Institute, the institution will confirm your enrolment to the Student Financial Services Division electronically. Your grant will then be deposited directly into your account using the banking information you provided to the NSLSC when your student loan was negotiated. If you do not have a bank account, a cheque made payable to you will be mailed to the address you provided.
  2. If you are attending another Canadian public or private educational institution, a grant cheque made payable to you will be issued and sent to your educational institution. The institution must confirm your status as a full-time student prior to releasing the cheque to you.
  3. If you are attending an educational institution outside of Canada, the educational institution must first confirm your full-time enrolment via mail, fax or email. They must also specify what percentage of a full course load you are taking. Once the Student Financial Services Division receives this information, a grant cheque made payable to you will be issued and sent to the address in Canada that you provided on your application.

Canada Student Grants

If you are eligible for a grant for students from low-income families, students from middle-income families, students with dependants or a student with a permanent disability, the amount will appear on the Certificate of Eligibility and will be disbursed by the NSLSC.

If you are eligible for the Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities, a cheque will be issued in your name. If you are studying in Canada, the cheque will be sent to your educational institution. The educational institution will confirm your enrolment as a full-time student before the cheque is released to you.

If you are attending an educational institution outside of Canada, the educational institution must first confirm your full-time enrolment via mail, fax or email. Once the Student Financial Services Division receives this information, a grant cheque made payable to you will be issued and sent to the address in Canada that you provided on your application.

Students Studying Outside Canada

It is your responsibility to:

  • notify the Student Financial Services Division of the address in Canada where you want your Certificate of Eligibility sent;
  • ensure all information is accurate;
  • read the terms and conditions associated with the loan;
  • ensure your school completes Section 3;
  • include your financial information in Section 4;
  • sign and date the Certificate of Eligibility;
  • ensure the Certificate of Eligibility and acceptable identification (see page 18) are:
    • forwarded to the National Student Loans Service Centre (the address is located on the document); and
    • received at the National Student Loans Service Centre within 30 days from the date signed by the school and prior to the end date of the study period indicated on the Certificate of Eligibility.

Cancelling Your Loan

If you want to cancel your loan, return the Certificate of Eligibility to the Student Financial Services Division.

 

 
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