Loans and Bursaries FAQ
Am I eligible to receive government loans bursaries?
You must be a Canadian citizen / permanent resident or convention refugee and resident of Quebec and a full time student. The calculation is based on gross family income.
What is the Dawson Institutional code?
Dawson’s institutional code is 933000.
Are loans and bursaries available for the summer terms?
Students who are “deemed full-time” are eligible for funding through the Summer session.
What does it mean to be deemed full-time?
You are “deemed full-time” if you fit into one of the following categories.
- you are a graduating student with less than four courses
- single parent with children under the age of 12
- married with children under the age of 6
- major functional disability
What is a guarantee certificate? Where do I get it?
A guarantee certificate is the agreement between the ministry and the student to allow for your funding to be deposited directly into your bank account.
When do I have to pay back my loans?
You must start to pay back your loans when you are no longer a full-time student. Payment arrangements will be made through your financial institution.
How long/How many semesters/years can I participate in the loans and bursary program?
For a 2 year pre-university program, students can receive funding for a maximum of 33 months. For a 3 year technical program, students can receive funding for a maximum of 42 months.
I live on my own. Will my parents income still be taken into consideration when calculating my loan amount?
If you do not qualify as an autonomous student, then yes your parents income is required.
Autonomy is defined by the Aide Financière aux études as:
- married, divorced or widowed
- parent or 20 weeks pregnant
- out of full-time studies for 7 years
- out of full-time studies for 24 months and employed (consecutive or non-consecutive)
- first degree at the university level completed
Are Loans and Bursaries taxable? Where do I get a tax receipt?
Only bursaries are considered income and you will receive a tax receipt on your AFE file.
Why is my bursary showing up as a loan?
All deposits are made under the title of loan throughout your academic year. At the end of each academic year, the ministry confirms your income and completes a conversion of loan to bursary. At which time your bursary is removed from your loan debt.
Do I have to apply for a loan every year?
Yes, application forms are available in the Spring prior to the academic year.