Loans & grants process

Full-Time

Full-time student funding 

  • To receive student financial assistance through StudentAid BC, you must be a resident of BC.
  • For more information, go to the BC Residency Requirement page.
  • Available for education and living expenses.

 

Step 1: Before you apply

Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements::

  • You must be registered in at least 60% course load (9 credits) not including repeat or upgrading courses
  • Or 40% course load (6 credits) for students with an approved permanent disability status with StudentAid BC

Note:

If you are registering in a course you have previously received a passing grade for, you will need to submit a repeat course form to SABC and get SABC's permission to repeat the course.

 

Step 2: Where to apply?

Applications are submitted through the Student Aid BC (SABC)Portal. Grants are assessed automatically at the time of loan processing by SABC.

Disclaimer:

Full-time students cannot apply for only a grant.

 

Step 3: How to apply?

1. Visit StudentAidBC for instructions on how to apply for a Full-Time loan.

2. You must apply for a loan every semester. The program you are registered in at Douglas must match the one you enter on your loan application.

  • Check myAccount to confirm the program you are in for the appropriate semester.
  • Select the same program from the drop down menu on the loan application.

3. Once your application is processed by SABC, a Notice of Assessment (NOA)  will be posted to your SABC Dashboard, within 6 weeks.

  • If it's your first time receiving funding or you have not received a loan/grant funding in over two years, you must complete a Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA). Follow the instructions in your SABC portal on how to submit the MSFAA.
  • Once received, SABC will request Douglas College to confirm your full-time enrolment.

4. Confirmation of Enrolment:

  • Douglas College will confirm your enrolment electronically close to the start date of classes.
  • You must meet all eligibility requirements for confirmation.

5. Disbursement of Funds:

  • After your MSFAA has been completed and processed and your enrolment is confirmed, your funds will be released.
  • Funds are sent after the confirmation of enrolment is completed and it may take 7 - 10 business days to arrive.
  • Find more details here: https://studentaidbc.ca/apply/receive#full-time

 

Step 4: How to pay the Tuition with Loans and Grants?

The tuition amount will be paid directly to Douglas College and the remainder of your approved funds will be sent to your bank account or,  for some grants, through a cheque in the mail.

  • To confirm that Douglas College has received payment, check your myAccount > Registration > View and Pay Tuition Fees.
Part-Time

Part-time student funding

StudentAid BC (SABC) launched a new online process for part-time funding applications on November 28, 2024.
Paper part-time applications are no longer available/accepted.

 

Application instructions:

 

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

  • Ensure you meet SABC's part-time funding eligibility requirements
  • You must be:
    • Enrolled in a designated post-secondary institution in BC, such as Douglas College
    • Studying part-time (20–59% of a full course load or in 3 to 8.5 credits per semester)
      • Finalize your courses and course load (number of credits) before submitting your Part-Time Studies Application
      • Changes in registration once your application has been submitted, will require a reassessment, which may delay your funding.
    • A resident of BC (lived in BC for 12 continuous months prior to your study start date, excluding full-time study months).
    • Within the income threshold for part-time funding.

 

Step 2: Set Up Your Digital ID

  • Create a BC Services Card account (if you don’t already have one).
  • Verify your identity online using the BC Services Card app.

🔗 Set up your BC Services Card

 

Step 3: Create or Log In to Your StudentAid BC Account

🔗 StudentAid BC Login – Part-Time

 

Step 4: Complete the Online Application

  • Fill out the Part-Time Studies Application.
  • Read and accept:
    • The StudentAid BC Declaration
    • The CRA Consent for income verification

 

Step 5: Submit Required Documents

Step 6: Wait for Assessment

  • Processing usually takes 3–6 business days (may vary).

  • You’ll receive an email when your assessment is ready.

     

Step 7: Review and Accept Your Funding

  • Log in to your StudentAid BC account.
  • Review your funding assessment.

  • Accept the funding offer to receive your loan and/or grant.

     

Step 8: Monitor Your Application

  • Track your application status and funding disbursement through your account.

     

More information regarding part-time applications is available on SABC's site: https://studentaidbc.ca/apply/how-to-apply#part-time 
 
Note:
  1. Fee deferrals are only granted to students who submit their part-time application through SABC or show proof of successful submission to Enrolment Services before the first fee payment deadline. Therefore, please plan ahead.
  2. Person With Disability Status: If you have designated Disability status with Student Aid BC, and will register in 6-8.5 credits, consider applying for full-time funding instead as part-time funding does not cover living expenses. Connect with your Student Success Advisor for more information.
  3. Part-time funding does not cover living costs but allows for tuition, books, supplies, transportation and child care.
  4. Once we complete your confirmation of enrolment, you will no longer be eligible to apply for full-time loans for the same semester. It is advisable to only submit a part-time student loan application, if you plan to remain in a part-time course load.

 

Family income

To be eligible for federal part-time grants and loans, your total family income for the program year must be below the amounts shown on the following table:

Family Income Eligibility Thresholds for the current Program Year can be found on SABC's site: https://studentaidbc.ca/apply/how-to-apply#part-time 

 

Application deadlines

The latest you can apply for part-time student loans is 6 weeks before your study period ends.

 

How Loans and Grants are applied to tuition

The tuition amount will be paid directly to Douglas College and the remainder of your approved funds will be sent to your bank account or through a cheque in the mail for some grants

  • To confirm that Douglas College has received payment, check your myAccount > Registration > View and Pay Tuition Fees.

 

Have questions about your application? See our Financial Aid FAQs.

Out-of-province

Out-of-Province Loans and Grants

If you live outside of BC, you must apply for assistance through your home province.

You must apply for a loan every semester.

The related website for each province and territory are listed below. Please read the details carefully because it is your responsibility to understand how your home province/territory operates.

Links to financial aid outside of BC:

 

See our Fee deferrals page for Out-of-Province applicants.