Plan your finances now to avoid stress and uncertainty while you are a student.
Live simply and cheaply so that you can look forward to graduating without a huge debt.
Loans
Interest-free while the student is enrolled in full-time* post-secondary-level studies.
Repayment starts six months after leaving full-time study.
Grants
Special grants are available for students with dependants and students with disabilities and for students from low- or middle-income families.
Considered taxable income.
Not repayable unless you withdraw early or your financial need changes.
* Enrolled in minimum 60% course load of 9 credit or 40% course load of 6 credits for students with an approved permanent disability status with StudentAid BC.
Visit APPLY for a Loan/Grantfor information on how to apply for full-time and part-time student funding.
BC students can apply through StudentAid BC and out of province students may need to apply through their home province.
Drop by the Student Success Advisor for assistance with your application since we have computers for students to use.
Talk to a Student Success Advisor for help with an appeal or reassessment, if you did not receive enough funding or your situation changes after you applied for student loan/grant funding.
Students with approved student loan/grant funding and are unable to pay their fees prior to the fee payment deadline, may request a fee deferral.
Approved fee deferrals allows your fees to be paid directly from your student loan/grant and are only applied for one semester at a time.
Students approved for student loan funding sometimes experience unusual delays in the processing of their loan at the start of the semester. Temporary assistance may be available until the student loan funding arrives.
The emergency advance is required to be repaid from the loan or grant disbursement. Email the Student Success Advisorfor more information.
Visit MANAGE Your Loanfor information on how to stay in touch with your student loan provider and maintain proof of your ongoing studies.
Swing by REPAY Your Loan for information on repayment of student loans.
The Adult Upgrading Grant helps students based on financial need who are enrolled in upgrading courses and special education programs:
Basic Occupational Education (BOCE)
Career and Employment Preparation (CAEP)
Customer Service and Cashier Training (CSCT)
3rd and 4th level English and Mathematics Upgrading (ENGU and MATU)
2nd and 3rd level English Language Learning and Acquisition (ELLA)
Warehouse Training (WT)
Apply early as funds are limited and by the end of late registration.
Visit your banking institution to apply for a private student loan or line of credit. A co-signer may be required and interest is charged while you are in school.
Are an unemployed person in receipt of Employment Insurance (EI) benefits,
Or have received benefits in the last three years,
Or have started a maternity or parental EI claim within the last five years
Talk to the Aboriginal Coordinator at 604-527-5565 for information on band funding if you are a First Nation student and check outIndigenous and Northern Affairs Canadafor scholarships, bursaries, and awards.
Earn while you learn by working part-time on or off-campus. Check out Student Employment Services for job opportunities.
Tuition for former youth in care will be waived for B.C. students who are between 19-26 years of age (inclusive) attending a B.C. public post-secondary institution who meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the application form below. This program is open to students pursuing programs that lead to a certificate, diploma, or undergraduate degree. Students enrolled in graduate programs or post-graduate courses are not eligible. Students registering in Continuing Education courses are also eligible.
Students who wish to be considered for the waiver while studying at Douglas College must complete theProvincial Tuition Waiver Application and return it to the Financial Aid Office at either the Coquitlam or New Westminster Campus.