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Become a Student

Financing your Education

Overview Student Loans Bursaries Employment Insurance Resources Help
Financing Your Education

Find the funding path that fits your situation

Explore student loans, bursaries, employment insurance supports, and practical funding resources to help you plan the cost of college and identify the next step that makes sense for you.

Student Loans
Bursaries
Help & Contacts

Plan before you apply

Funding timelines, eligibility rules, and required documents can all affect how quickly support is available for your studies.

Important Notice

Know who this page is for

Use this guide to compare major funding options and learn where to go next for loans, bursaries, employment-related supports, and financial help contacts.

Important: The information on this page is applicable only to Canadian Employment Insurance eligible individuals, not international students.

Funding Guide

  • Student Loans

    The Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador partner to deliver student financial assistance through a single online application (StudentAidNL). One application assesses eligibility for both federal and provincial loan programs.

    StudentAidNL Government of Canada
    One application
    Student Aid NL assesses you for both federal and provincial assistance.
    Key timelines
    Online applications are typically processed within 15 business days (when complete).
    Repayment basics
    A six-month non-repayment period applies after you leave school.

    Applying for a Student Loan

    Applying

    What you'll need:
    • Social Insurance Number (SIN)
    • Income information (including parental or spousal income, if applicable) (use line 15000 of the previous year's Notice of Assessment)
    • Employment and education history for the past five years
    • Parent or guardian information (date of birth, SIN, and postal code - for dependent students only)
    • Full legal name as shown on SIN, complete mailing address, and an email you check regularly

    Applications are completed online through StudentAidNL. You will be required to create an account with a username and password.

    Required Forms & Documentation

    Depending on your circumstances, additional forms and documentation may be required as part of your student loan application.

    What you'll need:
    • Income Confirmation Form - typically submitted on the first day of classes or no later than 8 weeks after classes begin. (If you apply for a loan after classes start, this form may not be required.)
    • Verification of Eligibility for Students with Disabilities - required if applying as a student with a permanent, persistent, or prolonged disability.

      Students with Disabilities

    • Additional forms or supporting documents may be required depending on your student status or individual circumstances.

    Keep copies of all documents you submit to StudentAidNL.

    Timelines & Deadlines

    • Online applications are processed within 15 business days when complete.
    • Deadline to apply: 8 weeks after the first day of classes.
    • Appeal deadlines vary by semester length (see Appeals below).
    • Students are encouraged to enroll in a 100% course load where possible, as this may support eligibility for debt reduction programs upon graduation.
    • If submitting an appeal, it is recommended to do so well before the end of your study period.

    Getting your Funding (MSFAA / NSLSC)

    After your application is assessed, new applicants may be required to complete the Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA) and register with the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC) to receive funding.

    Once assessed, StudentAidNL will upload your unique 10-digit MSFAA number to your online account and notify you by email. You will also receive an email from the National Student Loans Service Centre inviting you to set up your online account.

    Before you begin, have the following ready:
    • Bank account information (transit, institution, and account numbers)
    • Social Insurance Number (SIN)
    • Date of birth
    • 10-digit MSFAA number (available in your StudentAidNL online account)

    The registration process takes approximately 20 minutes and must be completed in one session. It includes identity confirmation, creating an NSLSC account, and completing the MSFAA.

    Appeals & Appeal Deadlines

    Appeals

    Students who experience unusual or extenuating circumstances that were not considered in their initial student loan assessment may request a review through Student Aid NL's appeals process.

    Appeals must be submitted in writing and should clearly explain your situation, along with any relevant supporting documentation.

    Common appeal types include:

    • Student Appeal Form – for financial or personal circumstances (parent or spouse information may be required, if applicable)
    • Medical Appeal Form – for exceptional circumstances related to medical or health issues

    Student Aid NL aims to review completed appeal submissions within 14 business days. If additional information is required, an Appeals Officer will contact you directly.

    Appeal Deadline

    Appeal deadlines are based on the length of your study period:

    • Semesters 12 weeks or longer: Appeals must be submitted at least 8 weeks before the end of the study period.
    • Semesters shorter than 12 weeks: Appeals must be submitted at least 4 weeks before the end of the study period.

    Repayment

    Repayment typically begins after graduation, leaving school, switching to part-time, or taking more than six months away from studies. A six-month grace period applies.

    • Graduated from your studies
    • Transferred to part-time studies
    • Left school
    • Took more than six months away from studies

    A six-month non-repayment period (grace period) applies after you leave school before payments are required.

    Repayment tip: Missing scheduled payments may negatively affect your credit rating.

    If you're having difficulty repaying, the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) may help. Call the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC) at 1-888-815-4514 for more information. You can also sign up for an account on the Government of Canada website .

    Returning to full-time studies

    If you return to full-time studies and do not apply for financial assistance, you may need to notify the NSLSC by submitting a Confirmation of Enrolment (Schedule 2) to be placed back into non-repayment status while in school.

    Defaulting on loan payments

    If you were required to begin repaying a previous student loan and were unable to make regular payments, you may be in default. Default may affect eligibility for additional funding and repayment assistance until the default is addressed. If you are unsure where your loan is administered, contact the appropriate institution or StudentAidNL for support.

    Bursaries

    Bursaries are a form of financial assistance designed to help students manage the cost of their education. At College of the North Atlantic, bursaries are generally based on financial need and are intended to help remove financial barriers so students can focus on completing their studies.

    Bursary funding may be provided through the donors, or external partners, and eligibility criteria can vary. Students are encouraged to review requirements, deadlines, and any supporting documentation carefully before applying.

    Bursary Tips

    What to know before you apply

    These quick reminders can help you prepare stronger bursary applications and move faster when funding opens.

    Based on financial need
    Bursaries are designed to help reduce financial barriers and support students through their studies.
    Have documents ready
    Some bursaries require supporting documentation. Keep requested items handy so you can submit quickly.
    Program & campus specific
    Many bursaries are tied to a program area or campus. Use the bursary listing to find the best matches.

    Available Bursaries

    Joyce Family Foundation Bursary

    Joyce Family Foundation Bursary

    The Joyce Family Foundation and College of the North Atlantic have a great opportunity available to you - The Joyce Family Foundation Bursary Program.

    The Joyce Family Foundation Bursary Program is open to all high school students in all communities in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The bursary program is based on financial need and is open to any student wanting to pursue a CNA post-secondary education. The Joyce Family Foundation Bursary Program will provide financial support from the time of the student application until completion of his or her program.

    CNA is now accepting applications for The Joyce Family Foundation Bursary. Information brochures and applications are available in PDF format by clicking the below links. Please contact your principal or guidance counsellor to find out how you can apply.

    Student Application (PDF)
    Letter of Reference (PDF)
    Qusetions & Answers (PDF)
    Promotional Brochure (PDF)
    Promotional Flyer (PDF)

    Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited Entrance Bursary

    The Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited Entrance Bursary is available to students who meet the following requirements:

    • Graduated from high school no later than 18 months prior to entrance to their first year of study at the College in September
    • Achieved at least a 75% average in senior high school marks (Level I, II and III)

    Valued at $4,000 this award is donated by Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited and is renewable each year for the duration of the student's program of study provided the student remains in the same program.

    If you are successful in obtaining this award, you will be required to apply for renewal for each additional year of your program. In order to qualify for renewal of the award you have to maintain the same financial need as well as maintain a minimum weighted/overall average of 75% in your program of study at the College.

    CNA is now accepting applications for The Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited Entrance Bursary. Applications are available in PDF format by clicking the below link. Please contact your principal or guidance counsellor to find out how you can apply.

    Student Application (PDF)

    Fry Family Foundation Bob Dawson Bursary

    The Fry Family Foundation Bob Dawson Bursary is available to students who meet the following requirements:

    • Full-time student enrolled in any certificate, diploma or degree-level program for the first time.
    • Graduated from high school or equivalent
    • Must be a resident of St. John's, NL and presently reside in an NL Housing Corporation housing unit in the areas of:
      • Froude Avenue
      • Buckmaster's Circle
      • Virginia Park
      • McSheffrey
      • Chalker Place
      • Eric McKay
      • Rabbittown
      • New Pennywell

    OR

    • Must be an active program participant in one of the following five community centres:
      • Froude Avenue Community Centre
      • Buckmaster's Circle Community Centre
      • Virginia Park Community Centre
      • McSheffrey Resource Centre
      • Rabbittown Community Centre

    Valued at $2,500, this award is donated by Fry Family Foundation and is renewable for up to three additional years, provided the student remains in the same program with no breaks, and maintains clear academic standing. There is no cash value, and the bursary must be used towards tuition and fees.

    If you are successful in obtaining this award, you will be required to apply for renewal for each additional year of your program. In order to qualify for renewal of the award you have to maintain the same financial need.

    CNA is now accepting applications for The Fry Family Foundation Bob Dawson Bursary. Applications are available in PDF format by clicking the below link. Please contact your principal or guidance counsellor to find out how you can apply.

    Student Application (PDF)

    Employment Insurance

    Skills Development support may be available through the Department of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development for eligible individuals pursuing full-time post-secondary training.

    Start the Process (Email) Program Details (GovNL)
    What this funding supports
    Skills Development can provide financial support to eligible individuals seeking full-time post-secondary training at a public or private training institution.
    Basic eligibility
    • Must be Employment Insurance (EI) eligible
    • Must work with the department using a case management approach
    • Requires an Employment Plan
    Program length

    Programs are generally eligible when they are:

    • 12 weeks or longer
    • Up to three years

    Applying for a Student Loan

    How to Apply

    To begin the Employment Plan process, email the department:

    Email Contact info (GovNL)

    It is important that students begin this process as soon as possible in order to meet funding deadlines to begin their program in September. Students are recommended for funding once the Employment Plan and all related documents are received.

    What the Employment Plan may include:
    • A general information session
    • Identification of barriers
    • A detailed job search
    • Labour market research
    • Career exploration
    • Work and educational history
    • Other items as identified by the department

    What happens next

    Funding recommendations are typically made once your Employment Plan and supporting documents have been received and reviewed.

    Eligibility, required steps, and documentation may vary by individual situation.

    Official resources

    Resources

    Explore additional funding and employment supports that may help you plan and pay for post-secondary education.

    Funding Resources

    Explore additional support programs

    These external programs and services may help with student aid, employment-related funding, skills development, and learner support planning.

    Student Aid NL

    Apply for provincial and federal student financial assistance and find forms, eligibility details, and help.

    Visit Student Aid NL

    Employment NL

    Explore employment supports, job programs, and services that may help with training and career planning.

    Visit Employment NL

    Skills Development

    Government program that may provide financial support for eligible learners pursuing full-time training.

    Learn about Skills Development

    Indigenous Skills & Employment Training

    Federal program supporting Indigenous employment and training services through Indigenous organizations.

    View program info

    Post-Secondary Student Support Program

    Information on federal post-secondary support available to eligible First Nations and Inuit learners.

    View program info

    StudentAidNL Contact Information

    When contacting StudentAidNL, include your full name, date of birth, and the last three digits of your Social Insurance Number (SIN).

    Email
    Document submission: studentaidmailbox@gov.nl.ca
    Phone & Fax
    Telephone: (709) 729-5849 or 1-888-657-0800
    Fax: (709) 729-2298
    Mailing Address
    StudentAidNL
    Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
    Box 8700
    St. John's, NL A1B 4J6
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