New Brunswick Student Aid is a provincial program that provides financial assistance to help residents pay for post-secondary education. It is an integrated program where a single application assesses students for both federal Canada Student Loans and Grants and provincial New Brunswick funding. Assistance is available for both full-time and part-time students and is based on factors like family income, educational costs, and financial need. This guide explains the eligibility rules, application process, types of aid available, and the responsibilities of repayment for Canadian students.
Understanding New Brunswick Student Financial Assistance
The New Brunswick Student Financial Assistance Program is designed to supplement other financial resources available to students pursuing post-secondary education. The Governments of New Brunswick and Canada work together to provide integrated student financial assistance. By submitting one application through the NB Student Aid Portal, students are assessed for both Canada Student Loans and Grants and New Brunswick provincial loans and bursaries. Financial assistance is available for citizens, permanent residents, and eligible protected persons who are residents of New Brunswick. Residency is generally defined as the last place you have lived for 12 consecutive months prior to beginning full-time post-secondary studies. The program is intended for students enrolled in approved programs at designated post-secondary institutions, and funding cannot be issued for academic upgrading or for courses that are not a requirement of your program of study.
Eligibility and Student Status Definitions
Eligibility for student aid is determined by your student status, which is based on your personal and financial circumstances. There are two primary status categories: dependent and independent. Dependent students are typically those who are single, have no dependents, and have not been out of high school for a specified period. Their financial need assessment includes their parents' or guardians' income. Independent students are those who are married, have dependents, have been out of high school for at least four years, or have worked full-time for at least two years. Their assessment is based on their own income and that of their spouse if applicable. A distinct category exists for students with permanent disabilities. These students may be considered full-time while studying at a reduced course load of 40 to 59 percent of a full course load, and they have access to extended timelines for completing their studies and specialized grants.
The definition of full-time versus part-time enrollment is crucial for application purposes. Part-time students must use the separate part-time application process. Each province and territory has its own part-time student loan application. It is important to apply under the correct status, as it directly impacts the type of aid and the amount for which you are eligible. Students must re apply for financial assistance for each academic year or study period they attend school.
Types of Financial Assistance Available
Through the integrated application, students are considered for several types of non repayable and repayable assistance. The primary repayable assistance comes from the Canada Student Loans Program and the New Brunswick provincial student loan program. These loans are integrated into a single repayment amount after studies conclude. The primary non repayable assistance includes Canada Student Grants, which are based on financial need and factors like having dependents or being a student with a disability. New Brunswick also offers specific non repayable bursaries. The New Brunswick Bursary is available to eligible full time students whose assessed financial need exceeds the maximum available student loan amount, providing up to 130 dollars per week of study. The Renewed Tuition Bursary supports eligible students attending designated institutions in New Brunswick to help reduce tuition costs based on household income and family size.
Additional targeted support exists for students with disabilities. The Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Disabilities helps cover disability related educational equipment and services. A separate application is required for this grant and can only be assessed after a main student aid application has been processed. Students applying for disability related support for the first time must complete a Disability Verification Form with a qualified healthcare provider. For repayment, borrowers with a permanent disability may be eligible for the Repayment Assistance Plan for Borrowers with a Permanent Disability, which considers family income, size, and medical expenses to cap affordable payments.
The Application Process and Timeline
The application process for New Brunswick Student Aid is conducted online through the NB Student Aid Portal. You can apply for student loans online in early June for the upcoming academic year. It is recommended to submit your application at least two months before your program begins, as it can take four to six weeks to process an initial application. You do not need to be formally accepted into a program before applying. If you are on a waitlist, you can still apply so you are financially prepared if accepted. The application requires several key pieces of information and documentation. You will need your Social Insurance Number, details about your program and institution, and financial information including your income and, if you are a dependent student, your parents' income.
After submitting the application, you must monitor your portal for messages and any requests for additional documents. Once processed, you will receive a Notice of Assessment by email detailing your funding. Approximately three days later, you will receive an invitation to sign the Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement. This is a multi year legal agreement with both the federal and provincial governments outlining the terms of borrowing and repayment. Signing this agreement is a mandatory step to receive your funds. Students should also consult the annual Student Financial Assistance Handbook and Program Highlights available through the portal for detailed rules and amounts.
- Gather required documents: Social Insurance Number, program details, financial information.
- Create a profile and apply online via the NB Student Aid Portal.
- Submit the application ideally two months before your program start date.
- Monitor your portal for messages and document requests.
- Receive and review your Notice of Assessment.
- Sign the Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA) when invited.
Repayment Terms and Managing Your Loan
Students are responsible for repaying any student loans borrowed according to the terms of their Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement. For full time studies, eligible federal and provincial loans are integrated into a single repayment amount managed by the National Student Loans Service Centre. When you finish your studies, you enter a six month non repayment period where you are not required to make payments, though you can make payments if you choose. After this period, the repayment period begins, and you start making regular loan payments. The NSLSC is the primary point of contact for all repayment inquiries, and you can log into your NSLSC online account to make payments or update your information.
If you experience difficulty repaying your loans, you may be eligible for repayment assistance plans. The Repayment Assistance Plan helps borrowers by calculating an affordable payment based on family income and size. For borrowers with a permanent disability, the Repayment Assistance Plan for Borrowers with a Permanent Disability also considers disability related medical expenses. Monthly payments under these plans are generally capped at 20 percent or less of gross family income. It is crucial to inform the NSLSC of any changes to your status, such as returning to school, as this can affect your repayment obligations. Dropping classes during the academic year may also affect your student loan eligibility and could trigger an overpayment, so students should consult their institution's financial aid office before making changes to their course load.
Common Mistakes and Important Considerations
A common mistake is missing application deadlines or submitting incomplete applications, which can delay funding. Students should apply well in advance of their program start date. Another error is incorrectly classifying student status. Declaring as independent without meeting the criteria can lead to an incorrect assessment and potential issues. Failing to report changes in circumstances after applying, such as a change in income, course load, or marital status, is another pitfall, as these changes must be reported to Student Financial Services. Students should also avoid the assumption that all funding is non repayable. It is essential to understand that student loans must be repaid, while grants and bursaries do not.
Students sometimes overlook the requirement to re apply for funding each academic year. Financial assistance is not automatically renewed. Furthermore, students may not realize that dropping below a full time course load can affect their loan status and potentially require them to begin repayment sooner. It is important to contact the financial aid office before dropping a class. Finally, a key consideration is that the NB Student Aid Portal and the NSLSC online account are two separate systems. The portal is for applications and provincial communication, while the NSLSC account is for managing and repaying your integrated loan after funds are disbursed.
Contact Information and Additional Resources
For assistance with the New Brunswick student aid application process, the primary contact is NB Student Financial Services. They can be reached by phone at 1 800 667 5626, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For questions about your loan account, balance, or repayment after funds have been disbursed, you must contact the National Student Loans Service Centre. The NSLSC can be reached at 1 888 815 4514. The NSLSC also provides resources and tools for managing your student loan. Students with disabilities can find additional information in the dedicated Students with Disability PDF guide available through the portal.
Your post secondary institution's financial aid office acts as a liaison and can provide guidance on the application process and institutional policies. For United States citizens attending the University of New Brunswick, the institution participates in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, but U.S. grants are not available for students attending foreign schools. Domestic students should also explore other financial aid resources such as apprentice loans and grants, and institutional scholarships. The Student Financial Assistance Estimator is a useful online tool to estimate potential grant and loan amounts before formally applying.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for student loans in New Brunswick?
You apply online through the NB Student Aid Portal with a single application that assesses you for both federal and provincial aid. You should apply in early June for the upcoming academic year, ideally at least two months before your program starts. You will need your Social Insurance Number, program details, and financial information. After applying, monitor your portal, sign the Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement when invited, and the National Student Loans Service Centre will manage your integrated loan.
Can I get student aid if I am studying part time?
Yes, financial assistance is available for part time students. You must use the separate part time student loan application specific to New Brunswick. Each province and territory has its own part time application. Eligibility is still based on financial need and other criteria, but the amounts and types of aid available may differ from the full time program.
Who is eligible for New Brunswick Student Aid?
Eligibility is for residents of New Brunswick, defined as having lived in the province for 12 consecutive months before full time post secondary studies. You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person enrolled in an approved program at a designated institution. Financial assistance is available for both full time and part time students. Eligibility and the amount of aid are based on factors such as family income, educational costs, and financial need. With one application, students are considered for both provincial and federal student aid programs.
What is the difference between a loan and a grant?
A student loan is money you borrow and must repay with interest according to the terms of your Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement. A grant, such as a Canada Student Grant, is non repayable financial assistance you do not have to pay back. Your single application automatically considers you for both loans and grants from the integrated New Brunswick and Canada programs. Grants are provided based on criteria like financial need, having dependents, or having a permanent disability. The New Brunswick Bursary is another example of non repayable assistance for eligible students.
When do I have to start repaying my student loans?
You must start repaying your student loans after a six month non repayment period following the end of your full time studies. You are not required to make loan payments during this six month period, but you can make payments if you want to. After this period, you enter the repayment period and start making regular payments. For full time studies, eligible federal and provincial loans are integrated into a single repayment amount. Repayment information and payments are managed through your National Student Loans Service Centre account.
What support is available for students with disabilities?
Students with permanent disabilities may be considered full time while studying at a reduced course load of 40 to 59 percent. They can access the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Disabilities, which helps cover disability related educational equipment and services. A separate application and a completed Disability Verification Form are required for this grant. For repayment difficulties, the Repayment Assistance Plan for Borrowers with a Permanent Disability offers affordable payments based on family income, size, and medical expenses. Additional information is available in the informational Students with Disability PDF.
Sources and further reading
- Student Loans nbcc.ca
- Government of New Brunswick Funding for Students with ... disabilityawards.ca
- Student Loans Guide for New Brunswick Students oultoncollege.com
- Student Loans | Financial Aid unb.ca
- Financial Assistance studynb.ca
This article explains how things work and is not financial, tax or legal advice. Rules, limits and rates change, so check the current figures with the Canada Revenue Agency, your province or your financial institution before you act.