Audience · Part-Time Students
Grants & Financial Aid for Part-Time Students in Canada
Studying part-time doesn't mean you're shut out of financial aid. The Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Students provides up to $1,680/year in non-repayable funding, and most provinces offer additional part-time aid programs. If you're balancing work, caregiving, or other commitments alongside your studies, here's how to access the funding you're entitled to.
Canada Student Grant (part-time): Up to $1,680/year
Canada Student Loan (part-time): Up to $10,000 per award year
Course load threshold: 20%–59% of a full course load
Disability grant (part-time): Up to $2,000/year for services & equipment
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Quick facts — Grants & Financial Aid for Part-Time Students in Canada
Canada Student Grant (part-time)
Up to $1,680/year
Canada Student Loan (part-time)
Up to $10,000 per award year
Course load threshold
20%–59% of a full course load
Disability grant (part-time)
Up to $2,000/year for services & equipment
Dependants grant (part-time)
Up to $40/week per child under 12
Last verified
March 2026
Federal part-time student aid
The federal government offers specific grants and loans for part-time students:
- Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Students: Up to $1,680/year, non-repayable, need-based
- Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Students with Dependants: Up to $40/week per child under 12
- Canada Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities (Part-Time): Up to $2,000/year
- Canada Student Loan for Part-Time Students: Up to $10,000 per award year (interest-free since 2023)
Pro tip: Use our free 5-step quiz to see which of these programs you're eligible for — and get a ranked list of matching scholarships, grants, and bursaries in under 3 minutes.
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Provincial part-time aid
Most provinces offer part-time student aid programs alongside the federal program:
- Ontario (OSAP): Part-time grants and loans available for students taking 20–59% course load
- BC: Part-time StudentAid BC available for eligible students
- Alberta: Part-time student funding through Alberta Student Aid
- Quebec: AFE part-time assistance for eligible Quebec residents
- Check your province's student aid website for specific part-time eligibility requirements
Tips for part-time students
Practical advice for maximizing your funding as a part-time student:
- You can receive both the part-time grant AND the dependants grant simultaneously — don't assume you can only get one
- If your course load increases to 60%+ during a term, you may be reclassified as full-time and qualify for larger grants
- Many university bursaries don't distinguish between full-time and part-time — apply anyway
- Part-time Canada Student Loans are interest-free since 2023, just like full-time loans
Frequently asked questions
Generally, taking 20% to 59% of a full course load is considered part-time. Below 20% may not qualify for student aid; 60% or above is considered full-time.
Yes. OSAP offers both grants and loans for part-time students taking between 20% and 59% of a full course load.
No. The Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Students is non-repayable. Only the loan portion needs to be repaid.
Yes. If your status changes during the year, contact your provincial student aid office to update your application. Your funding will be recalculated based on your new course load.
Yes. Since April 2023, Canada Student Loans for both part-time and full-time students are permanently interest-free.
Official source:
Part-Time Student Aid – Government of Canada
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Last verified: March 2026
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Always confirm details directly with the program provider before applying.
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