Program · Quebec
Quebec Student Financial Assistance (AFE)
Quebec does not participate in the Canada Student Loans and Grants program — instead, it runs its own Aide financière aux études (AFE) system through the Ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur. Quebec students apply through AFE for both loans and non-repayable bursaries. The system is designed to ensure that financial need doesn't prevent Quebec residents from accessing post-secondary education.
Program name: Aide financière aux études (AFE)
Federal program?: No — Quebec runs its own system
Bursary component: Non-repayable, assessed based on financial need
Loan component: Quebec student loan (separate from Canada Student Loan)
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Quick facts — Quebec Student Financial Assistance (AFE)
Program name
Aide financière aux études (AFE)
Federal program?
No — Quebec runs its own system
Bursary component
Non-repayable, assessed based on financial need
Loan component
Quebec student loan (separate from Canada Student Loan)
Application portal
afe.gouv.qc.ca
CEGEP tuition
Free for Quebec residents (funded by province)
Last verified
March 2026
How AFE works
Quebec's student financial assistance system has its own structure, separate from the federal Canada Student Loans program:
- Loans: AFE provides Quebec student loans based on financial need — interest rate set by Quebec
- Bursaries: Non-repayable bursary component for students with high financial need
- CEGEP: Tuition is free for Quebec residents at public CEGEPs — you pay only fees and books
- University: AFE covers tuition costs at Quebec universities (among the lowest in Canada)
- Quebec residents attending institutions outside Quebec can still apply for AFE
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Who qualifies
AFE eligibility is based on Quebec residency and enrolment at an eligible institution:
- Quebec resident (domiciled in Quebec for 12+ months)
- Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person
- Enrolled full-time or part-time at an eligible institution (CEGEP, university, or vocational)
- International students are NOT eligible for AFE (but may qualify for university-specific awards)
- Quebec residents studying outside the province can apply — but funding levels may differ
Tips for Quebec students
Practical advice for navigating Quebec's financial aid system:
- Apply through afe.gouv.qc.ca — the process is entirely separate from the federal system
- Take advantage of free CEGEP tuition — it's one of the most generous education policies in North America
- If you're studying outside Quebec, your AFE funding may be different — plan accordingly
- Check with your university for institutional bursaries on top of AFE — most Quebec universities offer them
- International students at Quebec universities should check institutional awards and external scholarships (MEES excellence scholarships, Vanier for doctoral students)
Frequently asked questions
No. Quebec opted out of the Canada Student Loans and Grants program and runs its own Aide financière aux études (AFE) system. Quebec students apply through AFE, not through the federal system.
Yes, for Quebec residents. Tuition at public CEGEPs is fully covered by the province. Students pay only ancillary fees, books, and supplies. Out-of-province and international students pay tuition.
Yes. Quebec residents can receive AFE funding for study at designated institutions anywhere in Canada, though the amount may differ from what you'd receive studying in Quebec.
Yes. AFE includes both a loan portion and a non-repayable bursary portion. Students with higher financial need receive a larger bursary component.
Quebec's system is separate but comparable. Quebec has the advantage of free CEGEP and very low university tuition. AFE provides both loans and non-repayable bursaries, similar to how OSAP provides grants and loans in Ontario.
Official source:
Aide financière aux études – Government of Quebec
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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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