Province · Quebec

Quebec Student Financial Assistance — AFE

Quebec operates its own fully independent student financial assistance system — the Aide financière aux études (AFE). Quebec students do not access Canada Student Loans; instead they apply through the AFE, which assesses eligibility for both a repayable loan and a non-repayable bursary component based on financial need.

Program: Aide financière aux études (AFE) Administered by: Ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur, Québec Federal loans: Not applicable — Quebec has its own system Loan component: Repayable; amount varies based on assessment
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Quick facts — Quebec Student Financial Assistance — AFE
Program Aide financière aux études (AFE)
Administered by Ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur, Québec
Federal loans Not applicable — Quebec has its own system
Loan component Repayable; amount varies based on assessment
Bursary component Non-repayable portion for low-income students
Application portal afe.gouv.qc.ca
Province Quebec
Last verified March 2026
How the AFE works

The AFE calculates how much you need based on your costs of study versus your available resources (family income, personal income). The assessed shortfall is split between a loan and a bursary.

  • Loan portion: Repayable after graduation; interest charged by Quebec
  • Bursary portion: Non-repayable for lower-income students
  • Assessment: Considers family income, assets, number of dependants
  • Application: Through afe.gouv.qc.ca each academic year
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Quebec vs federal system

Because Quebec opted out of the Canada Student Loans program, Quebec students do not receive Canada Student Grants or federal loans. They use the AFE system exclusively.

  • No Canada Student Grant for Quebec residents (province opted out)
  • No Canada Student Loan for Quebec residents
  • AFE provides equivalent support through its own grant/loan formula

Frequently asked questions

No. Quebec opted out of the Canada Student Grants and Loans program. Quebec students apply through the provincial AFE system, which provides equivalent support through its own loan and bursary formula.
The bursary (non-repayable) portion of the AFE is generally not considered taxable income. The loan portion is not income. Consult a tax advisor for your specific situation.
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Official source: Aide financière aux études – Gouvernement du Québec · Last verified: March 2026 · Always confirm details directly with the program provider before applying.
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