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Student Loans

Why Choose a Government Student Loan?

  • Comprehensive coverage: Government loans are designed to include study and living costs and automatically connect you to grants and bursaries—non-repayable funds to reduce your financial burden.
  • Flexible repayment options: Repayment terms are tailored to your needs, offering lower interest rates compared to traditional bank loans.
  • Time for studies: A loan helps you focus on your education, reducing the need for excessive part-time work that might impact your grades.

Did you know? Many grants and bursaries are only accessible through a government loan, potentially reducing your repayment amount after graduation!

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a government student loan, you must:

  • Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person.
  • Reside in a province or territory offering Canada Student Loans, like Manitoba.
  • Demonstrate financial need.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress and attendance.

When and Where to Apply

Applying early ensures smooth financial planning. Use these timelines as a guide:

  • September program start: Apply by July 1
  • February program start: Apply by December 1
  • May program start: Apply by February 1

Application Process

Pro tip: Even if your classes have started, you can still apply for a loan—up to 45 days before your program ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our experience shows that working more than 15 hours per week at a job dramatically reduces the amount of time available for study and success in an MITT program. Finances, time management, and successful grades are closely related, and one usually affects the other. A student loan provides money so you can study instead of working a job.

Living at home doesn’t automatically disqualify you from financial aid. Your costs may be lower, but you could still receive funding for tuition, books, and other expenses. Keep in mind that your parental contribution is based on several factors besides income, including family size and the number of post-secondary students in the family. The only way to know for sure is to apply!

While student loans are a responsibility, they are also an investment in your future. No interest accumulates and no payments need to be made while you’re in school. You may also be eligible for grants through Manitoba Student Aid – money you don’t have to pay back that will be reduce the total amount you owe at the end of your studies. Finally, you don’t need to start paying your loan back until 6 months after graduation, and repayment assistance is available.

As of August 1, 2024, the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program has permanently dropped the credit screening requirement for mature students applying for the first time.

Note: Students with poor credit scores applying right out of high school can still apply for a loan. If you are denied financial help or the amount you receive is too low, you may be eligible to request an appeal.

Yes. Students can apply for a student loan even if their program has already started, up to 45 days before the program ends. If you experience an emergency or your situation changes, a student loan is your best choice to keep you in class and on track.

Need Help? Contact Us!

MITT is here to help you navigate the financial aid process with confidence. Our student advisors are available for one-on-one guidance. Just send us an email at studentservices@mitt.ca.

Student Services