The Manitoba Student Aid program consists of student loans and grants. For students with limited resources, government loans are usually the best option, as they are interest-free as long as you are a student. This can save you thousands of dollars when it comes time for repayment. Secondly, through grants or loan rebates, the government attempts to limit the amount of repayable assistance to between $6,000 and $6,500 per year.
A number of different grants provide additional non-repayable assistance to students who fit a variety of categories.
This site has a number of additional tools that can be invaluable in planning your education, such as:
Tips
Apply as early as possible. Student Aid promises “results in two weeks”, but this only means you will get a notification in two weeks. Getting your money will take from six to 10 weeks. For students starting post secondary programs between August 1, 2010 and July 31, 2011 - please apply for Manitoba Student Aid between June 1, 2010 and May 31, 2011.
You do not need to be accepted into a program to apply for a student loan. Apply for your loan early - ideally 2 months prior to your expected start date. If you don’t get accepted into a program, the college will not confirm your enrolment, and your document will not be sent to you.
The Manitoba Student Aid application form is found at www.manitobastudentaid.ca. It is extremely important to remember your login and password you create for your account. You can track the progress of your student loan, change your personal information, and print documents you’ll need to complete the application process.
Remember to read all correspondence carefully, and send back all documents requested. Your loan won’t be processed without them. Your student loan document will be sent to you at the address you use when you apply. Be sure to keep the Student Aid office informed of address changes.