Financial Aid

Financial Assistance (Government Student Loans and Bursaries)

The Loans and Bursaries Program is intended for students who are pursuing or deemed to be pursuing secondary school vocational studies, college studies or university studies on a full-time basis in an educational institution recognized by the Ministère de l’Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport.

The objective of the Program is to ensure that individuals have the financial resources to pursue studies if they have the desire and the ability to do so.

Students nevertheless have the primary responsibility for financing their education.

In accordance with the Program provisions, you will be informed of and receive the assistance to which you are entitled in time to begin your studies, provided that your application is filed early and that you submit the required documents.

Upon receipt of the required documents, Aide financière aux études carries out an initial assessment based on the information provided. Following that assessment, you will be informed of the amount of financial assistance to which you are entitled (loan portion and bursary portion), if any, and the breakdown of the installments.

During the school year, your financial assistance is deposited directly into your bank account each month or at the beginning of each study period, thus making it easier for you to plan your budget. The loans and bursaries term begins September 1 and runs until August 31 of the following year. You can fill out an application for financial assistance any time during the school year as loans and bursaries are retroactive so you will receive funding for the months which have already passed.

How much can I get?

You may obtain an estimate by completing the assessment simulator available on-line. In the simulator, you must enter:

• Tuition Fees (per semester)
• Transportation Expenses $0 (unless your parents reside in an area of Québec where there is no ground transportation)

Based on the information you provide, you will receive an estimate of what you may be able to receive as a student loan and/or bursary.

(Remember, the Assessment Simulator only provides an estimation)

Students with Disabilities or Serious Health Problems

If you have a permanent disability or a serious health problem that prevents you from carrying out your daily activities and limits your ability to study full time, the following measures may apply:

• Eligibility under the Loans and Bursaries Program – usually reserved for full-time students – even if you are enrolled on a part-time basis.
• Awarding of the total amount of financial assistance in the form of a bursary.
• Eligibility for financial assistance during the summer months even if you are not pursuing studies at that time.
• Students whom require specialized services or equipment may be awarded assistance through the Adapted Services Department of the College. Please Contact the Student Access Centre SAC by mio or by phone at extension 3411 for further information.

What Information do I need to have on hand before filling out my application?

• Your permanent code (found on all transcripts).
• Your social insurance number.
• Your total income for the previous and current fiscal years (taken from your income tax forms)
• Your educational institution code – Champlain Saint-Lambert 936003.
• Your Program Code.

How long does it take before I get an answer from the government?

• Application sent by mail – 8-10 Weeks
• Application sent online – 6-8 Weeks

Note: Certain documents may need to be sent by mail to AFE to complete your application even if you completed your application online. It is highly recommended that you submit your application at least 6 to 8 weeks prior to the first day of class.

What happens after I get my response?

After receiving an email from AFE confirming your acceptance for financial aid, a Guarantee Certificate will be added to your AFE online file under “Notices”. Please print this document.

What do I do with my Guarantee Certificate?

You must bring it to one of the 5 participating financial institutions. This document is necessary to open your file and permit direct deposit of the funds awarded to you. The 5 financial institutions that accept Aide financière aux études Guarantee Certificates are:

• Bank of Montreal
• Caisse populaire Desjardins
• Laurentian Bank
• National Bank
• RBC

Allowance for support materials for your Education

You could receive an additional amount of $500 per term. This amount is awarded in the form of a loan and must be repaid at the end of your studies. It allows for the purchase of additional educational materials such as a computer.

You can request this at the time you apply for loans and bursaries, or later on by completing a Declaration of Change  (PDF 158 ).