Official Guidelines Updated: March 2026
Key Facts for 2025–2026:
Full-time Saskatchewan Student Aid provides up to $13,900 in loans and up to $5,200 in non-repayable grants per eight months of study. One application covers both federal and provincial funding. Loans are interest-free while you are in school. You can choose grants-only funding if you prefer not to take on a loan.
Full-time Saskatchewan Student Aid helps Saskatchewan residents cover the cost of post-secondary education, including tuition, textbooks, living expenses, rent, food, transportation, and child care. The Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan work together to deliver integrated federal and provincial loans and grants through a single application.
Student aid is intended to supplement other sources of funding — not replace them. Scholarships, bursaries, and other awards are also available and can reduce what you need to borrow.
Funding Available
| Funding Type | Amount (per 8-month year) | Repayable? |
|---|---|---|
| Saskatchewan and Canada Student Loans (combined) | Up to $13,900 | Yes — 6 months after graduation |
| Non-repayable grants (auto-assessed) | Up to $5,200 | No |
| Grant per dependant under 12 (or over 12 with permanent disability) | Up to $3,160 per dependant | No |
Grant funding includes the Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students (up to $4,200/year), plus provincial grants automatically assessed at the same time.
Grants-Only Option:
You can choose grants-only funding on your application — accepting all grant funding you qualify for while declining the student loan. You are still automatically assessed for grants when you apply, so you don’t need to apply separately to find out what you’re eligible for. Choosing grants-only does not disqualify you from the Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for full-time Saskatchewan Student Aid, you must:
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person.
- Be a Saskatchewan resident — generally meaning you have lived in Saskatchewan for at least 12 consecutive months before the first day of your study period (excluding time spent as a full-time post-secondary student), or you are a new permanent resident who has only lived in Saskatchewan.
- Demonstrate financial need under program criteria.
- Be enrolled (or qualified to enrol) at a designated post-secondary institution in an approved program of at least 12 weeks.
- Take at least 60% of a full course load (40% for students with a disability).
- Be in good standing on any previous student loans.
- Meet the scholastic standard — successfully completing a minimum of 60% of a full course load (or 40% for students with a disability) in each study period.
- Be within the program duration limit (normal duration plus one additional year; students with disabilities are exempt).
- Be under the lifetime maximum assistance limit for your program level.
Benefits of Saskatchewan Student Aid
Saskatchewan Student Aid is one of the most affordable ways for students to fund their education. Key benefits include that loans are interest-free throughout your studies; in repayment, interest rates are typically lower than a student line of credit or other borrowing options; you do not need to begin repaying until six months after graduation; and the Repayment Assistance Plan is available if you have difficulty making payments after graduation.
Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship
Students who graduated from Grade 12 in Saskatchewan within the last 10 years and are enrolled at a Saskatchewan post-secondary institution may be automatically assessed for the Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship — $750 per year, with a lifetime maximum of $3,000. You are assessed automatically when you apply for student aid and do not need to apply separately.
How to Apply
Apply online through the Advanced Education Student Portal at sfaonlineapp.gov.sk.ca — online applications can be processed in days, compared to approximately four weeks for paper applications. Apply at least two months before your classes start to ensure funding is in place when you need it.
You will need your Social Insurance Number, and if applicable, your parents’ SINs and information, your spouse’s information, and your dependent children’s Health Services Numbers and birth dates. Applications and any changes must be received at least 30 days before your study period end date.
Contact the Student Service Centre with any questions: 1-800-597-8278 or studentservices@gov.sk.ca.
Important — NSLSC Access Change for 2025-26:
Effective May 2025, students access their National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC) account through a My Service Canada Account (MSCA). All students — including existing borrowers — need an MSCA to access their NSLSC account. Register at canada.ca/my-service-canada-account before you need it to avoid delays.
Other Financial Aid Options
Students who cannot attend school full-time may be eligible for Part-Time Saskatchewan Student Aid. Students with a disability may also access the Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Disabilities (up to $22,000/year) and the Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities ($2,800/year).
Ready to find a program? Explore eligible schools today.
