Official Guidelines Updated: March 2026
Important Update — NSLSC Login Change:
As of May 25, 2025, you must access your NSLSC account through a My Service Canada Account (MSCA) login. If you don’t already have an MSCA, register for one before you need to manage your loan, apply for repayment assistance, or confirm enrolment.
Once you qualify for Canada Student Loans, the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC) is your central hub for managing every aspect of your loan — from confirming enrolment while you study, to tracking payments and applying for repayment assistance after graduation.
Here is an overview of everything you can do through your NSLSC account:
While You Are Studying
- Confirm your enrolment: Confirming your enrolment each semester or year keeps your loan in interest-free and payment-free status while you are in school. If you apply for new loans annually, your school typically confirms enrolment automatically. If you are not taking new funding but are still studying full-time, you must request a Confirmation of Enrolment directly through NSLSC to maintain your payment-free status.
- Track your funding: The Funding Tracker shows when each disbursement is scheduled to occur, so you always know when to expect your funds.
- Upload documents: The My Requests feature lets you upload required documents and track the status of outstanding requests directly through your account — no need to mail or fax paperwork.
- Apply for medical or parental leave: If your studies are interrupted due to illness, childbirth, or caring for a newborn, you can apply for Medical and Parental Leave through NSLSC. Leave is granted in interest-free and payment-free six-month periods, up to a maximum of 18 consecutive months, and does not trigger your six-month non-repayment period.
- Apply for Canadian Forces deferral: If you need to leave your studies to serve on a designated Canadian Forces operation, you can apply to delay loan repayment through NSLSC. Note this deferral does not apply if you have already begun the repayment process after graduation.
Managing Your Account
- Update your address: Keep your mailing address current so you continue to receive loan correspondence without interruption.
- Update your banking information: Change the bank account where your loan is deposited or where automatic repayments are withdrawn.
- Change power of attorney: Authorize a parent or guardian to manage loan-related transactions, including repayments, on your behalf.
- Set up pre-authorized debit: Automate your monthly repayments so you never miss a payment deadline. If you received your loan via direct deposit, you may already be enrolled automatically.
- Update payment date and frequency: Adjust when and how often payments are withdrawn to better match your cash flow.
- Make a one-time payment: Pay down your loan at any point — including while you are still studying or during the six-month non-repayment period. Note that a one-time payment does not cancel your next scheduled repayment.
- Check your loan balance: View your outstanding principal, monthly payment amount, repayment start date, and estimated loan duration at any time.
- See your payment history: Review a full log of all payments made to date, including how each payment was applied to your loan.
Note on Interest:
As of April 1, 2023, the Government of Canada permanently eliminated interest on all Canada Student Loans — including loans currently in repayment. There is no interest rate to choose or manage on the federal portion of your loan. Interest options (floating vs. fixed rate) no longer apply. Note that some provincial portions of integrated loans (such as Ontario and Saskatchewan) may still carry interest — check with your province for details.
Repayment Assistance
- Apply for the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP): If you are struggling to make loan payments after graduation, RAP can reduce your monthly payment to an affordable amount — or to $0 — based on your income and family size. Single borrowers earning under $40,000/year may qualify for zero payments. Maximum payments are capped at 10% of household income. RAP is approved in six-month periods and must be renewed. Apply through your NSLSC account at any point once repayment begins.
- Apply for RAP for Borrowers with Disabilities (RAP-D): If you have a permanent, persistent, or prolonged disability, RAP-D provides additional relief — the government pays down both principal and remaining interest on your behalf while you remain eligible, until your loan is paid in full.
- Customize your repayment terms: Extend or shorten your repayment period, and adjust your monthly payment amount to suit your budget. Use the Loan Repayment Estimator in your account to model different scenarios before making changes.
Canada Student Loan Forgiveness
Certain professionals providing in-person services in eligible rural or remote communities (generally populations under 30,000) may qualify for Canada Student Loan Forgiveness. As of December 31, 2025, eligible occupations include:
- Doctors and nurses
- Dentists and dental hygienists
- Pharmacists and midwives
- Teachers and early childhood educators
- Social workers and psychologists
- Physiotherapists and personal support workers
Applications can be submitted directly through your secure NSLSC account.
Tax Information
Since the Government of Canada permanently eliminated interest on Canada Student Loans effective April 1, 2023, most borrowers will no longer have interest to claim on their federal loan. If you paid interest on your federal loan before April 1, 2023, you may still be eligible for a 15% federal tax credit on that interest — your Interest Paid statement is available in your NSLSC secure inbox at the beginning of each calendar year.
Interested in other federal student aid programs? Check out Canada Student Grants, Federal Student Scholarships, and Federal Student Bursaries.
