Financial Aid and Scholarships


As a valued student of the Blanche Macdonald Centre, our team ensures that you receive the required resources to apply for Student Loans and other forms of Financial Aid. After all, a little goes a long way when you’re a student!

We are committed to working with you to answer any questions and assist with budgeting for school and other expenses.

To contact a Financial Aid Advisor, please speak to an Admissions Director at Blanche Macdonald Centre. An Admissions Director can arrange an appointment for you to meet with a Financial Aid Advisor to complete your Student Loan Application in full if you experience any difficulties.

BC Student Loan Funding

For those who qualify for BC Student Loan funding, the maximum loan funding for a Full-time, one year program is $16,640 (for students who do not have children). For those students with dependants who qualify for BC Student Loan funding, the maximum loan funding for a one year program is $26,520.

For Canadian students who are from other provinces, the funding amounts may vary. Please visit the Government of Canada website below for more information.
Provincial and territorial information for Canada Student Loans and Grants

Obtaining Your Student Loan

How to apply
Receiving your funding
Appealing your assessment
Your Loan Responsibilities
Dealing with an overaward

Repaying Your Student Loan

Applying for Interest-free Status
National Student Loan Service Centre Contact Information
NSLSC Online Services
Provincial Student Assistance Offices
Loan Repayment Estimator
Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP)
Revision of Terms Plan
Rehabilitating your defaulted Student Loan

Student lines of credit are offered by banks and credit unions. They generally have low interest rates and do not usually charge monthly or annual fees.

RBC Royal Credit Line for Students
BMO Student Line of Credit
TD Canada Trust Student Line of Credit

Blanche Macdonald Centre is a Designated Educational Institution where you may redeem your RESP funding. All of the programs offered by Blanche Macdonald Centre are considered to be Qualifying Educational Programs by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Please contact your RESP provider or ESDC at 1-800-622-6232 for further information, or visit the Government of Canada RESP information page).

Blanche Macdonald Tuition Grants

Full-time programs: there are up to $4,000 in tuition grants for some Full-time programs and start dates.

Part-time programs: there are up to $1,500 in tuition grants for some Part-time programs and start dates.

  1. How will I pay for school and graduate without a huge debt while on a Student Loan?
    Student Loans are a source of funding; however, they are meant to supplement income – not replace it. It is important to borrow wisely and never borrow more than needed. Learn to live simply and within your means! Plan your finances to avoid added stress and always keep repayment in mind. A part time job while studying would allow you to start making payments right away without penalty. Contact our Financial Aid Office for more helpful tips.

  2. I am in need of government Student Loans and grants. How do I apply?
    You can find general information about Student Loans and grants here, or contact our Financial Aid Advisor.

  3. I need to pay my fees but my Student Loan funding has been delayed. What can I do?
    Students approved for Student Loan funding sometimes experience unusual delays in the processing of their loan. If you have been approved and are unable to pay your fees prior to receiving your Student Loan, you can request a fee deferral. This will allow you to pay the outstanding amounts from your loan.

    If you are on a Student Loan and your loan is still pending, you must contact the Financial Aid Department at the Blanche Macdonald Centre immediately to check on your loan status. Please contact Carly Ho at 604-685-0337 (Robson Campus) or Alexa Comple-Cadano at 604-685-0347 (City Square Campus).

    **NOTE: Kit must be paid on the first day of class if Student Loan is pending.

  4. How do I maintain interest-free status on an outstanding Student Loan?
    If you qualify for and receive new loan funding, previous government loan balances will automatically be put into interest-free status. You are not required to take any additional action.

    If you are a returning student who is not receiving Student Loans, you can submit the Confirmation of Enrollment for interest-free status online through the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC) website and notify our Financial Aid Department.

    **NOTE: If you do have outstanding interest owing, you will be required to pay it before your loan will be put into interest-free status.

  5. What do I need to know about Student Loan Repayment?
    There will be a Student Loan Repayment Presentation 30 days before graduation. If you need any additional information, please contact the Financial Aid Department.

  6. What is loan consolidation?
    Consolidation starts on the first day of the seventh month after you stop attending full time studies. Quite simply, it means that you have been given a repayment date at which point your monthly loan payments will commence.

    A Loan Consolidation Agreement will be sent to you from your lender(s) approximately 45 days before entering repayment. This document will contain details about your outstanding loan balance, monthly payment amount, monthly payment date, length of repayment time, interest rate charged and bank account from which payments will be withdrawn.

  7. Who will I repay?
    If your loans were issued by: British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan or Yukon you only have one loan provider, the National Student Loan Service Centre (NSLSC). Borrowers with a part-time Student Loan will also need to repay the NSLSC.

    If your loans were issued by: Alberta, Nova Scotia or Prince Edward Island you will need to stay in touch with 2 loan providers. The federal portion is managed through the National Student Loan Service Centre and the provincial portion through your Provincial Student Assistance Office.

    If your loans were issued by: Quebec, Nunavut or Northwest Territories you will repay your loan through the Student Assistance Office of your province or territory of residence.

  8. Can I speed up my Student Loan repayment?
    Yes! You can make lump sum payments or increase your monthly payment amount at any time during the life of your loan. These extra amounts will reduce the principal of your loan and thus the amount of interest you will pay over time. Student Loans generally have a lifespan of 9.5 years; however you can speed up your repayment at any time. Use the Loan Repayment Estimator to explore your options.

  9. What if I am unable to make my monthly payments?
    Consider applying for the Repayment Assistance Plan. If you are eligible, this program will allow you to make affordable payments based on gross family income and family size.

    If you are not eligible and still facing financial hardship, there are still other available options to help you. Please contact Gary Tang (City Square Campus) for more information.

  10. What happens if I don't repay my Student Loan?
    If you don't repay your Student Loan you could face:

    • Loss of future income tax refunds and tax rebates
    • Garnishment of your wages
    • Loss of eligibility for debt management programs
    • Loss of eligibility for future Student Loan funding
    • Added interest charges
    • Bad credit rating and inability to get credit (to buy a house, car, rent property, etc)
    • Being contacted by a collection agency
    • Liens against your property

    If you have concerns about making repayments, it is best to contact someone as soon as possible to discuss your options. Call the National Student Loans Service Centre at 1-888-815-4514, contact your Provincial Student Assistance Office, or reach out to our Financial Aid Office for assistance and advice.

  11. Who can I contact at Blanche Macdonald for more information or assistance?
    For assistance with student loan application and tuition funds contact our Financial Aid Advisors:

    City Square Campus
    Alexa Comple-Cadano
    [email protected]
    604.685.0347

    Robson Campus
    Carly Ho
    [email protected]
    604.685.0337

    For repayment to the government after loan funds have been disbursed, contact our Student Financial Support Manager:

    Gary Tang
    [email protected]
    604.685.0347

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