Loans & grants process

Full-Time

Full-Time Student Funding 

  • To receive student financial assistance through StudentAid BC, you must be a resident of BC.
  • For more information, go to the BC Residency Requirement page.
  • Available for education and living expenses.

 

Step 1: Before You Apply

Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements::

  • You must be registered in at least 60% course load (9 credits) not including repeat or upgrading courses
  • Or 40% course load (6 credits) for students with an approved permanent disability status with StudentAid BC

Note:

If you are registering in a course you have previously received a passing grade for, you will need to submit a repeat course form to SABC and get SABC's permission to repeat the course.

 

Step 2: Where to apply?

Applications are submitted through the Student Aid BC (SABC)Portal. Grants are assessed automatically at the time of loan processing by SABC.

Disclaimer:

Full-time students cannot apply for only a grant.

 

Step 3: How to Apply?

1. Visit StudentAidBC for instructions on how to apply for a Full-Time loan.

2. You must apply for a loan every semester. The program you are registered in at Douglas must match the one you enter on your loan application.

  • Check myAccount to confirm the program you are in for the appropriate semester.
  • Select the same program from the drop down menu on the loan application.

3. Once your application is processed by SABC, a Notice of Assessment (NOA)  will be posted to your SABC Dashboard, within 6 weeks.

  • If it's your first time receiving funding or you have not received a loan/grant funding in over two years, you must complete a Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA). Follow the instructions in your SABC portal on how to submit the MSFAA.
  • Once received, SABC will request Douglas College to confirm your full-time enrolment.

4. Confirmation of Enrolment:

  • Douglas College will confirm your enrolment electronically close to the start date of classes.
  • You must meet all eligibility requirements for confirmation.

5. Disbursement of Funds:

  • After your MSFAA has been completed and processed and your enrolment is confirmed, your funds will be released.  
  • Funds are sent after the confirmation of enrolment is completed and it may take 7 - 10 business days to arrive.
  • Find more details here: https://studentaidbc.ca/apply/receive#full-time

 

Step 4: How to pay the Tuition with Loans and Grants?

The tuition amount will be paid directly to Douglas College and the remainder of your approved funds will be sent to your bank account or,  for some grants, through a cheque in the mail.

  • To confirm that Douglas College has received payment, check your myAccount > Registration > View and Pay Tuition Fees.
Part-Time

Part-Time Student Funding

 

New for Winter 2025 Applications: 

Student Aid BC (SABC) will be launching an online part-time application portal. The launch date will be announced around the end of October 2024. 

Paper and PDF applications will no longer be accepted.

  • You will be able to submit your part-time application online through a Student Information Management System (SIMS) when the system launches
  •  Applicants will be required to login online through the B.C. Services Card app to submit their online funding application

  • Plan Ahead: You will need to download and set up a BC Services Card App 

     

Before You Apply for Part-time funding:

  • Ensure you meet SABC's part-time funding eligibility requirements
  • Your funding is determined by your course load 
    • Part-time status is defined as registering in 3 to 8.5 credits per semester.
    • Finalize your course load (number of credits) before submitting your Part-Time Studies Application
    • Changes in registration will require a reassessment, which may delay your funding. 
  • Fee deferrals are only granted to students who submit a Part-Time Studies Application to Douglas before the first fee payment deadline. Therefore, please plan ahead.
  • Person With Disability Status: If you have designated Disability status with Student Aid BC, and will register in 6-8.5 credits, consider applying for Full-time funding instead as Part-time loans do not cover living expenses.
Note:

Part-time funding does not cover living costs but allows for tuition, books, supplies, transportation and child care. 

**Important information: 

Once we complete your confirmation of enrolment you will no longer be eligible to apply for full-time loans for the same semester. It is advisable to only submit a part-time student loan application, if you plan to remain in a part-time course load.

 

How to Apply Online - Winter 2025 and Beyond

  1. Once StudentAid BC  launches the new SIMS online system, you will be prompted to log in with your B.C. Services Card app.
  2. Download the app early to avoid any delays
  3. As we approach the launch, we will provide more details on how to complete the online application here.

 

How to Apply - Fall 2024

We will still be accepting paper-based part-time applications until Nov. 14, 2024 for Fall (September – December) semester applicants. 

1. Download the application form:

2. Fill out your application form, sign the document in ink and email it to your Student Success Advisor (SSA) or enrolmentservices@douglascollege.ca.

  • Tip: Study period dates are different from the class start and end dates. To ensure you are accurately funded, see study dates for each semester on the Program Cost page.
  • Not sure who your SSA is? Check your MyAccount > Student Records or Email us at studentsuccess@douglascollege.ca

3. Once we process your application, you will receive a Notice of Assessment (NOA) from StudentAid BC detailing what kind of funding you will receive and when you will receive it.

  • This usually arrives 2-4 weeks after submitting an accurately completed application.
  • This letter will contain your 10-digit Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA) number.

4. Complete your MSFAA:

  • If it's your first time, or it's been over two years since being approved for part-time funding through StudentAid BC, you need to complete and agree to the Terms and Conditions of the Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA).

5. Confirmation of Enrolment:

  • Douglas College will confirm your enrolment one week before classes start. 
  • An early Confirmation of Enrolment can be requested up to 26 days prior to the semester's start. Please contact Enrolment Services for assistance. 
  • You must meet all eligibility requirements for confirmation.

**Important Information: 

Changes to your registration after your confirmation of enrolment may impact your funding and/or your future loan eligibility. Please ensure to consult with your Student Success Advisor before making any changes.

6. Funding is disbursed:

  • After your MSFAA has been completed and processed and your enrolment is confirmed, your funds will be released by StudentAid BC. 
  • Find more details, please visit: Student Aid BC Funding Information

 

Step 3: How to pay the Tuition with Loans and Grants

The tuition amount will be paid directly to Douglas College and the remainder of your approved funds will be sent to your bank account or through a cheque in the mail for some grants

  • To confirm that Douglas College has received payment, check your myAccount > Registration > View and Pay Tuition Fees.

 

Have questions about your application? See our Financial Aid FAQs.

Out-of-province

Out-of-Province Loans and Grants

If you live outside of BC, you must apply for assistance through your home province.

You must apply for a loan every semester.

The related website for each province and territory are listed below. Please read the details carefully because it is your responsibility to understand how your home province/territory operates.

Links to financial aid outside of BC:

 

See our Fee deferrals page for Out-of-Province applicants.