Manitoba Student Aid

Manitoba Student Aid is advancing its commitment to student success by simplifying application processes, expanding online access, and increasing financial support through enhanced grants and loan limits—ensuring more students can afford and access post-secondary education.

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Changes to Student Aid Eligibility

A. Federal Changes (Canada Student Financial Assistance Program)

The Government of Canada regularly reviews its programs to ensure students are enrolled in high-quality credible programs.

As a result, the following changes are being introduced:

1. Changes for students at private for-profit institutions in Canada

• Most students will no longer be eligible for the Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students.
• Students will still be eligible for:
  • Canada Student Loans (interest-free)
  • Canada Student Grants for:
    • Students with dependants
    • Students with disabilities
    • Part-time studies
    • Services and equipment for students with disabilities
• Exceptions (subject to approval):
  Some programs may remain eligible. For 2026–27, proposed exempt programs include:
  • Nursing
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Dental Hygiene
  • Paramedic

2. Changes for students at private for-profit institutions outside Canada

• Students will no longer be eligible for:
  • Canada Student Loans
  • Canada Student Grants
• Transition period:
  Current students may continue receiving federal funding until July 31, 2029, if they:
  • Were enrolled in 2025/26, and
  • Continue in the same program and institution
• Students at public or not-for-profit institutions outside Canada
  • Remain eligible for federal student aid

B. Provincial Changes (Manitoba Student Aid)

The Province of Manitoba is making changes to protect students by prioritizing regulated, high-quality programs with strong outcomes, including employment prospects. The changes also strengthen program integrity and support public and non-profit institutions that demonstrate long-term success for graduates. Manitoba is home to high quality universities and colleges that have strong protection for students and help them to connect to great careers.

1. Changes to Manitoba Student Loan eligibility

• Students will not be eligible for Manitoba Student Loans if studying at:
  • Most private institutions outside Manitoba, or
  • Any institution outside Canada (public or private)
• Exceptions may apply for:
  • Programs under Interprovincial or International Training Agreements
• Students remain eligible if studying at:
  • Public institutions in Canada (outside Manitoba)
  • Public or private institutions in Manitoba

2. Changes to Manitoba Bursary eligibility

• Students attending public institutions outside Manitoba (in Canada) will:
• No longer be eligible for the Manitoba Bursary
• Includes the Top-Up for Indigenous Students
• Exceptions may apply for:
  • Programs under Interprovincial or International Training Agreements
• Students studying in Manitoba:
  • No change to eligibility

Manitoba Exceptions List

Exceptions may apply for:

• Manitoba–Minnesota Reciprocity Agreement
• Interprovincial Training Agreements
• Approved programs meeting exemption criteria

If a program is not currently included, institutions or students may submit a request for an exception if:

• The program is not offered in Manitoba, and
• There is a demonstrated labour market need in Manitoba

See Information for Educational Institutions for details.

Canada Student Grants Only Option for Full-Time Students

Manitoba Student Aid now offers a Canada Student Grants Only Option for full-time applicants. This option allows students to receive the federal grants they are eligible for, without taking on loan funding. Grants available include:

• Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students (CSG-FT)
• Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students with Dependents (CSG-FTDEP)
• Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities (CSG-D)
• Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Disabilities (CSG-DSE)

If a student’s financial situation changes during their studies, they can request a reassessment to explore their eligibility for Canada Student Loans, Manitoba Student Loans, and the Manitoba Bursary.

Please note a reassessment may result in processing delays and funding cannot be released after the study period end date.

Note: This option is only available for full-time applications. If students submit a part-time application, they will automatically be assessed for grants and loans.

Preferred Name on Application

Students now have the option to enter a preferred name on their application. This allows students to indicate the name they use, reinforcing Manitoba Student Aid’s commitment to an inclusive and respectful environment.

Upfront Disbursement for Programs Less Than 17 Weeks

For programs with a duration of 17 weeks or less, Manitoba Student Aid will disburse the full amount of funding at the start of the study period. This ensures students in short-term programs receive the financial support they need upfront, enabling them to cover their tuition, materials, and living expenses without the risk of funding delays.

Increased Financial Support Extended for 2025/26

Manitoba Student Aid is extending key financial enhancements for the 2025/26 academic year to better support students pursuing post-secondary education.

Higher Weekly Loan Maximums

• The Manitoba Student Loan weekly maximum remains at the increased level of $200 per week of study, up from $140 in 2022/2023
• The Canada Student Loan weekly maximum for full-time students remains at the increased rate of $300, up from $210 in 2022/2023

Note: The part-time Canada Student Loan limit remains unchanged at $10,000.

Enhanced Canada Student Grants

Canada Student Grants will continue at levels 40% higher than 2019–2020, providing more non-repayable support to eligible students:

• Full-Time Students (CSG-FT): Up to $525/month or $4,200 for an 8-month period
• Part-Time Students (CSG-PT): Up to $2,520 per academic year
• Students with Disabilities (CSG-D): $2,800 per academic year
• Full-Time Students with Dependants (CSG-FTDEP): Up to $2,240 per dependant for an 8-month period
• Part-Time Students with Dependants (CSG-PTDEP): Up to $2,688 per academic year

Note: The grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Disabilities (CSG-DSE) remains at up to $20,000 per academic year.