Program Updates
Manitoba Student Aid is committed to continuous improvement, with the goal of simplifying processes and enhancing student satisfaction. Every year, changes are being implemented to further simplify the process of applying for and obtaining funding.
Expanded Supports for Students with Disabilities
The Canada Student Financial Assistance Program is expanding supports for students with disabilities to include student borrowers with persistent or prolonged disabilities.
Permanent Disability is any impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment – or a functional limitation - that:
- Restricts your ability to perform the daily activities necessary to pursue studies at a post-secondary school level or participate in the labour force, and;
- Is expected to remain with you for your expected life.
Persistent or Prolonged Disability is any impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment – or a functional limitation – that:
- Restricts your ability to perform the daily activities necessary to pursue studies at a post-secondary school level or to participate in the labour force, and;
- Has lasted, or is expected to last, for a period of at least 12 months and is not a permanent disability.
As a student with a verified disability, you may be eligible for:
- Reduced course load requirements for full-time studies (you are a full-time student if you are taking at least 40% of a full course load each term)
- Exempt from the study periods +1 limit
- Eligible for up to 520 weeks of lifetime assistance
- Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities (CSG-D)
- Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment – Students with Disabilities (CSG-DSE)
Doubling of Canada Student Grant amounts
In response to increased financial need for the coming 2022–2023 school year, the maximum amount of Canada Student Grants will remain doubled.
The Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students will increase up to a maximum of $6,000 and the grant for part-time studies to $3,600.
The Canada Student Grants for Students with Disabilities and Students with Dependants will also be doubled.
Repayment Assistance Plan Zero Payment Threshold
The Canada Student Financial Assistance Program announced the increase in the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) zero payment threshold for a family size of one from $25,000 to $40,000. Other family sizes will align with the thresholds used for Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students.
RAP is meant to assist borrowers who are experiencing difficulty repaying their loans. For more information, visit: What If I'm Having Trouble Repaying My Loans.
Removal of the Number of Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees Limit
Manitoba Student Aid has removed the eligibility limit that restricts a borrower access to funding for only one certificate, one diploma or one degree. Students can now apply to receive funding for more than one program.
The Skills Boost Top-up to the Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students Program will continue until July 2023
The Skills Boost Top-up Grant, intended to support older and non-traditional learners, has been extended until July 2023.
Students who are eligible for the Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students and who have been out of secondary school for at least 10 years, may be eligible for this additional grant.
Interest-free Canada Student Loans
Effective April 2021, Canada Student Loans are interest-free until March 31, 2023. Loan holders are required to make their monthly payments, although federal interest will not be accumulating.
Manitoba Student Loans continue to be interest-free.
Review of Family Income
The initial assessment to determine eligibility for Canada Student Grants is based on the previous year's family income.
However, if there has been a significant change in family income, applicants may request a review to determine eligibility based on their current year's income instead.
The flexibility to use current income instead of previous year's income can result in significant changes to the applicant's assessed need and eligibility for Canada Student Grants and Manitoba Bursary.
Now Available
The Manitoba Student Aid application is available to full-time students attending classes during the 2022/23 application year.
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