If you are seeking assistance from the NWTSFA Program, you must first read and complete an application form. The information you provide on the form will be assessed to determine if you are eligible and, if so, how much and what type of assistance you will receive.

Where can I get an SFA application package?

You can pick up an application package from the:

Student Financial Assistance Program
Education, Culture and Employment
Box 1320, Yellowknife, NT, XIA 2L9
Telephone: (867) 873-7190 or 1-800-661-0793 (toll free)
Fax: (867) 873-0336 or 1-800-661-0893 (toll free)

You can also obtain information by contacting one of the Education, Culture and Employment Offices in Fort Smith, Fort Simpson, Hay River, Inuvik, Norman Wells and Yellowknife.

Fort Simpson (867) 695-7334
Fort Smith (867) 872-7217
Hay River (867) 874-9200
Inuvik (867) 777-7323
Norman Wells (867) 587-2566
Yellowknife (867) 766-5100

You can also obtain an SFA application on our website at www.nwtsfa.gov.nt.ca .

What are the application deadlines?

Program start date:

Application Deadline:

January

November 15

May

March 15

August 16 - September 30

July 15

University College Entrance Program (UCEP)

July 15

In any other month

1 calendar month prior to start date (example: if your program begins February 16, you must apply before or on January 16)

You must fill out an application form by your applicable deadline for every academic year you attend school. Missing a deadline could keep you from receiving funding for the semester or the academic year you want to go to school. The deadlines are for both new students and students continuing from the prior academic year.

For example, if you start school in September and you want to attend the winter semester starting in January as well, your deadline to apply would be July 15. You must re-apply by that deadline the following year and so on if you want to continue on for future academic years.

For students starting programs that do not begin in the normal fall and winter months (late August, September and January) or for the spring / summer session (May), you must apply at least 1 calendar month before your start date. You must reapply by that deadline the following year and so on if you want to continue on for future academic years.

Because of the different start dates, other students may not have the same applicable deadline as you. However, please keep in mind that all students need to apply once per academic year. An academic year is 12 months long and starts on the start date of your program.

Where do I send my application form?

How can I check the status of my application?

You can check the status of your application by calling your Student Case Officer directly, or the NWTSFA Program at (867) 873-7190 or 1-800-661-0793 (toll free) or by e-mail at nwtsfa@gov.nt.ca , or check the online enquiry service available through this website.

Do I have to be accepted into my program before I apply for assistance?

No. You do not have to be accepted into your institution to apply for Student Financial Assistance. Once you have made the decision to enroll in post secondary studies, you can submit an application for assistance. However, you cannot receive your money until you submit a Student Enrolment Form.

Can I also apply for a Canada Student Loan from another jurisdiction?

No. If you are considered a resident of the Northwest Territories you cannot apply for a student loan from another jurisdiction. Like the NWT, jurisdictions require that you be considered ordinarily resident for a period of 12 continuous months prior to the start of your study period.

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Eligibility

How do I know if I am eligible?

Not everyone qualifies for assistance. There are basic eligibility requirements you must meet to qualify for NWT Student Financial Assistance. Check Section 5 of the Student Guide for more information.

If I live at home, can I still receive assistance?

Yes. You can live at home while receiving your post secondary education. However, where you live may affect whether you receive travel benefits and the amount of your living allowance you receive while you attend school.

If I'm receiving Income Assistance, can I also receive Student Financial Assistance?

Students are not normally eligible to receive Income Assistance while enrolled in full time post secondary studies. However, if you are not eligible for assistance from the SFA Program, you may qualify for funding under the Income Assistance Program. This assistance is only available to you if you do not qualify for SFA.

All students applying for funding under the Income Assistance Program must meet the same eligibility requirements as those of the SFA Program. Tuition is available for only 1 semester if you are enrolled in a full time, approved program of study in an accredited post secondary institution. You must attend a post secondary institution in the NWT to receive funding from the Income Assistance Program. Tuition is not available if you are required to repay SFA because you dropped out during the semester, but you may still receive funding for your living expenses.

Assistance is only available to those clients in the Adult Benefits or Youth Educational categories. Clients must complete a Productive Choice Plan with the assistance of a Career Development Officer (CDO) prior to any payment of tuition. The CDO will confirm that clients have been denied SFA, and advise the Income Assistance Worker. Clients may be provided with $50 for school supplies.

What institutions and programs are approved?

Your institution must be approved if you are to receive funding from the SFA Program. This helps to ensure that the institution you have selected provides acceptable levels of training. You must be enrolled at an approved public university or college, or an approved private post secondary institution to be eligible for NWT Student Financial Assistance.

It may be the case that your institution is approved, but not all of its programs may meet the requirements of the Student Financial Assistance Program. Similarly, not all private training schools or out of province/country schools have been approved. Please consult the Master List for the Designated Educational Institutions of the Canada Student Loan Program under Links/Educational Institutions on the website to see if your institution is approved.

What are the basic program requirements for full time studies?

You may be eligible to qualify for full time loans and grants in the Northwest Territories if all of the following items apply to you:

You apply by the applicable deadline
You are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada
You are considered "ordinarily resident" in the NWT for at least 12 continuous months immediately before the start of your program
You will be attending a NWT-approved program, at a recognized post secondary institution as a full time student leading to a certificate, diploma, undergraduate degree, masters or doctoral degree
Each semester of studies you are applying for is at least 12 continuous weeks but no longer than 26 continuous weeks
You do not have outstanding debts to the GNWT and your SFA loans are up to date
You submit a transcript indicating you successfully completed 60% of a 100% full course load during the 1st to 4th semesters you received funding from the SFA Program and 75% of a 100% full course load during the 5th and subsequent semesters, and
You submit all required documents

What is the NWTSFA program’s definition of a full time student?

To be considered eligible, you must be a full time student attending a post secondary institution and taking at least 60% of a 100% full course load each semester during the first 4 semesters in which you receive assistance from the Student Financial Assistance Program. This definition is new for the fall of 2000. For example, if a full course load is normally 5 courses per semester, you must be taking and passing 3 courses per semester to be considered full time by the NWT Student Financial Assistance Program.

If you are in the 5th and subsequent semesters of assistance under the SFA Program, you must be taking and passing at least 75% of a 100% full course load each semester to be considered full time. If a full course load is 5 courses per semester, you must then be taking four to be considered full time. The NWTSFA Program will determine if you qualify as a full time student.

Do practicum or co-op learning experiences qualify under the 75% course-load rule?

Practicum and co-op programs must meet the 75% course-load rule. The student can verify that their practicum or co-op period complies with the rule and is not a paid placement by contacting their post secondary institution.

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Assistance

What is the purpose of Student Financial Assistance?

In the Northwest Territories, the Student Financial Assistance Program is managed by the Department of Education, Culture and Employment of the Government of the Northwest Territories. The program administers and delivers loans and grants to eligible NWT residents. Its purpose or mandate is to provide students in the Northwest Territories with financial assistance for post secondary learning.

Is it a program of full financial support?

The intent of the SFA Program is to consider your post secondary education costs as a shared responsibility; one that you may contribute to through employment earnings, savings or from scholarships, or share with family members or with other agencies, organizations. The SFA Program is not intended to provide you with full financial assistance.

What is the overall impact of the new changes to the SFA Program?

The program has been redesigned to simplify delivery, create fairness/equity/access, reward student success, manage student debt and ensure that the program itself is fiscally sustainable for the government. There are new lifetime funding limits and some increases in rates.

What is the impact of the new program on Northern Indigenous Aboriginal Residents?

The Basic Grant will continue to provide tuition, books and travel assistance for students. Tuition and book rates are increased to $1750 and $300 per semester. Indigenous Dene, Metis and Inuit Students are able to choose to receive their monthly living allowance as a Supplementary Grant or as a Remissible Loan. The lifetime limit for Grant or Remissible Loan is 12 semesters. Students are entitled to receive funding for a maximum of 20 semesters and a lifetime loan limit of $47,000. All students can apply for a Repayable Loan and the NWT Study Grant for Students with Disabilities.

What is the impact of the new program on Northern Residents - Schooled in the NWT?

Tuition and book limits will be $1750 and $300 per semester. Students will receive a monthly living allowance as a Remissible Loan. Benefits are now all based on schooling in the NWT, not length of residency. The lifetime limit for the Basic Grant or Remissible Loan is 12 semesters out of a maximum of 20 semesters of funding. The new lifetime loan limit is $47,000. A Repayable Loan and the NWT Study Grant for Students with Disabilities are also available.

What is the impact of the new program on Northern Residents - Not Schooled in the NWT?

Primary and Secondary Loans are discontinued and are replaced with an income-assessed Repayable Loan. Access to a Repayable Loan is available to a maximum of 20 semesters or to an established loan limit maximum. Students may also apply for the NWT Study Grant for Students with Disabilities.

What is the impact of the new program on course reimbursement/part time studies?

Reimbursement for a course that you pay for your self is now based on an income assessment. Reimbursement will include all part time post secondary courses such as evening classes, not just correspondence courses. The maximum amount of reimbursement per course is increased from $250 to $500, up to a lifetime limit of $5,000. Reimbursement for expenses will now includes distance transmission fees and day care costs in addition to book and tuition costs. To be reimbursed, you must be enrolled in postsecondary course(s) and meet the requirements of a financial income assessment.

Do students have to be residents of the NWT?

To be eligible for SFA, applicants must be considered ordinarily resident for at least 12 continuous months immediately before the start date of their program of studies. This means that you live in the NWT, or are considered a resident of the NWT. You may be considered an ordinary resident for SFA purposes if you were outside the NWT attending a K-12 program if your parent who had custody of you lived in the NWT, or if you were employed by a NWT employer, or were under medical care or imprisoned.

All students applying for SFA must have been considered ordinarily living in the NWT for 12 continuous months before the start date of their program. The current practice is to have former residents of the Northwest Territories re-establish their residency for a period of one year to re-qualify for benefits.

What types of student financial assistance are available?

Eligible students may receive a NWTSFA loan or grant, a NWTSFA scholarship or Canada Millennium Bursary, the NWT Study Grant for Students with Disabilities or the University College Entrance Preparation assistance.

Can I still receive assistance if I am studying outside of the NWT?

Yes. Students studying outside of the NWT at an approved institution can apply and receive assistance. Students must submit a completed NWT Student Financial Assistance Program application form.

How is my student financial assistance calculated?

Not all students receive the same amount of money. The amount you receive will depend on your financial need, the number of dependants you claim and your student category. Refer to Section 8 of the Student Guide.

How much can I receive for my living allowance?

If you are a Northern Indigenous Aboriginal Resident or a Northern Resident - Schooled in the NWT, you can receive assistance for your living expenses for each eligible semester. Living allowance assistance is issued to you on a monthly basis to help you pay for food, rent, clothing and utilities while you are in school.

Living Allowance Rates

Monthly Living Allowance Rates

Single

Single Parent

Spouse — No Income

Spouse - Income

Single Living with Parents

300

N/A

N/A

N/A

Single Student Living Alone

700

N/A

N/A

N/A

0 Dependants

N/A

N/A

$900

$700

1 Dependant

N/A

$1100

$1100

$900

2 Dependants

N/A

$1300

$1300

$1100

3 Dependants

N/A

$1500

$1500

$1300

Each additional Dependant

N/A

$50

$50

$50

If you are a Northern Resident - Not Schooled in the NWT you can receive a Repayable Loan to a maximum of $1100 per month to cover tuition, books, travel and your living expenses.

Tuition

If you are eligible to receive a Basic Grant, you will receive assistance for your tuition expenses up to a maximum of $1,750 for each eligible semester. Tuition assistance is issued directly to you and you are responsible for paying tuition fees to the post secondary institution. However, the SFA Program forwards your tuition to Aurora College on your behalf. You can also apply for assistance to cover tuition expenses that exceed this rate but the assistance will be provided to you in the form of a fully Repayable Loan.

Books

If you are eligible to receive a Basic Grant, you will receive assistance for your books up to a maximum of $300 for each eligible semester. This is issued to you at the start of the semester after all required documents are received. However, if you are an Aurora College student, the SFA Program will forward your funding for books directly to the College on your behalf. You can also apply for assistance to cover book expenses that exceed this rate but the assistance will be provided to you in the form of a fully Repayable Loan.

Travel

If you receive a Basic Grant, you can apply to receive travel assistance to and from your home community in the NWT to the nearest institution offering the program. If you are a single student without dependants, or you do not claim your dependants, and you are taking two or more consecutive semesters, you may also be eligible to receive travel assistance home for the holiday/intersession season.

Airfare assistance is provided up to the cost of an excursion return airfare to the nearest, approved institution offering the program. If you choose to drive, you may be eligible to receive the current government rate per kilometer up to the allowable cost of an excursion, return airfare to the nearest approved institution offering their program. When you travel by plane, accommodation assistance is provided at an approved rate, only if you are required to overnight due to unavailable flights. No assistance for accommodation or food is provided if you choose to drive.

You may be provided with travel assistance that exceeds excursion return airfares to the nearest institution offering the program in the North or the nearest institution offering the program in the South if you can demonstrate that your program is different from the one offered at the nearest institution offering the program. You can also apply for assistance to cover travel expenses that exceed this rate but the assistance will be provided to you in the form of a fully Repayable Loan.

If I have education-related costs associated with my disability, will they be considered?

If you have a permanent disability such as deafness, blindness, other physical or learning disabilities, you will be able to claim the education-related expenses associated with your disability. You can apply for the NWT Study Grant for Students with Disabilities if you area full time or a part time student.

What other supports are available to me during my years of study and upon graduation?

In addition to scholarships, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment offers a number of career development services to students and graduates. Programs and services include such initiatives as: summer employment opportunities, training on the job, labour market information services, job search, and resume writing. Students are encouraged to contact the Career Center in their region for more information. You can also check our website for various exchanges or internship opportunities that may be of interest to you.

How much can students borrow?

The maximum lifetime assistance a student can receive from the Student Financial Assistance Program in the form of a Remissible or Repayable Loan is $47,000. If you divide this amount over a typical four-year university program, it would mean that students accessing greater than $11,750 per year will exceed their lifetime loan limit before they can complete the four-year program.

Is there a limit to how long students in full time studies can receive Student Financial Assistance?

There are two limits to the program (1) the number of semesters and (2) the maximum loan limit. Students are eligible to receive assistance from the Program for up to 20 semesters to a maximum amount of Repayable or Remissible Loan assistance of $47,000. If a student borrows $47,000 before they have completed 20 semesters, they are deemed to have reached their loan limit. Likewise, if they receive assistance for 20 semesters and have not used up their $47,000, they are deemed to have received the maximum benefits under the program.

How will students know when they reach their semester or lifetime loan limits?

Students will be notified each year regarding the number of semesters available to them and their current loan status. Also, beginning soon, the department will be offering students the ability to check loan balances/semester limits through the NWTSFA website. Check the site for updates about the arrival of this service.

Who can students claim as a dependant?

You can claim a dependant for your living expenses as part of your Supplementary Grant, Remissible Loan, or Repayable Loan. A dependant is your child, stepchild or adopted child, who are 19 years of age or younger and you have care and control of that child. Your dependant must be living with you 100% of the time while you are in school. You are considered a single parent if you are the custodial parent who has legal custody, and shared financial support.

Your spouse can also be considered a dependant if he or she is financially dependant on you. A spouse is someone you are married to or have been living with in a common-law relationship for a continuous period of one year. An elderly person can also be a dependant if you are including that person when you file your own income tax.

What are student entitlements regarding travel and how is travel arranged?

Under the Basic Grant, students are provided with return travel assistance from their home community in the NWT to the nearest institution offering the program in the North or the nearest institution offering the program in the South. Single students who do not have dependants, or students who do not claim their dependants, who are taking two or more consecutive semesters, may also be eligible to receive travel assistance home for the holiday/intersession season. The students arrange their own travel.

Airfare assistance is provided up to the cost of an excursion return airfare to the nearest, approved institution offering the program. If a student chooses to drive, he or she may be eligible to receive $0.215 per kilometer up to the allowable cost of an excursion, return airfare to the nearest approved institution offering their program. When students travel by plane, accommodation assistance is provided at an approved rate only if students are required to overnight due to unavailable flights. No accommodation or food assistance is provided if students choose to drive.

Will the elimination of the Transitional Allowance create hardship for students?

The one-time Transitional Allowance is being replaced under the new Program with increased living allowance and grant and loan borrowing rates. This will mean that students have access to a higher level of financial assistance that will help to eliminate the need for a Transitional Allowance.

Is there any provision for assistance for students to take summer session courses under the proposed Student Financial Assistance Program re-design?

The requirement to enrol in a program of at least 12 continuous weeks will continue to guide program eligibility. However, students who are eligible to enrol in spring/summer sessions will continue to be eligible for assistance. Please check the Student Guide for more information.

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Loan Repayment

Do I have to make loan payments while I'm in school?

No. Payments are not required while you are enrolled in full time studies. However, you could be asked to repay a portion of your funding if you received higher benefits than you were entitled to receive. In this instance, the NWTSFA Program may request that you repay these funds even if you are still in school.

What is an overpayment?

An overpayment occurs where it is determined that you received more money than you were eligible to receive. Overpayments are discovered when applications are reassessed, or the Student Financial Assistance Program conducts an audit, or a student withdraws from courses that represent less than 60% or 75% of a full course load.

Do I have to repay all of the money?

A Repayable Loan must be repaid, but grant assistance does not have to be repaid, unless an overpayment has been calculated. A Remissible Loan can be forgiven over time if you meet the criteria.

When do I have to pay it back?

You are required to begin repayment of your loans 6 months after you cease being considered a full time student. During this 6-month period you are required to contact your Revenue and Collections Officer to negotiate repayment or remission of your loan.

If you continue to attend full time studies without financial assistance from the SFA Program, you must also contact your Revenue and Collections Officer who will prepare the necessary documentation to stop repayment obligations while you are in school.

What happens if I have trouble repaying my student loan?

If you have trouble repaying your student loan, you should contact your Revenue and Collections Officer immediately to negotiate a repayment plan.

What happens if I fail to repay my student loan?

The Department makes every effort to notify students about their SFA loan obligations and provide them with options for repayment that consider the student’s financial circumstances.

Students who do not contact us within 6 months of ceasing full time studies will have the entire amount of loan and interest that should have been paid become due and payable on the first day of the 7th month after the date the student ceased studies. An interest penalty may be charged even if students become eligible for remission. Once the loan has gone into default, the student may:

Face additional interest charges
Lose future student loan assistance
Lose remission
Have to deal with a collection agency
Establish a bad credit rating
Lose future income tax refunds
Face legal action

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Loan Remission

Am I eligible for remission?

You must meet various eligibility requirements before we can remiss or forgive your Remissible Loan. As such, all loans are considered repayable unless you demonstrate eligibility for loan remission. To be eligible for remission, you must:

Provide us with your official transcript(s) confirming that you completed 60% of a full course-load in your first 4 semesters on SFA as of the fall of 2000 and 75% during the 5th and subsequent semesters to which the loan applies, and
Return to physically reside in the NWT upon successful completion of 60% or 75% of a 100% post secondary course, in the sense of eating, sleeping and carrying on normal activities in the NWT.
Complete all necessary paperwork and provide any outstanding documents.

How much loan remission can I receive?

You may be granted $1,000 remission for every 3 months ($4,000 per year) of residency that you live in the NWT after ceasing full time studies. However, remission is not automatic. You must forward a copy of your official transcript(s) to your Revenue and Collections Officer. If you fail to consolidate your student loan or default on your loan you may lose any remission that you may be entitled to receive. So please, sign the form confirming your residency in the NWT and maintain your loan in good standing. Remission is not available for income-assessed Repayable Loans.

What if I am on Loan Remission and I leave the NWT?

You must contact your Revenue and Collections Officer prior to any departure over 3 months in duration (for reasons other than attending post secondary studies). Check the Student Guide — Section 13.

If I return to the NWT during the summer, can I receive remission?

No. Remission cannot begin/resume until you have been out of school and living in the NWT for a period of at least 6 months.

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Withdrawal or Transferring Schools

What happens if I withdraw from school?

Withdrawal occurs when you drop below 60% of a 100% full course load (75% for students on their 5th semester or more of SFA funding since the Fall of 2000). The SFA Program will recalculate your funding and as a result you may be required to repay a portion of your student loan and/or grant assistance. You may also be suspended.

What happens if I drop courses?

Students should contact their Student Case Officer before making changes to their program of study. If students drop courses and do not maintain full time student status, they will not be eligible for SFA.

What happens if I change schools?

Many students transfer from one school to another before or after receiving their student financial assistance. You must notify the NWT Student Financial Assistance Program staff prior to any change in your program or institution of study to ensure that the change does not impact on your funding.

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Loan Default

What is a default?

A default occurs when you are unable or unwilling to make the required monthly payments on your student loan account. If you are having difficulty making monthly payments on your loan, talk to your Student Case Officer. There may be options available to assist you.

Am I eligible for further assistance if my previous student loan is in default?

Your ability to access further assistance depends on whether or not you meet certain requirements. You must have made every effort toward meeting your obligations during the preceding 12 months. Contact your Student Case Officer for more information.

Bankruptcy:

The Government of Canada has new rules for student loans and bankruptcy. If you claim bankruptcy within 10 years after the end of your studies, your student loan will not be automatically written off. The amount you owe — interest and principal — and the monthly payments you are required to make will remain the same until the loan is paid out.

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This page last updated August, 2004