Financial Aid
Attending college provides new opportunities, but it can also bring new expenses including tuition, books, and day-to-day living costs. Our goal is to make sure these expenses do not become a barrier to your education. We will work with you to find the right funding option.
Many potential sources of financial support require application processes that take six to eight weeks from the time you first apply until you actually have money in the bank. These processes often require that you provide detailed information about school, living expenses, sources of income support and personal resources so it's important to plan ahead.
Interested in sponsoring/paying for a student to attend MHC?
Contact FinAidInfo@mhc.ab.ca for details.
Loans & Grants
Applying for Government Student Financial Aid
Apply for a Canada Student Grant and Loan online through the student financial assistance site of your province or territory of permanent residence.
Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia or Prince Edward Island
- You may be eligible to receive two grants and/or loans: one from the Government of Canada and the other from your provincial government.
- Manage and repay your loans through two loan providers: the NSLSC website for your Canada Student Loan, and your provincial government's student financial aid office or their service provider for your provincial loan.
Ontario, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick or Newfoundland and Labrador
- You may be eligible to receive a combination of federal and provincial student grants and loans.
- Manage and repay your student loan through the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC).
Yukon
- Apply for a Canada Student Grant and Loan through Yukon Student Aid.
- You are assessed for both federal and territorial grants as well as a Canada Student Loan.
- Manage and repay your student loan through the NSLSC website.
Northwest Territories, Nunavut or Quebec
Canada Student Grants and Loans are not available. To find out about student loan programs in these provinces/territories, visit:
- Northwest Territories Student Financial Assistance
- Nunavut Student Funding
- Quebec Student Financial Aid
Note: You must re-apply for funding every school year. If you do not apply for financial aid during one semester or year of study, your school must complete Confirmation of Enrolment information. Contact Medicine Hat College Student Financial Aid & Awards for assistance.
Wait for Notice of Assessment from your province/territory
Your Notice of Assessment (also known as a “Student Award Letter”) will indicate if you qualify for grants and loans:
- You may be required to complete a Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA) if you have not previously completed one. You must complete your MSFAA online by registering or logging in to your secure NSLSC account.
If you are not approved for funding or you are not satisfied with the approved amount, contact the student financial assistance office in your province or territory to discuss your assessment.
Review your Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA):
- Your MSFAA is a legally binding contract. Review it carefully and read the terms and conditions. Make sure you fully understand your responsibilities and commitments before accepting. Your acceptance means you agree to be bound by the MSFAA terms and conditions.
- If your personal information is not correct, you can follow the steps on the NSLSC website to update this as well as contact your provincial or territorial student financial aid office.
- Include your financial institution information for direct deposit.
- The MSFAA is a multi-year agreement. This means the next time you apply for student financial aid, just complete and submit your student loan application for your province or territory of residence and wait for your Notice of Assessment.
If you provided your banking information, your grant(s) or loan(s) will be deposited directly in your financial institution account or forwarded to your school to pay your academic fees (e.g. tuition) on or after the first day of classes.
Tip: By providing your banking information and opting for direct deposit, you’ll avoid potential delays in receiving your funds by cheque.
Bonus Tip! If you need to update your banking information, log in to your secure NSLSC account and download the “How to update your Banking Information” guide for step-by-step instructions.
While there are exceptions, you normally receive two disbursements of money in a year, depending on when you apply:
- during your first term; and
- during your second term.
For more information on disbursement dates, check with your school's student financial assistance office.
Changes to your financial situation and eligibility
If your financial situation changes before you start school or while you are studying, you must inform your provincial or territorial student financial assistance office.
If your eligibility for student grants and loans is reassessed and this changes the amount of money you are to receive, your provincial or territorial student financial assistance office will let you know.
Additional Information