Getting a university, college or trade school education has never been more important. This year, if you, or your child, wish to continue or begin post-secondary education, you will have access to more financial assistance than ever before. It’s the Government of Canada’s way of ensuring Canadians get the help they need to pay for school and secure a promising future.

Beginning in the fall of 2009, students and families can take advantage of new grants and repayment assistance that make it easier to manage the cost of post-secondary education. Highlights of the new measures include:

A new up-front Canada Student Grant for full-time students from low- and middle- income families. This grant will provide $250 every month to low-income students and $100 a month to students from middle-income families who qualify for Canada Student Loans. Low-income students with children will get an additional $200 a month for every child under 12 years of age. Grants do not need to be paid back. Your eligibility for most Canada Student Grants is automatically assessed when you apply and qualify for a Canada Student Loan.

A new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) to help student loan borrowers who have difficulty paying back their student loans. The plan will make it easier for student loan borrowers to manage their debt by ensuring that they can afford their loan payments. Under the plan, loan payments will be based on the borrower’s income and family size. In addition, no borrower should have a repayment period of more than 15 years, or 10 years if they have a permanent disability, while on the plan. You must apply for RAP as enrolment is not automatic.

Support for part-time students, including a grant worth up to $1,200. Part-time students may receive up to $10,000 in Canada Student Loans, which is an increase from $4,000. In addition, the Grant for Part-Time Students with Dependants offers up to $1,920 for one year of study for students with dependants under 12 years of age. No payments will be required until six months after leaving school, although interest will accumulate during the study period.

Support for students with permanent disabilities. Students with permanent disabilities will have access to these new measures and will continue to be eligible for an up-front grant worth $2,000 to help with accommodation, tuition and books, as well as up to $8,000 annually for tutors and note-takers, sign interpreters, braillers or technical aids.

To help you achieve your educational goals, CanLearn.ca offers information and services to help you save, plan and pay for post-secondary education. Interactive online tools, including the new Student Financial Assistance Estimator and Repayment Assistance Estimator, can help you determine what kind of assistance is available and help you manage the cost of post-secondary education.

In addition, publications can be downloaded from CanLearn.ca or ordered through info@canlearn.ca