Not sure if you’re a resident of BC? To determine residency, students are classified either as dependant or independent. 

Dependant: If you are classified as dependant, your residency is defined as the Canadian province in which your parent(s), step-parent(s), sponsor or legal guardian have lived most recently for 12 continuous months. 

Independent: If you are classified as independent, your residency is defined as the Canadian province in which you have lived most recently for 12 continuous months (excluding any time spent in full-time post-secondary study). 

Even if you have a BC services card, license and insurance, you will still not be eligible for a BC student loan unless you have lived in BC for 12 consecutive months.  

If you are taking a program that is more than one year, you will continue to apply to your province of residency every year, as residency does not include time spent in post-secondary school. 

If you are not a resident of BC, you must apply to the province you are a resident of. If you are not sure, contact admissions@focuscollege.com.

To be eligible for a loan, you must: 

• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or have protected person status and have a valid Canadian social insurance number. 

• Be pursuing full-time studies as a primary occupation (check out loans for part-time students). 

• Be enrolled in an eligible program of study at an eligible post-secondary institution. 

• Demonstrate financial need.  

• Make academic progress and achieve satisfactory scholastic standing in each period of post-secondary study. 

Loans for full-time students must first be used for:

• Tuition
• Fees
• Books
• School supplies

You must start repaying your loan six months after your study period ends. Find out about loan repayment options, including making a payment plan and how to pay.

If you need support repaying your loans, find out about the Repayment Assistance Plan and the Repayment Assistance Plan for Borrowers with Disabilities.