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Need-based financial aid for current undergraduates

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EligibilityWhen to applyHow to applySupporting documentationDecision timesAward amountsPayment methodsLoans, repayments and extensionsOther financial aid servicesSSMU Access Bursary Fund

In-Course Financial Aid Program

McGill University is committed to enhancing university success by supporting qualified undergraduate students who require financial assistance during their studies. The Scholarships and Student Aid Office administers a program of in-course bursaries and loans to full time degree students who demonstrate financial need.  In this way the University is able to help those who face financial challenges by supplementing their government aid, part-time work, parental support, and/or other sources of funding.

Eligibility

To be considered for In-Course Financial Aid, applicants must:

  • be currently enrolled in a full-time degree program at the University
  • apply for and accept the maximum available government student aid for which they are eligible
  • be in satisfactory academic standing
  • demonstrate financial need

Special, Visiting, Qualifying, Continuing Education, Diploma, and Certificate students are generally not eligible for aid from our office.

Students registered with the Office for Students with Disabilities may be eligible for financial aid while pursuing a reduced course load.

When to apply

While it is best to apply for aid as the need arises, students may apply for In-Course Financial Aid anytime during the academic year. Applications become available in August each year and relate to the current academic year starting in September.

How to apply

To apply for In-Course Financial Aid, go to Minerva:

  • Select the Financial Aid/Awards tab > Financial Aid Menu > Apply for McGill Financial Aid > Apply for In-Course Financial Aid > update your financial aid profile and submit your application
  •  Arrange a confidential appointment with a Financial Aid Counsellor: Downtown campus call: 514-398-6013/14; Macdonald Campus call: 514-398-7992

If you are a student with a disability who requires help completing on-line applications, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Supporting documentation

The Scholarships and Student Aid office reserves the right to verify the information provided on the application. Inconsistencies may result in a reassessment or cancellation of the applicant’s award.

Decision times

A financial aid decision is posted on the Financial Aid/Awards tab on Minerva (usually within a week’s time of the applicant’s appointment with a Financial Aid Counsellor) and is followed by an email. Awardees are encouraged to pay special attention to the email as it contains important information about the award.

Award amounts

The value of awards depends on the level of funding available each year, the number of applicants and the relative need of other candidates.

Payment methods

Payment methods are determined by the Financial Aid Counsellor and are based on the applicant’s financial situation. Accordingly, award payments may be disbursed:

  • to a student’s fee account in one sum or divided up by semester
  • to the student by direct deposit*
  • as a payment towards a McGill student loan

*Students must set up Direct Deposit Banking with a Canadian banking institution via Minerva.

Loans, repayments and extensions

Your financial aid assessment may result in the granting of a McGill loan (repayable award). These loans are interest free until the due date specified on the loan contract. Once the loan becomes due, it is subject to low-rate interest charges comparable to government student loans. Students who are unable to repay a McGill loan by the due date may request a loan extension (extend the due date and avoid interest charges) provided they continue to meet eligibility requirements. 

To apply for a loan extension, go to Minerva: select the Financial Aid/Awards tab > Financial Aid Menu > Apply for McGill Financial Aid > Apply for McGill Loan Extension > Update your financial aid profile and submit your application.

The Loan Extension Application becomes available in July of the upcoming academic year.

Loan extensions may be granted without meeting a Financial Aid Counsellor.

Other financial aid services

The Scholarships and Student Aid Office also offers these aid-related services:

SSMU Access Bursary Fund

The Student Society of McGill University (SSMU) created the SSMU Access Bursary Fund through a student referendum held in 1999 to provide bursaries for undergraduate students in financial need. With matching funds from the University, this is one of the most significant bursary funds offered by the University and is a wonderful example of students helping students. The Scholarships and Student Aid Office is pleased to administer this bursary program in collaboration with SSMU.

Students who submit an In-Course Financial Aid application are automatically considered for the SSMU Access Bursary.

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