Student Aid Saskatchewan provides financial assistance to Saskatchewan residents pursuing post-secondary education through a combination of federal and provincial grants, scholarships, and loans. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Saskatchewan student loans in 2026, including the valuable Graduate Retention Program and Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship.
Saskatchewan Student Aid Overview
| Feature |
Details |
| Program name |
Student Aid Saskatchewan |
| Official website |
saskatchewan.ca/student-loans |
| Application type |
Single application for federal + provincial funding |
| Current interest rate |
0% (both federal and provincial loans) |
| Grace period |
6 months after leaving full-time studies |
| Funding types |
Grants + Scholarships + Loans |
| Unique benefits |
Graduate Retention Program, Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship |
Key 2026 Updates for Saskatchewan Students
- Interest-free loans continue: Both Canada Student Loans and Saskatchewan student loans remain at 0% interest
- Canada Student Grant increased: Now up to $4,200/year for full-time students
- Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship: $500/year (up to $2,000) for studying in Saskatchewan
- Graduate Retention Program: Up to $20,000 in tax credits for graduates staying in Saskatchewan
- RAP thresholds updated: Repayment Assistance Program income limits adjusted for inflation
Types of Saskatchewan Student Funding
Grants (Free Money - No Repayment Required)
| Grant Type |
Maximum Amount |
Who Qualifies |
| Canada Student Grant (full-time) |
$4,200/year |
Income-based eligibility |
| Canada Student Grant (part-time) |
$2,400/year |
Part-time students with need |
| Saskatchewan Student Grant |
Varies by need |
Provincial grant supplement |
| Canada Student Grant for Disabilities |
$4,000/year |
Documented permanent disability |
| Canada Student Grant for Services & Equipment |
Up to $22,000/year |
Disability-related costs |
| Canada Student Grant for Dependants |
$3,600/year per child |
Students with children |
Grant priority: Saskatchewan Student Aid prioritizes grants for students from lower-income families. Students from families earning under $50,000 typically receive primarily grants rather than loans.
Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship
This Saskatchewan-exclusive scholarship rewards students who study within the province:
| Feature |
Details |
| Amount |
$500 per year |
| Lifetime maximum |
$2,000 |
| Eligibility |
Saskatchewan resident studying in SK |
| Requirement |
Complete full course load each year |
| Need-based? |
No—available regardless of income |
| Application |
Automatic through Student Aid Saskatchewan |
| Repayment |
None (free money) |
How it works: Students automatically receive $500 after completing each year of study at a Saskatchewan institution, up to four years/$2,000 total. This is in addition to any grants or loans received.
Loans (Require Repayment After Graduation)
| Loan Type |
Weekly Maximum |
Academic Year Maximum |
| Canada Student Loan |
$210/week |
Up to $7,140 (34 weeks) |
| Saskatchewan Student Loan |
Varies by need |
Additional provincial funding |
Zero interest benefit: With the 0% interest rate, you repay exactly what you borrow—no interest accumulates during school or after graduation.
Living Allowances Included
Your Student Aid Saskatchewan funding calculation includes:
| Expense Category |
Approximate Monthly Allowance |
| Living away from home |
$800-$1,050/month |
| Living at home |
$300-$450/month |
| Local transportation |
$80-$120/month |
| Books and supplies |
$80-$120/month |
| Childcare (if applicable) |
Actual costs up to limits |
| Return transportation |
Based on distance to institution |
Eligibility Requirements
Basic Student Requirements
| Requirement |
Details |
| Saskatchewan residency |
Lived in SK 12+ consecutive months before school |
| Citizenship |
Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person |
| Program enrollment |
Approved post-secondary program |
| Course load |
Full-time (60%+) or part-time (20-59%) |
| Academic standing |
Maintain satisfactory academic progress |
| Not in default |
Not currently in default on previous student loans |
| Lifetime limit |
Not exceeded 400 weeks of funding |
Dependent vs Independent Student Status
| You’re INDEPENDENT if: |
Assessment Impact |
| Out of high school 4+ years |
Only your income considered |
| Married or common-law |
Spouse’s income included, not parents' |
| Single parent |
Your income plus child support |
| Both parents deceased |
Only your income considered |
| Ward of government after age 16 |
Only your income considered |
| You’re DEPENDENT if: |
Assessment Impact |
| Recently left high school |
Parental income included |
| None of independence criteria apply |
Parents expected to contribute |
Approved Programs and Institutions
| Institution Type |
Student Aid Saskatchewan Eligibility |
| University of Saskatchewan |
Yes - most programs |
| University of Regina |
Yes - most programs |
| Saskatchewan Polytechnic |
Yes - most programs |
| Great Plains College |
Yes - most programs |
| Carlton Trail College |
Yes - most programs |
| Parkland College |
Yes - most programs |
| Private career colleges |
Must be designated |
| Out-of-province schools |
Must be designated for student aid |
Student Aid Saskatchewan for Different Situations
Mature Students
Students out of high school for 4+ years:
- Assessed as independent (parental income not considered)
- Often qualify for higher grant amounts
- May benefit from lower personal income thresholds
Tips for mature students:
- Document employment history
- Report all dependants
- Apply early for processing time
Graduate Students
| Program Type |
Eligibility |
Notes |
| Master’s programs |
Full eligibility |
Higher tuition = more funding |
| PhD programs |
Full eligibility |
Often combined with research funding |
| Professional programs |
Full eligibility |
Higher loan limits may apply |
Graduate students should also explore:
- Institutional scholarships and assistantships
- Research funding opportunities
- Saskatchewan Graduate Retention Program benefits
Students with Disabilities
| Benefit |
Details |
| Reduced course load (40-59%) = full-time |
Maintain benefits |
| Canada Student Grant for Disabilities |
Up to $4,000/year |
| Grant for Services and Equipment |
Up to $22,000/year |
| Extended funding limits |
Additional weeks of eligibility |
Single Parents
| Benefit |
Details |
| Canada Student Grant for Dependants |
$3,600/year per child |
| Higher living allowances |
Additional costs recognized |
| Childcare funding |
Actual costs covered |
| Independent status |
No parental income considered |
Indigenous Students
Indigenous students in Saskatchewan should apply for multiple funding sources:
| Funding Source |
How to Access |
| Student Aid Saskatchewan |
Apply first to establish need |
| Band/First Nation funding |
Contact your band education coordinator |
| Treaty-based funding |
Various First Nations programs |
| Gabriel Dumont Institute |
Métis-specific funding |
| Indspire |
National Indigenous scholarships |
| Indigenous Student Achievement Pathways |
University of Saskatchewan |
Important: Many Indigenous funding sources require a Student Aid assessment first.
Rural and Northern Students
Saskatchewan has many rural students who may need to relocate:
| Consideration |
Benefit |
| Higher distance from institution |
Higher return transportation allowance |
| Need to relocate |
Away-from-home living classification |
| Northern residents |
May qualify for additional supports |
How Much Can You Get?
Funding Calculation
Assessed Educational Costs - Expected Contribution = Your Funding
Realistic Funding Examples (2026)
Scenario 1: Low-Income Dependent Student, Away from Home
- Family income: $40,000
- Program: University of Saskatchewan
- Tuition: $7,000/year
| Component |
Amount |
| Canada Student Grant |
$4,200 |
| Saskatchewan Grant |
$1,500 |
| Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship |
$500 |
| Canada Student Loan |
$5,000 |
| Saskatchewan Student Loan |
$1,300 |
| Total Funding |
$12,500 |
| Grants/Scholarships (free) |
$6,200 (50%) |
Scenario 2: Mature Independent Student
- Personal income: $15,000
- Program: Saskatchewan Polytechnic
- Tuition: $4,500/year
| Component |
Amount |
| Canada Student Grant |
$4,200 |
| Saskatchewan Grant |
$2,000 |
| Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship |
$500 |
| Canada Student Loan |
$4,300 |
| Saskatchewan Student Loan |
$1,000 |
| Total Funding |
$12,000 |
| Grants/Scholarships (free) |
$6,700 (56%) |
Scenario 3: Single Parent
- Income: $20,000
- Two children
- Tuition: $5,000/year
| Component |
Amount |
| Canada Student Grant |
$4,200 |
| Canada Student Grant (Dependants) |
$7,200 |
| Saskatchewan Grant |
$1,800 |
| Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship |
$500 |
| Loans |
$1,300 |
| Total Funding |
$15,000 |
| Grants/Scholarships (free) |
$13,700 (91%) |
Grant vs Loan Allocation
| Family Income Level |
Typical Funding Mix |
| Under $35,000 |
55-85% grants |
| $35,000-$50,000 |
35-55% grants |
| $50,000-$75,000 |
20-35% grants |
| $75,000-$100,000 |
5-20% grants |
| Over $100,000 |
Mostly loans |
How to Apply for Student Aid Saskatchewan
Before You Apply
| Information Type |
What You Need |
| Social Insurance Number |
Your SIN (spouse’s if applicable) |
| Saskatchewan identification |
For identity verification |
| Tax information |
CRA usually links automatically |
| School details |
Institution, program, start date |
| Family information |
Parents’ info (if dependent) |
| Banking information |
For direct deposit |
Step-by-Step Application
| Step |
Action |
Timeline |
| 1 |
Create account at saskatchewan.ca/student-loans |
Anytime |
| 2 |
Complete online application |
6-8 weeks before school |
| 3 |
Review and submit |
Double-check accuracy |
| 4 |
Upload documents if requested |
Within deadline |
| 5 |
Receive assessment |
4-6 weeks typically |
| 6 |
Sign MSFAA (first-time borrowers) |
At NSLSC.ca |
| 7 |
Enrollment confirmed |
Usually automatic |
| 8 |
Funding released |
Tuition to school, rest to you |
Application Deadlines
| Study Period |
Application Opens |
Recommended |
Final Deadline |
| Fall/Winter |
May |
July |
60 days before end of term |
| Winter only |
October |
November |
60 days before end of term |
| Spring/Summer |
March |
April |
60 days before end of term |
Saskatchewan Graduate Retention Program
This is one of the most valuable student benefits in Canada—up to $20,000 in tax credits for graduates who stay in Saskatchewan.
Program Details
| Feature |
Details |
| Maximum benefit |
$20,000 total |
| Annual maximum |
Varies by income/tax |
| Claim period |
Up to 10 years after graduation |
| Tax credit type |
Refundable (receive money even if $0 tax owing) |
| Eligibility |
Graduate from approved program, live in SK, file SK taxes |
How the Graduate Retention Program Works
| Tuition Paid |
Tax Credit Available |
| $10,000 |
$10,000 over time |
| $20,000+ |
$20,000 (maximum) |
Example: If you paid $28,000 in tuition for a 4-year degree, you can claim $20,000 in refundable tax credits over 10 years while living in Saskatchewan. That’s potentially $2,000+ per year back on your taxes.
Claiming the Credit
- Graduate from an eligible Saskatchewan post-secondary institution (or some designated out-of-province programs)
- Live in Saskatchewan
- File a Saskatchewan income tax return
- Complete Schedule SK428 (Graduate Retention Program)
- Claim tuition amounts from T2202 forms
Strategy: This program effectively reduces the net cost of education significantly for graduates who plan to build their careers in Saskatchewan.
When Repayment Begins
| Your Status |
Requirement |
| Full-time student |
No payments required |
| 6-month grace period |
No payments, no interest |
| After grace period |
Monthly payments begin |
| Return to studies |
Payments pause |
Repayment Terms
| Feature |
Details |
| Interest rate |
0% on all student loans |
| Standard term |
9.5 years (114 payments) |
| Extended term |
Up to 14.5 years |
| Extra payments |
No penalty |
| Lump sum |
Accepted anytime |
Sample Monthly Payments (0% Interest)
| Total Debt |
9.5-Year |
14.5-Year |
| $12,000 |
$105/month |
$69/month |
| $18,000 |
$158/month |
$103/month |
| $24,000 |
$211/month |
$138/month |
| $30,000 |
$263/month |
$172/month |
| $40,000 |
$351/month |
$230/month |
Managing Your Loans
| Portal |
Purpose |
| NSLSC.ca |
View balance, make payments, apply for RAP |
| saskatchewan.ca/student-loans |
View application history |
Repayment Assistance Program (RAP)
If you’re struggling with payments, RAP reduces or eliminates required payments based on income.
RAP Income Thresholds (2026)
| Family Size |
Monthly Threshold |
Annual |
| Single |
~$2,283/month |
~$27,400 |
| Single + 1 dependant |
~$3,517/month |
~$42,200 |
| Couple, no dependants |
~$3,617/month |
~$43,400 |
| Couple + 1 child |
~$4,075/month |
~$48,900 |
How RAP Works
Stage 1 (Years 1-5): Payments reduced based on income
Stage 2 (Years 6-15): Government may pay down principal
After 15 years on RAP: Remaining balance may be forgiven
Applying for RAP
- Visit NSLSC.ca
- Log in, select “Repayment Assistance”
- Provide income information
- Submit application
- Reapply every 6 months
Part-Time Students
| Feature |
Part-Time |
Full-Time |
| Course load |
20-59% |
60-100% |
| Grants |
Lower amounts |
Full amounts |
| Loans |
Lower limits |
Higher limits |
| Grace period |
None |
6 months |
| Interest |
0% |
0% |
| SK Advantage Scholarship |
Prorated |
Full $500 |
Tips for Saskatchewan Students
Maximizing Your Funding
| Strategy |
Benefit |
| Study in Saskatchewan |
Extra $500/year (Advantage Scholarship) |
| Apply early |
Avoid delays |
| Report all costs |
Books, supplies, equipment |
| Correct living situation |
Away = higher allowance |
| Report dependants |
Additional grants |
| Plan to stay in SK |
Graduate Retention credit |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake |
Prevention |
| Applying late |
Apply in summer |
| Not signing MSFAA |
Complete within 30 days |
| Studying out of province unnecessarily |
Lose Advantage Scholarship |
| Ignoring emails |
Check spam folder |
| Not claiming Graduate Retention |
File SK taxes each year |
After Graduation
Transition Checklist
| Task |
When |
| Register at NSLSC.ca |
Before graduation |
| Update address |
When moving |
| Set up auto-payments |
Before grace period ends |
| Claim Graduate Retention Program |
When filing taxes |
| Apply for RAP if needed |
If income is low |
Graduate Retention Program Timeline
| Year After Graduation |
Action |
| Year 1 |
File SK taxes, claim tuition credits |
| Years 2-10 |
Continue claiming until maximum reached |
| Total potential |
Up to $20,000 in refundable credits |
Getting Help
| Resource |
Contact |
| Student Aid Saskatchewan |
saskatchewan.ca/student-loans |
| Phone |
1-800-597-8278 or 306-787-5620 |
| NSLSC |
1-888-815-4514 |
| School financial aid office |
Check institution website |