Student Loans & Bursaries for Québec Vocational Training: What You Need to Know

1. Québec Government Loans & Bursaries Program

Québec’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education offers financial aid designed for vocational training students who cannot cover expenses independently. Eligibility depends on financial need, household income, and student circumstances.

Key details:

• Loan amount varies based on assessed needs.
• Interest rate is favorable—often lower than typical bank loans.
• Loan remission: partial or full forgiveness if you graduate and work in Québec for a specified time.

Learn more here.

2. Scholarship Opportunities

Québec offers several scholarships for vocational training students, awarded by government agencies, private foundations, and training institutions. Notable programs include:

• Labour Market Partnership Commission grants (CPMT): For sectors with high demand for skilled workers.
• Ministry of Education scholarships: Targeted toward students with demonstrated financial need or studying in priority sectors.
• Institutional awards: Offered by schools or CEGEPs to reward academic excellence or support students facing financial hardship.

3. Federal Support: Canada Loans & Bursaries

The Government of Canada provides financial assistance to adult learners enrolled in Québec vocational training programs. This includes both repayable loans and non-repayable scholarships.

• Canadian student loans are available to qualifying adults and are repayable after education completion.
• Canada-wide scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement and financial circumstances.
• Special grants support adult learners transitioning careers into in-demand fields.

Learn more here.

4. Adult Learner Financial Aid Programs

Specific financial support programs exist for adults returning to training or transitioning into new careers:

• Adult loans and bursaries: Tailored to those with family obligations or limited income.
• Scholarships for career changers: Designed to support adult learners reskilling in high-demand trades.
• Continuing education support: Enables working adults to train part-time or online without sacrificing income stability.

5. Support for International Students

Non-citizen students enrolling in Québec vocational programs may be eligible for alternative funding:

• Private student loans: Offered through Canadian banks or financial institutions.
• International scholarships: Provided by institutions or external bodies to promote global student access.

6. Eligibility Criteria & Application Process

Criteria for Aid Programs

To qualify for Québec student loans and bursaries, applicants must:

• Be enrolled full-time in an eligible vocational training program.
• Demonstrate financial need.
• Meet academic performance thresholds to retain or receive partial loan remission.

Application Steps

1. Complete the online application via Québec’s education or training site.
2. Submit required financial documentation (e.g., income statements).
3. Review the financial assessment and guidance provided.

7. Tips to Maximize Funding for Your Studies

• Explore all available scholarships: Provincial, institutional, and sector-specific awards can make a difference.
• Apply early: Many aid programs are competitive or require lead time.
• Plan your budget: Consider future repayment obligations when accepting loans.