Studying in Canada with US Financial Aid

Can I use US financial aid to study at a university in Canada? If so, how does that process work, and are there specific schools that accept it?

Yes, you can use US federal financial aid to study at some universities in Canada. The schools that are eligible to accept federal financial aid from the US will be listed on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) school code search. The process is similar to applying for aid to study at a domestic school. Here are the steps you'll generally need to follow:

1. Complete the FAFSA: You'll need to fill out the FAFSA just as you would if you were studying in the US. The FAFSA uses your financial information to determine your eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study funds.

2. List the Code for the Foreign University: For the question that asks you to list the colleges you’re considering, you will need to enter the federal school code for the Canadian university you're interested in. Not all Canadian universities participate in the US Department of Education's federal student loan programs, so make sure the institution you're interested in is on the list.

3. Await your Student Aid Report (SAR): After you submit your FAFSA, you'll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) that summarizes your application. It will also include your expected family contribution (EFC) number.

4. Check with the University: If you're accepted into the Canadian university and you've listed it on your FAFSA, the university should automatically receive your FAFSA results. However, it's a good idea to contact the financial aid office at the Canadian university to confirm they have received your information.

5. Receive your Financial Aid Offer: If you're eligible for financial aid, your Canadian university will send you a financial aid offer detailing what you qualify for.

Finally, keep in mind that just as in the US, the financial aid you receive could be a combination of grants, loans, and work-study funds. Remember that loans will have to be repaid, whereas grants and work-study funds will not. Always take the time to research your options thoroughly and talk with the financial aid office at the Canadian university to understand all aspects of your financial aid offer.