Often you need training or post-secondary education before you can embark on your chosen career, yet these programs can be expensive and students and their parents are expected to bear the cost.

How much do programs cost? There is an excellent website that allows you to explore post-secondary education options in BC and give you an idea of how much you can expect to pay.

See www.educationplanner.ca

OK, where's the money going to come from?

Many students cannot afford to pay for their entire education without assistance from other sources including family, savings, part-time jobs and government loans.

The sites below provide access to information on government loans and grants that may help you fund your dreams:



FEDERAL ASSISTANCE

The federal government provides a variety of loans and grants to meet the needs of both low-income and middle income. There are also programs available for students with permanent disabilities and students with dependents.

The Canlearn.ca website offers interactive tools to help you save, plan and pay for post-secondary education as well as up-to-date information about programs, scholarships, student loans and much more.

The Canlearn.ca site was developed by the Department of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments and Canadian learning and career development organizations.

Try these Canlearn links:

Canada's Education, Savings and Student Financial Aid Resource: http://www.canlearn.ca/eng/index.shtml

Student Loans, Grants and Scholarships: http://www.canlearn.ca/eng/postsec/index.shtml

Education Cost Calculator
http://tools.canlearn.ca/cslgs-scpse/cln-cln/40/fp-pf/fp-pf.ecc.do

Student Financial Assistance Estimator
http://tools.canlearn.ca/cslgs-scpse/cln-cln/40/sfae-eafe/sfae-eafe-0-eng.do

Financial Planner
http://tools.canlearn.ca/cslgs-scpse/cln-cln/40/fp-pf/fp-pf.clindex-eng.do

In British Columbia, the provincial organization StudentAid BC administers programs on behalf of the Government of Canada including Canada student loans and Canada student grants.

PROVINCIAL ASSISTANCE

StudentAid BC helps eligible students with the cost of their post-secondary education through loans, grants, bursaries, scholarships and special programs. It also has programs for borrowers who need help repaying their loans.

Most StudentAid BC programs are based on need, providing financial assistance where students and their immediate families do not have the resources to meet the costs of post-secondary education and basic living expenses. StudentAid BC also offers scholarships based on merit.

Research their site at:
Student Aid BC www.aved.gov.bc.ca/studentaidbc



BURSARIES AND SCHOLARSHIPS

These free grants are available from both levels of government as well as individual post-secondary institutions. See the government site at:

Bursaries and Scholarships

www.scholarshipscanada.com

Once you have decided where you want to study, research the grants available at that particular school. The Private Post=Secondary Education Commission offers a searchable database of registered and accredited privately owned institutions in BC.

See www.ppsec.bc.ca/search.htm

CURIOUS ABOUT YOUR FUTURE PAYCHEQUE?

Go to www.workfutures.bc.ca to find out how much people in your chosen field generally earn after completing their credential.