Navigating post-secondary education funding in Québec follows a unique path distinct from the rest of Canada. The province operates its own integrated financial assistance system through Aide financière aux études (AFE), which replaces the federal Canada Student Loans and Grants program for Québec residents. This guide details the key programs, eligibility criteria for students with disabilities, and application processes.
Key Information for Québec Students
Important: The federal Canada Student Loans and Grants are not available in Québec. All financial assistance for post-secondary education is administered through the province’s own Aide financière aux études (AFE) program.
Core Programs for Students with Disabilities:
Loans and Bursaries Program:
- Students with a recognized major functional disability can be deemed full-time for funding purposes even if enrolled in a part-time course load (minimum 20 course hours per month).
Allowance for Special Needs Program – Adults:
- This program provides financial assistance for specialized services, adaptive equipment, paratransit, and housing allowances related to a recognized disability.
- Official AFE Information Portal: https://www.quebec.ca/en/education/student-financial-assistance
The Loans and Bursaries Program for Full-Time Students
The Loans and Bursaries Program enables Québec students with insufficient financial resources to pursue full-time studies. For students with disabilities, the definition of “full-time” is flexible.
Who Qualifies as a “Deemed Full-Time” Student?
If you have a major functional disability recognized by AFE, you are deemed a full-time student even if studying part-time, provided you are enrolled in at least 20 course hours per month. This status also applies if:
- You are unable to pursue full-time studies for more than one month due to a serious episodic disorder from permanent major mental or physical health problems (confirmed by a medical certificate).
- You live with a child (yours or your spouse’s) with a major functional disability or serious mental disorder.
What is a Major Functional Disability?
- A major functional disability is a permanent physical handicap that leads to significant and persistent limitations, impacting daily activities and education. AFE recognizes four types:
- Severe hearing impairment
- Severe visual impairment
- Organic impairment
- Motor impairment
- A full description is included in the Medical Certificate – Major Functional Disabilities and Other Recognized Disabilities form.
Special Measures for Eligible Students
If you qualify with a recognized disability, you could benefit from special measures, including:
- Receiving financial assistance between two study periods, even if not actively enrolled (must return to studies within four months).
- Receiving an allowance for expenses related to your special needs.
- Obtaining self-supporting student status under specific conditions.
- Receiving the full amount of your financial assistance as a bursary (non-repayable).
Compulsory Application Procedure
- Indicate your recognized major functional disability on your Application for Financial Assistance form.
- Have a general practitioner or medical specialist complete and submit the Medical Certificate – Major Functional Disabilities and Other Recognized Disabilities form.
- To accelerate payment, submit a completed Application for Direct Deposit form with a void cheque.
Apply for the Loans and Bursaries Program here: https://www.quebec.ca/en/education/student-financial-assistance/loans-bursaries-full-time-studies
Serious Mental or Physical Health Disorder Provisions
If you have a serious episodic and permanent mental or physical health disorder that forces you to temporarily study part-time (over one month), you may still qualify for the Loans and Bursaries Program while enrolled in at least 20 course hours per month.
Special Measures for Health Disorders
- Qualify for the program as a part-time student.
- Receive assistance between study periods (return to studies within four months).
- Have only half the number of your part-time study months count against your total eligibility period.
Application Procedure for Health Disorders
- Obtain the Medical Certificate Confirming a Serious Health Disorder form from your educational institution’s student aid office.
- Have your doctor complete the form.
- Return it to your student aid office.
Note: This certificate is valid for the current award year only; a new one is required for each subsequent year.
The Loans Program for Part-Time Studies
- Financial assistance for part-time studies is awarded per term as a loan. Educational and childcare expenses are considered in the assessment.
- Note: Review the “Deemed Full-Time Student” section above to see if your part-time status qualifies you for the full Loans and Bursaries Program instead.
- Apply for the Part-Time Loans Program here:
https://www.quebec.ca/en/education/student-financial-assistance/students-with-disabilities-special-needs
The Allowance for Special Needs Program – Adults
This program provides financial assistance for support required to offset the effects of your disability, enabling you to pursue secondary, college, or university studies.
Mandatory First Step
- You must first contact your educational institution to meet with the person responsible for integrating disabled students. They will determine if the assistance you need is provided by the institution or if you must apply to AFE.
What Does the Allowance Cover?
It provides assistance for various supports not covered by other programs, including:
- Specialized services
- Adaptive equipment (material resources)
- Paratransit services
- Housing allowance
View the detailed types of assistance offered here:
https://www.quebec.ca/en/education/student-financial-assistance/students-with-disabilities-special-needs/types-assistance-offered
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or protected person.
- Reside or be deemed to reside in Québec.
- Be admitted to a designated educational institution for a recognized program.
- Be enrolled in a minimum of six credits, 76 hours of instruction per study period, or 20 hours per month.
- Have a recognized major functional disability or another recognized disability.
- Not receive financial assistance from another organization for the same types of aid.
Recognized Disability Categories
Major Functional Disabilities:
- Severe visual impairment
- Severe hearing impairment
- Motor impairment
- Organic impairment
Other Recognized Disabilities:
- Minimum hearing threshold of 25 decibels
- Paralysis of a single limb
- Paresis of one or more limbs
- Language or speech impairment
Required Documentation
The integration officer at your school will specify required documents. If your disability is not yet recognized by AFE, you must have a physician complete the Medical Certificate – Major Functional Disabilities and Other Functional Disabilities form.
Loan Repayment Information
- For information on repaying your AFE loans, visit the official repayment page:
- https://www.csnpe-nslsc.canada.ca/en/repaying-your-loan/loan-repayment-options
Back to Guide to Financial Aid for Canadian Students with Disabilities
