Financial Assistance for CityU in Canada Students
Important financial aid updates are available for:
These updates apply to the 2026-2027 academic year and may affect your funding eligibility, application requirements, and access to disability-related supports. Students are encouraged to review the information below carefully and apply for funding as early as possible.
Need Assistance?
The CityU Canada Financial Aid Office is here to support you throughout the financial aid process at FinAidCanada@cityu.edu.
Looking for Scholarships?
CityU in Canada offers a variety of scholarships and grants to support students facing financial challenges. Whether you’re a new or continuing student, an Indigenous learner, or experiencing unexpected hardship, funding may be available to help you achieve your educational goals.

Government Student Financial Aid Programs
Here for You Every Step of the Way
Government student financial aid programs help eligible students finance their post-secondary education through loans, grants, bursaries, and other forms of financial assistance. Funding eligibility and available supports vary by province and individual circumstances.
Financial Aid Support at CityU
The CityU Canada Financial Aid Office provides guidance and support throughout the funding process, including:
- Understanding available funding options
- Completing financial aid applications
- Providing required institutional documentation
- Navigating eligibility requirements and funding assessments
- Accessing disability-related grants and services
- Addressing funding questions and concerns
Guidance on Applying for Financial Aid
To help ensure timely funding:
- Apply as early as possible.
- Review application instructions carefully.
- Submit all supporting documentation promptly.
- Monitor your funding portal regularly.
- Respond quickly to requests for additional information.
For detailed application guidance, please refer to the Financial Aid Checklist and resources provided for your province of residence.
The video below provides an overview of government student financial aid programs and the support available through the CityU Canada Financial Aid Office.
For guidance on how to apply for financial aid and helpful application tips, please refer to the Pocketbook and Checklist provided under the provinces corresponding to your residency status below.
Alberta Student Aid (ASA)
Program Eligibility
The Master of Counselling Psychology (MCP) and the Master of Education in Leadership (MEd Leadership) are both eligible for Alberta Student Aid. This includes weekday, weekend, mixed-mode, and virtual delivery formats. Students who are enroled in at least 05 credits per term (quarter) are considered full-time and may apply for full-time funding through the Alberta Student Aid portal.
Financial Aid Application Process
- Application Checklist: The Checklist is a streamlined version of the Pocketbook, tailored to help you navigate Government Student Loans with ease. Designed for each CityU program across Canadian provinces, it outlines key steps in the application process, program-specific funding details, and practical tips to help you apply successfully and avoid common delays.
British Columbia Student Aid (SABC)
Program Eligibility
The Master of Counselling (MC) is the current aid-eligible program under StudentAid BC. Students enroled in the Saturday or Mixed-Mode delivery formats, typically completing 6-8 credits per term (quarter), are classified as part-time and must submit a part-time application to StudentAid BC. Students in the weekday delivery format typically registering for 12-16 credits per term (quarter), are considered full-time and should complete the full-time application.
The Virtual Campus delivery of the Master of Counselling and the Master of Education in School Counselling (MEd SC) are not eligible for StudentAid BC funding at this time.
Financial Aid Application Process
- PocketBook BC: The Pocketbook is your all-in-one guide to understanding and accessing financial aid at CityU and beyond. Inside, you will find information on our financial aid goals, core policies and application processes, tuition fee calculations, financial aid calendars, and important deadlines. It also includes guided FAQs, CityU scholarship opportunities, an overview of repayment basics, provincial funding guides, and links to additional resources. Special sections highlight Indigenous and third-party funding options, as well as other student supports to help you succeed throughout your academic journey.
- Application Checklist: The Checklist is a streamlined version of the Pocketbook, tailored to help you navigate Government Student Loans with ease. Designed for each CityU program across Canadian provinces, it outlines key steps in the application process, program-specific funding details, and practical tips to help you apply successfully and avoid common delays.
Other provinces Outside AB/BC
Program Eligibility Outside AB/BC
Students enroled in the Master of Counselling Psychology (MCP) program through virtual weekday, weekend, or mixed-mode delivery are eligible to apply for their Provincial Student Aids, namely Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia, … City University in Canada is classified as an out-of-country institution under such provinces and is listed as “City University of Seattle – Seattle Washington, US ” Students taking at least five credits per term (quarter) are considered full-time and may apply for full-time funding under provincial student aid regulations.
Please contact the CityU Canada Financial Aid Office at finaidcanada@cityu.edu for guidance on funding options and provincial aid application procedures
Financial Aid Application Process
Book Appointment
Talk to one of our advisors.
Canada Financial Aid Calendars
Check our Calendars to stay on track with student loan applications, deadlines, and disbursement dates.
About CityU
Want to know more about CityU?
Monthly Payment Plan
Monthly Payment Plan
CityU proposes an interest-free Monthly Payment Option to assist with education expenses. Students may opt to sign up for a payment plan and pay the balance in three (3) instalments. You can use a combination of payment methods to pay the balance on your student account.

Tuition is due the 20th of the month prior to the month in which the course begins. If the payment plan option is chosen a $25.00 non-refundable administration fee will be added to the student’s account. A New Agreement must be signed and the $25.00 non-refundable administration fee will apply for each quarter the student wishes to enrol in the payment plan option.
Contact the Business Office at lijane@cityu.edu for inquiries and more information.
Plan Enrolment Dates
The payment plan will be open for the following dates each quarter.
| Quarter | Enrolment Start | Application Deadline |
| Summer | May 20th | June 15th |
| Fall | August 20th | September 15th |
| Winter | November 20th | December 15th |
| Spring | February 20th | March 15th |
Payment in full is required if a payment plan agreement is not completed by the end of the open enrolment period.
A New Payment Plan Agreement must be completed and signed each quarter the student wishes to participate in the plan.
Please note that the Payment Plan is only available for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
CityU Online Payment Plan Request Process
- Request a Payment Plan. By signing and submitting the Payment Plan Agreement, you must submit your initial payment within five (5) days to activate your payment plan.
- An email confirmation will be sent after the form is submitted.
- You are committing to making payments on the 20th of the first month and the 20th of the second month of the Quarter. Failure to make payments may result in late fees and/or risk future participation in the payment plan program.
- The Payment Plan is available only for domestic students.
Quarterly Payment Plan Schedule (3 Instalments)
| Due Date Quarter | First Instalment*# 1 | Second Instalment # 2 | Third Instalment # 3 |
| Winter (Jan-Mar) | Dec 15 of Previous Year | January 20 | February 20 |
| Spring (Apr-June) | March 15 | April 20 | May 20 |
| Summer (Jul-Sept) | June 15 | July 20 | August 20 |
| Fall (Oct-Dec) | Sep 15 | October 20 | November 20 |
Costs
$25.00/Quarter non-refundable enrolment fee with
no interest.
Promoting Your Educational Success
At CityU in Canada, we are committed to supporting students in achieving their academic goals by offering a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities. Our scholarships are designed to recognize financial need and promote accessibility to higher education.
We encourage all eligible students to explore these opportunities and apply before the respective deadlines.
Other Financial Options
Other Financial Options
In addition to government student aid, there are several alternative financial options available to help cover educational costs. We encourage you to explore these resources to help bridge funding gaps and support your academic journey.

- Bank Lines of Credit: lines of credit or student lines of credit a student will take out to supplement the shortfall. This depends on your credit score, your credit history etc. It is best to review your options either with an accountant or with a financial planner at your local bank.
- Lifelong Learning Plan: The Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) allows eligible individuals to withdraw funds from their Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) to finance full-time training or education for themselves or their spouse or common-law partner. This government program supports those seeking to upgrade their skills or pursue new educational goals without immediate financial strain.
Students interested in using this option should contact their bank or financial institution where their RRSP is held to learn more about the application process, withdrawal limits, and required documentation. Each financial institution may have its own procedures, so early consultation with a bank advisor is recommended to ensure a smooth application process and compliance with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) regulations. - Third-party Sponsorship Opportunities: CityU in Canada welcomes financial support from external organizations that sponsor students throughout their academic journey. A third-party sponsor is an individual or organization—such as an employer, government agency, Indigenous band, or non-profit organization—that commits to covering all or part of a student’s tuition and/or fees by making direct payments to CityU.
If your tuition is paid by a third-party sponsor, please ensure the following:- The sponsor provides an official sponsorship letter outlining the terms of support (including duration and covered expenses).
- The letter is submitted to our Business Office team before the start of the academic term prior to the tuition payment deadline).
- For more information or to submit a sponsorship letter, please contact your Academic Advisor.
Financial Aid Literacy
Financial Aid Literacy
Whether you are planning your finances, applying for aid, or looking to boost your money management skills, we’ve gathered a comprehensive collection of tools and information to support your academic success.

Explore helpful Government Student Financial Aid materials, including province-specific pocketbooks and application checklists to keep you organized and on track. You’ll also find curated Government of Canada Financial Literacy resources—like the Student Aid Estimator, budgeting tools, and debt management tips—to help you make confident, informed decisions.
Government of Canada-Financial Literacies
Government of Canada-Financial Literacies
Understanding how to manage your finances as a post-secondary student is a personal and evolving experience. These curated Government of Canada links offer guidance and support in three key areas: the Student Aid Estimator to help you anticipate potential funding, Student Budgeting to assist with financial planning before, during, and after your studies, and Debt and Savings Management to help you navigate existing loans and build healthy financial habits. Common concerns addressed include estimating the full cost of your academic year, assessing your income and expenses, and understanding how to manage previous student loan debt. These resources are designed to help you prepare and plan for a financially stable academic journey.
CityU Financial Aid Calendar
CityU Financial Aid Calendar
Stay on top of key dates and deadlines for financial aid applications, scholarship submissions, and tuition payments. Our Financial Aid Calendar ensures you never miss an important step in securing your funding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Have questions about government student loans, scholarships, or eligibility? Our FAQ section provides clear answers to common inquiries about funding, timelines, and the application process.
➡️ Contact the Canada Financial Aid Office at FinAidCanada@cityu.edu for inquiries.
Have a Question?
Need more information?
We’re here to help!
For general financial aid inquiries, email us at: FinAidCanada@cityu.edu
For questions about scholarships, email:
ScholarshipsCanada@cityu.edu