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Finances

Getting The Money You Need

The sooner you think about funding your education the better.  The first this you should do is to  investigate  the schools you want to attend and figure out how much money it will cost you to actually go to school.

FIRST

The absolute best site to use to work on budgets for school and life is the CanLearn site.  It has interactive tools to help students and parents figure out the costs of going to school, moving, room and board, among many other items.  The site also assists individuals in planning how to cover the costs of post-secondary education during and after their school term.

Can Learn – Financial Planner 
Education Cost Calculator
Budget Planning and Online Budget Planner

Canadian Business
University Cost Calculator 

It is always important to double check and go right the post-secondary educational institution to double check your numbers.  Most university or college sites have a financial matters or tuition section under prospective students that you can use to find out the cost of tuition, books, room, board, etc.

University of Saskatchewan – Money Matters
University of Regina – UR Finances or complete list of 2009/2010 Undergrad costs
SIAST – Tuition Overview based on each Campus’ programs

University/Colleges – Each university and colleges will have a financial aid office that will help students fund there education, whether it is through scholarships or student loans. Check out their websites under financial aid and scholarships.

 SECOND

Once you know how much your post-secondary education will cost you it is time to figure out how you plan on paying for it.  One of the best ways to do so is through scholarships, awards or bursaries.

• Check out scholarships (link to scholarship section)
  • based on merit, academic, athletic, community involvement
  • Use a variety of resources: books, websites, booklets, etc. 
  • Scholarships offered from a local, provincial, national perspective,  school specific scholarships, and those based on membership just to name a few, should all be investigated.
• Check the Grants (government programs,  part-time students, disabilities, etc.)
• Check Bursaries (demonstrates a genuine financial need)

 THIRD

In addition to scholarships, personal savings, parental contributions, you can apply for government student loans to assist in funding your education.

• Government Financial Assistance for Students
• Canada/Saskatchewan Student Loans
• Bank Loans/Lines of Credit
• Other Loans

FOURTH

• Institutions may have alternate financing options (part-time job placement services).
• Many schools have adopted cooperative education programs that allow you to alternate work in your chosen field with school terms. This type of program not only allows you to earn money to defray expenses, but it gives you the opportunity to gain experience and make valuable contacts in your field.
• Your religious, ethnic or cultural background may offer additional opportunities. Your membership or participation in certain clubs or community activities may be another possibility.
• Banks or other financial institutions may offer special programs for people to save or borrow for college expense
• Federal offices such as the Canada Employment Centre can offer funding for particular school or training programs.
• Examine your own personal expenses and try to save more.

Additional Financial Resources:

ALIS – Publications and videos  to help students to start saving for school NOW,Investor Education Fund  -  Canada’s unbiased, non-profit source for information and tools that help consumers make better decisions when investing and managing their money.

Funny Money – High school presentations and facebook

The Money Belt – is your gateway to learn about money and gaining financial literacy.

Financial Institution Websites