How to get student loans in Canada

Financing your education can be a challenge. From government loans and grants to bank lines of credit and registered savings plans, the number of choices can seem overwhelming and, frankly, scary. We walk you through how student loans work – from borrowing while in school, to repaying once you graduate, to refinancing your loans down the road.

How do student loans in Canada work?

There are two main types of financial aid for students in Canada: government loans and grants and private loans and lines of credit.

• Government loans and grants. Student loans from the government have a fixed or fluctuating interest rate and start accumulating interest as soon as you graduate. Grants are funds from the government that you do not have pay back.
• Private loans and lines of credits. These can come from banks, credit unions or online lenders. Interest is typically higher (but not always) than with a government loan and starts accumulating as soon as you take money out. You’ll often have to start making payments on your loan from the moment it gets issued or after a grace period after your studies, depending on the lender.

Both government and private student loans work just like installment loans, where the money you borrow is paid back in monthly installments over a set period of time. The way your student loan will work will depend on whether you take out a government or private loan. Sometimes, you may even need to take out a combination of the two, if your government loan doesn’t cover all of your expenses.

Government loans and grants

Students can get both loans and grants from the government. Eligible students can receive 2 separate loans: a federal loan (Canada Student Loan) and a loan from the provincial/territorial in which they reside. Despite being separate, both loans are disbursed together and repaid through a combined monthly payment plan, so you won’t have to worry about managing 2 separate sets of funding. Canada Student Loans are administered through the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC).

Interest rates on government loans are very competitive, and you have the option of choosing either a floating or a fixed interest rate. All student loans have a floating interest rate by default, but you can change to a fixed-rate once you enter repayment on your student loans. However, once you’ve made this switch, you can’t change back to a floating rate.

What’s the difference between student loans and a grant?

Short answer – student loans have to be paid back, but grants don’t. A loan is usually paid back with interest, meaning you pay extra for the convenience of borrowing money you don’t have at the moment. A grant is free money. You can keep it without any fees and without having to pay it back.

What provincial loans and grants are available?

As mentioned, government student loans are a combination of 2 separate loans: Canada Student Loans (from the federal government) and provincial/territorial loans. Grants are also handled separately at the federal and provincial levels. The amount you’ll receive varies depending on each province/territory’s terms, policies and budget decisions.

To find out more about funding in the province or territory in which you reside, check out the relevant student aid office below:

Learn more about government student loans and grants

• Who is eligible for government funding?

  Government grants and loans are open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents and “protected persons” (people who have been granted special status by the government because they are at risk of being persecuted in their home countries due to race, religion, nationality, membership in a social group, or political opinion).

  In addition, students must:

  • Reside in a province/territory that’s participating in the Canada Student Loans Program
  • Be attending a recognized postsecondary institution
  • Be enrolled in a degree, diploma or certificate program that’s at least 12 weeks long within a period of 15 consecutive weeks
  • Be enrolled in a minimum workload:
    • Full-time students. Must be enrolled in at least 60% of a full course load as defined by their school (40% for students with permanent disabilities)
    • Part-time students. Must be enrolled in at least 20-59% of a full course load as defined by their school (20-39% for students with permanent disabilities)
  • Pass a credit check (if they are 22 years of age or older and are applying for the first time)
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress

• How much federal loan money can I receive?

  For full-time studies, the maximum amount of funding you can receive with a Canada Student Loan is $210 per week up to a maximum of 340 weeks (or 400 weeks for doctoral students). For part-time studies, there is no limit to the number of weeks you can get funding, but there is a lifetime maximum loan amount of $10,000 including both principal and interest.

  The actual amount you’ll get is based on the government’s assessment of your “allowable costs” minus your “resources.” If you have savings, investments, a job or other resources, you’re expected to use these to an extent to help pay for school. Your loan amount can vary based on whether you live with your parents, are a mature student, identify as Indigenous and a range of other factors. Generally, though, the calculation is as follows:

  Allowable costs – Your resources = Assessed financial need

• How much federal grant money can I receive?

  Canada Student Grants are available for full-time students, part-time students, students with dependents, students with disabilities and students from low-income families. Maximum amounts generally range from $1,800.00 to $3,000.00 per school year depending on the type of grant.

  Some grants are calculated according to a maximum monthly amount, like the Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students with Dependents, which offers up to $200 monthly per dependent child per school year. The Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities offers up to $20,000.00 per school year. See the Government of Canada website for more information on federal grants for students.

• How do I apply, and how/when will I receive my funds?

  Although exact policies can vary between provincial/territorial student aid offices, the process is generally as follows:
  1. Create an online account.
  Visit your provincial/territorial student aid office website to do this. You may have to follow extra steps to verify your account.

  2. Access the online application.
  Fill in your profile information with your name, residential address, phone number(s), email, birth date, Social Insurance Number (SIN) and other relevant details. This information is typically saved to your account, so you don’t have to input it again on future applications, although you may be asked to review it and make changes if required.

  3. Input your program details.
  This could include the name of the school you will be attending, the length of your program, the cost of attendance, the cost of your books and supplies and other details. You can find many of these details on your school’s website.

  4. Input your financial information.
  To determine the amount you’ll get, the student aid office will probably want to know if you’ve been working, if you will work during the school year, how much you’re making (from Line 150 of your most recent tax return) and where you’ll living as a student. (Will you be living on campus? Commuting? Paying rent? Living with your parents for free? Supporting your own family?) Besides determining your costs, personal details can also help determine how much you and your parents/spouse/common-law partner are expected to be contributing to your education. You may be asked other questions as well, like whether you have any disabilities, how much you have in savings accounts/RESPs/RRSPs and whether you identify as Indigenous.

  5. Review and submit your application (then play the waiting game).
  Some (though not all) websites may provide you with an immediate estimation of your funding. You typically have to wait weeks, possibly even a month or two, before receiving an official funding decision – this is why it’s important to apply as soon as the application becomes available online.

  6. Receive a funding decision.
  Your funding decision will break down the amount of loan and grant money you’ll get and when the money will be disbursed. At this point, you may be asked to sign a loan agreement and submit it either by mail, fax or through your online account. You’ll probably have to provide your bank account information for direct deposits (if applicable) and so the student financial aid office can withdraw payments when you’re out of school.

  Funds are often disbursed in multiple payments throughout the school year, rather than all at once. Depending on your age, whether you’re going to a school outside your province/territory and other factors, you’ll either receive your funding directly or it’ll be sent to your school’s financial aid office, which will process the payment and give you any excess funds.

Private funding

Banks, credit unions and online lenders all offer financing solutions you can tap into as a student. While the government typically offers a greater range of funding options designed especially for students, loans from private lenders are usually quicker and more flexible. However, it may be harder to qualify.

Student lines of credit

Student lines of credit are commonly used as an alternative when you don’t qualify for government loans or need more money. Issued by banks and credit unions, a line of credit is an amount you’re approved to borrow and can be accessed via online banking or in person at a local branch. (You can’t access these funds with a a debit or credit card.)

For full-time students, amounts generally fall between $10,000-$20,000 per year up to a maximum amount based on your level of study, i.e. certificate, diploma, degree, masters or doctorate. Credit limits will be lower for part-time students.

If you don’t touch the money, then you have no repayment obligations and aren’t charged any interest. But as soon as you withdraw from a line of credit, the amount withdrawn becomes a debt owed to your financial institution – interest immediately begins to accrue and you’re automatically required to make monthly repayments. Be aware that having a student line of credit could affect how much you’re eligible to receive from other sources like scholarships, bursaries and government loans.

• General application requirements (varies between lenders)

  • Proof of residency including your current residential address and the addressed of places you’ve lived over the past several years.
  • Where you work and your income. Bring 3-6 of your most recent pay stubs or your Notices of Assessments from the past 2-3 years).
  • The amount you pay towards rent or a mortgage.
  • A list of your existing debts including how much you pay each month. This includes personal loans, lines of credit, credit cards, car payments etc.

  • Information on your usual expenses such as utilities, property taxes, insurance fees etc.
  • Proof of enrollment, which could consist of a letter from your registrar or a copy of your class schedule.
  • Social Insurance Number (SIN).
  • Personal and financial information of your cosigner (if required) including his or her employment details, contact information and SIN.

Government loans vs. student lines of credit

Not sure whether a government loan or a student lines of credit is right for you? Here are the most important differences between the 2 options: most provinces and territories, you’ll get a lower interest rate with government loans, but student lines of credit offer flexible, plus you only pay for what you use. See more differences in the table below.

Compare regular lines of credit

Before applying, be sure that you meet the eligibility requirements.

Sort by:

Name	Product	Interest Rate	Loan Amount	Loan Term	Requirements
LoanConnect Line of Credit LoanConnect Line of Credit		19.99% - 46.96%	$500 - $50,000	3 - 120 months	Requirements: min. credit score 300	Go to site View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Loans Canada Line of Credit Loans Canada Line of Credit		9.90% - 21.50%	$5,000 - $35,000	6 months - 5 years	Requirements: min. credit score 300	Go to site View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Cash Money Line of Credit Cash Money Line of Credit		46.93%	$500 - $10,000	No end dates	Requirements: min. credit score 560	Go to site View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
MogoMini Line of Credit MogoMini Line of Credit		47.42%	$1,000 - $3,500	No end dates	Requirements: min. income $13,000/year, min. credit score 500	Go to site View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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Non-government student loans

Most students who need financing turn to government loans or student lines of credit. Because these are designed just for students, you can usually get a lower interest rate and more favourable repayment terms. However, if you don’t qualify for either option or need extra funds, you could apply for a personal loan from a bank, credit union or online lender. Your options for personal loans may be limited if you’re still hitting the books and not bringing in much income. But many banks and lenders accept cosigners, which can help you qualify for stronger rates and better terms than you’d find on your own.

Compare personal loans now

Personal loans

Personal loans typically range from $2,000.00 – $50,000.00, and interest rates that can vary from 3.00%-36.00%. Your rate is based on your income, credit score, existing debt load and other factors. Terms generally last 1-7 years. Because interest accumulates over time, a shorter term will cost less but come with higher principal payments, while a longer term will cost more but come with lower principle payments.

Compare personal loans

In order to apply for a personal loan, you’ll need to meet the eligibility requirements.

Sort by:

Name	Product	Interest Rate	Loan Amount	Loan Term	Requirements
Loans Canada Personal Loan Loans Canada Personal Loan		5.4% - 46.96%	$300 - $50,000	4 - 60 months	Requirements: min. credit score 300	Go to site View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
SkyCap Financial Personal Loan SkyCap Financial Personal Loan		19.99% - 39.99%	$500 - $15,000	9 - 60 months	Requirements: min. income $3,333/month, full time employment/pension, min. credit score 600, no bankruptcy	Go to site View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Spring Financial Personal Loan Spring Financial Personal Loan		9.99% - 46.96%	$500 - $35,000	6 - 60 months	Requirements: min. income $1,800/month, 3+ months employed, min. credit score 500	Go to site View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
GOOD CREDIT goPeer Personal Loan goPeer Personal Loan	GOOD CREDIT	8.00% - 34.00%	$1,000 - $25,000	36 - 60 months	Requirements: recommended income $40,000/year, no payday loan debt, min. credit score 650, min. 5-year credit history. (Avg. approved rate of 15.80%)	Go to site View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
LoanConnect Personal Loan LoanConnect Personal Loan		6.99% - 46.96%	$100 - $50,000	3 - 120 months	Requirements: min. credit score 300	Go to site View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
GOOD CREDIT Symple Personal Loan Symple Personal Loan	GOOD CREDIT	6.99% - 32.00%	$5,000 - $50,000	24 - 84 months	Requirements: min. credit score 650, min. income $50,000/year, no history of bankruptcies	Go to site View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Mogo Personal Loan Mogo Personal Loan		9.90% - 46.96%	$200 - $35,000	6 - 60 months	Requirements: min. income $13,000/year, min. credit score 500	Go to site View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Fairstone Secured Personal Loan Fairstone Secured Personal Loan		19.99% - 24.49%	$5,000 - $50,000	36 - 120 months	Requirements: must be a homeowner, min. credit score 560	Go to site View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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Am I eligible for a personal loan?

Many students haven’t yet built a strong credit history, which often comes with steadier footing after graduation. Because they require steady employment, a minimum income and more, college students might want to bring on a parent as a cosigner. Or, parents might prefer taking out a personal loan in their name.

You’ll need to meet common eligibility requirements that include:

• Steady income
• Good or excellent credit
• A strong credit history
• The age of majority in your province (18 or 19 years old)
• Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Debt-to-income ratio (DTI) below 36% (a DTI between 37% and 42% may be acceptable)

Why is it difficult to get a personal loan as a student?

There are a couple of reasons why it might be challenging to take out a personal loan as a student:

• No credit. Unless you’ve taken out loans or credit cards before, you won’t have a credit history. This will make it harder to borrow since lenders won’t be able to prove you have a good track record of repaying your loans on time.
• Little income. If you’re a student, you probably don’t have much money coming in. This can be a problem for some lenders, who may expect you to show proof of income to be sure you can make payments on your loan.
• Bad credit. If you’ve missed payments on previous loans or credit cards (especially if you have very little credit history), your credit score might be too low to qualify for a loan.
• Lack of assets. Assuming you’re younger than 25, chances are you may not have any assets to put up against your loan. This means you won’t be able to qualify for a secured loan and it can be much more difficult to get unsecured loans for large amounts.

Personal loans vs. private student loans

It isn’t surprising that providers limit borrowers from using personal loans for educational expenses: Students just don’t have the same needs and ability to repay as your average borrower.

Key differences between personal loans and private student loans include:

• Interest rates. Student loans often offer lower interest rates than personal loans — typically prime + 2-5%. On the other hand, personal loan interest rates may start at 9% and run as high as 36% or more.
• Fees. Private student loans don’t often come with application, origination or prepayment fees. Yet these fees are common with personal loans.
• Terms. Student loan repayment terms can range from 5 to 25 years. Personal loans come with much shorter terms of 1-7 years.
• Repayment. Student loans offer perks like waiting up to 6 months after graduation before you start repayments, deferment or interest-only payments while you’re in school, as well as multiple deferment and forbearance options after. Personal loan repayments start right away and typically won’t allow you to pause payments if you hit a financial snag.
• Loan amounts. Student loans often start at $5,000 and top off at your school’s total cost of attendance. Personal loans come in as low as $1,000 in some cases but rarely go above $100,000.
• Cosigners. Almost all student loan providers allow you to apply with a cosigner, an option that isn’t always available with a personal loan.
• Eligibility. The rigid requirements of personal loans could prevent many students from finding financing. Still, you might not be eligible for a provincial or even private student loan if you don’t attend an accredited institution and/or aren’t enrolled in an eligible program.
• Tax benefits. There aren’t any tax advantages given specifically for paying back a personal loan. With a student loan, you might be able to deduct interest from your taxes. Not all types of student loans are eligible for this benefit, however, so you should check with the CRA to see which rules apply to your situation.

Should I take out a personal loan for school?

It depends on your circumstances and finances. Ask yourself the following questions to help you decide if a personal loan is right for you.

• Are provincial and private student loans an option?

  Provincial loans usually offer the most competitive rates among options. They also come with benefits that private lenders just can’t offer, like repayment assistance programs if you’re in a touch place financially.

  While not as competitive as provincial loans, private loans can be less expensive than personal loans. Qualifying is easier than for personal loans, and private loans also come with similar perks to those offered by government loans. For instance, with student lines of credit, you often make interest-only payments while in school and for a time after you graduate. Government loans may allow you to defer payments entirely during school and for a time after you graduate.

  Additionally, private loans can also cover school-related costs that government loans won’t, like bar exam study courses. Both tend to have lifetime borrowing limits, however. If you or your child has exceeded that limit, a personal loan may be your only option.

• Can I meet the eligibility requirements?

  Parents might have an easier time getting a personal loan to pay for school than students on their own. Students with parents who are also ineligible might need to find another individual to act as a cosigner.

• What expenses need to be covered?

  If you need help covering your or your child’s tuition, your options could be limited by your provider. Some personal loan providers only allow you to use funds for certain purposes like covering unexpected medical bills or renovating your home. However, many providers allow you to use a personal loan to cover school-related expenses — like fees, rent, books and day-to-day expenses.

• Have I exhausted all other financial aid options?

  Personal loans are not designed for students. They can be expensive and difficult to repay while you’re in school. And taking on debt for your child can make it more difficult to get other types of financing in the near future because it lowers your debt-to-income ratio (DTI).

  Talk to the school’s financial aid office about scholarships, grants and work-study options that can help fill in the gaps left by student loans.

• Can I afford repayments right away?

  If you or your family can’t pick up the repayments while you’re still in school, a personal loan could hurt your credit rating. That’s because the biggest factor in your credit score is your history of making payments on time. A low credit score can make it more difficult for you to get a credit card, mortgage or other type of credit in the future.

• How much do I need?

  Because personal loans tend to come with higher rates and immediate repayments, try to reserve them for smaller expenses. If you need to borrow more than $35,000 at a time, you won’t have as many options.

How to compare loans for students

To decide on which loan is the right fit for you, it can help to look into some of the following factors:

• Lowest rates. Low interest rates are the number one factor you should look for with your student loan. Government loans usually charge around 6.5–9% while private loans can fluctuate depending on the lender.
• Best repayment terms. Look for a lender that has measures in place to help you if you can’t make repayments on time for some reason. For example, government loans will often offer repayment assistance plans to reduce your payments if you make below a certain income.
• No fees. If your lender asks you to pay fees on your loan, chances are you should keep looking for a better offer.
• Good customer service. If you opt for a private loan, then make sure the lender you settle on has a good reputation and solid online reviews.

Other sources of funding

• Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs)

  A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is a long-term investment account that lets people (usually parents and grandparents) save up to $50,000.00 for a child’s education. Money deposited into an RESP grows in 2 (or possibly 3) ways:

  • Funds are put towards either fixed investments (i.e. short-term bonds, GICs and investment savings account) or equity investments (i.e. stocks and mutual funds). Interest earned on these investments is not taxed.
  • Through the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG), the federal government matches annual RESP contributions by 20% if the the future students receiving the funds are 17 or younger. The CESG applies on the first $2,500.00 of annual contributions (or $5,000.00, if unused contribution room from previous years is carried forward) up to a lifetime limit of $7,200.00.
  • Through the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) program, children from low-income families will get up to $2,000.00 in RESP contributions from the federal government. This is not a matching program – no personal contributions are necessary to get the CLB.

  Contributions to an RESP are not tax deductible. Withdrawals from an RESP for educational purposes are called educational assistance payments (EAPs) and count as part of the student’s annual taxable income. Should funds go unused and get returned to the contributor, he or she can receive the funds without paying additional tax.

  Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs)

• Early RRSP withdrawals under the Lifelong Learning Plan

  A Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) is very similar to an RESP in that it’s a long-term investment account designed to save for the future – in this case, old age. Again, similar to an RESP, money can grow tax free, but withdrawals are taxable. However, one crucial difference between the 2 types of accounts is that contributions to an RRSP are tax deductible.

  Because RRSPs are designed to help people save for retirement, withdrawals before you reach 71 years old are heavily taxed. But there are 2 circumstances in which you can withdraw from an RRSP prematurely: to buy or build a home (under the Home Buyers’ Plan) and to help fund your education (under the Lifelong Learning Plan).

  Under the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP), you can take up to a certain amount out of your RRSP yearly to pay for full-time training or education at a designated institution for yourself, your spouse or your common-law partner. Withdrawals cannot be used to cover training or educational expenses for your children or your spouse/common-law partner’s children.

  Most educational institutions in Canada will qualify as “designated institutions,” as will many institutions in the US and abroad. As of 2019, the maximum yearly withdrawal limit is $10,000 up to a total limit of $20,000 (once you reach this, you’ll have to wait a while to withdraw again).

  Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs)

• Scholarships and bursaries

  According to CBC, millions of dollars’ worth of scholarship money goes unclaimed each year. Often, students assume they need very high grades or that they have to jump through an insane number of hoops to be awarded a scholarship. In fact, the majority of scholarships are not merit-based and may not take more than a few hours to apply for.

  While this could seem like a long time, the results could really pay off, even if you only win a few of the awards you apply for.

  There are several established companies that produce robust online databases tracking scholarships and bursaries available in Canada. You can browse through thousands of scholarships worth millions of dollars on the following sites:

  • ScholarshipsCanada.com
  • Yconic.com

  • StudentAwards
  • canadian-universities.net/Scholarships/

Repaying your loan

After your study period ends, you have to begin paying back your loan. Often, student loan providers will give you a 6-12 month grace period to find a job and start earning money before your loan goes into full repayment mode.

The amount you pay is based on your loan agreement. Usually, your provider will contact you shortly before the repayment period begins with a notice detailing how much you need to pay and when payments are due – this may not always be the case, however, and ultimately, you’re responsible for making payments in full and on time. If you don’t, you could incur extra fees and other penalties.

Acceptable methods of payment may differ between providers, but often, lenders will debit directly from your account after you give them your bank account information. Alternatively, you may have to set up your lender as a “bill payee” on your online bank portal and transfer the money yourself. Lenders may also accept cheques, but you’ll have to contact your lender to find out for sure.

Tips to manage 5 different types of debt

What if I can’t afford repayments?

When life happens and unexpected circumstance hurt your ability to pay back your loans, you have options – especially if you have government student loans. Making payments on time and in full is key to maintaining a good credit score, which helps you in many areas of life like getting a car, buying a home, supporting a family and travelling.

1. Negotiate a better repayment plan with your lender

2. Refinance your student loans

3. Government repayment assistance plans (for federal and provincial student loans only)

Frequently asked questions

• A lender is asking for money upfront before giving me a loan. Should I pay it?

  No, a legitimate lender should not ask you to pay any funds upfront. In many provinces, it is actually illegal for a lender to request any money upfront. If a lender charges an origination or processing fee for a loan, they will typically deduct it from the loan amount. If a lender is asking for a prepaid card loaded with funds or for you to pay loan insurance, you should look elsewhere for a loan – it’s likely a scam. You should also be aware that loan insurance is never required.

• What's the difference between refinancing and consolidation?

  Refinancing involves paying off a single loan with a new, less expensive loan; this usually involves getting a lower interest rate and/or better terms. On the other hand, debt consolidation involves combining multiple loan types into one, affordable, easy-to-manage payment plus refinancing for better terms.

• If I refinance, can I defer repayments if I switch careers or go back to school?

  It depends on the type of student loan you have. Generally, only government loans offer deferral, which you give up if you refinance your student loan with a private lender.

• Can I get a private student loan if I have bad or no credit?

  Since most undergraduate students don’t have a credit score yet, it’s common for a cosigner – such as your parents – to sign on with you for financing. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements, you could be approved for a loan with or without credit.

• Can I get a private student loan without a cosigner?

  You can if you meet your lender’s credit requirements. Generally, you’ll need to have good credit and a certain salary if you apply without a cosigner, which, unfortunately, is something most undergraduate students don’t have.

• How does refinancing a student loan affect my credit score?

  Refinancing a student loan can actually improve your credit in the long run by adjusting your monthly repayments to something you’re more likely to afford. However, it may damage your credit slightly in the short run because most lenders conduct a hard pull on your credit report during inquiry for the application process, which causes your score to temporarily dip around 5-10 points.

• Can anyone qualify for a student loan?

  No. It can actually be difficult to borrow money for school, especially if you or your parents make above a certain income. You may be able to qualify for a private loan but will likely need to have a good credit score.

• Is it better to take out government or private student loans?

  It depends what you’re looking for. Government student loans don’t charge interest until you graduate and offer flexible repayment plans based on your income. Private loans can help pay for expenses that your government loans don’t cover and can even come with lower interest rates (although this is rare).

• How long can I take to repay my loan?

  Most students will take around 10 years to pay back their student loans. Your best bet is to choose a term that is long enough to make your payments manageable, but not so long that you pay enormous amounts of interest.

• Will I get a grace period before I have to start repaying my loan?

  With government loans you’ll get six months before you have to start making repayments. For private loans, you may need to start paying money back as soon as you take out your loan.