To make post-secondary education more affordable and accessible, the Manitoba government has implemented changes to the Manitoba Student Aid program, allowing students to now apply for federal grants without also needing to apply for loans.
“Until now, students applying for Manitoba Student Aid could not qualify for a federal grant without taking on a loan,” said Advanced Education and Training Minister RenĂ©e Cable. “To be considered for federal grants, students had to choose between applying for student loans or not applying at all. With these new application changes for 2025-26, now available online, education is more affordable and accessible.”
For 2025-26, full-time students enrolled in an eight-month study period may be eligible for Canada Student Grants of up to $4,200, plus additional funds if they are qualifying students with disabilities or caring for dependants.
“We are committed to providing Manitobans with equitable access to training and educational opportunities, and these changes will make it easier for students to access the support they need,” said Cable. “Ensuring federal grants are available without needing to take out a loan will allow more Manitobans to explore post-secondary education as an option.”
Manitoba Student Aid delivers federal and provincial financial assistance to supplement the costs of attending post-secondary education. Applications for grant-only financial assistance are now open for the upcoming school year, with funding scheduled to begin next month, the minister noted.