Not all student debt is the same. Where your loan came from changes how you repay it, what protections you have, and what relief options are available. Use the resource below to find information specific to your loan type.
For apprentices in Red Seal trades. Loans are interest-free during training and repayable after training ends.
Apprentice Loan Info →Note: Quebec has opted out of the federal system; loans are administered entirely provincially through AFE.
afe.gouv.qc.ca →Nova Scotia: novascotia.ca/studentassistance
New Brunswick: studentaidnb.ca
Prince Edward Island: princeedwardisland.ca/student-financial
Newfoundland & Labrador: studentaid.gov.nl.ca
Unlike government loans, these are not protected by RAP and interest starts accumulating right away (though usually interest-only payments are allowed during school).
Personal loans from family or friends. Even if informal, it's best to get terms in writing to protect relationships.
Focus on paying off the loan with the highest interest rate first, while making minimum payments on others. This saves you the most money in the long run.
Pay off the smallest balance first to build psychological momentum. Once one is gone, roll that payment into the next smallest. Great for staying motivated.
Use government programs like RAP to adjust your payments based on what you actually earn, ensuring your basic needs are met first.
Combining multiple high-interest debts into one lower-interest loan. This can simplify your life but be careful not to lose government protections if moving federal loans to a bank.
Book a free counselling session and we'll help you build a personalized debt repayment plan.