Education

Yukon Grant

How Do I Qualify For A Grant?

You may be eligible for the Yukon Grant in one of three categories, as:

A dependent student: if you are less than 19 years of age on the day your post-secondary classes start, and at least one of your parents has resided in the Yukon continuously for a period of 2 years immediately preceding the start of your post-secondary classes; or you are 19 years of age and have resided in the Yukon continuously during the immediately preceding period of 1 year and have previously received Yukon Grant financial assistance as a dependent student.

An independent student: completed 2 years of secondary education in the Yukon school system (Grades 8-12:  this can also include Yukon Department of Education registered home schooling) or have previously received financial assistance as a dependent student defined above and have resided in the Yukon continuously for a period of 2 years immediately preceding the start of post-secondary classes.  A person can qualify as an independent student no matter what his or her age is at the time of application.

A new resident student: if you are less than 19 years of age on the day your post-secondary classes start, you and at least one of your parents have taken up residence in the Yukon, and you are a dependant of that parent at that time. You must have completed 1 year of secondary education in the Yukon school system (Grades 8-12:  this can also include Yukon Department of Education registered home schooling) and start your post-secondary studies before you reach 19 years of age. Your parent(s) must reside in the Territory while you are attending post-secondary studies, and you must complete your post-secondary education before you reach the age of 24.

Students may interrupt their studies and be absent from the Yukon for a period of time not exceeding one academic year.

Am I eligible? The following conditions apply: 

  • You must apply each year;
  • You must be taking post-secondary level studies;
  • You must be attending full-time, as defined by the institution;
  • Your program must be at least 12 weeks long;
  • You must be attending an approved institution;
  • You must meet residency requirements;
  • You cannot receive Yukon Grant if you are receiving funds from another Territorial or Federal agency for educational studies other than special scholarships, awards or loans.

Where can I get a Yukon Grant application?

Forms are available from our office or printed from the website: http://www.education.gov.yk.ca/advanceded/sfa/index.html or a student can apply online, accessed through the website.

What must accompany my Yukon Grant application?

First year applicant:

In additin to your completed and signed application,

  • Your letter of acceptance from the educational institution you will attend
  • High school transcript/permanent record card - Request from your High school

    Second year or subsequent year applicant:

    In addition to your completed and signed application,

    • Your most recent full-time official transcript (with official seal and signature)obtained from the institution you last attended.
      Note:  we recommend that you request your official transcript before you leave the institution each spring to avoid delays. There is usually a fee for issuing official transcripts.
    • Transferring to another institution - your letter of acceptance from your new institution.

    Online applications:Complete online and submit separately your letter of acceptance if required (see above), official transcripts and signed Student Declaration.*Remember to print this page at the end of the online process.

    Is There A Deadline Date For Applications?

    Six weeks after the start date of your classes your completed application must be received in our office.

    How Do I Find Out If My Grant Is Approved?

    Once your application has been approved, a letter will be sent to you and your institution indicating the amount you will be receiving.

    How Much Will I Receive?

    Keeping in mind that institutions have different academic years, following are examples of the amount you may receive:

    Quarter
    (3 months)

    Semester
    (4 months)

    Tuition/Fees

    $346

    $519

    Books/Supplies

    $104

    $160

    Living Expense

    $692

    $1037

    First year applicants receive 100% of the Grant.  You must maintain a 65% average to receive the full amount in the following year(s). If you obtain an average below 65% you will receive 60% of the grant, until such time as your average is 65% or better.

    If you are attending an institution outside the Yukon you may receive a travel subsidy. In order to receive subsequent travel subsidies you must have returned to the Yukon since your last subsidy and prior to a new academic year.  If you are attending a program within Yukon, not available in your home community, you may receive a travel subsidy.  Note:  Travel subsidies are paid one per calendar year.

    When Will I Get My Money?

    All applications are assessed on a first-come, first serve basis, so the earlier you get your application in, the earlier your money will reach the institution. Grants are disbursed by semester or quarter. For example, if you are attending 2 semesters, your first cheque would arrive in September and the following disbursement will be sent in January.

    Where Is My Money Sent?

    The money is sent in your name care of the financial aid office of the institution you are attending.  Once the institution ensures you are registered full-time, they will give you the cheque. However, if you owe money for fees, room and board, etc., the institution may ask you to sign it over to them.

    How Many Years Can I Receive This Grant?

    A student may receive assistance for the Yukon Grant and Student Training Allowance combined for up to a maximum of five years.

    Do I Pay Income Tax On the Grant?

    If you are eligibile to claim the education amount, you are no longer required to report your Grant as income.  If you are not eligible for the education amount you must claim the Grant amount as income, less $500.  Please keep us informed of your permanent home address as T4A forms are still required.  For information on education deductions for income tax purposes, please visit the section for students on the Canada Revenue Agency web site at http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/.

    Does The Grant Have To Be Paid Back?

    If you withdraw from classes or you drop to part-time status you will be required to pay back a portion of the Grant within 3 months. Otherwise, the Grant does not have to be paid back.

     

    A NOTE ON YUKON RESIDENCY:

    There are Yukon residency requirements in Student Financial Assistance programs.  Two strong indicators for being recognized as a Yukon resident for these programs are: holding a Yukon Health Care Card on a continuous basis for the period of time required immediately prior to the commencement of classes; and having been assessed as a Yukon tax payer on your income tax submission for the years prior to the start of your classes. If you have any questions about your Yukon resident status, please contact one of the Student Financial Services Officers.

     

    PLEASE BE AWARE:

    Receiving student financial assistance, other than scholarships, in another province or territory will disqualify you from obtaining Yukon student financial assistance for that same period, and you will be required to repay any Yukon funding issued.

     

Contact - SFA

Student Financial Assistance
Advanced Education
Department of Education
Government of Yukon
Box 2703
Whitehorse, Yukon
Canada Y1A 2C6

Phone: (867) 667-5929
Toll free (In Yukon): 1-800-661-0408, local 5929
Fax: (867) 667-8555

sfa@gov.yk.ca