Financing Your Education

The Reality of Financing your Education

Students enrolling in health professional programs should be prepared for a substantial financial commitment. Loans are generally the primary source of funding, with graduate debt averaging over $100,000. Check out these resources to learn more about possible sources of funding:

Government of Canada Student AidInformation about how to manage student loans and resources to apply for grants, loans, bursaries and scholarships.
Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)Offers student funding through grants and student loans for Ontario residents.
Smart Student Guide to Financial AidInformation about loans, scholarships, military aid programs, links to online aid applications, FAQs, a loan repayment calculator, and a financial aid contribution estimator.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – For American StudentsApplication used to determine eligibility for government-funded financial aid.

Resources by Profession

ProfessionResources (Canada)Resources (USA)
Medicine> MD Ultimate Guide for Financing Medical School Education
> Canada Student Financial Assistance Program (CSFA)
> CMA Bursaries and Awards Supporting Medical Students		> AAMC Fee Assistance Program
> AAMC FIRST: Financial Information, Resources, Services, & Tools
> AACOM Financial Aid and Scholarships
Dentistry> PrepDoctors: How to Finance Canadian Dental School
> CADH Financing and Funding Options		> ADEA AADSAS Fee Assistance Program
> ADEA GoDental Money Matters
Pharmacy> SOPhS Financial Aid and Loans

> PharmCAS Fee Waivers
> AACP Financial Aid & Scholarships
Optometry> FYi Future Vision Leaders Program
> UW Funding and Awards		> AOA Guide to Optometric Loans, Grants, & Scholarships
Chiropractic> CMCC Government Student Financial Aid Programs
> OCA Financing and Scholarships
*information can be found through the individual school
Physical Therapy*information can be found through the individual school > PTCAS Fee Waivers
> APTA Scholarships, Awards, & Grants
Occupational Therapy> COTF Scholarships and Funding> AOTA Financial Aid
Audiology / Speech-Language Pathology> SAC Scholarships> ASHA Finding Financial Aid
> Audiology Schools Financing Options
Podiatry> CPMA Funding and Information
> Government of Canada Podiatry School Funding
> APMSA Scholarships and Repayment Options
> APMA Scholarship Fund
Veterinary Medicine*information can be found through the individual school > VMCAS Fee Reimbursement Program
> AAVMC Funding Education
> AVMA Student Financial Resources
Nurse> Canadian Nurses Foundation Scholarships
> StudentAid BC Nurses Education Bursary
> Scholarships Canada Nursing Student Scholarships
> CNA Financial Support		> AACN Scholarships and Financial Aid
> Financial Aid Guide for Nursing Students