ENHANCEMENTS TO STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM HELPS LEARNERS GO FURTHER FASTER

Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris today reached out to post-secondary students by launching new enhancements to the province's student financial assistance program and a new marketing campaign designed to demonstrate the benefits of the program.

The campaign encourages students to "Go Further Faster" by accessing Student Financial Assistance. The aims of the campaign include a range of available non-repayable grants, bursaries and scholarships, better interest terms and an online application that streamlines the process.

"The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to providing students with the tools they need to access and complete their post-secondary education," Norris said. "The improved Student Financial Assistance program makes it easier for students to succeed in their education and seize the tremendous opportunities that Saskatchewan has to offer."

The 2010-11 budget provided for enhancements to the Student Financial Assistance program which helped to make post-secondary education accessible to more Saskatchewan students. These enhancements include:

• Full-time students can earn as much as they choose during their study period without affecting their eligibility for financial assistance; 
• Interest rates will be reduced to prime on repayable Saskatchewan loans; and
• Ownership of vehicles by students is allowed without affecting the level of financial assistance.

In the 2009 loan year, more than 65 per cent of provincial assistance to students was non-repayable. Student Financial Assistance Branch is now accepting applications for the 2010/2011 Canada-Saskatchewan Integrated Student Loan program.

More information on the Saskatchewan Student Financial Assistance program can be found at www.student-loans.sk.ca or call 1-800-597-8278.

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For more information, contact:

Chris Jones-Bonk
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3106