Government of Prince Edward Island Funding for Students with Disabilities
Students from Prince Edward Island may qualify for a range of provincial and federal financial supports designed to improve access to post-secondary education for students with disabilities.
PEI Student Bursaries
Eligible PEI students attending University of Prince Edward Island, Holland College, Maritime Christian College, or Collège de l’Île may receive between $4,400 and $8,800 in non-repayable bursaries, depending on their program of study. In many cases, no separate application is required, eligible students are automatically assessed upon enrollment as first-time students.
As a province in Canada, students living in PEI are also eligible for federal funding, including the Canada Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities.
Federal Grants for Students with Disabilities
PEI students may also qualify for federal student aid programs through the Government of Canada, including:
- The Canada Student Financial Assistance Program Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities
- The Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities
These grants can help cover:
- Tuition and educational costs
- Assistive technology and equipment
- Academic accommodations
- Disability-related educational services
Students with permanent disabilities may receive up to $2,800 annually through the Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities.
Students requiring specialized supports or adaptive equipment may also qualify for up to $20,000 per academic year through the Services and Equipment Grant.
Severe Permanent Disability Benefit
Borrowers with a severe permanent disability that permanently prevents them from participating in post-secondary education and the workforce may qualify to have their student loans cancelled through the Severe Permanent Disability Benefit program.
Under federal regulations, a “severe permanent disability” is defined as a physical or mental impairment that:
- Prevents participation in post-secondary studies and employment-related activities; and
- Is expected to remain for the individual’s lifetime.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the PEI Severe Permanent Disability Benefit, students must first be approved for the federal Severe Permanent Disability Benefit, which cancels federal student loan debt.
How to Apply
- Contact the National Student Loans Service Centre at 1-888-815-4514 to apply for the federal Severe Permanent Disability Benefit.
- After receiving federal approval, contact PEI Student Financial Services to apply for cancellation of your provincial PEI student loan.
- Applicants must provide documentation confirming approval under the federal program.
Important Information
If approved for the Severe Permanent Disability Benefit, your PEI provincial student loan may be permanently cancelled. However, recipients generally become ineligible for future provincial or federal student loans and grants.
Additional Financial Aid and Accessibility Supports
Students with disabilities attending post-secondary institutions in PEI may also have access to:
- Accessibility-related scholarships and bursaries
- Campus accessibility services
- Funding for assistive technologies and learning supports
University of Prince Edward Island Accessibility Services provides support with disability grant applications and accommodation services for eligible students.