Financial Assistance

Find out what Robertson actually costs you

Manitoba, Alberta, and Canada student loans.

Funding sources available to Robertson students

Provincial

Provincial bursaries

Overview

Provincial bursaries are a great way to help with tuition costs. Available bursaries change often, but programs like Early Childhood Educator and Health Care Aide are often considered. Check in with us to understand the options available to you.

ALL PROVINCES Full-Time

Varies by assessment

Manitoba residents

Manitoba Student Loan

Federal

Canada Student Grants

Provincial · Alberta

Alberta Student Loan

Institutional

Personal Payment

Institutional

Bank or Credit Union Financing

Institutional

Band Funding / Indigenous Funding

Employer

Employment Program / EI Funding

Your employer may pay for this

Some employers will fund part or all of your program. It’s always worth asking.

1.

Check your employment agreement

Look for education, training, or professional development clauses. Many exist; most employees haven't read them.

2.

Frame it as a benefit to your employer

Connect the program to your current role or a role you're targeting. Completion benefits your employer directly.

3.

Get a written commitment before enrolling

Verbal agreements are not enough. Ask for a letter confirming the amount, conditions, and payment arrangement.

4.

Bring us the offer

Once your employer is interested, book a call with a Student Financial Administrator. They set up direct billing or reimbursement with your employer and confirm what, if anything, is left for you to cover.

How to approach your employer

Start your funding applications before your program starts.

Not after.

1.

Apply for admission

When you decide

You need an admission letter before applying for most external funding.

2.

Apply for external funding

8–12 weeks before start

Manitoba Student Loan, Alberta Student Loan, Canada Student Loan — all need your admission letter.

3.

Submit docs to Robertson

On approval

Send funding confirmation letters. We confirm the institutional payment plan for the remainder.

4.

Confirm payment plan

2 weeks before start

Review and sign. Financial picture complete before day one.

5.

Start your program

Day one

Start your first day of classes prepared and ready to begin your journey, and reach out to your advisor if you have any questions along the way.

How financing works at Robertson

Students who arrive financially prepared graduate. Students who under-prepare often withdraw, which creates loan debt without credentials.

Student Resources

Useful guides that help to understand what’s involved in studying at Robertson College

Common financing questions

Direct answers to the questions prospects and enrolled students ask most.

Do I need to have my funding in place before I apply?

No. You can apply first and sort out funding after. Once you've selected a program and signed your contract, a Student Financial Administrator will reach out to set up a meeting, usually 15 to 30 minutes, to walk through your payment options and help you apply for loans, grants, or other funding. Having your funding in place before your program starts makes for a much smoother first few weeks, so we encourage you to start the conversation early.

Can I combine more than one funding source?

Yes, and most students do. A typical funding plan might combine a government student loan with a grant, band funding, employer sponsorship, or personal savings. Your Student Financial Administrator can help you figure out which combination fits your situation.

What happens if my student loan is denied after my program starts?

Your Student Financial Administrator will work with you on a plan based on your situation. Options vary case by case, so reach out as soon as you hear from your loan provider.

Does Robertson lend money directly to students?

No. Government student loans, lines of credit, and grants all come from external sources like Manitoba Student Aid, Alberta Student Aid, the Government of Canada, or your bank. What we do provide is support navigating them. Our Student Financial Administrators know these systems well and will help you identify the right options for your province and situation, help you with your application, and set up a payment schedule once your funding is confirmed.

When do I start paying back a student loan?

It depends on your loan and your province. Government student loans typically don't require repayment while you're studying, with repayment terms that vary by province or territory. A student line of credit works differently: interest starts accruing as soon as you draw on it, though repayment usually begins after you finish your program. Check the terms for your specific funding source, or bring the question to your Student Financial Administrator meeting.

Still have questions? Talk to a financial aid advisor.

A 15-minute call. No commitment. Specific to your program, campus, province, and situation. You've done the reading — this is the conversation that turns it into a plan.