If you’re training for a skilled trade, costs and time away from work can make things tough. The Canada Apprentice Loan gives you money to help with living expenses while you focus on your apprenticeship. It’s a federal loan that stays interest-free during your training. The Government of Canada sets clear rules about how much you can borrow and how to pay it back.
The Canada Apprentice Loan (CAL) is a federal program for apprentices in designated Red Seal trades. It helps you cover basic expenses during your technical training.
You must meet all these requirements:
Quebec residents: The Canada Apprentice Loan is not available in Quebec. Quebec has its own financial aid program for apprentices.
You can get up to $4,000 per period of technical training. The most you can borrow is $20,000 over your lifetime.
Key facts:
This means you know how much you can get each time you take in-class training.
You apply online through the federal student financial aid website. The timing of your application is important—it must match your training dates.
Check your training dates
Make sure your technical training is set up and approved.
Collect your information
You’ll need your Social Insurance Number, details about your apprenticeship, and information about your training provider.
Apply online
Fill out your application on the Government of Canada portal.
Credit check for first-timers
If this is your first time, you’ll need to pass a credit check.
Get your money
Once you’re approved, the loan money goes directly to your account to help with your expenses.
If you want to see what other funding you might qualify for, GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can show you programs by province and trade in seconds. This helps you find more support beyond just the Canada Apprentice Loan.
Repaying the Canada Apprentice Loan is straightforward.
After your payment-free period ends:
If you go back for more technical training before you start repaying, you can apply for another loan period—up to your lifetime maximum.
Applying for a non-Red Seal trade
Only designated Red Seal trades are eligible. Always check your trade before you apply.
Missing the application deadline
You must apply for each training period. Late applications can be turned down.
Thinking it’s a grant
This is a loan. You will have to pay it back after the grace period.
Mixing funding the wrong way
You can’t get a Canada Apprentice Loan and a Canada Student Loan for the same training period.
Q: How much can I borrow with the Canada Apprentice Loan?
You can get up to $4,000 for each period of technical training, with a lifetime maximum of $20,000.
Q: Is the Canada Apprentice Loan interest-free?
Yes. You pay no interest while you’re in technical training and during the grace period after training ends.
Q: Do I need a credit check?
Only if you’re applying for the first time. After that, you don’t need another credit check.
Q: Can I apply if I live in Quebec?
No. Quebec has its own financial aid for apprentices, so the Canada Apprentice Loan isn’t available there.
Q: What if I already used five loan periods?
You can’t get more Canada Apprentice Loans after you reach the five-period limit.
The Canada Apprentice Loan can help reduce money stress during your training, but it’s not the only support available. GrantHub lists funding programs across Canada, including grants, loans, and wage subsidies for apprentices. Check which options fit your trade, province, and career stage so you don’t miss out on support you deserve.
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