The 2012-13 student loan year is underway and includes new processes to improve services for students applying for student financial assistance.

The first change is the introduction of the Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA). This new document will require students to only sign one student loan agreement for their entire post-secondary education.

The second improvement introduces Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (ECE) that allows post-secondary educational institutions to electronically confirm enrolment, eliminating long line-ups at Registrar and Financial Aid offices, also saving time for both students and post-secondary educational institutions.

“Our government understands the importance of post-secondary education and we want to make it more accessible and affordable for students,” Advanced Education Minister Don Morgan says.

“The new improvements to the Student Financial Assistance program will create a more streamlined and efficient process, better meeting the needs of post-secondary students and educational institutions.”

The 2012-13 provincial budget provides more than $100 million in support for Student Financial Assistance programs.

Also new this year, is the launch of the Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship for new high school graduates looking to transition to post-secondary studies.

The government also offers a tuition refund of up to $20,000 though the Graduate Retention Program to post-secondary graduates that choose to live in Saskatchewan.

“These are all examples of the Saskatchewan Advantage and support the needs of post-secondary learners to pursue their academic goals and transition to a career right here in Saskatchewan,” Morgan says.

The Ministry of Advanced Education is now accepting applications for the 2012-13 loan year for academic programs beginning on or after August 1, 2012.

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