Understanding the Experiences of Equity-Deserving Students and Prospective Students who Face Barriers Accessing Student Financial Assistance
This project examines the experiences of equity-deserving individuals who face barriers to accessing student financial assistance (SFA) in Canada. Despite the availability of federal and provincial supports, some current and prospective postsecondary students do not apply for or receive financial aid, even when they may be eligible. This study seeks to understand why.
Using a mixed-methods research design, the project gathers evidence from two groups: current postsecondary students who are not using student financial assistance and youth aged 18 to 30 who are not currently enrolled in postsecondary education. Surveys provide national-level insight into awareness, perceptions, and barriers, while in-depth interviews explore how financial, administrative, informational, and personal factors shape decision-making.
By centring the lived experiences of equity-deserving populations, the project aims to generate actionable evidence to inform policy improvements to make SFA more accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of diverse learners across Canada.
Project Details
Capability: Policy Research - Survey Design and Data Management
Policy Area: Post-Secondary Education - Access and Persistence - Student Financial Aid, Youth Development and Inclusion
Population: General Population - Indigenous Peoples - Low-income Populations - Newcomers - People with Disabilities - Racialized Canadians - Social Assistance Recipients - Students
Start Date: April 2026
Completion Date: March 2027
Sponsors: Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
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