Online Student Loan Application Launched

Applying for a student loan in Nova Scotia is now faster and easier. About 65 per cent of all applicants are using the Department of Education's new online system.

Since it was launched in June, hundreds of students a day are filling out the online application form. This speeds up the process by saving the time it takes to mail a paper application.

The online system allows the applicant to submit the form only after all information is included. About half of all paper applications are delayed because of missing information. An application status check is also available.

The online system, located at studentloans.ednet.ns.ca , is more user-friendly than the old paper version. It guides applicants through the form, prompting them to provide only necessary information. For example, if applicants identify that they do not have children, no further questions regarding dependents will appear.

The online process allows an applicant to save a partially completed form in the system, and complete and submit it later. It also makes future applications faster and easier by saving most personal information, making re-entering the information unnecessary for applicants.

This year, fewer supporting documents are required for both paper and online applications. Audits will be conducted routinely to ensure that correct information is on file.

With the growing number of public Internet sites and home computers, the online application is more accessible than the paper version. This initiative allows the department to reduce the number of paper applications it sends to high schools and post-secondary institutions.

FOR BROADCAST ONLY:

Hundreds of students a day are using the province's new

online student loan application.

The online form was launched in June and is faster and more

efficient than the paper version.

The online service doesn't allow applicants to make mistakes

that can cause delays and saves the time used in mailing a paper

application.

The online application is on the Department of Education's

Web site. ( studentloans.ednet.ns.ca )