The first step is to apply to and be accepted at your desired school. Schools in the U.S. and Canada require documentation to verify your ability to pay for your education. Here's more information about the process in each country:

U.S. SCHOOLS

You must provide your school with evidence of funds to support your education so that they can issue an I-20. MPOWER provides approved students with a financial support letter that you can use as evidence of funding. You school will provide your I-20, typically a few months before the academic term begins. The exact timing varies by school.

The I-20 form must be provided to the U.S. government when applying for your student visa.

CANADIAN SCHOOLS

A study permit must be issued by the Canadian government. To get a study permit, the government requires you to submit a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (all MPOWER supported schools are DLIs); show that you have enough funds to support your first year of tuition, living expenses, and return transportation; and present additional documentation as required.

MPOWER provides approved students with loan offer documentation as evidence of funds for the study permit application. Please note that an MPOWER loan can only cover tuition costs for most schools in Canada.

Note: Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a fast-track study permit application for residents of certain countries. SDS applicants must have proof that they have already paid tuition fees for their first year of education, among other requirements. Because MPOWER requires a confirmed study permit before disbursing funds, SDS can't be used if you intend to pay for your first-year tuition with an MPOWER Student Loan.

You can apply for a study permit, or learn more about the application requirements, on the Canadian government's website.