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FAQs

Frequently asked questions.

Everything you might want to know before you get started.

The basics

  • What is hi finance?

    hi finance is an app that finds the grants you qualify for as a Canadian student and helps you fill out the applications to submit. You answer a few quick questions, and we handle the searching and do the paperwork with you.

  • How does it work?

    You start with a short survey, and from there you can access your profile within the app. The app will match you with the grants you qualify for and help you fill out the applications from what you've told it, ready to submit. After that, you can track each one from submitted to funded.

  • Do you apply for me, or only show me the grants?

    It's your choice! For any grant, the app can fill out the application, and you'll be the one to review and submit it. If you'd rather handle it yourself, you can apply on your own without the app's help. Either way, you're the one who hits submit.

  • How do you know which grants I qualify for?

    The survey asks about your situation, your school, your province, and a few financial details. The app matches that against the grants in its database and shows you the ones you fit.

  • How long until I hear back?

    It depends on the grant, since the timeline is set by whoever offers it, but most students hear back within two to four weeks. You can track where each application stands in the app the whole time.

Pricing

  • Is it free?

    The app, the survey, the budgeting tools, and applying for grants on your own are all free. The one thing we charge for is helping you fill out your applications, and even then only when you get funded.

  • How does the 15% fee work?

    We take 15% of any grant we help you get, and it comes out of the funding you receive, never out of your pocket. There's no upfront cost, and we only get paid when you do.

  • What if I don't get any grants?

    Then you pay nothing. Our fee only comes out of funding you receive, so no grant means no fee. There's no risk in trying.

  • Do I pay if I apply on my own?

    No. Applying on your own through the app is free. The 15% only applies when we help you fill out the application.

Safety & eligibility

  • Is my information safe?

    Yes. If you link a bank account, it's through Plaid with read-only access, so the app can see your balances to help you budget but can never move money. Your data is encrypted, and we don't sell it.

  • Do I have to link my bank account?

    No. Linking your bank is optional and only powers the budgeting tools, through Plaid with read-only access. Finding and applying for grants doesn't require it.

  • How are you different from a bank?

    Banks sell loans, money you pay back with interest. We help you get grants, money that's yours to keep. We're built by students, and we only earn when you get funded, so we're on your side from the start.

  • Who can use hi finance?

    Post-secondary students across Canada, outside Quebec for now. International students can use the app too, though fewer grants are open to them.

  • Can I talk to a real person?

    Anytime! You can message one of our advisors right in the app, whether it's a grant deadline or a question about whether a loan is worth it, and book a call when you want one.

  • How do I get started?

    Complete our 2-minute survey and sign into the app! You'll see what you qualify for right away