Official Guidelines Updated: March 2026
Important Update for 2026:
For the 2025–26 academic year, the Alberta Part-Time Grant is no longer available. Part-time students may still be considered for eligible federal part-time loans and grants through Alberta Student Aid.
Dear Albertans, what is stopping you from going after your education aspirations? Paying for post-secondary education from a premier institute is no small task.
However, don’t let finances hold you back. The province of Alberta offers a range of grants, loans, scholarships, and awards to help residents pursue their education without added financial stress.
If you are a resident of this province, some of the key funding options available to you include Alberta Student Aid, the Alberta Student Grant for Full-Time Students, and scholarship programs such as the Alexander Rutherford Scholarship, Alberta Citizenship Award, and Belcourt Brosseau Métis Awards. Apart from these, there are also federal funding options available to you.
Let’s get into the finer details of Alberta’s provincial funding programs.
What Kind of Funding Is Available?
Students in Alberta may be able to access several different types of financial support depending on their income, study status, and personal circumstances.
- Student loans to help cover tuition, books, and living costs
- Grants that do not need to be repaid if you remain eligible
- Scholarships and awards based on academic achievement, leadership, or community involvement
- Targeted supports for students with disabilities and eligible Indigenous learners
In many cases, Alberta Student Aid is the main starting point for provincial and federal post-secondary funding.
Pro Tip:
If you are applying through Alberta Student Aid, review both loan and grant options carefully. One application can open the door to multiple types of funding, not just loans.
Alberta Student Aid
Alberta Student Aid is the province’s main student financial assistance system. It helps eligible students access loans, grants, scholarships, and awards for full-time and part-time post-secondary studies.
For many students, Alberta Student Aid is the main place to begin because it connects you to both provincial and federal funding. To qualify, students generally need to meet academic and residency requirements, demonstrate financial need, and be enrolled in an eligible program at a designated school.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for Alberta Student Aid, you generally must meet a few basic requirements:
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person
- Be considered a resident of Alberta
- Be enrolled in an eligible post-secondary program at a designated school
- Demonstrate financial need for student aid
- Maintain academic progress and remain in good standing on previous student loans
Eligibility can vary depending on whether you are studying full-time or part-time, so it is worth reviewing your situation carefully before you apply.
Alberta Grants
Alberta offers non-repayable grant funding for eligible students. The amount you receive depends on your income, family size, and study status.
Alberta Student Grant for Full-Time Students
For students from low-income families enrolled in eligible full-time post-secondary studies in Alberta. The amount is based on family income and family size. Does not need to be repaid as long as you remain eligible.
Alberta Grant for Students with Disabilities
Provides extra support for exceptional education-related costs tied to a documented disability — such as assistive services, specialized equipment, or disability-related transportation. Assessed through Alberta Student Aid.
Alberta Part-Time Grant
This grant has supported part-time students balancing school with work or family responsibilities. For 2025–26, the Alberta Part-Time Grant is not available. Part-time students may still qualify for federal part-time loans and grants through Alberta Student Aid.
Alberta Student Loans
Alberta student loans help full-time students cover tuition, books, and living expenses while they are in school. These loans are typically delivered alongside federal student loan funding through one overall student aid process.
After school, students move into repayment after the standard non-repayment period. Alberta and Canada student aid remain closely integrated, making Alberta Student Aid the main funding route for many full-time learners.
Learn more about Alberta Student Loans →
Alberta Scholarships and Awards
Alberta also offers scholarship and award opportunities for students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, citizenship, or community involvement. These can be a valuable complement to grants and loans — and unlike loans, they never need to be repaid.
Alexander Rutherford Scholarship
Rewards strong academic achievement in high school and helps students transition into full-time post-secondary studies. One of Alberta’s most widely accessed provincial scholarships.
Alberta Citizenship Award
Recognizes students who have demonstrated strong citizenship, leadership, and service in their communities. If you have made a meaningful impact through volunteerism or leadership, this award is worth exploring.
Belcourt Brosseau Métis Awards
Intended to help Métis Albertans pursue post-secondary education and skills development. Open to eligible Alberta Métis citizens pursuing studies at a designated institution.
Pro Tip:
Don’t stop at loans and grants. Alberta also has scholarships and awards tied to grades, leadership, community service, and Indigenous identity, so it pays to look beyond the standard student aid application.
Other Financial Aid Options
In addition to provincial funding, Alberta students may also qualify for federal programs such as Canada Student Grants, Canada Student Loans, Federal Student Scholarships, and Federal Student Bursaries.
Take the time to explore your options, compare schools, and speak with an advisor if you are unsure where to begin. The right mix of loans, grants, scholarships, and awards can make post-secondary education much more manageable.
Ready to explore your next step? Find schools today!
