Grants in Alberta

Alberta fully participates in the federal Canada Student Grants program. Filing the Alberta Student Aid application automatically assesses you for every federal grant stream you might qualify for.

• Full-Time Students Grant: up to $4,200/year, based on family income
• Part-Time Students Grant: up to $1,680/year
• Students with Disabilities Grant: up to $4,000/year
• Students with Dependants Grant: up to $200/week per child under 12

The Alberta Student Grant is a non-repayable, need-based grant that adds up to $2,000/year on top of federal funding. Stackable with the Canada Student Grant.

• Up to $2,000 per year, non-repayable
• Need-based, assessed from family income through Alberta Student Aid
• Stackable with federal Canada Student Grants
• No separate application — assessed automatically

While not strictly grants, Alberta's merit-based provincial scholarships are also non-repayable and worth claiming alongside any grant funding.

• Alexander Rutherford Scholarship: up to $2,500 for high-achieving Grade 12 graduates (75%+ averages)
• Jason Lang Scholarship: $1,000/year for post-secondary students maintaining 3.2 GPA
• Louise McKinney Post-Secondary Scholarship: up to $2,500/year for top academic performers
• Northern Alberta Development Council Bursary: for students in northern Alberta programs

Filing the Alberta Student Aid application is the single most important financial step an Alberta student can take. One form triggers federal + provincial grant assessment together.

• Step 1: Create an Alberta Student Aid account at alberta.ca/student-aid
• Step 2: File the application 6–8 weeks before classes start
• Step 3: Apply separately for the Rutherford, Jason Lang, and Louise McKinney Scholarships through the same portal
• Step 4: Re-apply every academic year