Types of Funding

Loans and grants help you focus on your studies, not your bills.

The Alberta and Canada governments provide student loans and grants to help you reach your post-secondary educational goals.

When you apply to Student Aid Alberta, you are automatically also considered for Canada student loans and grants.

Although most students receiving student aid are enrolled in full-time studies, support is also available for students studying part-time.

Loans are determined based on your financial need - by taking into account your costs and your resources - and you will repay them after you graduate or leave school.

Grants are also awarded based on financial need or other criteria, but do not have to be repaid.

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Full-time Loans

Alberta and Canada Loans for Students in Full-Time Study

Alberta and Canada student loans

Certificate, Diploma, Undergraduate and Graduate Students
You could receive up to $6,650 per semester in combined Canada and Alberta student loans. Find out more about the maximum amount of student loans you may be eligible for.

Commercial Flight Training
Up to a maximum of $6,650 per flight component, or up to a maximum of $26,600 for you to complete four components of fixed wing training or a helicopter training program.

Student Aid Alberta does not fund training to receive a private pilot license nor to complete build-up time. If you are a first time applicant and are pursuing fixed-wing training, we need a copy of your private pilot license and an Aviation Training Form. Contact us for more information.

See our Loan Limits section to learn more about Alberta and Canada student loans.

Part-time Loans

Canada Student Loans for Part-Time Students

You could receive up to $10,000 in Canada student loans. If you are a part-time student and think you'll need student aid, download the application. Follow the instructions provided with the application and provide as much information as possible.

Grants

Student Aid Alberta Grants:

Alberta Maintenance Grant  - You may be eligible to receive up to $3,000 per semester if you are a:

single parent
married/common law student whose spouse/partner cannot work for medical reasons, work visa or language barriers
single student making maintenance payments

Alberta Completion Incentive Grant  (new for 2012-13)

Full-time student aid recipients are eligible to receive between $1,000 and $2,000 in the last semester of their program of study. Click here to learn more about the Completion Incentive Grant.

Alberta Part-Time Grant

The Alberta Part-Time Grant is available to Alberta residents taking their post-secondary education on a part-time basis. Up to $600 per semester is available to eligible students.

Canada Student Grants:

The Canada Student Grants Program provides several grants to full-time students, including students from low- or middle-income families, or those who have dependents or a permanent disability. Grants for part-time students are also available. Find out more about Canada Student Grants, including eligibility criteria.