How much are my parents (or stepparents) expected to contribute?

Although Alberta Student Aid does not expect your parents to help pay for your education, you must report any money they will voluntarily provide.

If you are a dependent student, the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program expects your parents to help pay for your education. The amount they are expected to contribute depends on their income, the size of your family, and how many children are pursuing post-secondary studies.

The federal government provides a Parental Contribution Calculator tool to help students and parents estimate expected contributions.

In addition, dependent students enrolled at a school located in the same community where their parent(s) reside are expected to live with their parents. Your application will be assessed as a single, dependent student, not paying rent or mortgage payments, and the living allowance will be adjusted.