Addressing Financial Barriers
There are many different types of financial support available to adult learners, from student loans, grants and bursaries, to government subsidies and tax exemptions.
Financial Aid Programs for Learners
Student Aid Alberta helps eligible post-secondary students meet the basic costs of learning and living so they can achieve their educational goals. When you apply, you'll be considered for loans and grants from both Student Aid Alberta and the Canada Student Loans Program.
Loans: Based on your financial need, and you will repay them after you graduate or leave school.
Grants: Awarded based on financial need or to those who require special financial assistance. Grants do not have to be repaid.
- Canada/Alberta Student Loans
- Full Time (Certificate, Diploma, Undergraduate and Graduate Students) - based on financial need
- Part Time (less than 60% of full course load) - based on your family income
- Alberta Maintenance Grant
- For single parents, students whose spouses cannot work for medical reasons, students experiencing work visa or language barriers, or single students making maintenance payments
- Alberta Low-Income Grant
- Full-time students in certificate programs may be eligible to receive a set amount for each month of study. This grant is available to low-income students whose total program duration is 12 months or less.
Funding Resources for Apprentices & Occupational Trainees
Registered Alberta apprentices and occupational trainees may be eligible for financial assistance when attending the technical training portion of their program.
- Canada Apprentice Loan
- Up to $4,000 in interest free loans per period of technical training for tuition, tools, equipment and living expenses, to cover forgone wages and to help support a family.
Be aware some learners may have participated in the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) and will have accredited hours for apprenticeship.
Resources for Students with Permanent Disabilities
Student Aid Alberta Grants
Students with a physical or mental impairment that restricts the ability of a person to perform the daily activities necessary to participate in studies at the post-secondary level or in the labour force may be eligible for additional support. The disability is expected to remain for the person’s expected natural life.
- Canada Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities
- $2,800 per loan year to help meet your education and living costs
- Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities
- Up to $20,000 per loan year
- Alberta Grant for Students with Disabilities
- Up to $3,000 per loan year
Assured Income for Severely Handicapped (AISH)
AISH provides financial and health benefits to eligible Albertans with a disability.
Funding Resources for Pre-Employment Programs
Alberta Student Aid Pre-Employment Program
Students in pre-employment programs can apply for loans and grants through Student Aid Alberta. Pre-employment programs provide occupational/job readiness skills training to continue your career in an apprenticeship program and help you obtain employment.
Pre-employment programs are certificate level programs lasting one year or less (no minimum program length). They must also be recognized for at least one period of technical training.
Financial Support for Training
Alberta Advanced Education
Individuals may be eligible for financial support to assist with tuition, mandatory fees, books and supplies for full and part-time approved training programs.
Financial support may be available to upgrade education levels or to get occupational training through Alberta Works.
The following areas are eligible:
- Basic Skills Training
- Academic Upgrading
- English as a Second Language
- Integrated Training
- Occupational Training
- Workplace Training
- Transitional Vocational Program
- First Nations Training to Employment
Child Care Subsidy
Human Services
The Ministry of Human Services provides financial assistance to eligible lower-income families using:
- Licensed day care centres
- Licensed group family child care
- Approved family day homes
- Licensed out-of-school care centres
- Licensed pre-schools and
- Approved early childhood development programs
Learners can apply for a subsidy if:
- They or their spouse/partner, or the child receiving care are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada and live in Alberta.
- They or their spouse/partner are an Alberta resident.
- Their children are 12 years of age or younger and are not yet attending Grade 7.
- They or their spouse/partner are currently working, attending school, looking for work or have special needs.
- They or their spouse/partner stay-at-home and have child(ren) enrolled in a licensed pre-school or approved early childhood development program.