EDMONTON — With high school graduation season well underway in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and across Alberta, students preparing for post-secondary studies will soon be able to apply for financial assistance as the province expands support aimed at reducing barriers to education.
The Alberta government says it will invest more than $1 billion in student aid for the 2026-27 academic year through a combination of loans, grants, scholarships and awards.
Applications for provincial and federal student loans and grants open June 3 through Alberta Student Aid.
The province says changes for the upcoming academic year include increased non-repayable funding and a revised system for assessing financial need.
Under the new approach, parental or spousal contributions will be considered for certain applicants when determining eligibility for assistance. Provincial officials say the changes are intended to better reflect a student’s financial circumstances while aligning Alberta’s system with the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program and practices used in most other provinces.
Advanced Education Minister Myles McDougall said student aid remains an important tool for helping Albertans complete their education and enter the workforce.
“We know students and families are under real financial pressure, and student aid can make the difference for staying in school,” McDougall said.
“By increasing non-repayable support and updating how we assess financial need, we are ensuring help is fair, transparent and focused on students who need it most.”
Students who apply for loans are automatically assessed for available grants, reducing the number of separate applications required to access financial assistance.
The province says a single application can be used to determine eligibility for both provincial and federal loans and grants.
Officials are encouraging students to apply at least 60 days before classes begin to help ensure funding is available when their studies start.
The government says student aid helps cover more than tuition costs, including housing, food, transportation and other living expenses while attending school.
As part of the funding package, Alberta is increasing support for non-repayable assistance, including nearly $107 million for scholarships and awards and more than $75 million in grants.
The province says the investment is designed to improve access to post-secondary education, support workforce development and help students complete training needed for careers in Alberta’s economy.
Information about eligibility requirements and the application process is available through Alberta Student Aid.
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