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EDMONTON — Back-to-school season is upon us, and Alberta students will soon be able to apply for more than $107 million in scholarships, awards and bursaries for the upcoming school year.
Applications for a range of non-repayable supports open Aug. 4 through Alberta Student Aid, with the province estimating the funding will support about 50,400 students during the 2026-27 academic year.
The funding includes scholarships recognizing academic achievement as well as bursaries aimed at reducing financial barriers to post-secondary education.
“Investing in students is an investment in Alberta’s future,” Advanced Education Minister Myles McDougall said.
“Scholarships, awards and bursaries help reduce financial barriers, recognize student achievement and ensure more Albertans can access the education and training they need to succeed.”
The province is expanding its New Beginnings Bursary, which helps lower-income students pursue post-secondary programs connected to high-demand fields.
The program will support 2,400 students this year, up from 1,000 in 2025-26. Funding for the bursary is increasing by $7 million to a total of $12 million.
Heritage Scholarships will also continue to provide non-repayable support to Alberta students.
Among them is the Alexander Rutherford Scholarship, which recognizes achievement in high school. More than 24,000 students received nearly $50 million through the scholarship during the 2025-26 academic year.
The province is also moving applications for 20 scholarships and awards online this year, allowing students to apply through Alberta Student Aid beginning Aug. 4.
Scholarships, bursaries, grants and awards do not need to be repaid, unlike student loans.
More than $1 billion in overall student aid is available for the 2026-27 academic year.
Applications for student loans and grants opened June 3. The province recommends students seeking those supports apply at least 60 days before their post-secondary program begins.
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