Northern Student Teacher Bursary

Return of service bursary that encourages teachers to live and work in rural and remote northern Alberta locations.

Important dates

Applications for the Northern Student Teacher Bursary are now open. Closing is October 15, 2024. 

Late applications will not be accepted. 

Applicants will be advised of their status through the application platform by mid January.

Overview

The Northern Student Teacher Bursary (NSTB) encourages students in a teaching program to live and work as a teacher within the Northern Alberta Development Council (NADC) boundary after completing their program.

Schools included within the NADC boundary are under the authority of a Northern Alberta School Division, a First Nations’ Education Authority, or an accredited independent school.

Funding

NSTB provides students enrolled in a teaching program in northern Alberta with $18,000 over 2 years. Half the amount is awarded to students in their last year of studies and the full amount is awarded over 2 years to students in their second to last year of their program.

Students must commit 3 years of full-time employment for 2 years of bursary funding. Students who receive one year of funding will commit to 2 years of full-time employment of service. Part time teaching employment (subbing or short-term contracts) will be prorated towards your obligation.

Selected recipients will be asked to sign a return of service agreement. Recipients who do not fulfill this requirement will be asked to repay the bursary.

Eligibility

  • Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident or Protected Person enrolled full-time in a post-secondary program at a designated institution.
  • In the last or second to last year of a program leading to a Bachelor of Education or in the first or second year of a Bachelor of Education After Degree.
  • Completing a program with a specialization in demand within northern Alberta.
  • Plan to live and work in northern Alberta upon completion of your program and sign a return of service agreement.

You increase your chance of success if you:

  • demonstrate an interest in northern Alberta and knowledge of northern employment opportunities
  • have an acceptable academic record

If you secure employment with a First Nations’ Education Authority or accredited independent school located within the boundaries of the NADC or with the eligible schools listed above, contact us at [email protected] to ensure we recognize the return of service agreement.

How to apply

Step 1. Create your Alberta.ca Account

You need a verified Alberta.ca Account to submit your application. Verifying your account can take up to 2 weeks.

Create your account

Step 2. Gather supporting documents

Attach the following PDF or JPG files to your application:

  • most recent unofficial transcripts
  • resume and supporting documents (optional)

Step 3. Submit the application

Complete the application form fully, attach supporting documents and answer the essay questions clearly and concisely on the online application platform.

Apply now

Log in troubleshooting

If you are experiencing problems signing into the application portal with your Alberta.ca Account and receiving the following message “Sorry, we can’t find the page you’re looking for…”, clear your cache and browsing history. This will fix the problem and you will be able to access the bursary application site.

After you apply

Important

You can apply for all the bursaries you are eligible for, but if selected for more than one bursary, you will be contacted to determine which bursary you would like to proceed with.

Monitor your application for any comments, questions, or status updates through the application platform. You will be advised of your status approximately 3 months after the closing date.

Selected recipients will receive the return of service agreement by email along with directions to continue the award process.

If selected, the Program Administrators will follow up with you to monitor completion of your return of service commitment. If you do not fulfill your obligation, you will be asked to repay your bursary.

Contact

Connect with the Program Administrators:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed 12 pm to 1 pm and statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-624-6545
Email: [email protected]

Alberta Education
Email: [email protected]

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