Eligibility for Student Aid

Overview

Students attending programs at licensed private career colleges may be eligible for provincial and federal student aid to help pay for tuition, fees, books and living expenses. 

Students attending non-licensed programs at private career colleges are not eligible for student aid.

Types of student aid

Eligible full- and part-time students can receive a mix of loans and grants.

• Loans must be paid back after your program ends, even if you don't complete the program.
• Grants do not need to be paid back unless your eligibility changes.

How much money you get depends on your financial and academic situation. There are annual and lifetime loan limits, which means you will not be able to receive more student loans until you pay down your balance.

If you already receive other forms of income support from the Alberta government, you may lose that support if you apply for student aid. Contact your caseworker for information before you apply.

Before you apply

• Research the private career college you plan to attend.
• See if the programs offered align with your career goals.
• See if the credentials are credible enough to help you build your career.
• Understand your rights and responsibilities and those of the college.
• Find out if the school and program are eligible for student aid.
• Find out if you are eligible for student aid.

Protect yourself from fraud

It is important to protect yourself and your personal information from identity fraud or theft. You are responsible for the information submitted on your student loan application.

• Only apply online on the Alberta Student Aid website.
• Submit your own application.
  • Do not let anyone apply for student aid on your behalf. This includes private career college staff and recruiters.
  • Do not share your personal information with someone you do not know (bank account, social insurance number or student loan information).
  • If you need help, call the Alberta Student Aid Service Centre at 1-855-606-2096, Option 1.
• Ensure the information you provide on your application is factual and correct. Providing false or misleading information could cancel your funding or result in criminal charges.
• Report identity fraud and theft to Student Aid immediately if you think you have been a target.
• Learn more about protecting your information.

How to apply

• You can apply for both provincial and federal student aid on the Alberta Student Aid website. You only need to submit one application.
• Create a verified Alberta.ca Account to access the application system.
• Follow the step-by-step instructions.

Apply online

Contact

To get help with your application from a trusted source, call the:

Alberta Student Aid Service Centre
Toll-free in North America: 1-855-606-2096