Student aid helps Albertans stay in school, finish their education and build a better future. Investing in students supports the future of our province and strengthens families and the communities they live and work in.
To support post-secondary students, Alberta’s government is investing more than $1 billion in student aid to help students access loans and non-repayable supports like grants, scholarships and awards.
For the 2026-27 academic year, Alberta is increasing non-repayable funding and updating eligibility assessment to better reflect each student’s financial position. For certain applicants, parental or spousal contributions will be considered when determining financial need. These changes will help ensure support is targeted to students who need it most and align Alberta with the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program and most other Canadian jurisdictions.
“We know students and families are under real financial pressure, and student aid can make the difference for staying in school. 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.”
Alberta Student Aid helps students access the support they need to stay in school and complete their studies. When students apply for loans, they are automatically assessed for non-repayable grants, helping them access financial supports available to them.
Apply for student loans and grants starting June 3
Applications for student loans and grants for the 2026-27 academic year open June 3. Applications can be submitted online through Alberta Student Aid.
To apply, students should:
- Create or sign in to their Alberta Student Aid account.
- Complete and submit a single online application for loans and grants.
- Provide additional information or documentation, if required.
Students only need to submit one application to be considered for both provincial and federal loans and grants.
Students are encouraged to apply at least 60 days before their study period begins to ensure funding is in place when they start their studies.
Quick facts
- Student aid helps reduce financial barriers to post-secondary education, supports a skilled workforce and creates opportunity.
- Student aid supports students with low or no income and helps cover costs beyond tuition, including everyday living expenses.
- Loans, grants, scholarships and awards help make post-secondary education more accessible.
- Alberta is increasing support for non-repayable aid, including nearly $107 million in scholarships and awards and more than $75 million in grants.
- The cost of post-secondary education is shared by government, students and families, while support remains available to those who need it most.
- Information about what is changing and how to apply is available through Alberta Student Aid. Dedicated resources explain provincial and federal changes so students can make informed decisions.