Overview
This pilot project provides support for University of Alberta and University of Calgary family medicine resident physicians who commit after their residency to practise family medicine in rural or remote communities of Alberta.
Value
The bursary offers 2 funding streams:
- Remote stream: Provides $200,000 for recipients committing to practise in eligible remote communities.
- Rural stream: Provides $125,000 for recipients committing to practise in eligible rural communities, or in any combination of rural and remote communities.
Bursary recipients can choose to commit to stay in a single community, move between communities, or practise as locums in eligible communities under their bursary stream.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet one of the 2 following requirements:
- Registered full-time in a Family Medicine Residency Program at the University of Alberta or University of Calgary, regardless of their year of study, including those completing their program in June 2025.
- If not yet registered, be matched and eligible to register with the Family Medicine Residency Program at the University of Alberta or University of Calgary.
In addition, applicants must:
- not have already entered into or committed to another post-residency return of service commitment
- sign a Letter of Participation acknowledging a Return of Service Commitment to practise in eligible rural or remote communities and provide a minimum of 15,210 patient visits within 60 months and one day of the completion date of their Family Medicine Residency Program
Family medicine residents who have completed their undergraduate medical education in other provinces or internationally are also eligible for this bursary.
For more details about the bursary, read the following fact sheet:
To view the Ministerial Order and Letter of Participation, visit:
How to apply
Step 1. Fill out the application form
Step 2. Submit the application package
Email the application form and all required supporting documentation to [email protected].
You will receive an email confirming receipt of the application package within 5 business days of the date of your submission.
An official document confirming a matched result into residency or current enrolment in a Family Medicine Residency Program at the University of Alberta or the University of Calgary will be requested after application submission.
The application period for 2024-25 and 2025-26 bursary program cohorts will remain open until the funds designated to this bursary program are fully committed.
Selection process
Applications will be assessed based on eligibility criteria and information submitted as part of the application package. Due to limited funding, eligibility does not guarantee selection for a bursary.
Resources
Many other scholarships and awards are offered by other organizations. Family medicine residents are encouraged to visit Designated post-secondary institutions to research the awards that are offered.
Contact
Email [email protected] with questions.