Scholarships and Student Awards
Alberta high school students have access to a wide variety of scholarships, bursaries, and awards to help fund their post-secondary education. These opportunities are offered by the Government of Alberta, universities, colleges, industry organizations, and community foundations. Awards may be based on academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, financial need, athletic accomplishment, Indigenous identity, or a student’s chosen field of study. Because eligibility requirements and deadlines can change each year, students should always verify details through official scholarship websites before applying.
The Government of Alberta offers several important scholarships through Alberta Student Aid. One of the most well-known is the Alexander Rutherford High School Achievement Scholarship, which provides up to $2,500 to students based on their academic performance in Grades 10, 11, and 12. Other provincial awards include the Dr. Ernest and Minnie Mehl Scholarship, scholarships supporting studies in human rights and multiculturalism, agriculture-related scholarships, and awards recognizing athletic achievement or special academic interests. These scholarships encourage students to excel academically while supporting a variety of career paths and educational goals.
Students planning to attend the University of Alberta can apply for numerous entrance scholarships. These awards recognize academic excellence, leadership, volunteer work, and community service, with some scholarships valued at up to $10,000 or more. Additional awards are available for Indigenous students and students entering specific faculties or programs. Most students are automatically considered after applying for admission, although some awards require additional applications.
The University of Calgary offers one of the largest collections of entrance scholarships and bursaries in Alberta. Awards range from a few hundred dollars to more than $30,000 for highly competitive prestige scholarships. Notable opportunities include the President’s Admission Scholarship, awarded to students with exceptional academic averages, and the Seymour Schulich Academic Excellence Entrance Scholarship, which is renewable and designed for outstanding students. The university also supports Indigenous students and those pursuing careers in medicine through specialized entrance awards.
Concordia University of Edmonton provides renewable entrance scholarships for students entering directly from high school. These awards are based primarily on admission averages, with students earning higher grades receiving larger scholarship amounts. Eligible students can receive between $1,000 and $5,000 annually, helping reduce tuition costs throughout their studies if academic standards are maintained.
Students attending technical institutions such as NAIT and SAIT also have access to numerous scholarships and bursaries. Both institutions offer entrance awards recognizing academic achievement, leadership, volunteer experience, extracurricular involvement, and financial need. Program-specific awards are available for students entering trades, technology, business, health, and apprenticeship programs. NAIT also sponsors business competitions that offer scholarships and cash prizes, while SAIT provides access to external industry awards and bursary programs for students facing financial challenges.
In addition to institutional awards, many community-based scholarships are available through organizations such as the Calgary Foundation, local service clubs, employers, municipalities, agricultural organizations, and cultural groups. Students should also explore opportunities geared toward Indigenous learners, rural residents, athletes, and those pursuing specific career fields such as engineering, health sciences, agriculture, education, business, or the skilled trades. These awards are often less competitive than national scholarships and can significantly contribute to educational expenses.
To maximize their chances of receiving funding, students should begin preparing early. Strong applicants typically maintain good grades, participate in extracurricular activities, volunteer in their communities, demonstrate leadership, and develop clear educational and career goals. Students should prepare a résumé, obtain references, request transcripts, and create a reusable personal statement that can be adapted for multiple applications. Applying for many awards, including smaller scholarships, can often result in substantial financial support when combined.
Parents play an important supporting role throughout the process. They can help gather financial documents, organize deadlines, review essays, and provide information required for applications involving financial need. However, students should remain the primary applicants, completing and submitting applications in their own voices. Parents are most effective when acting as organizers, mentors, and editors rather than completing applications on behalf of their children.
Overall, Alberta offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities for high school students entering post-secondary education. By researching options early, meeting deadlines, and applying broadly, students can significantly reduce the cost of their education and increase their chances of receiving valuable financial support.