Whether you are considering an apprenticeship, a certificate, a diploma or a degree program, post-secondary education costs money and you need to be prepared for the expense. Scholarships can be a great way to help finance the expense. It's important to note that scholarships are typically based on conditional acceptance from a post-secondary institution, as scholarships are meant to help pay for school. You do not have to be fully accepted into a program at the time you apply for scholarships, but you do not get the money until you actually attend school.
There are two categories: Entrance Awards (awarded by post secondary institutions) and External Awards (awarded by various organizations).
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This webinar by Janet MacDonald of mycampusGPS.ca gives valuable information for how to find scholarships and actually get them...
Post-Secondary Entrance Awards
For students planning to attend post-secondary programs in the fall of 2024, entrance awards are available through the institution students apply to. Entrance awards can be a great source of money to pay for school. Some are automatic based on submitting an application. Some require a separate application and deadlines are often earlier than admission deadlines! Application requirements and deadlines vary by school. Check with each institution directly for more information.
Alexander Rutherford Scholarship
Students can log in to their Alberta Student Aid accounts to apply online for the 2023-2024 Alexander Rutherford High School Achievement Scholarship. For more information on the Alexander Rutherford Scholarship, including eligibility and how to apply, visit:
External Scholarship Resources
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Board Scholarships
Queen Esther Education Foundation
Red Deer Regional Catholic Education Foundation
Red Deer Regional Health Foundation
Red Deer & District Community Foundation Financial Awards
For Indigenous Students
Métis Nation of Alberta Scholarship program
Alberta Blue Cross Entrance Scholarship for Indigenous Students
Indigenous Bursaries Search Tool
Belcourt Brosseau Métis Awards
Indspire Building Brighter Futures: Bursaries, Scholarships and Awards
ATCO Indigenous Education Awards Program
The Rebecca Kelln Metis Bursary Fund
Rupertsland Institute (RLI) Post Secondary Funding
The Canada Post Aboriginal Education Incentive Awards
RBC Indigenous Student Awards Program
Horatio Alger Indigenous Achievement Scholarship