2023-24 Academic Year
Applying for Student Aid
Students must login to apply, and check their application online at studentaid.alberta.ca.
Student Aid recommends you apply at least two months prior to the start of school:
- Starting school on or after August 1, 2023 - apply on the 2023-24 application
- Starting school on or before July 31, 2023 - apply on the 2022-23 application
Student Aid Verified Accounts
All students need to create or upgrade to a verified Alberta.ca Account to access the Alberta Student Aid system. Getting a verified account can take up to 10 days. For more details, see: Student Aid Verified Accounts
Alexander Rutherford Scholarship Application
The 2023-24 Alexander Rutherford High School Achievement Scholarship online application will be available in early August.
New Air Access Bursary
The Air Access Bursary was established to encourage students to enter high demand aviation programs to help meet future labour demands and help strengthen Alberta's economy. Eligible students can receive up to $10,000 to help cover the costs of a full-time aviation/pilot training program in the current academic year at Mount Royal University.
Learn more at: Air Access Bursary
Alberta Scholarships and Awards
All scholarship and award applications will be available in early August.
Alberta Student Aid Changes
Unless otherwise indicated, the changes to Alberta Student Aid program, systems, and policies are for the upcoming loan year (August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024).
Living Allowance Increase
There is an increase to the living allowances used to calculate eligibility for the 2023-24 school year. This amount is used by Alberta Student Aid as part of the calculation of your total costs.
For more information, see Standard Living Costs
Alberta Student Grant for Full-time Students
The amount of the grant is based on family income reported on line 15000 on the previous year's tax return and family size. The maximum monthly grant amount is $425 per month; the annual grant maximum is $5,100 per year. Eligible students will receive an average award of $3,400 per year.
For more information, see Alberta Student Grants.
Affordability Supports for Students
A number of Alberta Government measures to help improve affordability for Alberta post-secondary students will take effect on July 1, 2023:
- Reducing interest rates on Alberta loans to the prime rate.
- Alberta student loan interest-free grace period will be extended from six months to 12 months. This change will benefit students who completed their studies on or after December 1, 2022.
- Income thresholds for the Repayment Assistance Plan increasing from $25,000 to $40,000
For more details, see Student Aid Affordability Supports
Students Studying at Private Career Colleges | Funding Allotments
Effective January 1, 2024:
a) Student aid funding will be capped at 10 per cent annual growth.
- Private career colleges will be allowed 10 per cent growth in the number of students accessing Alberta Student Aid. This is not a cap on enrolment, but a cap on the number of students accessing student aid. Growth for the cap will be measured over the previous student aid funding year (August 1 through July 31, annually).
- This cap is being implemented under Section 10 of the Alberta Institution Designation Agreement.
b) New applications for designation of schools for student aid program funding will be paused for one year.
- The mandatory designation waiting period for applications currently underway will be extended by 12 months. If a private career college is partially through its initial 12-month waiting period, the total designation waiting time could be up to 23 months.
- Designation of programs at private career colleges previously approved for student aid will continue.
More information is available at Student Aid Policy – Alberta Private Career Colleges.
Canada Student Financial Assistance Program Changes
There are a number of program changes to increase eligibility for funding for students and families will continue during the upcoming academic year.
Canada Student Grants Enhancements
The following Canada Student Grants will increase by 40 per cent over the 2019-2020 pre-pandemic amounts during the 2023-24 academic year:
- Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students
- Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Students
- Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students with Dependants
- Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Students with Dependants
- Canada Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities
There are no changes to the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment - Students with Disabilities.
The Skills Boost Top-Up to the Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students is discontinued. The Government of Canada introduced this grant during the 2018-19 loan year, and it was extended from 2021 to 2023 as a further support for students during the pandemic.
For more information, see the Full-time Grants and Part-time Grants sections.
Canada Student Loans | Weekly Maximum Amount
The maximum Canada student loan that can be issued is 60% of the student’s Canada calculated need, up to a maximum of $300 per week. This is increased from the maximum amount of $210 per week in the 2022-23 loan year.
Income Thresholds | New Grant Maximums and Cut-offs
The income thresholds as determined by the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program are increased in the 2023-24 school year. These income thresholds are used to help determine the student’s eligibility for the:
- Canada Student Grant for Full-time Students
- Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students with Dependants
- Canada Student Grant for Part-time Studies
- Canada Student Grant for Part-time Students with Dependants
This is also used to determine the Federal Student Contribution and Federal Spouse/Partner Contribution.
| Family Size | Low Income Threshold/Income Threshold for Maximum Grant (in $) |
Income Threshold at Which Grant Eligibility is Cut-off (in $) |
| 1 | 35,429 | 66,942 |
| 2 | 50,104 | 93,709 |
| 3 | 61,365 | 112,041 |
| 4 | 70,859 | 123,676 |
| 5 | 79,222 | 134,369 |
| 6 | 86,784 | 144,476 |
| 7 or more | 93,737 | 153,261 |
There are no changes to the income threshold charts used to determine eligibility for Alberta grant funding, including:
- Alberta Student Grant for Full-time Students
- Alberta Part-Time Grant
For more information see, Income Thresholds for Canada and Alberta Eligibility.
Waiving of Credit Screening
The requirement for students (aged 22 years or older) to undergo credit screening to qualify for Canada Student Grants and Canada Student Loans is waived for the first time in the 2023-2024 loan year. This change does not impact existing credit screening protocols for provincial loans and grants.
Alberta Student Aid Services
There are number of service improvements to make it easier for students to manage their applications and submit documents with their applications.
- Cancel Applications
Students can now select additional reasons for closing/cancelling an online application. - Consent and Declaration Changes
System enhancements to make it easier for students to access the current Consent and Declaration form. Forms will now be displayed in chronological order. - e-Document Upload
Further instructions on how to submit Schedule 4 form and disability receipts through e-document upload. - Part-time Application Process
A new resource called the Part-time Application Process helps guide students to apply on the part-time application for financial assistance.
Additional Resources
View the program changes in the 2022-23 academic year below.
Please continue to visit this section to ensure you are getting up-to-date information. Information is subject to change.
2022-23 Academic Year
Applying for Student Aid
Students must login to apply, and check their application online at studentaid.alberta.ca.
Student Aid recommends you apply at least two months prior to the start of school:
- Starting school on or after August 1, 2022 - apply on the 2022-23 application
- Starting school on or before July 31, 2022 - apply on the 2021-22 application
Important Notice | Student Aid Verified Accounts
As of September 8, all students need to create or upgrade to a verified Alberta.ca Account (formerly MyAlberta Digital ID) to access the Alberta Student Aid system. Getting a verified account can take up to 10 days.
Learn more at: Student Aid Verified Accounts
Alexander Rutherford Scholarship Application
The 2022-23 Alexander Rutherford High School Achievement Scholarship online application will be available in early August.
Affordability Supports | Bursary for Internationally Educated Nurses
As of March 31, 2023
A new service bursary to provide funding supports for internationally educated nurses in Alberta. Eligible nursing practitioners can receive up to $30,000 to help cover the costs of nursing bridging programs, tuition and cost of living expenses.
Learn more at: Bursary for Internationally Educated Nurses
Alberta Scholarships and Awards
All scholarship and award applications will be available in early August.
Alberta Student Aid Changes
Unless otherwise indicated, the changes to Alberta Student Aid program, systems, and policies are for the upcoming loan year (August 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023).
Increased Loan Limits
The student loan limit increases below are effective for full-time study periods beginning on or after August 1, 2022.
Annual Loan Limits
There is an increase to the standard annual loan limit in combined Canada and Alberta student loans.
|
Annual Loan Limits |
2021-22 |
New 2022-23 |
|
One semester (1 to 4 months) |
$7,500 |
$8,500 |
|
Two semesters (5 to 9 months) |
$15,000 |
$17,000 |
|
Three semesters (10 to 12 months) |
$22,500 |
$25,500 |
For more information, see Loan Limits policy.
Lifetime Loan Limits
A new lifetime loan limit is established for open studies and undergraduate programs of one year or less. The new loan limit of $51,000 is equivalent to two years of the maximum standard annual loan limit of $25,500.
|
Student’s Program |
2021-22 |
New 2022-23 |
|
Open Studies, One Year Undergraduate Programs including Certificate, Diploma, and Apprenticeship Programs |
N/A |
$51,000 |
|
Undergraduate Programs* of two years or more in length including Certificate, Diploma, Bachelor's Degree, and Journeyman Certificate |
$75,000 *Up to $60,000 for either Commercial Aviation Training (maximum of $15,000 for each of four approved fixed wing training components), or for Commercial Helicopter Training. |
$85,000 *Up to $68,000 for either Commercial Aviation Training (maximum of $17,000 for each of four approved fixed wing training components), or for Commercial Helicopter Training. |
|
Dental Hygiene |
$85,000 |
$95,000 |
|
Graduate programs, Pharmacy |
$100,000 |
$125,000 |
|
Master of Business Administration, Law, Doctoral |
$125,000 |
$150,000 |
|
Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Chiropractic Medicine, Optometry |
$175,000 |
$200,000 |
Living Allowance Increase
There is an increase to the living allowances used to calculate eligibility for the 2022-23 school year. This amount is used by Alberta Student Aid as part of the calculation of your total costs.
For more information, see Standard Living Costs
Alberta Student Grant for Full-time Students
Effective February 7, 2023
The amount of the grant is based on family income (Line 15000 of 2021 income tax form) and family size. The monthly grant amount is increased from $250 to $475 per month, and the annual grant maximum is increased from $3,000 to $5,700 per year.
This grant increase applies to students who are eligible for this grant in the 2022-23 loan year. This is a one time increase exclusively for the 2022-23 loan year.
- Applying for full-time studies on or after February 7, 2023
Eligible students will automatically receive the higher grant amounts. No action is required by students to receive additional grant funding. - Already received the Alberta Student Grant in the 2022-2023 loan year, (prior to February 7, 2023)
Eligible students can expect to benefit from the grant changes, provided they continue to meet Alberta Student Grant eligibility criteria during their studies.
Students will be automatically assessed for the higher grant amounts by Alberta Student Aid and are not required to submit a new application, or Request for Reconsideration.
Grant Changes - Effective June 20, 2022
The maximum amount awarded was $250 per month and the annual grant maximum was from $3,000.
For more information, see Alberta Student Grants.
Canada Student Financial Assistance Program Changes
A number of program changes to increase eligibility for funding for students and families will continue during the upcoming academic year.
Doubling of Canada Student Grants
The following Canada Student Grants will continue to be doubled in the 2022-23 loan year:
- Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students
- Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Students
- Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students with Dependants
- Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Students with Dependants
- Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities
There are no changes to the following grants:
- Skills Boost Top-Up to the Canada Student Grant
- Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment - Students with Disabilities
For more information, see the Full-time Grants and Part-time Grants sections.
Income Thresholds | New Grant Maximums and Cut-offs
The income thresholds as determined by the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program are increased in the 2022-23 school year. These income thresholds are used to determine the student’s eligibility for:
- Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students
- Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students with Dependants
- Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Studies
- Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Students with Dependants
This is also used to determine the Federal Student Contribution and Federal Spouse/Partner Contribution.
| Family Size | Low Income Threshold/Income Threshold for Maximum Grant (in $) |
Income Threshold at Which Grant Eligibility is Cut-off (in $) |
| 1 | 33,180 | 64,693 |
| 2 | 46,923 | 90,528 |
| 3 | 57,469 | 108,145 |
| 4 | 66,360 | 119,177 |
| 5 | 74,192 | 129,339 |
| 6 | 81,274 | 138,966 |
| 7 or more | 87,785 | 147,309 |
There are no changes to the income threshold charts used to determine eligibility for Alberta grant funding, including:
- Alberta Student Grant for Full-time Students
- Alberta Part-Time Grant
For more information see, Income Thresholds for Canada and Alberta Eligibility.
Canada Student Loans | Permanent Elimination of Interest
Effective April 1, 2023
The Government of Canada has permanently eliminated the accumulation of interest on all Canada student loans including loans currently in repayment. Students are still responsible to pay any interest that may have accrued on their Canada loans before April 1, 2023.
Canada Student Loans | Interest Will Not Accrue
Interest on Canada student loans is waived from April 1, 2021 until March 31, 2023. This means interest will not accrue during this period for full-time Canada student loans as well as part-time Canada student loans.
Expanding Support for Students with Disabilities
Effective August 1, 2022
Alberta Student Aid and the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program are extending disability supports to students whose disabilities are persistent or prolonged, but not necessarily permanent. The new supports for students who have persistent or prolonged disabilities adds to the supports already in place for people with lifelong, permanent disabilities.
Students must provide medical documents to identify their disability as one of the following:
- Permanent Disability
- Persistent or Prolonged Disability
A new Disability Verification form is available on the Applications and Forms section. This form will assist students with describing the nature of their disability as either a permanent disability, or a persistent or prolonged disability.
For more information, see the Student Aid Policy Manual, Chapter 4: Students with Disabilities
Repayment Assistance Plan Changes
Effective November 1, 2022
The Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) for the Canada student loan portion only is updated to increase RAP income thresholds.
For more information, go to Repayment Assistance Plan – How it works and Repayment Assistance Plan - Disability assistance.
Residency History form (formerly Residency Resume)
The Residency History form is the new name of the Residency Resume form. The renamed form collects the same information, and the new name is more intuitive for students who need to submit this form. The same name change protocols impacted the Alexander Rutherford Scholarship Residency History form.
Student Services
There are number of service improvements to make it easier for students to manage their applications, reviews of their personal accounts and submit documents with their applications.
- Cancel applications
Students can now self cancel an active application for loans and grants. - Request a review of your account
Student Aid will review students' accounts if there are changes to their personal information, or they need more money. Students can now cancel a Request for Review submitted in their personal accounts without having to involve the service center in this process. - Upload documents
Students are required to submit documents securely to Alberta Student Aid in their personal accounts. They will now receive a courtesy message reminding them to remove any password protection on their documents before hitting submit. This will prevent delays in processing documents.
Additional Resources
View the program changes in the 2021-22 academic year below.
Please continue to visit this section to ensure you are getting up-to-date information. Information is subject to change.