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One year post secondary education will cost you approximately $8,000.00 - $10,000.00 (if you live away from home). As the costs of post secondary education increase, there is a growing need for students and parents to become more active in the search for funding. There are thousands of scholarships available, but every year many scholarships are never awarded, as no one applies. Many people assume you must have an honors average to apply for scholarships, but there are many criteria used to determine the awarding of funding other than marks. For more detailed information on the scholarships and bursaries described below, see our Scholarships and Bursaries page. ALBERTA STUDENT FINANCE BOARD The Alberta Students Finance Board provides financial assistance to Alberta students in the form of bursaries, grants, and/or loans to pursue post secondary studies. To qualify for assistance from the Student Finance Board, one must be a resident of Alberta, prove financial need, and be enrolled as a full-time student (minimum 60% of a full course load). Applicants must also maintain passing grades in at least 60% of a full course load. In addition to receiving a student loan, students may also qualify for an Alberta Opportunities Bursary ( worth up to $1500 per year if you have high financial need), or the Northern Student Supplement ( worth up to $1500 per year and may be offered to students from Alberta’s north who are eligible for the Alberta Opportunities Bursary, and who may have higher costs to attend post secondary.) Application to the Finance Board is made in May or June of a students graduating year, if post secondary studies will commence in September. FINANCIAL AID FROM INDIVIDUAL POST SECONDARY SCHOOLS Most post secondary institutions have financial aid available to students who are admitted to their programs. This financial aid is usually in the form of scholarships and/or bursaries and is often based on grade 11 and 12 final marks. Some scholarships and bursaries are specific to certain faculties or programs at the institution, while others involve other criteria such as leadership, community and school involvement, and citizenship. Some institutions are implementing an “Academic Excellence Scholarship Program” which entices top high school graduates to attend the institution based on grade 11 and 12 marks. Some institutions even award first-year tuition scholarships which cover the cost of a student’s tuition. After students apply to an institution, they will receive information from that institution regarding their financial aid packages. All post secondary institutions have websites which include information regarding financial aid. Students are encouraged to visit them. Other Places to Investigate 
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