What to Expect

Alberta Student Number

You will need an Alberta Student Number (ASN) to complete your application for student funding. The ASN is recorded on your Alberta high school transcript.

If you do not know your ASN, or if you have moved to Alberta from another province, you may use the Learner Registry to find your ASN, to have an ASN assigned, or print off a Request for Alberta Student Number form.

General Application Information

You must apply directly to Alberta Students Finance for each year you need financial assistance.  The application and/or loan documents are not sent to you automatically.

Once your application is reviewed, you will receive a Notice of Assessment. This confirms whether your funding is approved and the amount of your award or the reasons you were denied funding.

Just before you begin studies, you may receive:

• an Alberta Student Loan Agreement that must be cashed with EDULINX, Alberta's student loan service provider
• a Canada Student Loan Certificate that must be cashed with the National Student Loans Service Centre

All information you provide must be accurate and up-to-date, including your current full legal name. If you make false or misleading statements, or if you fail to provide requested information, you will be subject to investigation and possible prosecution.

Applying Online

The 2009-2010 online application for full-time post-secondary students in programs starting August 1, 2009 and later is available.

Important Information if you Apply Online

If you apply online, you may receive an Electronic Confirmation of Financial Information (EC) letter. 

NOTE: You must sign and return this EC letter as soon as you receive your Notice of Assessment. If you do not return the EC letter:

• your funding will not be released 
• your future Change of Circumstance Form will be rejected
• your future applications for student funding will be rejected

Applying on Paper

Application forms are available at all post-secondary institutions, all high schools in the province and from your nearest Alberta Service Centre or Canada-Alberta Service Centre.  If you apply on paper, you may be able to inquire about the status of your application online.

Important Information for U of A students:  If you want to apply for funding for University of Alberta spring and/or summer session courses, please be aware that you must wait until the first week of April.  This is when the session and cost information is expected to be available from the U of A.  Check back here for updates.

Notice:  The full-time post-secondary funding paper application for classes starting August 1, 2010 to July 31, 2011 will be available by early June.