Students Finance

Students Finance will soon be Student Aid Alberta!

In mid June we will be launching Student Aid Alberta, including a new website that will give you access to the 2012-13 student aid application.  We will also be launching the Student Aid Alberta Service Centre - a new call centre that will answer your questions about eligibility for student loans and grants and help you apply.  These initiatives are being launched to improve client services and communications to student aid recipients.

Check back for updates.

Visit our Ministry's newsfeed to learn more about improvements to student aid plan aimed at reducing barriers.

2012-13 Applications for Full Time and Part Time Students

If you are applying for student aid for studies that begin before August 1, 2012 use the current online application.  If you are starting studies after August 1, 2012, applications for full and part-time students are expected by mid-June.

Apply Online

When you apply online you will be notified automatically of the amount of funding for which you qualify. You will also be notified about any grants for which you may qualify.

To apply online or inquire online about the status of your application, you will need to create a secure password. If you have forgotten your login or password, contact the Helpdesk at (780) 427-5318 or toll free (within Alberta) at 310-0000 followed by (780) 427-5318, or e-mail at siams.help@gov.ab.ca

If you are unable to apply online, you can pick up an application package at your post-secondary institution, or print the application for full-time studies from the Printable Forms page. A valuable guide to completing the application, Quick Tips  is also available to help you.

Once You Have Been Approved

Once you have been approved for funding, there are some steps you need to take. You will need to cash your student loan certificate. You have the option to appeal the amount of funding for which you were approved. We understand that circumstances change. Use this Change of Circumstance form  to find out how to let us know. Use this Change of Address form  to tell us your new address. Maintaining your loan while in studies is also an important step in the process.

Repaying Your Loans

When you are finished your studies and need to repay your student loan we have many options to help you set up a plan that is right for you. If you are having trouble repaying your student loan, there are programs in place to help you.

Additional Resources Available

If you are attending short-term occupational training, English as a Second Language studies or upgrading courses, you may be eligible for funding through Alberta Works, administered by Alberta Human Services. Contact your post-secondary institution or Alberta Human Services at 780-427-3722 (in Edmonton) or 1‑800‑222‑6485 (toll free in Canada) for more information.

Several booklets and tip sheets are available to give you information about the Students Finance program. Click here to view some of our publications.