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Pay for Your Post-Secondary Education - alis
You have options when it comes to paying for school. Most students fund their education with a combination of money earned, saved, and borrowed or awarded.
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How to Plan Your Education
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Many Training Paths Develop Skills and Knowledge
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Once you've identified a career direction and the education and training you need to make it a reality, your next step is to explore schools and programs.
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Earnings by Post-Secondary Field of Study
Explore possible graduate earnings based on all sources of employment in a given tax year. It is important to note that some graduates may have been employed in jobs outside their field of study and the information is based on median (midpoint) earnings.
Post-Secondary Programs
Discover which institutions offer programs of interest to you, how long it takes to complete each program if you attend full time, and what type of credential you earn when you graduate from the program.
Learn About Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship is a post-secondary education program that combines work experience, on-the-job and technical training.
Distance Learning: Make It Work for You
Distance or online learning lets you choose when and where you learn. There is no formal classroom setting. Instead, you use online, print, or video resources to study at your own pace—often in your own home.
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Part-Time Learning Options
Going to school part-time can give you flexibility to work while you study, take care of your family, or ease your course load.
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Study Abroad: Choose the Right Program
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Student Services at Post-Secondary Schools
From on-campus daycare to student residences to accommodating disabilities, there are plenty of services you’ll want when attending a post-secondary school. This features chart will help you uncover which services are available at each of the 26 publicly funded post-secondary schools in Alberta.
Find Your Best Fit
Think about which program and school will best fit the plans you have for your career. Exploring your learning and training options is a key part of career planning. The most important thing you need to know is why you want to take an education or training program.
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Pay for Your Post-Secondary Education
You have options when it comes to paying for school. Most students fund their education with a combination of money earned, saved, and borrowed or awarded.
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Plan Ahead: 4 Steps to Finding Work in Your Field of Study
As a post-secondary student or recent graduate, you may be thinking about your job prospects. Try these 4 steps to help prepare you for the workforce.
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Make an Action Plan for Attending Post-Secondary
Develop a detailed plan to help you prepare for life as a post-secondary student.
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Pay for Your Education
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Pay for Your Post-Secondary Education

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You have options when it comes to paying for school. Most students fund their education with a combination of money earned, saved, and borrowed or awarded.

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Thinking about going to university, college, or a polytechnic? Whether you’re fresh out of high school or a mature student, you’re probably wondering how to pay for your education. There are many costs to consider, so start by making a budget. Then, consider your options for how to cover your costs.

Most post-secondary students pay for their education through a combination of strategies:

  • Getting help from family or friends
  • Reducing expenses by living with family
  • Using savings from jobs or investments
  • Applying for scholarships, grants, and bursaries
  • Applying for student loans or a student line of credit
  • Studying part time and working full time
  • Studying full time and working during summer breaks or part time throughout the year
  • Taking co-operative education, apprenticeship, or applied degree programs that include paid employment

Learn more about these options below.

Work and save money

Knowing how much you can contribute to your education is a good place to start. Do you already have some money saved? Have your parents, guardians, or other family members put money in a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) for you?

Also, consider your options for earning extra cash while you study. This includes:

  • Jobs and paid work
  • Co-operative programs
  • Apprenticeship programs
  • Applied degree programs that include paid employment

Learn more about working and saving money to pay for school.

Apply for free money

There are organizations that will give you free money to help pay for school in the form of:

  • Scholarships and awards
  • Bursaries
  • Grants

This money is different than student loans because you never have to pay it back.

Learn more about applying for free money to pay for school.

Borrow money

If you can’t cover the costs of school yourself, you may be able to borrow funds from the government or a bank. You can apply for:

  • Student loans
  • Student lines of credit
  • Student credit cards

Learn more about borrowing money to pay for school.

More funding options

  • Upgrading and adult learning: If you’re 20 or older you may be eligible for support to upgrade or get training for a better job.
  • Employment and Training Services Directory: If you’re unemployed you may be eligible for support to get training and find a new job.
  • Employment Insurance (EI): If you’re eligible for employment insurance there are benefits to cover tuition fees and some training expenses.
  • Indigenous students may be able to access band funding or apply for dedicated scholarships and bursaries.
  • Canadian Armed Forces provide financing for some types of education.
  • Employers: Some employers will pay for courses related to your work or allow you time off to attend classes. Discuss these options with your supervisor.

Paying for post-secondary is an investment in your future. A post-secondary education is likely to boost your income throughout your life. Knowing your options will help you and your family make the best choices for financing your education. 

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