“I don't think I'll have enough money to go to university or college. How can I pay for my education?”

You can fund your education with a combination of strategies.

• You can work and save money.
• You can borrow money in the form of student loans or student lines of credit.
• You can apply for free money in the form of scholarships, bursaries, and grants.
  • All types of students can be eligible for scholarships. Specialized scholarships are available for apprenticeships, Indigenous students, international students, and students with disabilities.
• You can draw on savings that you and your family have set aside in a savings account, a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP), a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), or a Lifelong Learning Plan set up through your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP).

More funding options

If you’re a registered apprentice, you’re eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) while you’re in the classroom. You may also qualify for:

•  Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training scholarships
• Interest-free loans or grants through the federal government

If you’re 20 or older and upgrading your education, you may be eligible for Foundational Learning Assistance to help with education and living costs.

If you’ve been in government care and you’re between 18 and 24, you may qualify for education funding through the Advancing Futures program.

If you’re an Indigenous student, you may be eligible for federal funding administered through your First Nation or First Nation-designated organization.

If you’re interested in a military experience, you can get a free post-secondary education through the Canadian Armed Forces. You will need to provide two months of military service for every month of paid education.

If you’re working, your employer may pay for work-related courses or give you time off to attend classes.

First Steps

Figuring out how much your post-secondary education will cost is the first step in planning how to pay for it. Once you know your costs, you’ll need to make every dollar count. Create a spending plan and learn to manage your money.

What would you like to know?

An alis staff member will review your question and respond via email. If it’s something that can help others look for work, explore careers, or succeed on the job, a version of your question and answer may even be added to the site.