Applications for student loans and grants for the 2026–27 academic year will open in Alberta on June 3. This is important news for those planning to attend college, university, a technical program, or another post-secondary institution, as the province has simultaneously announced both a new application phase and changes to the financial need assessment for some students.
Source: Alberta government press release “Keeping post-secondary education affordable” https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=9626731F4B60B-BFC7-D8A9-BBFFCA9E3432DD70
According to the Alberta government, the province is investing over $1 billion in student aid. This includes not only loans that must be repaid but also non-repayable support—that is, financial assistance that students do not have to repay. This includes grants, scholarships, and awards.
For many students, this can make a real difference, because studying in Canada involves more than just tuition. There’s also rent, transportation, food, textbooks, technology, living expenses, and other costs that add up quickly. That’s why student aid often becomes the tool that allows people to continue their studies or avoid dropping out due to financial pressure.
The Alberta government explains that for the 2026–27 academic year, support is being increased specifically for non-repayable funding. In other words, part of the aid will be directed toward grants, scholarships, and other payments that do not need to be repaid after graduation. It is specifically noted that nearly $107 million is allocated for scholarships and awards, and over $75 million for grants.
However, the approach to assessing the financial need of some applicants is also changing. For some students, contributions from parents or spouses may be taken into account during the calculation. The government explains this by saying that the system should better reflect the student’s actual financial situation and direct aid to those who need it most.
Simply put, while assessments used to focus more on the student themselves, they may now take a broader view for certain categories—for example, looking at family income or a spouse’s financial situation. This doesn’t mean everyone will automatically receive less. But it does mean that students should fill out their applications more carefully, check the requirements, and be prepared to provide additional information if asked.
How to apply for student aid
You can apply online through Alberta Student Aid. Students need to create or log in to their account, fill out a single online application, and, if necessary, upload additional documents. Importantly, a single application allows the student to be considered for both provincial and federal loans and grants. This means you don’t need to submit separate applications for each type of aid.
Alberta Student Aid recommends applying at least 60 days before the start of the academic term. This is especially important for those starting in the fall, as processing times may be longer during peak periods. If you submit your application at the last minute, there is a risk that funding will not arrive in time for the start of the term.
Students starting their studies on or after August 1, 2026, must use the application for the 2026–27 academic year. If studies begin on or before July 31, 2026, the application for the 2025–26 academic year applies. This is an important detail, as selecting the wrong academic year on the application can cause unnecessary delays.
Students should also pay special attention to the verified Alberta.ca Account. Alberta Student Aid notes that students need a verified Alberta.ca account to access the system, and setting one up can take up to 10 days. Therefore, it’s best not to wait until the last minute and to verify access to your account in advance.
What Will Change in the 2026–27 Academic Year
Among the changes for 2026–27 is an update to the living allowance—the amount Alberta Student Aid uses to calculate a student’s living expenses. In addition, the minimum student contribution is increasing from $1,500 to $3,000 per loan year. This means the system expects students to cover a larger portion of their expenses from their own resources before the full amount of aid is calculated.
Another change concerns income verification. Income information will now be collected once per loan year. After submitting an application, students must provide income information and agree to the CRA consent statement online. If a student has a spouse or partner, that person must also verify their income information through Alberta Student Aid. In some cases, additional documents may be requested for verification.
There is also an important clarification for students with disabilities: the Alberta Disability Assistance Program is recognized as an approved source of disability income for Alberta Student Aid. Additionally, students with a confirmed disability who already have an active Schedule 4 may automatically be eligible to study with a reduced course load. This is intended to reduce bureaucracy and simplify the process for such students.
Why This Matters for Ukrainians in Alberta
This news is also important for Ukrainians in Alberta. Many newcomers view education as a path to a new profession, retraining, or validating their qualifications in Canada. But education often requires significant expenses, especially if a person is still adjusting, working outside their field, or has a family. Therefore, student aid can be one option for financial support.
At the same time, it’s important to understand that student loans are not “free money.” The portion of aid that comes in the form of a loan will need to be repaid after graduation. In contrast, grants, scholarships, and awards are usually non-repayable if the student meets the program’s requirements. That is why, when applying, you should carefully check which part of the funding is a loan and which is non-repayable support.
Before applying, students should check whether their program is eligible, whether their studies are considered full-time or part-time, what documents may be required, whether they have access to an Alberta.ca Account, and whether their personal information is correct. It is also advisable to prepare information in advance regarding income, marital status, dependent children, living expenses, and other details that may affect the calculation of financial aid.