Scholarships

Believe it or not, people want to give you money! By applying for scholarships and bursaries, you can receive funding that will save you a substantial amount on tuition, textbooks, and/or living costs. This also means you’ll have an easier time budgeting for other costs or fees that come with being a post-secondary student. Whether it's for playing an instrument, playing a sport, or having good grades, there are countless ways to obtain some quick, easy money to pay for your tuition.

Remember, there are more financial opportunities other than scholarships. Bursaries often require an application, as well. They are often available for those with specific financial, domestic, and/or other circumstances. Awards often come with prestige and/or a plaque, and can be recognized at certain events. Look for your eligibility when you come across these on your search for funding your education.

TIPS:

  • Keep an updated list of your extracurricular activities, past awards/scholarships, and volunteer commitments.

  • Make sure you have all the references, requirements, and steps done at least a week before the deadline.

  • Make sure you are keeping track of deadlines.

  • alis.alberta.ca - Great summary and resource.

  • jasperplace - This EPSB High School has a great scholarship resource at this link.

How to Obtain a Reference Letter

  1. Find an adult who knows and respects you, like a teacher or an employer. It is helpful to choose a person who is relevant by making sure that they fit the context of the scholarship (i.e. coach for sports scholarship, teacher/administrator for academic scholarships).

  2. Provide a list of your involvement and achievements applicable to the scholarship to help them write the letter.

  3. Give the person you are requesting a reference letter from plenty of time to write the reference (2-4 weeks before). Remember to be patient and respectful, as they are taking time out of their routine to write you this letter.

Tips for Writing a Scholarship Essay

1. Directly answer the question, or prompt provided.

2. Be sure to demonstrate your capability, using specific examples from your experiences that can be supported by references (see How to Obtain a Reference Letter, above).

3. Keep your essay within the parameters of the required word count, recommended style of writing, and overall format of the essay.

4. Sound confident in your accomplishments, without being boastful, and try reading it from their perspective.

5. Ask a guidance counsellor, teacher, or friend to read over the essay to ensure it fulfills the points mentioned above.

How to Apply for a Scholarship (General Steps)

  1. Look into scholarships that apply specifically to you and/or your interests (i.e. sports, arts, academics, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, etc.).

  2. Check the requirements and complete an application form.

  3. Obtain letters of recommendation/reference letters (Refer to “How to obtain a reference letter”).

  4. If needed, write a letter or essay (Refer to “Tips for writing letters or essays for scholarships”).

  5. Submit before deadline.

Here are some resources to help you start:

Alexander Rutherford Scholarship

  • Award value: up to $2,500

  • Eligibility criteria:

    • Must be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada or Protected Person under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, at the start of your post-secondary studies.

    • Be an Alberta resident at the time of application. You or your parent(s)/legal guardian must have resided in Alberta at least 12 consecutive months prior to starting post-secondary studies.

    • Be enrolled in, or have completed 60% of a full course load in a post-secondary or an apprenticeship program of at least one semester in length.

    • Have completed high school on or after September 30, 1980.

    • Combined average in FIVE designated subjects:

      • Grade 10:

        • 75% to 79.9% - $300

        • 80% and higher - $400

      • Grade 11:

        • 75% to 79.9% - $500

        • 80% and higher - $800

      • Grade 12:

        • 75% to 79.9% - $700

        • 80% and higher - $1,300

  • Selection: A student must have a minimum combined average based on five designated courses in at least one grade: Grade 10, 11 or 12 as calculated from marks on a valid Alberta Transcript of High School Achievement. Option/CTS courses may also be considered. If you meet the required overall average for any of the above grades, the amount of the scholarship will be calculated accordingly.

  • Deadlines: Apply online when your final high school marks are available and when you are enrolled in full-time postsecondary studies.

  • Disbursement: Once your enrollment or attendance has been confirmed by your post-secondary institution, Alberta Student Aid will mail a cheque to you within one (1) month.

Note: Complete a high school plan in myBlueprint and it will tell you whether you are eligible for the Rutherford Scholarship.

TIP: Remember to check your post-secondary institution of choice for specific scholarships directed at students who are planning to study there after high school. Click these links!

ualberta.ca • macewan.ca • concordia.ca • nait.ca • ucalgary.ca

First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Scholarship Information

There are numerous financial opportunities for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals within Canada. Here are some resources to help you out!

  • alis.alberta.ca - General info on post-secondary resources and tools for Indigenous peoples

  • www.Indspire.ca - Largest non-government contributors to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit scholarships and post-secondary funding

For more information:

TIP: Be sure to check with your parents' places of employment. They often have scholarships for children of employees that you may not know about!