
Determine provincial residency
You are an Alberta Resident if:
- Alberta is the province in which you have most recently lived for 12 consecutive months while not a full-time post-secondary student, or
- you have never lived in any other Canadian province for 12 consecutive months and are attending a post-secondary school in Alberta, or
- at least one of your parents has lived in Alberta for 12 months
If you are an Alberta resident, you can apply for your student loan online through Alberta Student Aid.
If you are not an Alberta resident, you apply for Government student loan and grant funding from your province or territory in which you are from.
As a non-Alberta resident check for updates, policy changes and application process details through your home province's student aid website.
TIP: Student loans and grants help you pay for tuition, fees, books and living expenses while you are in school.
FACT: Each application will automatically be assessed for loans and grants. Loans (you need to pay back) and grants (you do not have to pay back)
Verify your account
You will need to create and verify your account through Alberta.ca Account to access the application. If you are a new student who has applied for your program through Apply Alberta, you already have a verified account. Ensure the address on your driver’s licence or identity card is up to date before verifying your Alberta.ca Account.
Application information requirements
- Alberta Student Number (ASN)
If you went to high school here in Alberta, you have one! If you didn’t attend high school in Alberta but are now an Alberta Resident, you can request one. If you can’t remember what it is, then you can look up your ASN. - Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Your previous year’s income tax information (specifically line 15000)
If you are married or in a common-law relationship, you will also need your partner’s line 15000.
FACT: Repeating the same year of study, failing to advance in your program or repeating the year of study more than twice will result in a loss of eligibility for funding for a period of 18 months.
Determine full or part-time status
Generally speaking, to receive government funding, you must be enrolled in a post-secondary program leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate or one of our Occupational Diplomas and Certificate programs.
Full-time student loans
Enrolled in at least 60% of a full course load = three university-level courses at least nine credits.
Part-time student loans
Enrolled in at least 20% and no more than 59% of a course load = which is less than three university-level courses, or less than nine credits.
Full-time and part-time calculations for Occupational Diplomas and Certificate programs are calculated manually. Contact your advisor or financial aid for assistance.