Demetrios Nicolaides, Alberta’s Minister of Advanced Education. (Government of Alberta)

By Mario Cabradilla

$15 million bursary to help Alberta students struggling financially

Jun 23, 2022 | 7:34 AM

EDMONTON, AB – The provincial government is providing $15 million in funding over three years to help students who are facing financial difficulties.

The New Beginnings Bursary will support 3,000 low-income Albertans studying in key economic sectors outlined in Alberta’s Recovery Plan, including:

• Energy
• Agriculture and forestry
• Tourism
• Culture
• Technology
• Aerospace and aviation
• Finance and financial technology

Every year, the bursary will provide $5,000 to 1,000 recipients to help with tuition, fees, supplies and living costs, according to the provincial government.

“Cost should never be a barrier to achieving your ambition. Young Albertans deserve to have the right skills and knowledge to succeed in tomorrow’s economy. The New Beginnings Bursary will be just that for many Albertans: ensuring post-secondary education remains an accessible way to get ahead,” said Demetrios Nicolaides, Alberta’s Minister of Advanced Education.

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A provincial lobby group, the Alberta Students’ Executive Council released a statement in response to the bursary, announced on June 22, 2022.

“As students are increasingly becoming burdened by the rising cost of living, this investment in accessibility is appreciated and well-timed. This funding will empower students, providing opportunities for those who would have normally missed out. We look forward to further collaborating with the Government to ensure affordable education is available to all students coming through the post-secondary system of Alberta,” said Savannah Snow, Chair of the Alberta Students’ Executive Council.

Students do not need to repay the bursary that will begin in the 2022-23 academic year. Eligible recipients will have the funding delivered automatically by Alberta Student Aid.

Wednesday’s announcement from the provincial government can be viewed below.