Post-Secondary Information
The following links have been provided to give you more information when pursuing post-secondary education. Please contact our guidance counsellor for more information.
Alberta
- https://elaa.b-cdn.net/uploads/pdf/Dates_at_a_Glance_2022-23_Dec_9_2022.pdf
- ELAA Resources - Educational Liaison Association of Alberta (elaa.ab.ca)
- Apply Alberta ApplyAlberta | ApplyAlberta for students applying to post-secondary programs in Alberta.
Canada:
- Out of Province Post-Secondary Fairs: Alberta OOP | OOP Fairs 2022 in-person Alberta OOP fairs take place in October. Evening fairs are open to the public.
- Youth Canada website has information on employment, volunteer, and Post-Secondary opportunities: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/youth.html
USA:
- Fin Aid is a guide to financial aid in the USA: http://www.finaid.org/
- Scholarship database for the USA: http://www.fastweb.com/
- College Board Online is where you can register, prep for the SAT, PSAT, ACT, and do college searches in the US: http://www.collegeboard.com/
Thinking of studying abroad? Research options for undergraduate or postgraduate-level studies abroad, or considering a gap year, volunteer program, work abroad, international internship or language travel:
University Fair Canada - Study Abroad and Experience the World of Education - Study and Go Abroad
For comprehensive information on college and university tuition, facilities, programs, admission requirements and deadlines, scholarships and financial aid, events, and careers: http://www.schoolfinder.com/
Scholarships:
Scholarships…let your computer do the walking!
There is a lot of money out there to help you pay for your learning after high school. You just have to be willing to put in the work to find them and to apply! Scholarships are given out by the province, the federal government, and by the institution or training centre you are applying to. Some scholarships you can apply for on your own, others you need your school to apply on your behalf. And not all scholarships are about marks. Service to the community and financial need are also considered.
Check with your local Royal Canadian Legion for local and provincial bursaries, ask your parents about workplace scholarships. Belong to an organization like 4H, Rotary, or Leo’s? Ask your leaders about opportunities!
Here are some, and certainly not all, of the sites you can look at for scholarships, awards, and bursaries.
Helpful Website Addresses
- Alberta Student Aid offers student loans, grants, scholarships, and awards to help cover your costs while you’re in school: https://studentaid.alberta.ca/
- Student Awards is a searchable database for scholarship opportunities: Find the money to pay for school. 💰📚🎓 - Student Awards
- Student Scholarships is a massive scholarship database and is free to use: http://www.studentscholarships.org/
- http://www.scholarshipscanada.com/ extensive database with scholarships, bursaries, and grant information. You'll also find information about student loans, applications, and budget planning.
- National Student Loans Service Centre (canada.ca) to help you shift through the financial side of student loans. Click on “Managing Your Loan” for tips.
- Alberta Scholarship Programs: https://alis.alberta.ca/explore-education-and-training/pay-for-your-education/apply-for-free-money-to-pay-for-school/
For information on over 450 awards offered by various companies, organizations and associations Students can search for awards either by keyword, by award category, or application deadline in areas ranging from leadership, financial need to athletics or the arts.
- Green Certificate Students: Alberta Excellence in Agriculture Scholarship | Alberta Student Aid
- Registered Apprenticeship Scholarship: Tradesecrets - High School Apprenticeship Scholarships (alberta.ca)
- Loran Award www.loranaward.ca
- TD Canada Trust www.tdcanadatrust.com/scholarship
- Immigrants of Distinction Awards: Youth Achievement http://www.immigrantservicescalgary.ca/
- Union Plus Scholarship http://www.unionplus.org/college-education-financing/union-plus-scholarship
- Terry Fox Humanitarian Award: www.terryfox.org
- Burger King/McLamore North American: Burger King Foundation - Award Guidelines (scholarsapply.org)
- National Junior Achievers Leadership Awards www.jacan.org
- Re/Max Quest for Excellence www.remax-western.ca/quest-excellence
- Softball Canada: Awards (softball.ca)
- Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta: Scholarships - Kids Cancer Care
Tips on Filling Out a Successful Scholarship Application
- APPLY! Even if you kind of sort of think you might slightly quality, APPLY for it. There are millions of dollars out there for scholarships and many go unawarded because students don’t apply. Yes, it’s work, but think of the reward; the effort is worth every penny.
- Get the application form in plenty of time to complete it. Some forms are 5-7 pages long, requiring an essay and/or references.
- Complete and send the application on time. Most will not consider late applications. Factor in mailing time if you cannot send electronically. PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO DEADLINES!
- Think about lining up a few reference letters that are generic. Having these on hand will save you from scrambling. Ask your potential references well in advance. References letters take time to write so be considerate when asking.
- Read the instructions carefully. If it says to type it, type it. If it says a 250 word essay, do not hand in 5 pages. You will only disqualify yourself.
- If you can, research the company or group giving out the scholarship. They are doing this for giving back, but also to promote themselves. You may need to submit a recent picture for their newsletter.
- Keep a list, for yourself, of all the scholarships you are applying for, when the deadlines are, the amounts awarded, and when a successful applicant will be chosen.
- Pay attention to the fine print. Many scholarships pay the institution directly and possibly not until you have successfully completed a semester or full year of school. Check to see if you need to maintain a certain GPA (grade point average). Do you have to provide proof that you are registered in classes and attending? Does the money come to you and is that money mailed or direct deposit?
- If you are awarded a scholarship, ALWAYS send a thank you note.
- Tell your school counsellor of scholarships you’ve been awarded so you can be an inspiration! We like to celebrate and acknowledge those students who receive scholarships and awards.
- You may need to have the following documents ready for part of your application:
- Social Insurance Number. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin.html
- Proof of Alberta Residency
- Permanent resident card