Academic Calendar

Financial Aid

Government Loans and Grants

Government funding programs are available based on the student's financial need and province of residence.

An online application is required for Alberta residents studying full-time (note that part-time students can only apply by submitting a paper application). Through one application, Alberta Student Aid will assess a student's eligibility for Alberta Student Loans, Canada Student Loans and grants (if the student qualifies). 

While loans must be repaid, grants do not as long as the student remains a full-time student for their study period. Students can apply online for funding via Alberta Student Aid (at www.studentaid.alberta.ca). All students must create or update a verified MyAlberta Digital ID to access or submit full-time student loan applications. Without this, students cannot apply for Alberta student loans and grants. Funding applications are generally made available in June or July for studies commencing on or after August 1. We recommend applying early, at least eight weeks before studies start. Students do not have to be accepted to a program to apply for loan funding; however, students need to be registered full-time in their program to receive their money. 

No interest accumulates on these loans as long as the student is a full-time student, and they are not required to start paying back their loans until six months after they stop being a full-time student. Student loan programs offer a Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) for students who are unable to make payments toward their loan. Contact funding lenders for more information. 

For more information about government student loans, visit www.studentaid.alberta.ca, www.csnpe-nslsc.canada.ca or MacEwan.ca/StudentLoans. 

Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries  

MacEwan University offers hundreds of unique scholarships, awards and bursaries to students.

MacEwan University’s scholarships recognize academic excellence, while awards recognize students’ involvement and service in the community. Many dedicated students who face financial challenges may benefit from MacEwan University’s bursaries, which are issued based on financial need and good academic standing.

During the 2021-22 academic year, the Financial Aid Office distributed over $6 million in student awards, from internal and external sources. All scholarships, awards and bursaries offered to MacEwan University students can be found at MacEwan.ca/Awards. When applications are open, go to myStudentSystem and click on the Financial Aid tile to apply. The main application periods open in September and January. 

Other Funding Options

Depending on a student’s educational goals, career goals, financial need and/or personal situation, there may be other options for financing their education, such as:

  • Registered Educational Saving Plan (RESP)
  • Advancing Futures Bursary
  • Foundational Learning Assistance Program (for students enrolled in English as an Additional Language, University Preparation or the Alberta Foundation Program)
  • Northern Alberta Developmental Council Bursary
  • Financial/Banking Institute Student Line of Credit

For more information about funding options, students can visit the Fees and Financial Information page at MacEwan.ca/FFI. Students can also contact a Financial Aid Advisor at 780-497-5025 or toll-free at 1-888-497-4622 (extension 5025), studentloans@macewan.ca or awards@macewan.ca.