Information Centre

The Financial Aid Team is here to help you navigate the world of student funding!

Here, you will find general information that will assist you as you begin to plan how you will finance your education. The Financial Aid and Awards Office assists students in meeting their education costs through a variety of award and aid programs (scholarships, bursaries, government student loans and grants).

Most funding sources will require you to have an Alberta Student Number. To obtain your Alberta Student Number, please visit the Alberta Learning website, Learner Registry area and use the "Lookup ASN" link on that page. If you have recently moved to Alberta or have never registered with a school or Post-Secondary institution in Alberta, and need to have an ASN you can request an ASN by using the "Request ASN On-line".

We hope you find this information useful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact our office at the information below. If you would like more information or assistance in completing the form, please contact the Financial Aid Office.

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Scholarships, Awards & Bursaries

As a student at GPRC, you may be eligible for many scholarships, awards, and bursaries to assist you with your post-secondary education at Grande Prairie Regional College.

Applications and Deadlines

The Awards Office makes applications available throughout the year. In most cases, the applications are available at least six weeks in advance of the deadline. Notifications will also be sent to your student e-mail address when applications become available.

Every effort will be made to have printable applications on the website. You may also stop by the Awards Office to pick up a paper application and to drop off supporting documentation.

Standard Award Criteria

Standard criteria have been established for scholarships and bursaries to ensure fair and equitable selection. Unless the award details state otherwise, selection is based first on the standard criteria, then secondary requirements. Unless otherwise stated, awards are available to Canadian citizens or permanent residents and international students who are in at least their second year of studies at GPRC.

Scholarships: Scholarships are awards given based on academic excellence.

Scholarship Standard Criteria:

• Full-time student in fall and winter semester
• Selection based on grade point average (GPA)

Bursaries: Bursaries are awards given based on satisfactory academic achievement and demonstrated financial need.

Bursary Standard Criteria:

• Full-time student in fall and winter semester
• Achieved a minimum GPA of 1.7 in the fall semester
• Demonstrated financial need

 

Dates below are subject to change, please see deadlines on specific application forms.

Current Award Opportunities

Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Applications are now being accepted for Valedictorian and Salutatorian.

Deadline for both awards: March 10, 2020

Valedictorian Award (683K) Adobe Acrobat Document

Salutatorian Award (635K) Adobe Acrobat Document

Indigenous Careers Award

GPRC invites all eligible students to review, complete and submit the Indigenous Careers Award application by the deadline. Students must be enrolled in a certificate, diploma, or bachelor’s degree program. Academic upgrading, pre-employment and apprenticeship programs do not qualify. Submit your application along with proof of indigenous heritage to your local Financial Aid office.

Deadline: March 6, 2020

2019-20 Indigenous Careers Award (365K) Adobe Acrobat Document

Bezanson Bursary

Bezanson Bursary (763K) Adobe Acrobat Document

External Award Opportunities

In addition to the GPRC student awards program, there are many other groups and organizations which offer awards, scholarships, and bursaries that can help you pay for your education. Current GPRC students can expect to receive monthly emails announcing external award opportunities. In the meantime, here are some other places you may wish to explore:

Some External Award Opportunities are approaching!

Take the opportunity to review the awards closing in the next two months. Follow the web links provided in the document below to access award details and criteria. This document is updated regularly so check back!

Please note that the GPRC does not play a role in the collection or adjudication of applications for these awards, or distribution of funding. We have no responsibility for web content beyond the link included on this page for your review.

External Awards (28K) Adobe Acrobat Document

Insider Tip! Be Prepared

When applying for awards, scholarships, and bursaries prepare a portfolio that includes:

• A listing of extracurricular and community involvement
• Your education and career goals
• Your academic records (transcripts, statement of grades, test scores)
• Your personal accomplishments (certificates of recognition, participation awards)
• Letters of reference that speak to community involvement and extracurricular activities

Give yourself enough time to meet all of the award requirements. Submit your application and all documentation on time.

 

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Student Loans

The Federal and Provincial/Territorial Governments provide student loan and grant assistance for Canadian citizens and permanent residents studying at the post-secondary level. Student loan programs are designed to help you reach your educational/career goal so you can experience the full range of college student life without having to work too much while you study.

To access student loans

• Apply through your province/territory of residency. Applications open June 1 for the upcoming academic year (for studies beginning on or after August 1).
• Depending on your assessment and province of application, you may receive a Notice of Assessment, your Alberta Student Aid Agreement and your Canada Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement – your legal agreements between you and your loan provider. Your Notice of Assessment informs you of how much your award will be for the year. Once your application is approved, you will receive an email asking you to log in to your Student Aid account. Log in and follow the instructions to complete your agreements.  No funds will be released until your agreements are complete.  
• Register in a full-time course load in all of your terms so GPRC can confirm your enrolment with your student loan provider. You must be admitted into your program to register in your courses.
• Don't pay twice! We will make every attempt to request your tuition to be sent to us directly from your student loan.
• To ensure your funds will assist you throughout the academic year; Financial Aid encourages students to make a budget.

If it seems like you did not receive enough funding to cover your expenses for the year, you might be able to appeal your loan. Please visit our Financial Aid office or contact us at the information below.

You must apply for funding each academic year.

Completing the Application

Determine your province/territory of residence: You must apply for your funding through your province/territory of residence.

You are considered to be a resident of Alberta if:

• Alberta is the last province you have lived in for 12 consecutive months without being a full-time post-secondary student, or
• You are attending a school in Alberta and have never lived in any Canadian province for 12 months in a row. In this case, attach a letter to your application to explain your residency situation, or
• You have been out of high school for less than two years and at least one parent is residing in Alberta, or
• If spouse/partner meets the residency requirements for an independent student.

British Columbia Alberta Saskatchewan Manitoba Ontario Quebec New Brunswick

Newfoundland Nova Scotia Prince Edward Island Northwest Territories Yukon Territory Nunavut Territory

Apply online or by mail in a paper application

By filling in one application form, you will be assessed for Canada and Alberta Student Loans, as well as grants and bursaries. Online applications are processed in two to three weeks. Paper applications are processed in four to six weeks.

Deadline to apply

You must apply to Alberta Student Aid at least 30 days before the end date of your yearly period of studies.

Need application help? Visit our Financial Aid office or contact us at the information below.

Paying Your Fees

Grande Prairie Regional College will make every effort to request your tuition and fees directly from your loan certificate when we confirm your enrolment. It is ultimately your responsibility as the student, to ensure that tuition is paid in accordance with GPRC payment deadlines.

The Financial Aid Team is here to assist you every step of the way! Any questions or concerns please be sure to call, email or visit our office located in Student Services.

Access our current estimated program costs at gprc.me/Tuition&Fees.

Cashing Your Loan

Before you can receive any student loans or grants, you need to complete a legal agreement between you and your loan provider.

There may be separate agreements for your province and Canada. If you are approved for student aid from both your province and Canada, you will have to complete two agreements.

You must complete an agreement in the following situations:

• The first time you apply and are approved for student aid,
• If you have had previous student aid and return to school after a break of two years or more, or
• You have had previous student aid from another province.

Once your application is approved, you will receive an email asking you to log in to your Student Aid account. Log in and follow the instructions to complete your agreements.

You cannot receive any student aid until your agreements are complete. 

Read the terms and conditions of your agreements carefully. They include details regarding:

• How you will use the money
• Your repayment obligations
• How your monthly payments will be calculated

Once you have completed your Alberta Student Aid agreement, a copy will be available in your Student Aid inbox.

Your agreement must be received before your study period end date. To allow for processing time, complete your agreement at least two weeks before your school year ends. If your agreement is not complete before your end date, funding will be cancelled.

Issuing Grants

Grants are not issued until you have submitted both your Alberta Student Aid Agreement and your Canada Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement and the educational institution has confirmed registration. Grant cheques are mailed to your home address.

Keeping Loans Interest Free

If you are not receiving student aid this year, but you have previous student loans and are still a full-time student, notify your provincial Student Aid Service Centre and the National Student Loans Service Centre. This will keep your loans in interest-free status while you are in school.

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Alberta Works Grant Funding

Alberta Works Learner Income Support Program, administered by Alberta Human Services:

• Provides grants for books, tuition and living allowance.
• Provides financial support for adult residents of Alberta who are attending full-time or part-time Academic Upgrading.
• More information can be found at http://www.humanservices.alberta.ca/AWonline/IS/5017.html.

Application Process

Step 1
Apply for Admission to Academic Upgrading. You may need to do a placement assessment.

Step 2
Once you receive your admission letter, pay the tuition deposit and register in your courses.

Step 3
Download and complete your application for Alberta Works Learner Benefits >

Step 4
Bring in your signed consent form. We will complete your Training Provider Information Form for you and we can send them both in by government courier. If you completed your application on paper we can send that in for you too!

Please note:
You need to apply, pay the application fee, write the placement assessment (if necessary) and meet with a Financial Aid Liaison to determine Alberta Works eligibility.

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Sponsorship

If your agency would like to sponsor a student for some or all educational costs, and would like to be billed directly, please complete the Confirmation of Sponsorship form found below.

Confirmation of Sponsorship (27K) Adobe Acrobat Document

Apprenticeship Confirmation of Sponsorship (241K) Adobe Acrobat Document

On the form is also an area which covers the non-refundable tuition deposit that students are required to pay at the time of registration. Students are not formally registered in classes until this deposit is paid. If your organization is willing to pay this deposit on their behalf, please indicate that in the appropriate location on the form.

The following document provides some information on how GPRC’s application, admission and registration process works.

Sponsorship Guidelines (397K) Adobe Acrobat Document

If you would like more information or assistance in completing the form, please contact the Financial Aid Office.

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Apprenticeship

If you are a registered apprentice in Alberta and require financial assistance while attending full-time technical training, there are several options:

Student Aid Alberta

Apprenticeship programs are now eligible for Alberta Student Aid at designated institutions.

For more information, please visit studentaid.alberta.ca

Canada Apprentice Loan

Canada Apprentice Loan (CAL) is loan funding offered by the Government of Canada to apprentices registered in a Red Seal trade apprenticeship program who are enrolled in technical training. CAL is meant to help apprentices pay for tuition, tools, equipment, living expenses, cover forgone wages or support their family.

Learn more about Canada Apprentice Loan

Canada Apprenticeship Grants (Incentive and Completion)

The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG) is a taxable cash grant of $1000 per year/level up to a maximum of $2000.  This grant helps registered apprentices in designated Red Seal trades get started. The Apprenticeship Completion Grant (ACG) is a taxable cash grant of $2000. This grant helps registered apprentices who have completed their training become certified journeypersons in designated Red Seal trades.

Learn more about Canada Apprenticeship Grants

Sponsorship

If your agency would like to sponsor a student for some or all educational costs, and would like to be billed directly, please complete the Confirmation of Sponsorship form found below.

Apprenticeship Confirmation of Sponsorship (241K) Adobe Acrobat Document

Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women

The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women is intended to further support women entering, progressing, and completing their training in Red Seal trades where women are underrepresented. The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women (AIG-W) is a taxable cash grant of $3,000 per year/level (or equivalent) up to a maximum amount of $6,000 per person.

Learn more about the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women

Apprentice Training Award

The Apprentice Training Award is a $1,000 financial award for registered apprentices who are “unemployed in the trade” and attending technical training at an Alberta-approved technical training provider. This award helps reduce financial barriers and supports apprentices to progress toward their journeyperson certification. 

This financial award is geared toward helping apprentices not employed in their trade by providing financial assistance to help offset the costs of completing technical training.

Learn more about the Apprentice Training Award

Employment Insurance -  Information for Apprentices and Occupational Trainees

Learn more about Employment Isurance for Apprentices

Scholarships

Apply for scholarships available only to apprentices at www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca

Room of Plenty

We understand that money can sometimes be tight when you are waiting for your funding to come through. GPRC has a very generously stocked on-campus food bank available for struggling students. To access this prompt, discreet service please visit the Financial Aid office, in Student Services.

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For more information on financing your education, contact:
 

Financial Aid Grande Prairie
Office: H103 Phone: 780-539-2845 Fax: 780-539-2888 Email: financialaid@gprc.ab.ca Web: Visit Homepage	GPRC Grande Prairie 10726 - 106 Ave Grande Prairie, Alberta Canada T8V 4C4

Financial Aid Fairview
Office: FAC131 Phone: 780-835-6654 Fax: 780-835-6788 Email: financialaidfairview@gprc.ab.ca	GPRC Fairview PO Bag 3000 11235-98 Avenue Fairview, Alberta Canada T0H 1L0