Student Financial Aid

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.

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; awards are available to Canadian citizens or permanent residents and international students who are in at least their second year of studies at GPRC.

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

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:

• High School
• Institution of Study
• Industry
• Professional Organizations
• Your employer, or your parents' employer
• Organizations that serve specific ethnic groups
• Organizations that serve citizens with disabilities
• Community Organizations
• Government of Alberta Student Aid
• Government of Canada (Can Learn)
• Apprenticeship and Industry Training (Tradesecrets)
• yconic
• Northern Alberta Development Council

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 (29K) 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.

Valedictorian Award

The Valedictorian Award recognizes the most outstanding graduating student from among all programs offered at Grande Prairie Regional College, who is receiving a certificate or diploma after at least one full year of study. That is, the student has completed the maximum course of study offered in a program at Grande Prairie Regional College. A student must be enrolled in a full course load during the year in which he/she is considered for the award. Students will be shortlisted based on their display of leadership qualities, his/her contribution to the College and finally, judged on the content of the Valedictory Address.
Watch your student email account for information from the Financial Aid Office about applying for this award.

Valedictorian Award Application - Fairview Campus (721K) Adobe Acrobat Document

Valedictorian Award Application - Grande Prairie Campus (720K) Adobe Acrobat Document

Get a head start in preparing your application:

Selection is made on the basis of:

• Student must be eligible to expect to graduate
• Student must be registered in a minimum 60% course load
• Student must have achieved a minimum GPA of 3.3 in the Fall semester prior to Convocation
• To be considered for this award, Student Services must have an Application for Parchment on file
• In addition, students will be shortlisted based on their display of leadership qualities, his/her contribution to the College and finally, judged on the content of the valedictory address.

Letter to the Valedictorian Selection Committee

You will need to write a letter to the selection committee explaining why you should be chosen to represent your graduating class. Your letter should comment on:

• Academic Highlights (Honours, achievements, etc.)
• Demonstrated Leadership: On-Campus (Contribution to Student Life)
• Demonstrated Leadership: Off-Campus (Contribution to Community)
• Current Program at GPRC
• Future Education Plans (if any)
• Career Goals

Valedictorian Speech

While you're working on the draft, it might be helpful to keep these things in mind:

• Be relevant to the situation
• Be thought provoking
• Be general to graduating class (not all program specific)
• Have a positive focus

Letters of Recommendation from a Faculty Member.

Your participation in this activity may qualify to be added to your co-curricular transcript. Learn more about co-curricular recognition.

Salutatorian Award

The Salutatorian Award recognizes excellence of a collaborative degree completion student and acknowledges their choice to complete their studies on campus at GPRC. To be eligible for this award, a student must be completing the final year of a collaborative degree program on the GPRC campus, be enrolled in 60% of a full course load, and have a minimum GPA of 3.3 in the fall semester prior to Convocation. Students will be shortlisted based on their display of leadership qualities, his/her contribution to the College and finally, judged on the content of the salutatorian speech.
Watch your student email account for information from the Financial Aid Office about applying for this award.

Salutatorian Award Application (235K) Adobe Acrobat Document

Get a head start in preparing your application:

Eligibility Criteria

• Student must be completing the final year of a degree program on GPRC campus
• Student must be registered in a minimum of 60% of a full course load
• Student must have achieved a minimum GPA of 3.3 in the fall semester prior to Convocation
• Students will be shortlisted based on their display of leadership qualities, his/her contribution to the College and finally, judged on the content of the salutatorian speech

Required Documents for Application

Letter to the Selection Committee

You will need to write a letter to the selection committee explaining why you should be chosen to represent your graduating class. Your letter should comment on:

• Academic Highlights (Honours, achievements, etc.)
• Demonstrated Leadership: On-Campus (Contribution to Student Life)
• Demonstrated Leadership: Off-Campus (Contribution to Community)
• Current Program at GPRC
• Future Education Plans (if any)
• Career Goals

A copy of your Salutatorian speech

Proof of registration from your University

Transcripts from your University

Three Letters of recommendation outlining leadership qualities and/or contribution to the College

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.

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.

Alberta Works Learner Benefits

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the process of application submission has changed. Applications must be submitted electronically. We encourage you to read the following instructions carefully to ensure your application is processed correctly.

Alberta Works funding is for Academic Upgrading only. If you are planning on applying for post-secondary funding, please contact us and we will provide you with post-secondary funding information.

Funding Decisions

Please note that GPRC does NOT make funding decisions. These decisions are made by the Government of Alberta.

Information about full-time eligibility

Information about part-time eligibility

Apply Online

If you are interested in applying for the Alberta Works Learner Benefits (full and part-time), please note that you will be required to apply online. Below are the steps you will be required to take:

1. You will need to have applied, been admitted and be registered into your GPRC courses before applying for Alberta Works funding. Please contact Angie Harper at aharper@gprc.ab.ca for more information.


2. Your Alberta Learner benefits application will need to be completed online at myAlbertaSUPPORTS. You will find some helpful "how-to" videos on the website.
   
   Please be aware that many people are having issues with this application when using Google Chrome or Firefox - the site seems to work better with Internet Explorer.


3. Once you have applied for and submitted your Learner application, you will need to submit a Declaration Form and a TPI (Training Provider Information), in order to complete the application process.
    
   1. Declaration Form - It will be your responsibility to print off and mail your Declaration Form directly to the Learner Income Support Centre in Edmonton. DO NOT MAIL THIS TO GPRC. The LISO address is as follows:
      
      Learner Income Support Office
      Box 17000, Station Main
      Edmonton, AB T5J 4B3
   
   
   2. The Training Provider Information Form (TPI) - This form confirms to the Government of Alberta that you have been accepted and are registered at Grande Prairie Regional College. You must request your TPI form by email at finaid@gprc.ab.ca. In your email you must include confirmation of submission of your funding application (a screenshot will be sufficient) to Alberta Works, your full name (including middle name, if applicable), your SIN, and your GPRC Student ID number. If you do not feel comfortable emailing your SIN, please give us your phone number and we will contact you. Your TPI will be emailed to the Government of Alberta by GPRC's Financial Aid team on your behalf.
4. Please keep in mind that you will be responsible for paying any tuition, fees and books if the Alberta Works funding has not been approved by the time tuition and fees are due. The last day to pay fees in September 2020 is September 10th, 2020.


5. Book Purchases: Please order your books online and they will be shipped to you directly, free of charge. Learn more about how to order your books online.

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 (92K) Adobe Acrobat Document

Apprenticeship Confirmation of Sponsorship (253K) 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 (510K) Adobe Acrobat Document

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

Apprenticeship

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

Alberta Student Aid

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

Learn more about Alberta Student Loans

Canada Apprentice Loan

The Canada Apprentice Loan is an initiative of the Government of Canada to help complete your apprenticeship in a designated Red Seal trade. You can apply for up to $4,000 in interest-free loans per period of technical training. The money would be available to help with tuition, tools, equipment and living expenses to cover forgone wages and to help support your family.

Learn more about the Canada Apprentice Loan (CAL)

Canada Apprenticeship Incentive Grants

The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG) is a taxable cash grant of $1,000 per year, to a maximum of $2,000 per person. This Grant helps you, as a registered apprentice, get started in designated Red Seal trades.

The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women (AIG-W) is a taxable cash grant of $3,000 per year, to a maximum of $6,000 per person. This Grant helps women get started in designated Red Seal trades that feature low female representation. The following Red Seal trades are ineligible for this Grant: Baker, Cook, Hairstylist, Landscape Horticulturist and Parts Technician.

Learn more about Canada Apprenticeship Incentive Grants

Canada Apprenticeship Completion Grant

The Apprenticeship Completion Grant (ACG) is a taxable cash grant of $2,000. This Grant helps you as a registered apprentice, to complete your training to become a certified journeyperson in the designated Red Seal trades.

Learn more about Canada Apprenticeship Completion Grant

Apprentice Training Award

The Apprentice Training Award is a $1,500 (effective September 1, 2020) 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 you as you progress toward your journeyperson certification.

This financial award help you as an apprentice, not employed in your trade, by providing financial assistance to help offset the costs of completing your technical training.

Learn more about the Apprentice Training Award

Sponsorship

If your agency would like to sponsor a student for some or all educational costs, and would like to be billed directly, access GPRC's Apprentice Confirmation of Sponsorship document and our Sponsorship Guidelines document via the following links.

Apprenticeship Confirmation of Sponsorship (253K) Adobe Acrobat Document

Sponsorship Guidelines (510K) Adobe Acrobat Document

Employment Insurance -  Information for Apprentices and Occupational Trainees

Through the Employment Insurance (EI) system, the Government of Canada provides income support to eligible apprentices during periods of technical training. Although all efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of this information, please consult Service Canada directly, as that is the official source of information about EI.

Learn more about Employment Isurance for Apprentices

Apprenticeship and Industry Scholarships

Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Scholarships recognize the excellence of Alberta apprentices in a trade and trainees in a designated occupation, and encourage recipients to complete their apprenticeship or occupational training programs. Introduced in 2002, these scholarships are valued at $1,000 each. You do not apply for these scholarships. Recipients of an Apprenticeship and Industry Training Scholarship are notified by November 1 each year. Please check that your address is current in your MyTradesecrets account.

Learn more about Apprentice and Industry Training Scholarships

For more information on financing your education, please contact: