There are many opportunities for students to earn and achieve financial support for post-secondary studies.
Students should actively seek out and research all available financial support. They can see their guidance counselor for more details. As scholarships and bursaries have firm guidelines and application deadlines, students should leave themselves ample time to complete the application process. Students should make note of all deadlines and ensure they have all documentation on time. There are many opportunities available for scholarships outside of grade 12 as well. It is never too soon to begin seeking opportunities and applying.
A scholarship is awarded first based on academic achievement, while a bursary is awarded primarily based on financial need. Neither has to be repaid. More Information is available from Student Services.
Many post-secondary institutes and scholarship-granting agencies require references. Teachers and administration write many letters for students. Being specific in the purpose of the reference letter and ensuring students are given ample time to complete the letter is always very helpful and makes for a stronger reference.
Western Canada High School-Specific Awards
There are many awards specifically for Western Canada High School students.
Grade 10
Deadline | Award | Value | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
Nominated | H. J. Robinson Outstanding Student | Superior academics, and exceptional citizenship qualities. (Western Canada) |
Grade 11
Deadline | Award | Value | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
Nominated | McKillop Scholarship | $2000.00 | Academic excellence, all-around citizenship. (EducationMatters) |
Nomindate | Martin Poirier | $500 | Demonstrate outstanding leadership and citizenship. Involved in speech, debate, or Model UN/Mock Trial, and be on a team or in fine arts |
Grade 12
Deadline | Award | Value | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
Nominated | Terry Allen Leadership Award | $200.00 | Member of the student governing body, leadership, citizenship. (EducationMatters) |
Nominated | Downtown Rotary Club Scholarship | $1500.00 plus plaque | Post-secondary education, strong academics, citizenship. (Rotary Club) |
Nominated | George Desson Citizenship Award | Plaque | Student citizenship. (One female, one male) |
Nominated | Premier's Citizenship Award | Plaque | Supports and contributes to Alberta communities through voluntary public service. |
Application due May 1 | WCHS Alumni Foundation Legacy Fund | 5 x $3000.00 | Pursuing post-secondary study within one year of graduation, financial need, and citizenship. (Alumni Foundation) |
Nominated | Dr. G. Fred McNally Memorial Scholarship | $1,000.00 | Post-secondary education, academic achievement, character, citizenship. (Calgary Foundation) |
Apply by May 1st | David E. Mitchell Annual Bursary | $2,000.00 | Pursuing post-secondary studies, leadership, citizenship, contributing to deserving of the support provided by this Bursary. (Education Matters) |
Nominated | Old Boys Memorial Scholarship | 3 x $1200.00 | Attending The University of Calgary within one year of graduation, citizenship, service, and academic achievement. (Alumni Association) |
Application due May 1st | Keith Yu Memorial Scholarship | $1000.00 each |
|
Nominated (May 1st) | Duffin Leadership Award | $2250.00 | Demonstrate excellence/leadership in the PE-30/Leadership Program. Registered in a 4 year post-secondary program. (EducationMatters) |
Nominated (May 30th) | Bill Salyha Football Legacy Award | $1000.00 | Part of the varsity Football Team, Pursuing a 4 year post-secondary degree program. (EducationMatters) |
Application due May 1st | Ernie Tsu | $1000.00 | Member of the Senior Women’s Volleyball team. Exemplify leadership qualities. |
Grade 10
Deadline | Award | Value | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
July 1 (of Gr.12 year) | Alexander Rutherford Scholarships | $400 (unlimited) | 75% to 80% average in 5 selected subjects, including English 10. Apply in Grade 12. |
Grade 11
Deadline | Award | Value | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
July 1 (of Gr.12 year) | Alexander Rutherford Scholarship | $800 (unlimited) | 75% to 80% average in 5 selected subjects including ELA 20-1. Apply in Grade 12. |
Grades 10 - 12 Sponsorship
Deadline | Award | Value | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
May 1st | Aaron Family Scholarship | $500 | Applicants are required to be continuing on into post-secondary studies in theatre or technical theatre. |
December | House of Commons Page Program | Salary | Canadian citizen. Academics at least 80%.Superior knowledge of both official languages. Accepted into university in the Ottawa region. www.parl.gc.ca |
November | Immigrants of Distinction Awards |
| Categories include sports, Youth achievement, and Volunteer Service for students who were born outside of Canada but have made a contribution to the country. Scholarship and Dinner Reception. |
May 1st | Western Canada Leader of Tomorrow Award | $1500 | An equal weighting of school citizenship and academic merit. Preference is given to students who have chosen a more demanding academic path. www.educationmatters.ca |
Grade 12 Awards: Government
Deadline | Award | Value | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
Various | Alberta Heritage Scholarship Fund | Various | Summary of scholarships. Individual scholarships are listed below. Information copy only in file. studentaid.alberta.ca/ |
July | $1300 | 75% to 80% average in 5 selected subjects including ELA 30-1 OR ELA 30-2. | |
July | Alexander Rutherford Scholars | $1500 x 10 | One of 10 top academic students in the province based on application for Alexander Rutherford. No separate application is required. studentaid.alberta.ca/ |
June Read Daily Bulletin | Dr. Ernest & Minnie Mehl Scholarship | $3500 | Based on scholastic achievement on Grade 12 diploma exams, financial need, and individual commitment. studentaid.alberta.ca/ |
July Read Daily Bulletin | Anna and John Kolesar Memorial Scholarship | $1200 | Highest academic average in English 30 plus two other academic subjects. Neither parent has a University Degree. Must be enrolled eventually into a faculty of education. studentaid.alberta.ca/ |
Ongoing | Registered Apprentice Program Scholarship | $1000 - 50 awarded annually | For high school graduates completing a minimum 250 hours in RAP and who will continue in a regular apprenticeship program. Employer and school recommendations. www.tradesecrets.org. |
Grade 12 Awards: Athletic
Note: Numerous Athletic Scholarships are available to students playing various sports. Contact coaches, your Physical Education Curriculum Leader, or the Athletic Director in your school for additional information.
Financial Assistance
Deadline | Form of Assistance | Description |
|---|---|---|
Ongoing | Students Finance Board | The Federal and Provincial governments both provide student loan plans. The Student Finance Board administers both the Province of Alberta and Canada Student Loans. Both loans are applied for on one application form. It is recommended that students apply before May 31st to receive money by September 1. Application forms may be obtained from Student Services in April/May, or online at studentaid.alberta.ca/ |
Ongoing | Alberta Opportunities Bursary | Provides non-repayable assistance of $500 - $3000. Post-secondary students with a minimum of $4000 of student loans qualify. Priority is given to students with the highest need. |
Ongoing | U.S. Student Loan Information | This site contains financial information specifically for Canadian and International students wanting to study in the U.S. www.internationalstudentloan.com. |