Alberta Student Loans 2026: Who Can Apply and How Much Can You Get?

Alberta Student Loans 2026: Students in Alberta can get help paying for college, university and other approved programs through Alberta Student Aid. The program can offer grants and student loans to help with tuition and other school and living costs.

For the 2026-27 school year, Alberta Student Aid provides funding from both the Alberta government and the Canadian government. Students only need to submit one application to be considered for both. The funding you get depends on your financial need, family situation and type of program.

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Who Can Get Alberta Student Aid?

You need to meet a few basic rules before you can get student aid. Your school and program must be approved for student aid. You also need to meet the citizenship and Alberta residency rules and show that you have financial need.

Full-time

Alberta Student Aid generally considers you full-time when you’re taking at least 60% of your school’s full course load. Students with a disability can qualify at 40% of a full-time course load. Your school decides whether you’re full-time or part-time.

You normally need to be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person. Full-time students must also be Alberta residents under the program’s residency rules.

Financial need is also important. Alberta looks at your education and living costs and compares them with the money and resources you have available. Costs can include tuition, fees, living expenses and child care.

Part-time

 They generally study at less than 60% of a full course load, or less than 40% when they have a disability. Since August 1, 2025, Alberta no longer provides provincial funding for part-time programs, but eligible part-time students can still receive federal loans and grants.

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Grants and Loans Available in 2026

Alberta Student Aid can give students a mix of grants and loans. Grants don’t usually have to be paid back, while loans do.

For 2026-27, the Alberta Student Grant for Full-Time Students can provide up to $425 per month, with a maximum of $5,100 per year. Eligibility depends on family income, family size, program type and other rules. The Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students can provide up to $525 per month for eligible students in 2026-27. Students with dependants may also qualify for the Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students with Dependants, which provides $280 per month.

Students with disabilities may qualify for a Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment of up to $20,000 per year. This can help pay for approved education-related services and equipment.

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How Much Can You Borrow?

The standard combined Alberta and Canada student loan limit is up to $8,500 for one semester, $17,000 for two semesters and $25,500 for three semesters. Some professional programs have higher limits.

There are also lifetime limits. For example, the combined lifetime loan limit is $51,000 for one-year undergraduate programs and $85,000 for undergraduate programs lasting two years or more. Some programs such as medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine can have much higher limits.

How to Apply for Alberta Student Aid

Full-time students apply online through their Alberta Student Aid account. Part-time students need to use the part-time application process.

Before applying, it’s useful to have your personal details, SIN, Alberta Student Number, income information, school details and expected education costs ready. Some students may also need parent or spouse information.

• Create and verify your Alberta.ca account.
• Make your Alberta Student Aid account.
• Choose the correct full-time or part-time application.
• Enter your school, program, income and other required details.
• Complete any income verification and extra forms that are requested.
• Check your account for messages and upload any missing documents.
• Complete your loan agreement after you’re approved.
• Get your funding after the required steps are finished.

Alberta recommends applying early. Applications that need a manual review can take up to 45 days and may take longer during busy periods. For full-time students, the completed application and required documents normally have to reach Alberta Student Aid at least 30 calendar days before the study period ends.

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What Happens After School?

Student loans don’t need to be repaid while you’re studying under the eligible interest-free rules. Alberta Student Loans have a 12-month interest-free grace period after you leave school, while Canada Student Loans have a 6-month non-repayment period. Federal Canada Student Loans no longer charge new interest, but Alberta loans can charge interest once their grace period ends.

FAQ

1. Do Alberta Student Aid grants have to be paid back?

Usually no. Grants are generally non-repayable as long as you continue to meet the program rules. Loans must be repaid.

2. Can I get both Alberta and Canada student aid?

Yes. One Alberta Student Aid application can assess you for both provincial and federal funding.

3. Can part-time students get help?

Yes. Eligible part-time students can receive federal Canada student loans and grants, but Alberta stopped providing provincial funding for part-time programs from August 1, 2025.

4. How long can I get student loans?

Canada has a standard lifetime limit of 340 weeks of full-time study. Doctoral students can get up to 400 weeks, while students with disabilities can get up to 520 weeks.