Money Matters

There are many ways to finance your post-secondary studies: savings/work, money from Mom and Dad, scholarships and bursaries, grants and awards, and student loans.  Usually a healthy combination of all of these is best (and easiest on Mom and Dad).  Here is some information on some of these different resource areas:

Scholarships, bursaries, grants and awards.

This is a huge area and the terms are confusing. 

Scholarships:  "traditionally, scholarships are based on academic merit, such as an entrance scholarship which is awarded based on the grade average from high school. Modern usage of the term, however, is much more liberal, with providers of non-academic awards using the term to describe any financial prize that will be used towards tuition payment. Scholarship application procedures are different for each scholarship, but can include a request for your academic transcripts. Some scholarships, such as entrance scholarships, don't even require an application. Look at as many scholarships as you can to see what works for you!

Bursaries 
A bursary is typically an award for a student with financial need. Bursaries may have academic requirements, but are generally focused on helping students who do not have the resources to pay for school on their own. Applications for bursaries typically require you to show why you are in need of the assistance and how great your need is.

Loans 
Student loans make up a significant amount of student aid. Student loans are typically provided by the government (provincial or federal) or a bank. The terms of a student loan vary depending on who's providing it and who's receiving it. Student loans are typically paid back after the student completes or leaves schooling, with interest charged on the loan amount.

Other awards 
This is a catchall for any awards that don't fit in the above categories. This may include contest-style awards or prizes from corporate sponsors"   (taken from scholarshipscanada.com)

Here are some places to look for resources:

WRSD Careers

WCHS Scholarship Listings


Student Loans 

There are Canadian and Alberta Student Loans.  Before you take out a student loan, make sure you have researched it very carefully, spoken with your parents about it, and know all of the necessary information.  Loans are a good and useful way to finance an education, but they have to be paid back.  Make sure you know ahead of time what you are agreeing to.  

Student Aid Alberta

Canada Student Loans



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