Student loans enable many Canadians to attend post-secondary school. There are many upsides to borrowing from the government, including interest-free status while in school, income tax deductions on repayment, repayment assistance and some of your assessment may be covered by grants (funds that you don’t have to repay).
However, student loans are still a loan and you will need to repay the money. It is preferable to draw on other resources, such as an RESP, if they are available. But if such resources are not available, student loans are a smart alternative for investing in your future.
| If you… | Go to… |
| Are a first time borrower | Using student loans for the first time |
| Have previously taken out a loan | Applying for and managing your student loan |
| Just graduated | Student loan repayment |
Wait. Are you a(n)…
- nursing student in either NESA or the After-Degree program?
- Although you apply for admission through the University of Lethbridge, you must apply for your loans as a Lethbridge College student until you move over to the university – then you will apply for your loans with the U of L as your institution.
- apprentice?
- You may be eligible for the Canada Apprenticeship Loan program. You can also apply for Alberta loans (if you are a resident) through Student Aid Alberta.
- international student?
- At this time, there are no government student loans available for international students. We do not participate in the U.S. Student Loan Program. And, while you may be eligible for certain Lethbridge College awards and scholarships, please do not rely on these to fund your education as they are limited in number and value. There is an expectation that you planned for your out-of-country education and have finances in place.
Grant funding
Post Secondary Students can access grants by applying for loans or by studying part-time.
All loan applicants are considered for grants based on their provincial/federal government eligibility thresholds. Students who want to avoid and can afford to avoid debt can enter just $1 into the 'requested assistance' field and be assessed for grants only.
Academic Upgrading and ESL - PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR FOUNDATIONAL LEARNING GRANT FUNDING ALLOCATION HAS BEEN FULLY ALLOTTED FOR THE 2023-24 ACADEMIC YEAR AND WE HAVE A WAITLIST.
WATCH THIS SPACE FOR TIMELINES FOR EARLY APPLICATION FOR THE 2024-25 ACADEMIC YEAR.
The Foundational Learning Assistance program provides limited grant funding to eligible learners in these foundational programs:
Eligible applicants must meet the following conditions (note: ESL students must be Canadian citizens):
- are a current resident of Alberta
- demonstrate financial need based on Alberta government standards
- lack the skills training needed to find sustainable employment
- have been out of the regular (K-12) school system for at least 12 consecutive months
- are legally entitled to work in Canada
Steps for Applying for Foundational Learning Grant Funding for the 24-25 Academic Year (current allocation has been disbursed)
A date in 2024 on which to apply will be established shortly
- See an Academic Advisor (if Academic Upgrading is your goal) or visit the English Language Centre folks.
- Apply to your program ( $100) and confirm your seat (this requires a $300 tuition deposit).
- Contact us by email awards@lethbridgecollege.ca or in person at Awards and Financial Aid next to Registration in regard to your desire to apply for funding. We will enter your information into the funding application queue - again, note that the allocation for the current year has been fully depleted.
- Watch your email (the one you provide to us) to enter into the funding application for an access code to use in order to access the application.
- Apply.
- Watch your email for notice of approval. If you are approved we will allocate the tuition and fees to your account (includes the $300 deposit).
After you apply please call the Alberta Foundation Learning and Skills Development Contact Centre at 780-427-3722 if you need to report any changes in your enrolment.
Applications typically take a couple of weeks, after which you will receive information about:
- The funding that will be provided or the reason funding has been denied.
- How and when to expect the funds.
- Notice of right to appeal the decision.
Please note that the funder will NOT cover the medical/dental coverage offered by the college. You must either opt out or pay for that yourself.
Alberta Works Grant funding quick facts
- Do not quit your job - if you are working more than 20 hours per week (average) you must speak with a Client Service Specialist to obtain permission to leave your job (Counsel to Leave Employment)
- You may be eligible for up to 50 months of funding across program streams (program limits apply).
- You are expected to maintain acceptable progress. If you withdraw or fail to attend, your funding will be terminated.
- If you require a reduced course-load due to a disability, you must seek out a Human Services Authorized Official for an Employability Assessment.