If you are accepted to Preparation for University and College, English as a Second Language or a certificate program and wish to study part time, you may be eligible for Alberta Works Income Support Program for Part-Time Training, the Advancing Futures bursary or a student line of credit through a bank or credit union.
Alberta Works Income Support
The Alberta Works Income Support Program provides financial support for adult residents of Alberta who are attending part-time training.
The part-time initiative is designed to assist:
- low-income, employed Albertans who require further skill development to maintain employment, increase earnings and to be self-sufficient
- low-income, unemployed Albertans who are employment-destined and assessed as unable to participate in full-time training and will benefit from part-time training.
Eligible student will receive a Skills Investment Bursary (SIB)* - to a maximum of $5,000 per academic year.
The SIB covers the cost of tuition, fees, books and supplies, transportation and child care (if applicable).
*Funding received through the SIB is taxable (T4A will be issued).
Eligible MacEwan Programs
- 89-level Courses
- Accounting and Strategic Measurement (certificate only)
- Arts and Cultural Management (certificate exit only)
- Emergency Communications and Response
- English as a Second Language
- Human Resources Management (certificate only)
- Management Studies (certificate only)
- Office Assistant
- Preparation for University and College
- Special Needs Educational Assistant
Determining Your Eligibility
You will only be considered for funding if you and your spouse/partner’s combined net income (line 236) in the last taxation year is less than the following amounts:
Household Unit Size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
Net income | 35,000 | 40,000 | 45,000 | 50,000 | 55,000 | 60,000 |
For each additional child, add $5,000
Application Process
Step 1
You must be:
- accepted to an eligible program
- at least 18 years of age
- out of the regular school system for 12 consecutive months prior to the training date
- a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident or a refugee with a study and work permit.
Review your eligibility through the Eligibility Estimator.
If this is not your first application for the Skills Investment Bursary, you must also provide transcripts showing that you have successfully completed your previously funded courses.
Step 2
Obtain all required forms and materials for your application.
Preparation for University and College/ESL students
- Get application package from your program office, a Student Advisor in the Student Resource Centre (SRC) or the Information Centre at Alberta College Campus.
Certificate program students
- Get application package from a Student Advisor in the SRC.
- Certificate programs are also eligible for part-time bursaries/loans. An SRC Student Advisor can discuss both options with you.
Step 3
Call 780-633-3708 to make an appointment with a Case Manager at the Alberta College Campus Information Centre (10050 MacDonald Drive).
Ensure you receive your money on time
Skills Investment Bursary funding applications take up to eight weeks for assessment, processing and review. After this review, you will be sent a Funding Assessment Decision letter from Students Finance regarding your funding.
Apply early to ensure your funding is in place before your classes begin.
Contact Information
For more information, contact a Case Manager at Alberta College Campus or a Student Advisor in the Student Resource Centre or email albertaworks@macewan.ca.
Advancing Futures Bursary
If you had a Permanent Guardianship Order (PGO) between the time you were 13 and 18 years old or have been in the care of custody of Alberta Children and Youth Services between the ages of 13 and 22, you might be eligible for the Advancing Futures bursary.This funding will cover upgrading, certificate, diploma, applied degree and degree programs and is open to full- and part-time students.
Student Line of Credit
If you do not qualify for the Alberta Works part-time grant, your other option is to apply for a student line of credit through a financial institution.
