Pursuing a post-secondary education in Alberta as a student with a disability is supported by a robust system of provincial and federal grants, as well as a variety of private scholarships. This guide consolidates the key funding sources and application steps you need to build a strong financial plan.
Government Grants for Alberta Students
Alberta operates a parallel system where federal Canada Student Grants and provincial Alberta Student Aid work together. The cornerstone of this support is the Alberta Grant for Students with Disabilities (GFD).
Alberta Grant for Students with Disabilities (GFD)
- This provincial grant provides up to $3,000 per loan year to help with exceptional education-related costs. It can cover assistive services, specialized equipment, or disability-related transportation.
- The GFD can also reimburse the cost of a learning disability assessment.
- You must submit receipts by the end of your study period.
- Website: Alberta Grant for Students with Disabilities (GFD)
The Key Form: Schedule 4
- Accessing disability-related grants in Alberta requires the Schedule 4: Post-Secondary Students with Permanent Disabilities Form.
- This form is mandatory for first-time applicants, for any study period where you request funding for services/equipment, or if you are studying at a reduced course load (40-59%).
- It must be submitted with supporting medical documentation or a learning disability assessment.
- Website: Schedule 4: Post-Secondary Students with Permanent Disabilities Form
Alberta Student Aid Applications and Forms Portal
Website: Alberta Student Aid Applications and Forms Portal
Alberta-Specific Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
In addition to government grants, several organizations offer scholarships specifically for Albertans with disabilities.
Charmaine Letourneau Scholarship
For students in Alberta who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing with demonstrated knowledge of sign language and financial need.
- Value: $2,000 – $7,000
- Website: Charmaine Letourneau Scholarship
CHHA-Edmonton Academic Scholarship
For Alberta residents with documented hearing loss attending a post-secondary institution in Northern Alberta (Red Deer and north).
- Value: $1,000
- Website: CHHA-Edmonton Academic Scholarship
Tom Pinder Education Scholarship
For Deaf or Hard of Hearing students who have resided in Alberta for at least one year.
- Value: Up to $3,000
- Website: Tom Pinder Education Scholarship
Phyllis Davidson Easter Seals Scholarship
For Canadian students with permanent physical disabilities requiring mobility aids.
- Value: $5,000 per year, renewable (up to $20,000 total)
- Website: Phyllis Davidson Easter Seals Scholarship
Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Canada (SBHAC) Bursary
For registered SBHAC members with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus.
- Value: Up to $1,000
- Website: Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Canada (SBHAC) Bursary
RE/MAX Quest for Excellence Scholarship
- The RE/MAX Quest for Excellence scholarship program offers another avenue for support. This program recognizes students across Canada (except Québec) for their community contributions and leadership pursuits. It awards 40 scholarships of $1,000 each.
- For more information and to apply for the RE/MAX scholarship, you can visit the official RE/MAX Quest for Excellence page.
Your Action Plan
- Start with Alberta Student Aid: Complete your main student aid application online and download the Schedule 4 Form.
- Gather Documentation: Collect required medical or learning disability assessments.
- Consult Your School: Contact your institution’s Disability Advisor for help completing the Schedule 4.
- Apply for Scholarships: Review the awards listed above and mark applicable deadlines on your calendar.
- Submit Early: Aim to submit all forms well before deadlines to ensure funding is in place for your study period.
