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Student Funding

Full Time Student Funding

Government Financial Assistance

Eligible students can obtain a loan through provincial, territorial, and federal governments. Students attending Olds College on a full-time basis normally apply for student loans through their province of residency. Students applying for student loans are often assessed to receive grants and bursaries based on their level of financial need.

In Alberta

Alberta Student Loan application packages are available online at

Paper copies may be picked up at Olds College. Paper copies may also be picked up at any high school, any post-secondary institution, any Alberta Service Centre, or any Canada-Alberta Service Centre. If you have exceptional circumstances, apply on a paper application and attach relevant documentation.

In Other Provinces

For more information about how to apply and qualify for a government student loan, select your province of residence from the list below.

Other Useful Websites

Private Bank Loans/Student Line of Credit

If you do not qualify for a government student loan, many banks offer personal student loans or student lines of credit. For a personal loan, you pay only the interest while you are in school. You begin repayment of the principal when you cease to be a full-time student.

Unlike government student loans, these loans are not based on financial need. Application for a personal student loan or a student line of credit can generally be made at your local bank.

Students with Disabilities

Additional grants are available for students who have exceptional education related costs due to their disability through government student loan programs. You should investigate the student assistance programs offered through Alberta Students Finance, or if you do not live in Alberta through your province or territory of residency. For more information contact the Access Advisor to Students with Disabilities, Chris Bellamy at 1 800 661-6537 or 403 507-7945 or cbellamy@oldscollege.ca

NOTICE for AHT On-Line Students

The AHT on-line program is eligible for government student loan funding. When applying for a student loan, please ensure that you are using the appropriate application form. Students applying for the period of study from July 01, 2012 to June 30, 2013 should be using the 2011-2012 application. Students will be able to apply once 2012-2013 academic costs are determined (March, 2012). For more information, please contact Sharon Notley, Student Service Officer at 1 800 661-6537 or 403 556-8285 or snotley@oldscollege.ca

 

Tuition Payment from your Student Loan

Fees for the fall semester are due in full on or before the September registration day. Fees for the winter semester are due in full on or before the January registration day.

Even though your loan may not be released to you until after the tuition deadline, you can still use your loan to pay your tuition.

Alberta Residents

Electronic Processing

Because our NEW electronic process happens behind the scenes and it takes a little while for you to receive your documentation in the mail, your tuition might be paid and you don’t even know it!!!

Follow these steps to determine if your tuition has been paid through our new electronic loan signing process.

  • After August 15 , check your Olds College Student Account via “My Olds College ”. If your loan was electronically confirmed a loan payment may have already been made to your account.
  • If your "My Olds College" Student Account shows that a loan payment has been made for fall tuition and you don’t have any money outstanding for fall term, then you’re all set.
  • Your loan papers will arrive in the mail. Follow the instructions to get your money and ensure that the funds are sent to Olds College.

If your loan wasn’t enough to pay for all of your Fall tuition, you’ll need to pay the balance or arrange for an extension before the tuition deadline.

Out of Province Students except NWT

To use your loan to pay for your tuition, bring your certificates to Olds College on Registration Day to be signed. Your tuition will be considered paid as of the date your loan is signed.

NWT

Funding from NWT Student Financial Assistance is provided directly to the student and not until after the first day of classes. As a result, all NWT students wishing to use their funding to pay tuition will need to ask for an extension of their tuition deadline.

Tuition Deferral

Students who have been approved for Canada or provincial student loan can have their tuition fees deferred if they provide proof of approval for full-time loan, grant or bursary funding to attend Olds College prior to the fee deadline.

Part Time Funding

Part Time Government Student Loan Funding

Both federal and provincial government funding is available to students who are enrolled on a part time basis.

A full time loan may cover living expenses in addition to tuition and supply costs during the academic year. A part time loan usually covers tuition and supply costs, but not cost of living expenses while you are a student.

Application forms are available from Olds College. If you reside in a province other than Alberta, contact your provincial or territorial assistance office for application forms.

Apprenticeship Funding

Apprenticeship Incentive Grant

Offered by the Government of Canada, the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant is a taxable cash grant of $1,000 per year for registered apprentices once they have successfully completed their first or second year/level (or equivalent) of an apprenticeship program of an approved Red Seal apprenticeship program on or after January 1, 2007.

Other Government Funding

Apprentices can apply for grant funding through Alberta Employment, Immigration and Industry. Application forms are available at Olds College, or on-line at www.employment.gov.ab.ca  The package specifically indicates that the forms are for apprentices only. Students complete the form and mail it to the Edmonton address on the package. The school is not required to complete or sign these forms.

Alberta Works

Government Grant Funding

The Skills Investment Program is a Government Grant Program administered by Alberta Employment, Immigration and Industry. This program allows learners to study full-time in upgrading, 1 year certificate and 2 year diploma programs. There are 2 different government grants learners may be eligible for: Non-employment Insurance and Employment Insurance. The grant may cover your tuition, fees, and books and provide a monthly living allowance if you are eligible.

Non-Employment Insurance Grant

This grant provides financial support for adult residents of Alberta who are unemployed or marginally employed, have financial need and require skill training to find sustainable full-time employment. You must be ready, willing and able to attend school full-time.

To be eligible you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be 18 years old or 16 years old and legally married or a single parent
  • Are presently collecting Income Support
  • Be a Canadian citizen, a Permanent Resident or a Landed Immigrant
  • Be out of regular school (high school, junior high, or outreach) for a twelve month period
  • Must not have post-secondary education (certificate, diploma or journeyman’s ticket)
  • Must be working less than 20 hours per week or are unemployed

There are exceptions to the criteria and each individual’s situation is considered. If you have any questions about the criteria please contact Jason Heistad at 1-800-661-6537 or 403 556-8351 or jheistad@oldscollege.ca

Employment Insurance Grant

This grant provides financial support for individuals who are Employment Insurance eligible, are unemployed or marginally employed, have financial need and require skill training to find sustainable full-time employment. You must be ready, willing and able to attend school full-time.

To be eligible you must meet the following criteria:

  • Have an established EI claim or have received EI benefits in the last 3 years, or EI maternity benefits in the last 5 years
  • Require less than 1 year of upgrading and plan to take a 1 year certificate program
  • Have an Alberta address
  • Want to work but lack the skills to find sustainable full-time employment

There are exceptions to the criteria and each individual’s situation is considered. If you have any questions about the criteria please contact Jason Heistad at 1-800-661-6537 or 403 556-8351 or jheistad@oldscollege.ca

Please contact us at Student Services if you have any questions