How to apply for
student aid
Student Grants and Loans are delivered in Canada through provincial and territorial partners. To apply for funding, submit your application through the province or territory’s student aid program where you live.
Not sure which province to apply to?
Your residency depends on your answers to the following questions.
Are you:
- 23 years of age or older?
- Out of regular high school for more than four years?
- A person who has worked full-time for two or more years since finishing high school?
- Married or in a common-law relationship?
- Divorced, separated, or widowed?
- The parent or legal guardian of at least one dependent child?
If you answer YES to any of these questions:
You are considered an independent student. Apply through the province where you:
- have most recently lived for 12 consecutive months, not as a full-time student.
- OR currently live, if you haven’t lived in any other province for 12 months.
If NO
You’re likely a dependent student. Apply through the province where your parent(s) or guardian(s) live.
Alberta students – how to apply
Important information before you apply for funding.
Alberta student aid provides a detailed walk through and video demo of the application here: How to Apply | Alberta Student Aid. Familiarize yourself with the process before you start, especially if you are nervous about filling out the form.
Make sure that you have:
- a verified Alberta.ca Account.
- If you need help, contact the Alberta.ca Account team.
- your social insurance number
- an Alberta Student Number.
- Line 15000 of your recent tax return
- Confirm whether you will be either a part-time or full-time student.
Note: You can check how many credits you will need per semester to be considered full-time on the webpage of your program.
Steps to apply for student aid
1 Check if you are eligible
You may be eligible if you
- are enrolled either part-time or full-time in a qualifying NorQuest program. Check if your program is designated for funding here.
- Are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or have protected person status.
- have limited financial resources.
- Meet Alberta Student Aid Alberta residency or dependent residency requirements
Visit Alberta Student Aid to learn more about eligibility including the different requirements for full-time or part-time students.
2 Log in or setup your Alberta Student Aid Account
Login to your verified Alberta.ca account. Then go to Alberta Student Aid to login or setup your Alberta Student Aid Account and start your application.
3 Complete and submit your application
The process of applying for student aid is different for full-time
You are considered a full time student if you’re taking:
- At least 60% of a full course load, or
- At least 40% if you have a permanent disability.
To find out what counts as a full-time course load for your program, check the Costs and Courses tab on your program’s webpage.
If you aren't sure, consult with the Alberta Student Aid website for more details on eligibility, or connect with a student advisor at NorQuest.
You are considered a part-time student if you’re taking:
- Less than 60% of a full course load, or
- Less than 40% if you have a permanent disability.
To find out what counts as a full-time course load for your program, check the Costs and Courses tab on your program’s webpage.
If you aren't sure, consult with the Alberta Student Aid website for more details on eligibility, or connect with a student advisor at NorQuest.
- Full-time students submit their application online through their Student Aid account.
- Part-time students must complete the part-time application form and follow the instructions on the form to submit
Fill in your program and personal details. Include income and parental information if applicable.
4 Monitor your application
Log in regularly to check your application status, submit any requested documents, and view funding details.
5 Next steps after approval
Ensure that you are enroled in your classes a minimum of 30 days prior to the start of term. NorQuest will confirm your enrolment with the funder or contact you with any issues within 21 days.
- You will receive an Award Letter – Frequently Check your Alberta Student Aid portal for communication
- Follow the instructions in your Award Letter to ensure your funds are released.
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You may be required to submit an Alberta Student Aid Agreement and/or a Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement under the following conditions:
- If this is the first time you have received student financial assistance
- If there has been a gap between funding applications of two years or more
Instructions will be included in your Student Aid portal if you are required to submit this documentation.
Still not sure what to expect? Visit Student Aid Alberta to learn more about the next steps after you apply.
Questions about Alberta Student Aid?
Start with Alberta Student Aid’s step-by-step guide and video demo on how to apply: How to Apply | Alberta Student Aid. It’s the best place to begin, especially if you’re feeling unsure about filling out the application form.
For other questions, contact Alberta Student Aid Service Center at 1.855.606.2096.
Out of province students – how to apply
Important information
Because each province administers its own student aid program, the application process can vary depending on where you apply. Check your province’s student aid website for guidelines and details for how to apply.
Steps to apply for student aid
1 Check if you are eligible
You may be eligible if you
- are enrolled either part-time or full-time in a qualifying NorQuest program.
- Are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or have protected person status.
- have limited financial resources.
- Meet the residency or dependent residency requirements for your province.
Visit your provincial student aid website to learn more about eligibility in your own province, including any different requirements for full-time or part-time students.
2 Complete and submit your application
Fill in your program and personal details according to the Student Aid requirements of your province. Include income and parental information if applicable.
3 Submit additional documentation
You may need to submit additional documents to complete your student aid application. Visit your province’s Student Aid website to find out which documents are needed.
If your province requires additional documents, submit them to the NorQuest College Financial Aid & Awards office at financial.aid@norquest.ca after completing these steps:
- Include your NorQuest College Student ID on the form
- Fill in only your personal information (do not complete the school's section)
-
In your email to Financial Aid include:
- Which semester(s) you're applying for (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer)
- How many courses you plan to take in each
4 Next steps after approval
- You will receive an Award Letter – Frequently check your provincial student aid portal (if applicable) or your email used on your application for communication.
- Complete any additional documentation required by your province.
- Important! For some provinces, you may be required to complete your Canada Master Student Financial Assistance Agreements MSFAA) if it is
- your first time applying for a Canada Full time or Part Time Student loan
- If there has been a gap between funding applications of two years or more
Instructions will be included in your Student Aid portal if you are required to submit this documentation.
Connecting with us
Questions about applying for financial assistance?
There are multiple options available for you to connect including via phone, email or in person. Book an appointment with a student advisor—choose from in-person, virtual or phone meetings.
Hours of operation
Monday - Friday: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Drop-in
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 8:30 am - 11:00 am
Thursday: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Visit us at the Student Service Centre, CELT, Main Lobby. View our campus map.
Drop-in time availability is subject to change.
Online
Phone
Call us at 780.644.6000 to book an appointment.