Financial Aid & Awards
Welcome to Concordia Financial Aid & Awards!
Whether you are entering your first year of university or graduating with your degree, we realize financial matters are important to you. Concordia is committed to helping you develop a financial plan so that you realize your academic goals. Each year our Concordia Financial Aid Office works with students and their families to help make their Concordia education more affordable. We assist them in navigating through the financial aid process and work with them to identify grants, loans and scholarship opportunities for which they may be eligible.
We are dedicated to your success! Our financial aid advisors are here to help you on your way. We encourage you to talk to us about any question or concern you may have.
How to Reach Us
In Person: We are conveniently located on the main floor of the Hole Academic Centre in the Student & Enrolment Services Office (HA 120).
Drop in or make an appointment: To speak with a Financial Aid Advisor stop by our Student & Enrolment Services Office Monday through Friday between 8:30am and 4:30pm. If you cannot stop by in person you can email or call us.
By Email: finaid@concordia.ab.ca
By Phone: Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm: 780.479.9220 or toll free 1.866.479.5200.
Staff
Margie Schoepp - Financial Aid & Awards Coordinator Lynne Gillingham - Financial Aid Advisor
2011-2012 Tuition & Fees
2012-2013 Tuition & Fees
Government Student Funding (Student Loans) - 2012-2013 Full and Part-time application packages availalbe MID-JUNE 2012
Students experiencing a shortfall in their total resources for university may want to consider applying for a government student loan. Financial assistance for full-time and part-time post-secondary study is administered by the provincial and territorial governments and students must apply through their province or territory of residence. In Alberta, Alberta Students Finance administers the Alberta Student Loan Program as well as the Canada Student Loan and Grants Program on behalf of the federal government. Students only have to fill out one application form to be considered for both provincial and federal loans. Students are encouraged to plan ahead because it can take 4-6 weeks to process a funding application.
Out of Province? Out of province students studying at Concordia must deal directly with their provincial government student aid office in regards to student loans and grants.
Find your provincial student aid office here: http://www.canlearn.ca/eng/main/help/contact/cao.shtml
Alberta Scholarship Programs
Jason Lang Scholarship (application required)
Annual $1,000 awards to students who display outstanding academic achievement. The recipients must have completed a minimum of 80% of a full-course load and achieved a minimum GPA of 3.2 in their first, second, or third year of study. Recipients must also be Alberta residents and continuing full-time in the second, third or fourth year of their program of studies. Concordia identifies and notifies eligible recipients in June. Eligible recipients who meet all the criteria complete an application form and Concordia sends its nominations to the government in October.
Louise McKinney Scholarship (application required)
Annual $2,500 awards to students who display superior academic achievement. The recipients must have been registered in a minimum of 80% of a full-course load and achieved a minimum GPA of 3.7 in their qualifying year. The recipients must also be continuing full-time in the second or subsequent year of their undergraduate program at a recognized post-secondary institution and be Alberta residents. Concordia is awarded 38 scholarships each year by Alberta Scholarship Programs. Students may not receive both a Louise McKinney Scholarship and a Jason Lang Scholarship. Concordia identifies and notifies eligible recipients in June. Eligible recipients who meet all the criteria complete an application form and Concordia sends its nominations to the government in September.
BURSARIES
What is a bursary? A bursary is financial assistance awarded primarily on the basis of financial need. While students are expected to make plans for funding their education through primary sources such as personal and family savings, scholarships and awards, and employment earnings, etc., students experiencing financial difficulties while attending Concordia may apply for a bursary to supplement their existing funds. Bursary funding is meant to supplement, not replace, other financial assistance.
Concordia BURSARY PROGRAM (online application required) ONLINE APPLICATION opens Sept 15/12 - Oct 15/12
A Concordia Bursary is non-repayable assistance awarded to undergraduate full-time domestic and international students on the basis of financial need. Students are expected to make plans for funding their education through primary sources such as personal and family savings, scholarships and awards, and employment earnings.
Students experiencing financial difficulties while attending Concordia may apply for a bursary to supplement their existing funds. A bursary is meant to supplement, not replace, other financial assistance. The program is funded by both Concordia University College and private donors. Online bursary application open Sept 15 - Oct 15.
Lutheran Church Canada (LCC) TRAVEL BURSARY (application required) APPLY AUG & SEPT
Annual variable awards to students who are communicant members of Lutheran Church-Canada, enrolled full-time in a university degree program, and whose hometown is at least 150km from Concordia. The travel bursary is disbursed in two equal installments in November and March. Applications can be dropped off at the Student & Enrolment Services office (HA120). Application deadline is September 15.
Bridges Bursary Program
Bridges is a bursary program offered by CUCA to new graduates of the Bachelor of Education (After Degree) program to fund volunteer time in the classroom following completion of their studies. The Bridges program is a voluntary post-graduation experience and therefore is not an additional practicum nor included as part of the formal field experiences required by Alberta Education. The Bridges program is popular with school principals and supervising teachers. School partners value the knowledge, skills, and attributes participants bring to classrooms. Principals and supervising teachers report that participants add a positive dynamic to the professional learning community of heir schools.
Scholarship Opportunities
SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS
Concordia offers scholarship opportunities for continuing students at various times during the academic year. While scholarships and awards can increase your yearly resources and help cover the cost of your education, it requires your time and attention to apply by the published deadline. In addition to awards that Concordia offers, you can search for external awards from outside organizations by using free web search engines such as Studentawards.com or by visiting the Alberta Government Scholarship website.
Concordia GENERAL AWARDS PROGRAM - ONLINE APPLICATION open Nov 15/12 - Jan 15/13
The Concordia General Awards Program is a large group of Scholarships and Awards that are donor funded. You can check out all the great scholarships & awards offered each year in our 2012-2013 academic calendar. The 2011-2012 pdf listing is provided below. These awards are presented each year at Awards Night which is held the end of March.
Concordia donors give because they believe in the value of a university education and how it supports the success of an individual in achieving their personal goals. We truly appreciate all our donors!
Concordia General Awards List.pdf
Concordia ACADEMIC AWARDS
Variable annual awards to outstanding students enrolled in each of Concordia's faculties and academic divisions. Awards are based on academic excellence, according to criteria established in each faculty or division. These awards are presented each year at Awards Night which is held the end of March. Donor: Concordia University College of Alberta.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARDS (nominations now closed for 2011-2012)
Chris Benedict Award
An annual award to a student who has a positive outlook towards school and life and has demonstrated perseverance in the face of adversity while inspiring others to also succeed when facing adverse conditions. The recipients must be registered as a part- or full-time student and present a minimum GPA of 2.0. Donor: Concordia Students' Association. Application & Nomination form due: FEBRUARY 15th
Dr. Gary McPherson Leadership Scholarship
Two annual $2,000 awards to students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, especially in the area of disability, and/or initiative to improve the conditions and lives of all people, while attending post-secondary studies in Alberta. The recipient must have been enrolled full-time in the current academic year and be living in Alberta. Application & Nomination form due: FEBRUARY 15th
Laurence Decore Awards for Student Leadership
Four annual $500 awards to students who have demonstrated commitment and leadership in student government, student societies, clubs or organizations, student organizations at the provincial or national level, or non-profit community organizations. The recipient must have been enrolled full-time in the current academic year and be a resident of Alberta.
Application & Nomination form due: FEBRUARY 15th Application & Nomination form due: FEBRUARY 15th Application & Nomination form due: FEBRUARY 15th
Student of the Year
A plaque and $500 prize awarded annually to a student with outstanding participation in non-academic school activities. Donor: Concordia Students' Association. Application & Nomination forms due: FEBRUARY 15th
Emergency Loan Program
From time to time, students may experience an unexpected short-term financial crisis. Concordia's Emergency Loan Program is designed for full-time students who have the necessary funding for their studies, food, and accommodation, but have been confronted by an unanticipated event which has created an urgent need for supplemental funds. Emergency Loans do not normally exceed $300 and must be repaid by the mutually-agreed repayment date. To obtain an emergency loan, students will need to submit an application form and meet with the Financial Aid Advisor in Student and Enrolment Services.
Emergency Loan Program
From time to time, students may experience an unexpected short-term financial crisis. Concordia's Emergency Loan Program is designed for full-time students who have the necessary funding for their studies, food, and accommodation, but have been confronted by an unanticipated event which has created an urgent need for supplemental funds. Emergency Loans do not normally exceed $300 and must be repaid by the mutually-agreed repayment date. To obtain an emergency loan, students will need to submit an application form and meet with the Financial Aid Advisor in Student and Enrolment Services.
Dr. Gary McPherson Leadership Scholarship
Two annual $2,000 awards to students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, especially in the area of disability, and/or initiative to improve the conditions and lives of all people, while attending post-secondary studies in Alberta. The recipient must have been enrolled full-time in the current academic year and be living in Alberta. Application & Nomination form due: FEBRUARY 15th
Chris Benedict Award
An annual award to a student who has a positive outlook towards school and life and has demonstrated perseverance in the face of adversity while inspiring others to also succeed when facing adverse conditions. The recipients must be registered as a part- or full-time student and present a minimum GPA of 2.0. Donor: Concordia Students' Association. Application & Nomination form due: FEBRUARY 15th
Dr. Gary McPherson Leadership Scholarship
Two annual $2,000 awards to students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, especially in the area of disability, and/or initiative to improve the conditions and lives of all people, while attending post-secondary studies in Alberta. The recipient must have been enrolled full-time in the current academic year and be living in Alberta. Application & Nomination form due: FEBRUARY 15th
Laurence Decore Awards for Student Leadership
Four annual $500 awards to students who have demonstrated commitment and leadership in student government, student societies, clubs or organizations, student organizations at the provincial or national level, or non-profit community organizations. The recipient must have been enrolled full-time in the current academic year and be a resident of Alberta.
All applications & nomination forms due by FEB 15th, 2012 at 4:30pm.
Application & Nomination form due: FEBRUARY 15th
Student of the Year
A plaque and $500 prize awarded annually to a student with outstanding participation in non-academic school activities. Donor: Concordia Students' Association. Application & Nomination forms due: FEBRUARY 15th
All applications & nomination forms due by FEB 15th, 2012 at 4:30pm.
When winter term 2012 grades are final the Financial Aid office will identify and contact students eligible for the Louise McKinney, Jason Lang and In-Course Scholarships.
Concordia's 2012 AWARDS NIGHT was held Tuesday, March 27th at 7pm in the Robert Tegler Student Centre. Congratulations to all our award recipients!
We thank NORTHLANDS for their generous donation April 4th towards student Scholarships & Bursaries! MMTheTheTheThe
SUMMER TERM FUNDING Visit one of our Financial Aid Advisors for details
REGISTERED FOR 2012-2013? Part-time & Full-time student funding application packages available MID-JUNE