Fees, 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.
FAQs: We offer an interactive service on our website for frequently asked questions (top of page): QUESTIONS?
Our Staff
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
The key to your success at university is good planning. Good planning will get you from first year orientation to graduation. To ensure you meet your academic and career goals, you must plan:
• Your studies
• Your extra-curricular activities; and most importantly
• Your finances
How much will my program of study cost?
For specific information and policies, it's best to consult the Fees Schedule or contact the Student Accounts Office.
What is a SCHOLARSHIP? A non-repayable amount of money given to a student who has a qualifying academic standing to help pay for their education – BASED ON GRADES and/or SERVICE/LEADERSHIP (i.e. merit-based)
What is a BURSARY? A non-repayable amount of money given to a student who has financial need to help pay for their education– BASED ON FINANCIAL NEED
There are many forms of assistance available to help you finance your education. Our Concordia University Entrance Scholarship Program is just one of them...
Concordia UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIP (no application required) - Must apply for ADMISSION before APRIL 1, 2012 to be considered.
Concordia rewards students who have achieved academic excellence prior to entering Concordia. We do this through our Concordia University Entrance Scholarship Program. High School students with an award average of 75% or higher are eligible for a RENEWABLE Concordia University Entrance Scholarship.
University Entrance Scholarship Levels
Award Average Scholarship Value Over
Value 4 Years
95% or higher $3,750 $15,000
90%-94.9% $3,000 $12,000
85%-89.9% $2,000 $8,000
80%-84.9% $1,500 $6,000
75%-79.9% $1,000 $4,000
Concordia identifies eligible students through the admission process, choosing from those who submit their application for admission and final (interim) high school transcripts before April 1. Students must apply for admission before April 1 to be considered for this award.
To become eligible for a University Entrance Scholarships, applicants must be:
1. Entering their first year of post-secondary study directly from high school. Concordia will also consider applicants who have:
a. taken time off between high school and post-secondary studies
b. completed university-level credits while in high school
c. attended a non-accredited program at a post-secondary institution and earned 9 or less transfer credits.
2. Enrolled in a degree program in Arts, Management or Science
3. Registered in a minimum of 80% of a full-course load (12 credits) in each semester
Please refer to our Academic Calendar for more details on how to renew this award each year of your degree.
Concordia PRESIDENT’S LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP (application required) - Must meet all application requirements by April 1, 2012 to be considered.
FULL TUITION Scholarship [Approximate value: $30,000] for students with an entering average of 85%+ -Your academic excellence rewarded at Concordia!
The President’s Leadership Scholarship is Concordia’s most prestigious award, recognizing and supporting individuals who demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence, who have made a positive and significant contribution to their communities, and who display a capacity for leadership.
Up to five (5) awards are available each academic year. The award covers the recipient’s total education fees and provides a $1250 cash award for a maximum of four (4) years or completion of the first baccalaureate degree. [Approximate value: $30,000]
To become eligible for the President’s Leadership Scholarship, applicants must be:
1. Entering their first year of post-secondary study directly from high school. Concordia will also consider applicants who have:
a. taken time off between high school and post-secondary studies if the break is less than three (3) years.
b. completed university-level credits while in high school
c. attended a non-accredited program of study at a post-secondary institution and earned 9 or less transfer credits.
Students who enrolled in a post-secondary institution after the completion of high school are not eligible.
2. be enrolled in a degree program in Arts, Management or Science
3. present a final award average of 85% or higher
4. have made a positive and significant contribution to their communities through voluntary service (e.g. projects with community organizations, environmental protection and conservation efforts, work with religious organizations).
5. have demonstrated the capacity to motivate and lead others
6. be registered in a minimum of 80% of a full-course load (12 credits) in each semester. Recipients whose registration drops below the required 80% minimum will immediately forfeit their scholarship.
Please see our Academic Calendar
Concordia BURSARY PROGRAM (online application required) ONLINE APPLICATION open Sept 15 until Oct 15.
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.
Concordia GENERAL AWARDS PROGRAM (online application required) ONLINE APPLICATION open Nov 15 until Jan 15.
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!
Lutheran Church Canada (LCC) TRAVEL BURSARY (application required) APPLY by SEPTEMBER 15
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. Application deadline is September 15.
UNIVERSITY TRANSFER SCHOLARSHIP (no application required) Must apply for ADMISSION by April 1 to be considered.
Students who transfer to Concordia with 24 transferable university-level credits may be eligible for the University Transfer Scholarship, a one-time $1,500 award. Students must apply for admission before April 1st to be considered for this award.
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
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.
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.
HOW MUCH DOES A YEAR OF UNIVERSITY COST?
For specific information and policies, it's best to consult the Fees Schedule or contact the Student Accounts Office.
Residence - Concordia residence contracts are for a full academic year (September - April)
2011-2012 Annual Residence Fees
Double Accommodation $3050.00
Single Accommodation $4075.00
Residence students must also purchase a declining balance food card for their meals. 2011-2012 Food Service Fee per semester $1350 (minimum, non-refundable).
Edmonton Transit Bus Passes - 2011-2012 Bus Pass Fee: $76.95 per month
Parking - Students pay for parking by daily permits obtained from coin-operated meters (credit cards are also accepted) or by annual parking passes. Annual passes are limited in number and usage, valid only during the academic year. Passes go on sale mid-August and usually sell out by September. Several spaces are reserved for students with disabilities. Email parking@concordia.ab.ca for more info.
Books/Supplies
Printer Usage - Student ID Cards can be loaded and used as copy cards (up to a maximum of $50)
Lockers - 2011-2012 Locker Fee: $21 per academic year
Budgeting
THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT FORMS OF ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO HELP YOU FINANCE YOUR EDUCATION:
FULL-TIME STUDENT LOANS - Students enrolled in an approved post-secondary program of studies who are Canadian citizens, or Permanent Residents, or who are designated as Convention Refugees, may be eligible to receive financial assistance offered through federal, provincial and territorial governments. Students must apply for loans in their province or territory of residence.
To be eligible for full-time post-secondary loans, students must be registered in a minimum 60% of a full-course load (ie. 9 credits per term) or a minimum 40% of a full-course load for students with a permanent disability.
Student loan applications are normally available in June of each year at the Student & Enrolment Services office and online. Though processing times for student loan applications vary, most will take four weeks between the date of application and issue of the Notice of Assesment (loan agreement document). Therefore, students are encouraged to apply early and to use the online application service.
http://alis.alberta.ca/ps/fo/studentsfinance/students-finance.html
PART-TIME STUDENT LOANS - Students who are registered in 20%-59% of a full-course load (or 20%-39% for students with a permanent disability) may be eligible for financial assistance for part-time study.
External Scholarship Connections
OTHER FINANCIAL OPTIONS...
Family Contributions - Will your family be able to contribute? Do your parents' employers have programs to help pay for post-secondary education?
Savings
Part-time Earnings - Plan ahead...start looking for a summer job if you don’t already have one
Registered Education Savings Plans (RESP)
Bank Loan/Student Line of Credit
For information on scholarships, bursaries and government student loans, contact us to speak with a Financial Aid Advisor.
THANK YOU to all who visited us at our March 10th Open House!
REGISTERED FOR 2012-2013? Part-time & Full-time student funding application packages available JUNE 1, 2012 (HA120)
Be sure to ask your high school counselor about the ALEXANDER RUTHERFORD HIGH SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENT SCHOLARSHIP! Application deadline : May 1 for September entry / December 1 for January entry
QUESTIONS about student funding, scholarships or bursaries? Visit one of our Financial Aid Advisors today at the Student & Enrolment Services Office (Main Floor, Hole Academic Centre HA120)