Concordia University College of Alberta
Concordia Bursary Program
A Concordia Bursary is a non-repayable form of assistance given to 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, part-time earnings, and government-sponsored student assistance. Students experiencing financial difficulties while attending Concordia University College of Alberta may apply for a bursary to supplement their existing funds.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, students must:
- Demonstrate financial need based on a modest standard of living
- Have applied and qualified for a government student loan (e.g. Alberta Students Finance) in the year for which they are applying for a Concordia bursary
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program
- Be registered full-time (minimum 60% of a full-course load) in both the fall and winter semesters
- Have achieved satisfactory academic standing on their previous fall/winter coursework as defined by their program of study (see Academic Calendar section 9.3.4)
- Have not previously declared bankruptcy or defaulted on a student loan, including the Concordia Emergency Loan
Bursary Award Value
The amounts can vary, depending on financial need, up to a maximum of $1,500 per academic year.
Application Process
- The deadline for applications for the 2009-2010 academic year has passed. If you have questions regarding financial need, please contact Student and Enrolment Services and book an appointment with the financial aid advisor.
- Applicants are required to provide the following as supporting documentation:
- A copy of your provincial/territorial Notice of Assessment (any province or territory)
- A copy of rental/lease agreement
- A copy of all non-insured medical, dental and optical expenses for the academic period
- A copy of childcare receipts
- A letter of explanation if you are unable to meet the minimum student contribution
- For single students living at home who are required to pay rent/utilities/food, a letter signed by your parents explaining why you have these expenses
- Submit application form and all supporting documentation to Student and Enrolment Services in person or by fax (780-378-8460).
- Schedule an interview at Student and Enrolment Services.
Deadline
The deadline for submitting a Concordia Bursary application with all supporting documentation is October 15th. Late applications will not be accepted.
Notification
Applicants will receive email notification using their Concordia student email account, by the end of classes in the fall semester (December).
Questions?
Contact Student and Enrolment Services at 780-479-9220 or send an email to finaid@concordia.ab.ca.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a bursary more than once per year?
No. You may submit only one bursary application per academic year (e.g. Sept – April). We do not have a bursary program for spring and summer sessions. The deadline for applications is October 15th.
How is the amount of the bursary award determined?
After we receive your application and have met with you in an interview, a needs assessment will be calculated. Based on the needs assessment calculation, applicants will be ranked and available funds will be awarded at various levels to a maximum of $1,500 in an academic year.
How do I receive the money?
Recipients will receive a credit on their student account by January 20th. A cheque will be issued and mailed to the student if their account is paid in full.
I am an international student. Am I eligible to apply for Concordia bursary assistance?
No. Applicants must be eligible and qualify for a Canadian Government sponsored student loan. It is expected that international students will have funding in place to study abroad and will seek out funding options from their home country. International undergraduate students who are experiencing financial difficulties should speak to a Financial Aid Advisor.
Is a Concordia bursary taxable?
No. Under new Federal Legislation, the full amount of scholarships, fellowships and bursaries that are received by you as a student with respect to your enrollment in a program that entitles you to claim the education amount are not taxable and are no longer reported as income on your tax return. However, Concordia University College of Alberta will continue to issue a T4A at the appropriate time.
What if I am eligible for a bursary and then withdraw from full-time studies?
If you are eligible to receive a bursary and withdraw from full-time studies you will not receive the disbursement. Dropping courses or withdrawing from studies can have a considerable effect on your current student loan funding. See a Financial Aid Advisor before dropping courses or withdrawing from your program of study.
What if I missed the bursary deadline and my financial difficulties continue?
You are encouraged to meet with the Financial Aid Advisor to explore other options that may be available to you. The Financial Aid Advisor is available daily to meet with students regarding their financial situation. Call 479-9220 to book an appointment.