DOING IT AGAIN! Continuing Student Scholarships
A renewed program is available to Continuing Student Scholarship recipients who are attending spring courses at Ambrose. Up to half of your award can be allocated toward spring course tuition and the other portion can be allocated toward fall tuition.
This initiative is to assist our continuing students with the cost of education. Please contact financialaid@ambrose.edu to implement.
Remember to apply for Financial Aid by June 1.
Application is available online on Financial Aid homepage.
5 Money Saving Tips & Tricks
A quality post-secondary education is a worthwhile investment into your future, yet it can also be a considerable challenge for you to finance. We want to make sure you are equipped to manage your money wisely!
1. Make a Budget and Stick to It!
Ambrose offers Budget Worksheets for students to use to plan out a year’s worth of expenses. Planning out your expenses will help you create achievable goals and plan ahead. Even just tracking your spending will help you to see trends and keep yourself accountable with your money. Generating the habit of budgeting could save you lots of money and stress!
Here are some free budget tracking tools and resources:
- Google Sheets (there are lots of free templates to help track your spending!)
- Wally
- Goodbudget
2. Keep Your Eyes Out for Scholarships
Ambrose gives out over a million dollars to students in need. Keep your eye on the Financial Aid Blog for scholarship announcements and keep an eye on your provincial financial aid pages for external scholarships!
3. Buy/Sell Used Textbooks
Did you know that the Ambrose Lion’s Store offers used textbooks for some of your class textbooks? You can buy used textbooks at a reduced price and sell them when you are done with them to help cut some costs!
The Ambrose Lion’s Store will also buy back some of your used textbooks. Make sure to keep an eye on their Buyback lists so that you can earn some extra cash!
- Fall Semester: The lists are updated at the beginning of June, and they accept books until the first day of classes.
- Winter Semester: The lists are updated at the end of November, and they accept books until the first day of classes.
4. Cook Meals at Home Instead of Eating Out
Eating out multiple times a week can add up quickly. Buying food in bulk at the beginning of the week and freezing meals can give you something quick and easy to throw in the microwave when needed!
Did you know that the average cup of coffee in Calgary costs around $4.22? If you are drinking coffee every morning, you can save money by making your own drinks!
5. Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help!
If you are stressed about being able to afford your studies, please ask for help! You can always talk to our Student Finance Office to set up a payment plan or book an appointment with our Financial Aid & Awards Coordinator to help you search for free money. Please note that the earlier in the semester you book an appointment, the more resources are available to you!
Ambrose Awards
Continuing Student Scholarships
- $500 and up
One application form for multiple Ambrose endowed and
annual awards for students returning to study at
Ambrose in the fall. Recipients will be notified early May.
Apply online by February 28: Undergrads or Seminary
Financial Assistance - $500 and up
One application form for multiple bursaries. Students will be
matched to a bursary or financial assistance if they
demonstrate financial need.
Apply online by June 1
Questions? Contact Roxanne Poelstra
Leadership Scholarships - Open from January 5 to February 5
Leadership scholarships are open from January 5 to February 5 - apply today!
Laurence Decore Award For Student Leadership Scholarship - $1,000
Be involved in either student government or student societies, clubs or organizations, or involved in student organizations at the provincial or national level or in non-profit community organizations
Dr. Gary McPherson Leadership Scholarship - $2,000
Have shown outstanding leadership, especially in the area of disability, and/or initiative to improve the lives of other people while attending Ambrose
Indigenous Careers Award
The Indigenous Careers Award is designed to encourage Indigenous Albertans (First Nations, Metis and Inuit) to pursue and complete post-secondary studies in certificate, diploma, applied degree and bachelor's degree programs.
Award Value
$2,000 per semester / maximum of $4,000 in an academic year
Credential Types
Students must be enrolled in a certificate, diploma, applied or bachelor’s degree program.
All program bands are eligible for the Indigenous Careers Award.
To Receive This Award
- The Fall 2023 and/or Winter 2024 term (a term is defined as a study period of up to 17 weeks in length),
- At least 60% of a full course load (40% of a full course load if you are a student with a documented permanent disability).
- Have satisfactory academic standing, as determined by the school.
You must also meet all of these eligibility criteria:
- Be a Status Indian/First Nations, Non-Status Indian/First Nations, Métis or Inuit and be able to provide a copy of proof of Indigenous ancestry
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada or have protected person status under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
- Be a resident of Alberta.
Application Deadline
- Fall - November 5, 2023
- Winter - February 5, 2024
Indigenous Careers Award Application
Please submit applications and/or inquiries to:
Roxanne Poelstra
Financial Aid & Awards Coordinator
financialaid@ambrose.edu
(403) 410-2938
Jason Lang Scholarship
The scholarship recognizes and rewards Alberta post-secondary students for their academic achievements and encourages them to continue in their undergraduate or professional program of study.
Value
$1,000
Deadline
January 21, 2024
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible an applicant must:
- Be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Protected Person (visa students are not eligible),
- Be an Alberta resident and to be considered an Alberta resident one of the following conditions must apply:
- one parent, or legal guardian has maintained permanent residence in Canada for at least 12 consecutive months immediately prior to commencing post-secondary studies and be residing in Alberta, or
- Alberta is the last place the student has lived for 12 consecutive months immediately prior to commencing post-secondary studies, or
- the student’s spouse/partner has maintained permanent residence in Alberta for 12 consecutive months prior to the person attending post-secondary.
- Be enrolled full-time in the second or subsequent year of an undergraduate program at a publicly funded post-secondary institution in Alberta,
- Have achieved a minimum Grade Point Average of 3.2 on a 4.0 point scale based on an 80% full course load in the previous fall and winter terms.
Note: A term is defined as a study period of up to 17 weeks in length. Co-op work terms, internships or exchange programs may be eligible as long as these programs are a mandatory component of the undergraduate or professional program.
Students are not eligible for a Jason Lang Scholarship if they:
- Are enrolled in a one year certificate program,
- Do not return to a publicly funded post-secondary institution in the fall or winter terms of the next academic year,
- Are recipients of a Louise McKinney Scholarship for the same period of study, or
- Have received the lifetime maximum of three Jason Lang Scholarships.
Nominees must be enrolled at eligible Alberta public post-secondary schools (includes publicly-funded colleges, technical institutes, universities and private colleges accredited to grant degrees).
5 behaviours that can optimize your financial health
By: Financial Consumer Agency of Canada
We are living through difficult economic times and unexpected situations such as a rise in interest rates and the cost of living and increasing debt levels can lead to financial difficulties. One proactive way to set yourself up for success is to optimize your financial health. You can do this by looking for and then making small improvements in how you manage your money.
Here are five behaviours that can optimize your financial health:
Behaviour #1: Learn the difference between good and bad debt
Knowing the difference between good and bad debt will help you borrow money and use credit more wisely.
Good debt is an investment in something that creates value or produces more wealth in the long run.
Bad debt is borrowing to buy something that goes down in value or that you can’t repay on time and in full, thus incurring interest charges and more debt.
Learn more about what to consider before borrowing money.
Behaviour #2: Create and review your budget to manage your money and debt
A budget is a plan that helps you manage your money. It helps you figure out how much money you get, spend and save. Making a budget can help you balance your income with your savings and expenses.
Reviewing your budget can help you repay your debt faster. When reviewing it, put needs before wants and try reducing your expenses. You’ll be able to cut some expenses that are not necessary. This way, you’ll have more money available to repay your debts.
Use the Budget Planner to manage your money and improve your finances.
Behaviour #3: Shop around and compare your options to select the financial products and services that are right for you
Financial institutions offer many types of products and services. Before you get a new product or service, make sure it meets your financial needs. Research and compare the products and services that financial institutions offer. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions.
Learn more about choosing financial products and services that are right for you.
Behaviour #4: Set up an emergency fund for unexpected expenses
An emergency fund is money you set aside to pay for unexpected expenses.
Setting up an emergency fund helps you to:
- handle an unexpected expense without getting into debt
- avoid high-cost loans (such as a payday loan or a credit card cash advance)
- have financial control
- have peace of mind
Learn how to set up and manage an emergency fund.
Behaviour #5: Learn the basics about choosing and renewing a mortgage
When you shop for a mortgage, your lender or mortgage broker provides you with options. Make sure you understand the options and features. This will help you choose a mortgage that best suits your needs.
Learn more about choosing a mortgage that is right for you.
When your mortgage term comes to an end, you have to pay off your mortgage in full or renew it. This is a good time to review your mortgage needs and make sure you have the right product.
Learn more about renewing your mortgage.
FCAC expects banks to help individuals who are identified as consumers at risk of mortgage default. These consumers may be struggling to pay their mortgages due to exceptional circumstances.
These expectations also apply to other federally regulated financial institutions offering mortgages.
Learn more about paying your mortgage when experiencing financial difficulties.
Indigenous Careers Award
The Indigenous Careers Award is designed to encourage Indigenous Albertans (First Nations, Metis and Inuit) to pursue and complete post-secondary studies in certificate, diploma, applied degree and bachelor's degree programs.
Award Value
$2,000 per semester / maximum of $4,000 in an academic year
Credential Types
Students must be enrolled in a certificate, diploma, applied or bachelor’s degree program.
All program bands are eligible for the Indigenous Careers Award.
To Receive This Award
- The Fall 2023 and/or Winter 2024 term (a term is defined as a study period of up to 17 weeks in length),
- At least 60% of a full course load (40% of a full course load if you are a student with a documented permanent disability).
- Have satisfactory academic standing, as determined by the school.
You must also meet all of these eligibility criteria:
- Be a Status Indian/First Nations, Non-Status Indian/First Nations, Métis or Inuit and be able to provide a copy of proof of Indigenous ancestry
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada or have protected person status under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
- Be a resident of Alberta.
Application Deadline
- Fall - November 5, 2023
- Winter - February 5, 2024
Indigenous Careers Award Application
Please submit applications and/or inquiries to:
Roxanne Poelstra
Financial Aid & Awards Coordinator
financialaid@ambrose.edu
(403) 410-2938
Jason Lang Scholarship
The scholarship recognizes and rewards Alberta post-secondary students for their academic achievements and encourages them to continue in their undergraduate or professional program of study.
Value
$1,000
Deadline
September 30, 2023
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible an applicant must:
- Be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Protected Person (visa students are not eligible),
- Be an Alberta resident and to be considered an Alberta resident one of the following conditions must apply:
- one parent, or legal guardian has maintained permanent residence in Canada for at least 12 consecutive months immediately prior to commencing post-secondary studies and be residing in Alberta, or
- Alberta is the last place the student has lived for 12 consecutive months immediately prior to commencing post-secondary studies, or
- the student’s spouse/partner has maintained permanent residence in Alberta for 12 consecutive months prior to the person attending post-secondary.
- Be enrolled full-time in the second or subsequent year of an undergraduate program at a publicly funded post-secondary institution in Alberta,
- Have achieved a minimum Grade Point Average of 3.2 on a 4.0 point scale based on an 80% full course load in the previous fall and winter terms.
Note: A term is defined as a study period of up to 17 weeks in length. Co-op work terms, internships or exchange programs may be eligible as long as these programs are a mandatory component of the undergraduate or professional program.
Students are not eligible for a Jason Lang Scholarship if they:
- Are enrolled in a one year certificate program,
- Do not return to a publicly funded post-secondary institution in the fall or winter terms of the next academic year,
- Are recipients of a Louise McKinney Scholarship for the same period of study, or
- Have received the lifetime maximum of three Jason Lang Scholarships.
Nominees must be enrolled at eligible Alberta public post-secondary schools (includes publicly-funded colleges, technical institutes, universities and private colleges accredited to grant degrees).
Academic New Year is Here!
Apply for Loans and Grants
Students can now access the following applications:
- 2023-24 Full-time application
- 2023-24 Part-time application
Reference the following materials for help with completing the full-time post-secondary application for financial assistance:
A new resource called the Part-time Application Process helps students complete the part-time application for financial assistance. Reference the information on Section 5, which (once authorized by a school official) must be returned to the student to ensure their information is complete before they submit their application.
2023-24 Program Updates
The What's new section highlights updates to the Alberta Student Aid program, systems and policies that are effective August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024. In addition, the Alberta Government will implement several measures to improve affordability for post-secondary students on July 1, 2023:
- Reduce interest rates on Alberta student loans to the prime rate;
- Alberta student loan interest-free grace period is extended from six months to 12 months (benefits students who completed their studies on or after Dec 1, 2022); and
- Income thresholds for the Repayment Assistance Plan increase from $25,000 to $40,000.
Please contact financialaid@ambrose.edu if you have any questions.