AltaLink Indigenous Student Awards

One of eight annual awards for Indigenous students in Alberta pursuing post-secondary education.

Published by G Paul · last checked August 31, 2026

Next deadline

Nov 1, 2026

Level

Trades, Undergraduate

Open to

Alberta

Apply on the official site ↗

What you will need

Indigenous affiliation (First Nations or Métis)
Demonstrated financial need
Enrollment in a post-secondary institution

About this award

No fixed dollar amount is posted — contact AltaLink to confirm the value for your specific award before you apply. As a scholarship, this money is yours to keep and you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a First Nations or Métis student with demonstrated financial need who is pursuing a post-secondary education. Deadlines come around three times a year on August 1, November 1 and February 1, so aim for whichever one is next. When you apply, ask how and when you'll hear back — whether it is by email, a portal, or phone. Selection criteria aren't published — ask AltaLink how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask AltaLink during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with AltaLink whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must be an Indigenous student (First Nations or Métis) attending a post-secondary institution and show that you have financial need. There are eight (8) awards distributed annually: two (2) for students from Treaty 6, two (2) from Treaty 7, two (2) from Treaty 8, and two (2) for Métis students. Preference will be given to you if you are working on your first degree. Additionally, up to half of the awards prioritize students in electricity transmission sector programs, such as Electrical Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Powerline Technician Apprenticeship, Power System Electrical Apprenticeship, Pre-Apprenticeship – Powerline or Power Systems Technician, or Utility Tree Worker and Utility Tree Trimmer Safety Training (a course recognized by the Professional Vegetation Managers Association).

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

Open to trades or undergraduate students
Resident of Alberta

Preferred, not required

Preference for students in Electrical Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Powerline Technician Apprenticeship, Power System Electrical Apprenticeship, Pre Apprenticeship – Powerline, Power Systems Technician, Utility Tree Worker or Utility Tree Trimmer Safety Training

How to apply

Read the award's official page
Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.
Submit your application
Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

Program ChoiceAvoid ignoring the preference for electricity transmission roles. Instead, highlight your interest in fields like Electrical Engineering or Powerline Technician paths to match the funder's industry focus.
Financial NeedAvoid providing a vague statement about needing money. Instead, provide a clear breakdown of your tuition gaps and living expenses to prove your demonstrated financial need.
StrategyAvoid waiting until the final deadline. Since there are three windows (August 1, November 1, and February 1), apply during the earliest one that fits your enrollment to get your application in front of the committee sooner.
RealismAvoid assuming the award is guaranteed because of treaty affiliation. With only eight awards total—two per treaty group and two for Métis students—competition is high, so ensure your application is exhaustive.

Questions students ask

How do I apply?

Use the Apply on the official site button on this page: it opens the official application page in a new tab.

When is the deadline?

Applications close on November 1, 2026. Submit a day or two early: application sites get busy at the end.

Can international students apply?

Check the award's official page for the citizenship rules.

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FundMyCourse.ca · checked Aug 31, 2026