Every Woman Can: The Maria Eriksen Memorial Bursary

What you will need

• ✓ Proof of immigrant woman status (Canadian citizen or permanent resident)
• ✓ Proof of residency in Alberta
• ✓ Enrollment at a Canadian post-secondary institution for the upcoming Fall
• ✓ Evidence that your current studies are intended to return you to that pre-immigration field
• ✓ Proof of financial need

About this award

You can receive one of five bursaries valued at $2,000 each. This is a bursary, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. The funds are applied directly to your tuition. This is for you if you are an immigrant woman living in Alberta who is returning to the professional field you worked in before moving to Canada. The June 15, 2026 deadline has passed. Check the Calgary Foundation scholarships page for the next deadline before you plan around this award. When you apply, ask Calgary Foundation how and when you will hear back — whether it is by email, phone, or through their application portal. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Calgary Foundation how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. The money is applied directly to your tuition at your school. Confirm with Calgary Foundation during your application if there are any specific steps you need to take to ensure the funds reach your account. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you are counting on this for multiple years, confirm with Calgary Foundation whether it is a one-time award or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

To qualify, you must be an immigrant woman who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident residing in Alberta. You must be enrolled at a Canadian post-secondary institution for the upcoming Fall term. This award is specifically for those returning to a professional field they worked in before immigrating; you must have been employed in a specific field of work beyond a high school diploma or equivalency in your home country. Finally, you must demonstrate financial need.

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.

• ✓ Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• ✓ Open to college, undergraduate, graduate, trades or certificate students
• ✓ Resident of Alberta

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   This round closed on June 15, 2026

   Check the award's official page for the next round before you prepare anything.

Tips for applying

• Professional HistoryAvoid providing a vague summary of your past work. Instead, provide a detailed map of your pre-immigration employment to prove you are returning to a specific professional field. List your previous job titles and duties clearly.
• Financial NeedMany applicants simply state they need money. Provide a clear, documented picture of your current financial gaps and how this $2,000 will specifically remove a barrier to your accreditation. Be precise about your costs.
• StrategyFocus your application on the concept of "successful transition." Explain exactly how this technical training or professional development allows you to contribute your international expertise to the Alberta workforce.

Questions students ask

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