The Alberta government offers two types of bursaries for Health Care Aide (HCA) students who started their HCA program after July 1, 2022 and are working or will be working in a continuing care centre. Please see more details below. For more information on eligibility, how to apply, and other financial assistance, contact Student Advisory Services.
1. The Health Care Aide Tuition Bursary Program
The HCA Tuition Bursary Program is intended for students who enrolled in an HCA program after July 1, 2022. Preference is given to full-time students or those working for a continuing care operator in a non-clinical capacity. Students must begin working within two months of successfully completing the HCA program. They must also work a minimum of 2,000 hours within two years of beginning employment.
HCA graduates receive a total of $9,000, including $3,000 after completing courses 1-5, and $6000 upon successful completion of the program, including passing the provincial final exam.
2. The Financial Incentive Program (FIP) for Health Care Aides
The FIP bursary is intended for students who graduated from an Alberta licenced HCA program (including MaKami College) between January 1, 2022 and June 30, 2022 and began working for a continuing care operator two months after this graduation period.
HCA graduates receive up to $4,000 depending on their location of employment in Alberta.
How to Apply
Alberta Health has appointed NorQuest College as the grant administrator of these funds. The college will review and approve submitted applications based on a student’s eligibility.
You can find the application form here: https://www.norquest.ca/applying-to-norquest/funding-your-education/government-funding/alberta-health-care-aide-bursaries.aspx