MacEwan University
PA-8: Affordability and Access

Bursaries are awarded based on financial need and do not need to be repaid. Students must be registered in 60 per cent of a full course load (usually three courses) to qualify. Approximately $290,000 in bursary funding is available to students entering their first year of study at MacEwan University who demonstrate financial need through the Student Success Bursary. Every fall and winter, Student Awards also gives bursaries to students in financial need. In fall 2014, 200 students will receive $180,000 and in winter 2015, 300 students will receive $250,000 total in bursaries. The Students' Association of MacEwan University (SAMU) assists with providing money to students through scholarships, awards, and bursaries totaling approximately $250,000 each year. Awards are based on criteria such as volunteerism or leadership and may include, but are not limited to, academic achievement or financial need. Students must be in 60 per cent of a full course load (usually three courses). The Alberta and Canadian governments also provide student loans and grants to students in financial need. Loans are determined based on financial need and must be repaid after graduation or leaving school. Loans are interest free as long as full-time enrollment is maintained. Grants are also awarded to those who require financial assistance; however, they do not need to be repaid. Student Aid Alberta Funding (i.e., government student loans) are available to students based on their financial need.

Financial Aid and Admissions Advisors are available to meet with prospective and current students to discuss queries related to student loans, grants, lines of credit, sponsorships and Registered Educational Savings Plans.

Students who are struggling financially can apply for an emergency, no interest loan through the Students' Association of MacEwan University. Over the past four years, SAMU has provided over 500 emergency loans for students in need.

SAMU also offers a confidential Student Food Bank service to help students in need. Each month students can access the Food Bank for a hamper of non-perishable food that last 5-7 days. Approximately 9.7 tonnes of food is given to students in need each year.

Almost all scholarships, awards and bursaries given out by Students Awards are for full time students. There are approximately seven awards or bursaries available for part time students.

MacEwan’s Child Care Centre is committed to quality child care and early learning for children aged 19 months through six years. The centre is run by MacEwan University and has a strong working partnership with the Early Learning and Child Care program and the Faculty of Health and Community Studies. The centre offers quality, supportive child care that incorporates the latest theories and practices of early childhood education and gives children the confidence and security to develop a strong sense of identity. Bursaries are available for students requiring child care services. Students are also able to apply for subsidies for child care services through the Government of Alberta: http://humanservices.alberta.ca/financial-support/15104.html

The Alberta Works Income Support Program for Part-Time Training provides financial support for adult residents of Alberta who are accepted into either a Preparation for University and College, English as a Second Language, or a certificate program and will be attending part-time training. This program is designed to assist: - low-income, employed Albertans who require further skill development to maintain employment, increase earnings and to be self-sufficient. - low-income, unemployed Albertans who are employment-destined and assessed as unable to participate in full-time training and will benefit from part-time training. Eligible students will receive a Skills Investment Bursary (SIB) to a maximum of $5,000 per academic year. The SIB covers the cost of tuition, fees, books and supplies, transportation and child care (if applicable).