New Students

Funding

*** Please note:
Grant applications currently take up to eight weeks to process and approve.
This is an Alberta Student Aid timeline that is not under our control. We recommend you consider this when making requests and plan accordingly.

In order to get the specialized support(s) you may require for the school year; you first must register with the Accessible Learning Centre. The Accessible Learning Centre requires all students (except international students) needing specialized supports (services and/or technologies) to apply for provincial and federal grants to defray the costs of those supports.

You must apply for Student Loans via the Alberta Student Aid website (or through your province/territory of permanent residence). If you would like more information on Student Loans, please review the Scholarships & Student Finance webpage.

You do not need to take out a student loan to receive a grant; however, you need to be eligible to receive a loan in order to receive a grant. If you are awarded a loan you do not wish to keep, it can be returned immediately. You may also apply for as little as $1 to achieve eligibility (ask our Accounts Coordinator for more information).

Once your Student Aid application has been submitted our office will work with you to complete a Schedule 4 application. The Schedule 4 is used to apply for Permanent Disability grants through Alberta Student Aid. This application is a request for funding for the services and/or technologies you may require for the academic school year. If you are not a permanent resident of Alberta, please ask us about the process for your Province/Territory.

You may be eligible for the below grants:

  • Canada Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities (CSG-PD)
    • $2,800 per academic year
    • Can be used to help pay for tuition, books, and/or living expenses
  • Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities (CSG-PDSE)
    • Cover the costs for any recommended specialized supports (services and/or technology) listed in your documentation
    • Requires quotes as well as proof of purchase and return of unused funds
  • Alberta Grant for Students with Disabilities (GFD)
    • Cover the costs for any recommended specialized supports (services and/or technology) listed in your documentation
    • Requires quotes as well as proof of purchase and return of unused funds
    • Generally distributed to students without Federal eligibility

*The ALC team can provide more information about the grants and help you apply for them*


The Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities (CSG-PDSE) and the Alberta Grant for Students with Disabilities (GFD) can help cover the costs of:

  • Tutors
  • Strategists
  • Alternate Format Texts
  • Assistive Technology (Kurzweil, Dragon, ZoomText, Digital Recorders)
  • Technology training
  • Computers

If you are an Alberta resident and approved for the Services and Equipment grant, the money will be deposited into your bank account. The funds awarded are intended to be used for their specific purpose; therefore, you will have to confirm that you have spent the funds for the approved services and technology by submitting receipts to Alberta Student Aid.

We have created a process to make it as easy as possible for you to do this. As many of the recommended services and technologies are provided by the Accessible Learning Centre, you can remit payment to us (Cash Office) to cover the approved costs. We will ensure that all accounting for the grant is looked after with Alberta Student Aid. If you prefer to manage the funding on your own, we will not invoice you for the provided services and technologies, and you will be responsible for sending the receipts to Alberta Student Aid.

If you are not eligible for funding, we will discuss other options with you.

We understand that this process can seem complex; please do not hesitate to ask us for help.
Be sure to check the FAQs page for more information!

Please note: There is a 4-6 week processing timeframe from grant application submission to approval. Therefore, you are encouraged to contact the Accessible Learning Centre to initiate the grant application process no less than 4 weeks prior to the start of the semester

For more information please review the Funding & Services Equipment Handout