# hi finance at University of Alberta

Student aid, awards, and budgeting help for University of Alberta students — from a team based in HUB Mall.

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We built hi finance a five-minute walk from your lecture hall. This is what paying for a U of A degree actually looks like: what Alberta Student Aid covers, which awards close before you think, and where the money goes once it lands.

## Student aid program

University of Alberta uses [Alberta Student Aid](https://studentaid.alberta.ca/).

## The numbers at University of Alberta

- **5,000+** — U of A students helped
  Using hi finance to track aid, awards, and where the money goes.

- **$25,700** — Estimated first year costs
  U of A's 2026–27 estimate for a Canadian student in general Arts — $7,200 tuition, $3,700 books, supplies, and fees, and $14,800+ for residence and a meal plan.
  Source: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/admissions/tuition-and-scholarships/tuition-and-fees.html

- **$50M+** — Administered in student funding
  Scholarships, awards, and financial support paid to undergrads each year.
  Source: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/registrar/scholarships-awards-financial-support/index.html

## Key deadlines

### Apply to Alberta Student Aid (60 days ahead)

There's no single opening date — Student Aid recommends applying at least 60 days before your study period starts, because processing time is what makes people late, not eligibility. Starting on or after August 1, 2026 means the 2026–27 application.

[More](https://studentaid.alberta.ca/apply/what-s-new/)

### Fall term fee payment deadline (Sep 30)

Pay in full or make alternate arrangements by this date. An outstanding balance is charged a late payment penalty of 18% per annum, applied at the end of each month.

[More](https://www.ualberta.ca/en/registrar/registration-and-courses/registration-dates-and-deadlines/index.html)

### Entrance awards for high school applicants (Oct 1 – Jan 10)

The admission-year window, and it's separate from the one continuing students use. Applications go through the U of A Awards Hub.

[More](https://www.ualberta.ca/en/registrar/scholarships-awards-financial-support/undergraduate-awards/index.html)

### Undergraduate, transfer, and professional awards (Feb 1 – Mar 31)

One application through Awards Hub covers current undergraduate, transfer, and professional scholarships and awards. The Registrar notifies every applicant by the end of September.

[More](https://www.ualberta.ca/en/registrar/scholarships-awards-financial-support/undergraduate-awards/index.html)

## FAQs

### Does the University of Alberta use OSAP?

No. OSAP is Ontario's program. If Alberta is your province of residence, you apply through Alberta Student Aid, even if you moved here for school. Your province of residence is generally the last province you lived in for 12 consecutive months outside of full-time study.

### Can I get Alberta Student Aid as an out-of-province student at U of A?

You apply to your home province's program, not Alberta's. A student from Ontario studying at U of A applies through OSAP. The school you attend doesn't determine which program funds you — your province of residence does.

### Do I have to apply separately for U of A scholarships?

Some are automatic based on admission average, but the majority of continuing awards and every bursary need an application through the U of A awards portal. Automatic consideration covers far less than students assume.

### What happens if my student aid doesn't cover my tuition?

You're responsible for the shortfall by the payment deadline. Options include the U of A's emergency and supplementary bursaries, a payment arrangement with Student Services, or a student line of credit — in roughly that order, since bursary money doesn't have to be paid back.

### Do I need to file taxes as a U of A student with no income?

You should. Filing is how you claim your T2202 tuition credit and carry it forward, and it's what registers you for benefits like the GST/HST credit. Skipping it leaves money unclaimed.