# hi finance at University of Calgary

Student aid, awards, and budgeting help for University of Calgary students, from a team that knows the Calgary campus.

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We built hi finance for students who pay their own way. This is what paying for a UCalgary degree 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 Calgary uses [Alberta Student Aid](https://studentaid.alberta.ca/).

## The numbers at University of Calgary

- **1,300+** — UCalgary students helped
  Using hi finance to track aid, awards, and where the money goes.

- **$22M+** — In scholarships, awards and bursaries
  Available annually to prospective high school students at UCalgary.
  Source: https://www.ucalgary.ca/future-students/undergraduate/fees-finances

- **~$20,300** — Estimated first-year cost
  Tuition (10 courses, most faculties), mandatory fees, cheapest on-campus residence with a meal plan, and books — based on 2026-27 rates.
  Source: https://calendar.ucalgary.ca/uofcregs/tuitionandfeesoverview/p-1-ugtuitionfees

## 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/)

### Prestige Awards for high school applicants (Oct 1 – Dec 1)

The admission-year window for UCalgary's top entrance awards, worth up to $30,400 and often renewable. Applications open October 1 and close December 1, with admissions documents due December 15.

[More](https://www.ucalgary.ca/registrar/finances/awards/calendar)

### High School Awards and Bursaries (Oct 1 – Mar 1)

One application covers 1,100+ awards ranging from $500 to $10,000. It opens October 1 and closes March 1, with documents due March 15. Submit once and you're considered for every award you're eligible for.

[More](https://www.ucalgary.ca/registrar/finances/awards/calendar)

### Continuing Undergraduate Awards (Mar 1 – May 1)

The window for current UCalgary bachelor's students. Applications open March 1 and close May 1, with documentation due May 15. Apply through the Student Centre under My Financials.

[More](https://www.ucalgary.ca/registrar/finances/awards/calendar)

### Fall term fee payment deadline (Sept 18)

Pay your tuition and fees in full by this date, or self-enrol in a payment plan to spread the cost across the term. Residence fees for the fall term are also due September 18, 2026.

[More](https://www.ucalgary.ca/registrar/finances/pay-your-fees/payment-plan)

## FAQs

### Does the University of Calgary 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 UCalgary?

You apply to your home province's program, not Alberta's. A student from Ontario studying at UCalgary 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 UCalgary scholarships?

Some are automatic based on admission average, like the $5,000 President's Admission Scholarship for a 95% or higher average. But the majority of entrance awards and every bursary need an application through the Student Centre. 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 UCalgary's payment plan, which lets you pay in instalments over the term, plus bursaries and emergency funding through Enrolment Services. Bursary money doesn't have to be paid back, so check those before you borrow.

### Do I need to file taxes as a UCalgary 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.