Savings and Earnings

If students are planning on attending a post-secondary program, it is highly recommended that they have savings set aside for school or income during the school year to help with unexpected expenses or funding shortfalls.

For students applying for loans, Alberta Students’ Finance expects students, who are available to work full-time for the four months preceding the upcoming school year, to contribute $1350 to their own education. High school students are expected to contribute $720 for the upcoming school year. If students have saved more than the minimum amount, great! List the actual savings on the application, and it will be taken into account during the assessment.

Students can also choose to take on a part-time job to help with ongoing or unexpected expenses. Working part-time is also a good way to gain valuable experience. If students consistently find it difficult to keep up with all expenses, it may be time to create or revise their spending plan.

For Student Loans in Alberta, there is a $800/month exemption for your part-time earnings. Anything earned while in school over $800/month will be used as a resource in the needs assessment.

For assistance in finding suitable jobs, check out the JobKin Job Registry or CaPS.