Most ESA students pay for their training with a mix of government student aid, personal savings and outside awards. This page explains what is available, who qualifies and what to do first.
On this page
Student Financial Aid
ESA’s Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) Program and Professional Fire Fighter Programs (Enhanced and Flex) are designated for government student aid. That means eligible students can apply for federal and provincial student loans and grants for these programs, wherever in Canada they live.
EMR and accessory courses are not eligible. A program must be at least 12 weeks long to be designated for student aid, and these courses are shorter than that.
Student aid is a mix of loans (repaid after you finish) and grants (not repaid). How much you receive depends on your income, family situation and program length. Alberta’s annual full-time loan limits for certificate programs are:
Alberta students may also qualify for grants, including the Alberta Student Grant (up to $425 per month) and Canada Student Grants for students with dependants or disabilities. See Types of full-time student aid for the full list.
Canada Student Grant eligibility (as of August 1, 2026)
Federal rules that took effect August 1, 2026 changed which programs can receive the Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students. Here is what that means for ESA students:
PCP students: still eligible to be assessed for the Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students.
Fire Fighter students: not eligible for that grant. You can still apply for Canada and Alberta student loans, the Alberta Student Grant and other grants you qualify for.
Students already funded: if you received federal student aid for your current ESA program before this change, you may stay eligible until July 31, 2029.
The Government of Canada reviews eligible programs each year. For current details, contact Student Aid or see Canada student loans and grants.
How to apply
You apply for student aid through your home province or territory, not through ESA.
Alberta students
Alberta students apply online at studentaid.alberta.ca. If you cannot apply online, call the Alberta Student Aid Service Centre at 1-855-606-2096 to ask for an alternate application.
You need a verified Alberta.ca Account to sign in. Set this up before you apply, because verification can take time.
Students from other provinces and territories
Apply through your home province or territory’s student aid office. Find yours at Apply with your province or territory. Ontario students apply through OSAP.
Repaying Student Loans
You do not make loan payments while you are in school, and you have a 12-month grace period after you finish before repayment starts.
Canada student loans are interest-free. The Government of Canada permanently eliminated interest on Canada student loans as of April 1, 2023. Any interest charged before that date still has to be paid.
Alberta student loans are interest-free while you study and during your 12-month grace period. After that, interest is charged at the CIBC prime rate.
Help is available if payments are hard to manage. The Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) can lower or pause your payments based on your income. For example, a single borrower earning less than $3,866 a month may not need to make payments for six months at a time.
Managing your loans
Student Aid will never ask for personal information by email. If you get an email that does, delete it or call the Alberta Student Aid Service Centre at 1-855-606-2096 to check whether it is real.
Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards
Scholarships, bursaries and awards do not need to be repaid, so they are worth applying for even if you also have student aid. Scholarships usually reward achievement, leadership or community service. Bursaries are usually based on financial need.
Alberta scholarships
Alexander Rutherford Scholarship — up to $2,500 for Alberta high school achievement. You apply through your Alberta Student Aid account once you are enrolled full-time in a designated program. Check the eligibility rules before you apply.
All Alberta scholarships — browse by category, including academic, citizenship and leadership, and Indigenous awards.
If you want a parent or guardian to help with your scholarship application, Alberta Student Aid needs your written consent first. Use the Consent to Disclose Personal Information form on the Alberta Student Aid website.
Métis students
The Belcourt Brosseau Métis Awards offer $1,000 to $10,000 a year. Applicants must be members of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government or a Métis Settlement, live in Alberta and be enrolled in an eligible program. Applications open January 2 and close March 31. The awards are administered by the Edmonton Community Foundation.
Finding more awards
Other Funding Options
Training funding for unemployed Albertans and EI recipients
If you are unemployed, under-employed or receiving Employment Insurance (EI), you may qualify for government-funded training through Alberta’s Training and Employment Services. Ask before you leave a current job, because quitting can affect your eligibility.
Students outside Alberta should contact their provincial employment and training office or Service Canada.
Advancing Futures (youth formerly in care)
Advancing Futures funds post-secondary training for young adults aged 18 to 24 who were in Alberta government care. It can cover tuition, fees, books and supplies (up to $40,000), plus a living allowance and other supports. Apply by June 1 for programs starting September to December, October 1 for January to April, or February 1 for May to August.
Indigenous and Métis funding
First Nations students should contact their Nation’s education or training office about sponsorship. Métis students can contact Rupertsland Institute about training and employment funding. If a sponsor needs confirmation of your acceptance, ESA can provide it once your complete application, including all prerequisites, is received.
Veterans and military families
Veterans Affairs Canada offers education funding, including the Education and Training Benefit for eligible veterans. See Go back to school or call 1-866-522-2122.
RESP
A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) can be used for ESA programs and courses. Contact the company that holds the RESP for its forms and rules. Many require a letter from ESA confirming your acceptance, which we can provide. Only the person named as the RESP’s beneficiary can use the funds.
RRSP: Lifelong Learning Plan
The Lifelong Learning Plan lets you withdraw up to $10,000 a year from your RRSP, to a maximum of $20,000, to pay for full-time training for you or your spouse or common-law partner. The withdrawal is not taxed, but you must repay it to your RRSP, generally over 10 years. It cannot be used for a child’s education.
Bank loan or student line of credit
If you cannot get student aid, or not enough, your bank may offer a student line of credit or personal loan. These work differently from student aid:
Employer support and tax savings
Your employer may help pay for training that relates to your job. If you are working while you study, you can claim your tuition on your federal TD1 form so your employer deducts less tax from your pay. Tuition paid to ESA may also qualify for a tax credit when you file your return.
Tutoring and Student Assistance
ESA instructors and staff are available to help with questions or advice. If more support would help, we will recommend professional services.
Academic Accommodation
ESA provides reasonable accommodations to eligible students whose medical or non-medical restrictions affect the daily activities needed for post-secondary study. Request accommodations during the application process. Some accommodations may not be possible once a program has started, because training schedules, equipment and practical placements are arranged in advance.
What applicants need to provide
How accommodations are decided
Accommodation is a shared responsibility between ESA and the student. ESA staff will work with you to decide what is appropriate and available, case by case. We consider how your restrictions affect your studies and the requirements of your field of study. Any additional costs are discussed and decided with you on a case-by-case basis.
Student Health and Welfare
ESA students have access to counselling and academic support through:
Student Fees and Insurance
ESA fees include the following coverage:
Questions? Ready to apply? Contact us today.
On this page
- Student Financial Aid
- Repaying Student Loans
- Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards
- Other Funding Options
- Tutoring and Student Assistance
- Academic or Special Accommodation
- Student Health and Welfare
- Student Fees and Insurance
Student Financial Aid
ESA’s Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) Program and Professional Fire Fighter Programs (Enhanced and Flex) are designated for government student aid. That means eligible students can apply for federal and provincial student loans and grants for these programs, wherever in Canada they live.
EMR and accessory courses are not eligible. A program must be at least 12 weeks long to be designated for student aid, and these courses are shorter than that.
Student aid is a mix of loans (repaid after you finish) and grants (not repaid). How much you receive depends on your income, family situation and program length. Alberta’s annual full-time loan limits for certificate programs are:
| Program Length | Annual Loan Limit | ESA Program |
| 1 to 4 months | $8,500 | Professional Fire Fighter |
| 5 to 9 months | $17,000 | Primary Care Paramedic |
Alberta students may also qualify for grants, including the Alberta Student Grant (up to $425 per month) and Canada Student Grants for students with dependants or disabilities. See Types of full-time student aid for the full list.
Canada Student Grant eligibility (as of August 1, 2026)
Federal rules that took effect August 1, 2026 changed which programs can receive the Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students. Here is what that means for ESA students:
PCP students: still eligible to be assessed for the Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students.
Fire Fighter students: not eligible for that grant. You can still apply for Canada and Alberta student loans, the Alberta Student Grant and other grants you qualify for.
Students already funded: if you received federal student aid for your current ESA program before this change, you may stay eligible until July 31, 2029.
The Government of Canada reviews eligible programs each year. For current details, contact Student Aid or see Canada student loans and grants.
How to apply
You apply for student aid through your home province or territory, not through ESA.
- Apply early. Student Aid recommends applying at least 60 days before your program starts. You do not need to be accepted to ESA before you apply.
- Apply to ESA. Once you are accepted, ESA confirms your enrolment with Student Aid. Your funding is released only after that confirmation.
- Check how your funding is paid. Part of your funding may be sent directly to ESA for tuition, with the rest paid to you. You are responsible for any difference between the funding ESA receives and the fees you owe.
Alberta students
Alberta students apply online at studentaid.alberta.ca. If you cannot apply online, call the Alberta Student Aid Service Centre at 1-855-606-2096 to ask for an alternate application.
You need a verified Alberta.ca Account to sign in. Set this up before you apply, because verification can take time.
- Create a basic Alberta.ca Account using a personal email, Google or Microsoft account.
- Enter the details from a current Alberta driver’s licence or Alberta identification card.
- Choose to receive your activation code by text, phone call or mail, then enter it in your account. Mailed codes can take up to 10 business days.
Students from other provinces and territories
Apply through your home province or territory’s student aid office. Find yours at Apply with your province or territory. Ontario students apply through OSAP.
Repaying Student Loans
You do not make loan payments while you are in school, and you have a 12-month grace period after you finish before repayment starts.
Canada student loans are interest-free. The Government of Canada permanently eliminated interest on Canada student loans as of April 1, 2023. Any interest charged before that date still has to be paid.
Alberta student loans are interest-free while you study and during your 12-month grace period. After that, interest is charged at the CIBC prime rate.
Help is available if payments are hard to manage. The Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) can lower or pause your payments based on your income. For example, a single borrower earning less than $3,866 a month may not need to make payments for six months at a time.
Managing your loans
- Alberta loans: MyLoan
- Canada loans: National Student Loans Service Centre, 1-888-815-4514
Student Aid will never ask for personal information by email. If you get an email that does, delete it or call the Alberta Student Aid Service Centre at 1-855-606-2096 to check whether it is real.
Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards
Scholarships, bursaries and awards do not need to be repaid, so they are worth applying for even if you also have student aid. Scholarships usually reward achievement, leadership or community service. Bursaries are usually based on financial need.
Alberta scholarships
Alexander Rutherford Scholarship — up to $2,500 for Alberta high school achievement. You apply through your Alberta Student Aid account once you are enrolled full-time in a designated program. Check the eligibility rules before you apply.
All Alberta scholarships — browse by category, including academic, citizenship and leadership, and Indigenous awards.
If you want a parent or guardian to help with your scholarship application, Alberta Student Aid needs your written consent first. Use the Consent to Disclose Personal Information form on the Alberta Student Aid website.
Métis students
The Belcourt Brosseau Métis Awards offer $1,000 to $10,000 a year. Applicants must be members of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government or a Métis Settlement, live in Alberta and be enrolled in an eligible program. Applications open January 2 and close March 31. The awards are administered by the Edmonton Community Foundation.
Finding more awards
- ALIS: Apply for free money to pay for school
- ScholarshipsCanada
- StudentAwards
Other Funding Options
Training funding for unemployed Albertans and EI recipients
If you are unemployed, under-employed or receiving Employment Insurance (EI), you may qualify for government-funded training through Alberta’s Training and Employment Services. Ask before you leave a current job, because quitting can affect your eligibility.
- Find a local provider in the Employment and Training Services Directory, or call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre.
- Meet with an employment counsellor and bring details of the ESA program you want to take.
- Explain why ESA fits your goals, such as the schedule, program length, curriculum and career outcomes.
Students outside Alberta should contact their provincial employment and training office or Service Canada.
Advancing Futures (youth formerly in care)
Advancing Futures funds post-secondary training for young adults aged 18 to 24 who were in Alberta government care. It can cover tuition, fees, books and supplies (up to $40,000), plus a living allowance and other supports. Apply by June 1 for programs starting September to December, October 1 for January to April, or February 1 for May to August.
Indigenous and Métis funding
First Nations students should contact their Nation’s education or training office about sponsorship. Métis students can contact Rupertsland Institute about training and employment funding. If a sponsor needs confirmation of your acceptance, ESA can provide it once your complete application, including all prerequisites, is received.
Veterans and military families
Veterans Affairs Canada offers education funding, including the Education and Training Benefit for eligible veterans. See Go back to school or call 1-866-522-2122.
RESP
A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) can be used for ESA programs and courses. Contact the company that holds the RESP for its forms and rules. Many require a letter from ESA confirming your acceptance, which we can provide. Only the person named as the RESP’s beneficiary can use the funds.
RRSP: Lifelong Learning Plan
The Lifelong Learning Plan lets you withdraw up to $10,000 a year from your RRSP, to a maximum of $20,000, to pay for full-time training for you or your spouse or common-law partner. The withdrawal is not taxed, but you must repay it to your RRSP, generally over 10 years. It cannot be used for a child’s education.
Bank loan or student line of credit
If you cannot get student aid, or not enough, your bank may offer a student line of credit or personal loan. These work differently from student aid:
- Interest starts the day you use the money, and you usually pay interest monthly while in school.
- Many banks only require interest payments while you study and for up to 12 months after.
- If you have no job or credit history, you may need a co-signer, such as a parent.
Employer support and tax savings
Your employer may help pay for training that relates to your job. If you are working while you study, you can claim your tuition on your federal TD1 form so your employer deducts less tax from your pay. Tuition paid to ESA may also qualify for a tax credit when you file your return.
Tutoring and Student Assistance
ESA instructors and staff are available to help with questions or advice. If more support would help, we will recommend professional services.
- Extra help from instructors: book an appointment through ESA reception.
- Tutoring: individual or small-group tutoring is available for an hourly fee.
Academic Accommodation
ESA provides reasonable accommodations to eligible students whose medical or non-medical restrictions affect the daily activities needed for post-secondary study. Request accommodations during the application process. Some accommodations may not be possible once a program has started, because training schedules, equipment and practical placements are arranged in advance.
What applicants need to provide
- Documentation from a qualified professional who is certified or licensed and has training and experience diagnosing the condition (for example, a medical doctor, psychologist or rehabilitation specialist).
- Assessments completed within the last five years.
- Details of the nature and extent of your restrictions and the accommodation you are requesting.
How accommodations are decided
Accommodation is a shared responsibility between ESA and the student. ESA staff will work with you to decide what is appropriate and available, case by case. We consider how your restrictions affect your studies and the requirements of your field of study. Any additional costs are discussed and decided with you on a case-by-case basis.
Student Health and Welfare
ESA students have access to counselling and academic support through:
- Student Distress Centre
- Support Network,
- Academic Support Service
- Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD).
Student Fees and Insurance
ESA fees include the following coverage:
- Industrial Alliance Insurance: Accident and emergency health and dental insurance while you attend ESA classes, off-site training and practical assignments. This includes life insurance. You must also have provincial health care coverage.
- Workers Compensation Board: WCB coverage for PCP students on practicum and Fire students during practical training.
Questions? Ready to apply? Contact us today.
FROM THE BEST...
"The instruction I received definitely prepared me for my future career. I was very fortunate to get on a department shortly after my training. I will be attending ESA in the future to take other courses to assist me in my future endeavours."
Greg, Fire 1808E+