The province is doubling down on its investment in Alberta’s future workforce with a big boost to the Northern Alberta Development Bursary (NADB) program. This investment marks the second straight year of major funding increases, bringing the total funding boost to nearly $1.1 million since 2023-24. With this year’s funding increase, an additional 50 students will receive support to ease their post-secondary costs, helping students jump-start their careers while reducing their financial burden.
Through this program, Alberta’s government is maintaining northern Alberta’s strong workforce and investing in talent in all corners of the province.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the NADB has already assisted more than 7,100 students across Alberta, making a lasting impact on the future of the province’s workforce. As the world changes, the need for a skilled and diverse workforce grows. This funding ensures Alberta’s northern workforce remains strong and competitive.
Through the NADB, students can receive up to $11,500 per year to cover their post-secondary education expenses. This program provides funding for a wide range of learning opportunities, ranging from certificates and diplomas to bachelor’s, master’s or PhD programs. This will help retain talent in northern Alberta and empower the next generation of workers to pursue high-paying, quality careers. This investment will bolster opportunities in high-demand fields for young professionals, such as health care, teaching and social work.
This funding boost is a win for Alberta’s economy, ensuring the province has a skilled workforce to fill high-demand jobs. A thriving economy relies on a workforce that is not only capable, but also passionate about their communities. This bursary helps make that a reality.
“The Northern Alberta Development Bursary is helping to attract and retain skilled professionals in Alberta’s north, strengthening the province’s northern communities and ensuring businesses have the skilled labour they need to succeed. This investment is about building a stronger, more sustainable future for northern Alberta and the people who call it home.”
The bursary program has various categories. This year, the increased funding will specifically benefit students in the First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) bursary, as well as students applying for the Northern Alberta Development Council (NADC) bursary. The bursary program is funded and delivered in partnership with the ministries of Education and Advanced Education.
“We are ensuring that every student has access to a world-class education no matter where they learn. The Northern Student Teacher Bursary attracts the skilled educators that students deserve to teach in classrooms across northern Alberta.”
“Our government is committed to ensuring that Alberta’s labour market needs are met across the province. This important investment will empower more students in northern Alberta to pursue one of the many post-secondary education opportunities our province has to offer while helping meet northern Alberta’s current and future workforce needs.”
Since April 2024, 1,165 students have applied for the NADB program, reflecting a 43 per cent increase from the 813 applications received in 2023-24. The growing interest in living and working in northern Alberta is a testament to the expanding opportunities in the region. Alberta’s government is committed to empowering Albertans with the resources and opportunities they need to live and work wherever they choose. This funding removes barriers to living and working in Alberta’s north.
“As a recipient of the Northern Alberta Development Bursary I was able to further my education in the counselling and mental health field, which in turn has been a catalyst for positive change in my community. By empowering individuals like me, bursaries such as this contribute to the growth of a skilled workforce that strengthens northern Alberta. The opportunities I’ve gained have allowed me to give back to my community as a helper and local service provider.”
As the province continues to grow, investing in its future workforce today helps secure a prosperous tomorrow for all Albertans.
Quick facts
- Over the last two years, the province has significantly increased funding for the NADB program, adding an extra $573,000 in 2023-2024 and $450,000 for 2024-2025.
- Program funding for the NADB is forecasted to be $2.3 million in 2024-25.
- Jobs, Economy and Trade is contributing $500,000 in annual funding plus an additional $450,000, for a total of $950,000.
- Advanced Education is contributing $1,050,000 to the program annually to support the NADC and NADC specialty streams; First Nations, Métis and Inuit bursary; and the Bursary Partnership program.
- Education is funding the Northern Student Teacher Bursary for $324,000 per year.
- The NADC bursary accepts applications from Jan. 2 to Apr. 30 each year and assists students in a two-year program, or those finishing the last two years of their post-secondary studies.
- The FNMI bursary accepts applications from Feb. 1 to June 1, and from June 5 to Nov. 15 each year.
Related information
- Northern Alberta Development Bursary recipient video testimonials:
- Meghan Badger, social worker, concurrent counsellor, First Nations, Metis and Inuit bursary recipient
- Tormaigh Van Slyke and Jenelle Van Slyke, co-owners and publishers, Move Up Magazine, Northern Alberta Development Council bursary recipient
- Ariane Nicole Harpe, radiation therapist, Bursary Partnership program recipient
Related news
- Supporting more students to live and work in Alberta’s north (Apr. 24, 2024)