NAIT provides significant scholarships and financial support to students through scholarships, bursaries, grants, and entrance awards. With the help of donors and government funding, the institution distributes more than $6 million in awards to over 4,000 students each year.
NAIT Scholarships, Awards and Continuing Education Funding Options. NAIT provides substantial financial support to students through scholarships, bursaries, grants, and entrance awards. With the help of donors and government funding, the institution distributes more than $6 million in awards to over 4,000 students each year. Explore all the information about NAIT English as a Second Language (ESL) Program before you register.
Part 1: Awards for Credit Programmes
(Degree, Diploma, Certificate and Apprenticeship)
Types of Awards
| Type of Award | Main Focus | Typical Recipients |
|---|---|---|
| Scholarships | Academic achievement | High-performing students |
| Bursaries | Financial need | Students demonstrating financial need |
| Grants | Specific criteria (e.g., diversity) | Targeted student groups |
| Entrance Awards | First-year support | New students starting at NAIT |
| Program-specific | Particular fields of study | Students in designated programmes |
Note: Students in non-credit or Continuing Education courses are generally not eligible for these main award programmes.
Who Can Apply?
- Students enrolled in (or applying to) degree, diploma, certificate, or apprenticeship programmes
- Both domestic and international students (eligibility varies by award)
- New incoming students (entrance awards)
- Current students (bursaries and continuing awards)
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide and How to Apply for MyAwards Central
NAIT uses a single online application system called MyAwards Central.
- Apply for admission to a NAIT programme (for new students).
- Log in to access MyAwards Central using your NAIT account.
- Complete one application. The system automatically matches you to awards you are eligible for based on your programme, year of study, and answers.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
- Accept any award offers within 30 days if selected.
1. Apply for Admission First (New Students)
- Submit your programme application to NAIT.
- Within about 48 hours, you should receive an email with a link to access the award application in MyAwards Central (if the application period is open).
- Create your MyNAIT account if you have not already done so. You will use the same login for MyAwards Central.
2. Check Application Deadlines
Visit the official deadlines page and note the correct dates for your situation (Entrance Awards vs Current Students, Fall vs Winter, Scholarships vs Bursaries).
3. Gather Required Information Before Starting
Prepare the following so you can complete the application smoothly:
- Your NAIT Student ID
- Programme name and year of study
- Enrolment status (full-time or part-time)
- Academic information (grades if requested)
- Details about community involvement, volunteer work, leadership, or extracurricular activities
- Information about financial need (if applying for bursaries)
- Any special circumstances (e.g., Indigenous status, diversity-related criteria, dependent care, etc.)
4. Log In to MyAwards Central
- Go to: https://nait.academicworks.ca
- Click Sign In
- Use your NAIT / MyNAIT username and password
5. Complete the Application Carefully
- Read every section thoroughly.
- Answer all questions honestly and completely.
- Select “Yes” for every award type you want to be considered for (Scholarships, Bursaries, Grants, etc.).
- The system will generate a personalised list of awards based on your answers and programme.
- You do not need to search for individual awards yourself.
6. Review and Submit
- Double-check all answers before submitting.
- Click the Complete or Submit button. Your application is not considered until this step is finished.
- You can usually return and edit the application until the deadline.
7. After Submission
- Monitor your MyNAIT portal and email for notifications.
- If you receive an award offer, you must accept it in MyAwards Central within 30 days.
- Award payments are typically processed a couple of weeks after you accept.
Key Deadlines (2026/27)
For the Fall term intake, Application opens around November; deadline typically end of March. While for the Winter term intake: Application opens around March; deadline typically end of July.
- Entrance Awards (Fall): Open November; deadline end of March
- Entrance Awards (Winter): Open March; deadline end of July
- Scholarships: Open mid-October; deadline mid-February
- Fall Bursaries: Open early September; deadline mid-October
- Winter Bursaries: Open early January; deadline mid-February
Current Students
- Scholarships and most awards: Open mid-October; deadline mid-February
- Fall bursaries: Open early September; deadline mid-October
- Winter bursaries: Open early January; deadline mid-February
Always check the official deadlines on the NAIT website, as dates can vary slightly each year.
Entrance Awards
These awards support students beginning their first year at NAIT. They recognise academic achievement, community involvement, extracurricular activities, financial need, or diversity-related criteria.
Funds can be applied toward first-year tuition and fees. While you’re reading this, you can also explore the NAIT ESL Placement Test and Curriculum Levels if you are applying for direct admission only.
Part 2: Corporate & Continuing Education Funding
(Non-Credit Programmes and Courses). Students enrolled in non-credit programmes have several funding options to help cover tuition costs.
Funding Options for Students
1. Third-Party Sponsorship
If your education is funded by a sponsor that is not Provincial Aid or Alberta Works, follow the sponsored students process outlined under NAIT payment options.
2. The Canada Training Benefit
This federal programme helps workers pay for training, provides income support, and protects their jobs while they upskill.
It includes three main components:
- Canada Training Credit: Eligible workers aged 25–64 accumulate $250 per year (lifetime maximum $5,000). The credit can refund up to half the cost of eligible training.
- Employment Insurance Training Support Benefit: Up to four weeks of income support (approximately 55% of average insurable earnings).
- Job-protected leave: Provisions that protect a worker’s ability to take time off for training.
How to use the Canada Training Benefit:
- Discuss the training plan with your employer and request leave.
- Register for the course and provide proof of enrolment to your employer.
- Apply for the EI Training Support Benefit while on leave.
- After completing the course, claim up to half the fees against your Canada Training Credit when filing your income tax return.
3. Windmill Microlending
A Canadian charity that supports skilled immigrants and refugees.
- Offers affordable loans of up to $15,000
- Covers education, training, certification, licensing exams, living expenses, and childcare
- No Canadian credit history required
- Also provides coaching, financial training, and mentorship
4. Servus-Bredin Microloan Programme
An Alberta partnership with Servus Credit Union.
- Low-interest loans of up to $15,000
- Supports internationally educated professionals with licensing or training costs
- Includes education programmes of two years or less and English language training
5. Foundational Learning Assistance
(Formerly known as Alberta Works) Provides funding for Albertans in designated upgrading and English Language studies programmes. Eligibility is determined by Advanced Education and may include Income Support based on study status and financial need.
6. Coal and Electricity Transition Tuition Voucher
Available to workers laid off from the coal-fired electricity industry due to the phase-out.
Holders of a voucher who wish to attend NAIT should book an appointment with an Advisor in the Student Service Centre (CAT180).
Funding Options for Employers
1. Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant
Helps employers invest in training that improves productivity skills for current and future employees.
Up to 50% of eligible training costs may be reimbursed.
2. Canada-Alberta Workforce Resilience Initiative
Provides financial support to eligible employers and organisations for building a more resilient workforce.
3. Group Enrolment Discount
When an employer registers two or more employees in the same Corporate & Continuing Education course or programme (same cohort or dates), a group enrolment discount may be available.
Complete the Corporate Training Inquiry form to learn more.
Other Funding Options
- Alberta Student Aid (loans and grants) for eligible Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and protected persons
- Indigenous Careers Award and other Indigenous-specific funding
- External scholarships (programme-specific or industry-sponsored)
- Apprenticeship funding options
Helpful Tips for a Strong Application
- Apply early — do not wait until the last day.
- Be accurate about your enrolment status (many scholarships require full-time status).
- Provide clear details about volunteer work, leadership, or community involvement when asked.
- For bursaries, be prepared to demonstrate financial need.
- Use a computer (not a mobile phone) — the application works best on a desktop or laptop with Google Chrome.
- Contact awards@nait.ca if you experience technical problems or have questions.
Summary
NAIT offers two distinct streams of financial support:
- Credit programme students can access scholarships, bursaries, grants, and entrance awards through MyAwards Central.
- Continuing Education (non-credit) students can explore third-party sponsorship, the Canada Training Benefit, microloans, Foundational Learning Assistance, and employer-focused grants.
Official Resources
- MyAwards Central: https://nait.academicworks.ca
- Student Awards page: Main Student Awards page: nait.ca → Admissions → Financial Planning → Student Awards https://www.nait.ca/nait/admissions/financial-planning/student-awards-funding-options/student-awards
- Award Deadlines: https://www.nait.ca/nait/admissions/financial-planning/student-awards-funding-options/application-application-deadlines
- Contact: awards@nait.ca