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Alberta’s government is ramping up efforts to strengthen its northern workforce, announcing increased funding for the Northern Alberta Development Bursary (NADB) program to support post-secondary students and meet growing labour demands across the region.
With applications to the bursary nearly doubling over the past year, the province is boosting its investment for the third consecutive year. Nearly $2.5 million in total funding has been committed for 2025–26, including close to $1 million in new funding, to assist more than 350 students with education and living expenses.
The NADB program supports students pursuing certificates, diplomas, and university degrees—particularly in high-demand fields such as health care and education. By helping students study, live, and work in northern Alberta, the initiative aims to build a stronger, more resilient regional workforce while encouraging long-term economic growth.
Officials say the program plays a vital role in reducing financial barriers and creating pathways for students to establish careers in northern communities. Since its inception, the bursary has supported more than 7,100 students across the province, helping cover costs such as tuition, books, travel, and housing.
In addition to general funding, the program includes specialized bursary streams for students entering medical and veterinary fields, as well as targeted support for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit learners. These streams are delivered in partnership with Alberta’s Ministry of Advanced Education, with additional one-time funding support from Indigenous Relations.
For many recipients, the financial assistance is transformative. Students in programs such as the Indigenous Bachelor of Social Work have highlighted the bursary’s role in easing travel and accommodation costs, allowing them to focus more fully on their academic goals.
Looking ahead, applications for the 2026–27 bursary cycle open May 1 and will run through Nov. 30. The province has allocated $1.5 million annually over the next three years through Budget 2026 to support the program, while maintaining its core funding levels.
Businesses will also have an opportunity to participate through the Bursary Partnership Program, which provides matching funds to support students in fields aligned with local labour market needs—further strengthening the connection between education and employment in northern Alberta.
As Alberta’s population and economy continue to expand, the government says it remains focused on creating opportunities for people of all backgrounds to train, build careers, and contribute to the long-term success of northern communities.
Information for this article was sourced from the Government of Alberta website.
