Growing Alberta’s northern workforce

Press Release

Apr 29, 2026

Alberta’s government is increasing support for post-secondary students through additional funding for the Northern Alberta Development Bursary (NADB) program.

Demand for the NADB continues to grow, with applications almost doubling last year. For the third year in a row, Alberta’s government is increasing its investment in the program by almost $1 million, committing about $2.5 million in total funding to help more than 350 students cover the cost of their education and living expenses so they can begin building their careers in northern communities.

“When northern Alberta thrives, our province thrives. Our investment in the Northern Alberta Development Bursary is about building stronger, more resilient communities and ensuring that Albertans have opportunities to live and work in Alberta’s north.”

Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration

The NADB program supports students pursuing certificates, diplomas and undergraduate and graduate degrees, particularly in high-demand fields such as health care and teaching. By helping students train, live and work in the north, the program strengthens local workforces and supports long-term economic growth in northern Alberta.

“Supporting students to pursue post-secondary education and build careers in Alberta’s north is vital to our economic success. The Northern Alberta Development Bursary helps remove financial barriers and grows the skilled workforce northern communities need.”

Myles McDougall, Minister of Advanced Education

“Through the Northern Alberta Development Bursary, we’re helping First Nations, Métis and Inuit learners cover the cost of post-secondary so they can focus on gaining in-demand skills. This investment strengthens communities, grows our economy and creates opportunity across the north.”

Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Indigenous Relations

Since its launch, the NADB has helped more than 7,100 students across the province complete their post-secondary education by easing the financial burden of tuition, books and living expenses. The program plays a key role in attracting and retaining skilled talent in northern communities.

“Strengthening northern Alberta starts with attracting the skilled professionals who want to build their careers here, leading to families being raised here and communities getting stronger. The Northern Alberta Development Bursary is a great incentive to make this happen, and that is why I am pleased our government is ensuring it has the funding it needs.”

Tany Yao, parliamentary secretary for small business and northern development

The NADB includes specialty bursary streams for medical and veterinary professions, as well as support for students who qualify for the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Bursary. These streams are delivered in partnership with Advanced Education, with one-time funding support from Indigenous Relations.

“Support provided through the Northern Alberta Development Bursary is helping me focus on achieving my academic goals in the Indigenous Bachelors of Social Work program by significantly assisting with travel and accommodation costs associated with living and working in Alberta’s north.”

Ashley Bea, NADB grant recipient

Applications for 2026-27 bursaries are now open, supported by $1.5 million per year over three years in Budget 2026, with core program funding continuing at existing levels. Starting May 1 and running until Nov. 30, businesses can also access the Bursary Partnership Program, which offers matching funds to support students aligned with local labour market needs.

As Alberta’s population and economy continue to grow, Alberta’s government remains committed to supporting northern communities and expanding opportunities for people of all backgrounds to train, build careers and contribute to Alberta’s north.

Quick facts

• Combined funding for NADB was about $2.5 million for 2025-26.
  • Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration is contributing more than $1.2 million, including $730,000 in additional funding.
  • Advanced Education is providing just over $1 million to support the program.
  • Indigenous Relations has allocated almost $226,000 in one-time funding for the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Bursary.
• The program provides between $1,000 and $14,000 per year for up to four years.
• 354 students received funding in the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Related information

• Northern Alberta Development Bursary | Alberta.ca
• Northern Alberta Development Bursary specialty bursaries | Alberta.ca
• First Nations, Métis and Inuit Bursary | Alberta.ca
• Bursary Partnership Program | Alberta.ca

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