August 22, 2025 | Alberta

If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) in Alberta but worried about tuition costs, Alberta’s Early Childhood Educator Bursary Program is here to change that. This new initiative, administered by NorQuest College and funded through the Canada–Alberta Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, is designed to make ECE training more affordable and accessible. By providing financial support to students in approved Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) certificate programs, this bursary helps open doors to a rewarding career shaping the futures of young children. 

What Is the Early Childhood Educator Bursary? 

The Early Childhood Educator Bursary is a government-funded program that provides $10,000 in financial assistance to aspiring and advancing ECE students in Alberta. Over a three-year period, up to 300 students will receive bursaries to help cover the cost of tuition, textbooks, and even living expenses while completing their certificate programs. This investment of more than $3.3 million highlights Alberta’s commitment to strengthening the childcare workforce and ensuring families across the province have access to qualified educators. 

Who Is Eligible? 

You may qualify for the bursary if you are: 
 

• An aspiring Early Childhood Educator accepted into an approved Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) certificate program 
• An advancing ECE looking to upgrade your training and credentials 
   

The bursary is tied to a return of service agreement, meaning recipients commit to entering the workforce after graduation to ensure Alberta’s child care sector continues to grow and thrive. 

How Does Funding Work? 

Each bursary recipient receives: 
 

• $5,000 upon approval of their application and signing the return of service agreement 
• $5,000 after completing their ELCC certificate at an approved Alberta institution 
   

To keep the bursary, recipients must: 
 

• Complete their ELCC certificate within 18 months 
• Begin working as a Level 2 Early Childhood Educator within three months of graduation or complete 2,000 hours of work within two years 
   

If these conditions aren’t met, repayment of the bursary may be required. 

Which Schools Are Approved? 

The bursary can only be used at institutions offering approved ELCC certificate programs. This includes public colleges, independent universities, and private career colleges. CDI College is proud to be one of the approved institutions where eligible students can use the bursary. That means students enrolling in our Early Childhood Education Certificate program at our Edmonton or Calgary campuses can apply for this financial support. 

Important Dates 

Applications for the September 2025 intake are now open, with the first deadline on September 23, 2025. 

If you’re considering a career in Early Childhood Education, it’s important to apply early and secure your spot in both the program and the bursary selection process. 

Why Choose CDI College for Your ECE Training? 

At CDI College, our Early Childhood Education Certificate program prepares students to enter Alberta’s child care workforce with confidence. Here’s why our program is an excellent choice for bursary recipients: 
 

• Hands-on learning: Gain over 400 hours of practicum experience in real child care settings 
• Fast-track training: Complete your certificate in less than a year 
• Expert instructors: Learn from professionals with years of experience in early learning and child care 
• Career-focused curriculum: Study child growth and development, creative curriculum design, and daycare administration 
• Certification readiness: Graduate prepared for Alberta’s Early Childhood Educator certification process 

With the bursary covering $10,000 of your educational expenses, CDI College makes it possible to launch your ECE career without overwhelming financial stress. 

Take the First Step Toward Your ECE Career 

The Early Childhood Educator Bursary Program is more than just financial aid it’s an investment in Alberta’s future. By supporting students today, it ensures children across the province have access to the high-quality care and education they deserve. If you’re passionate about working with children, now is the perfect time to start. Apply to CDI College’s Early Childhood Education Certificate program and submit your bursary application before September 23, 2025. 

Your future as an Early Childhood Educator begins here.