Breaking News! April 2024: Alexander Rutherford Scholarship Opens for Canadian High Achievers

Calling all high school graduates in Alberta with a passion for academic excellence! The Alexander Rutherford Scholarship awaits you. This prestigious award recognizes and rewards outstanding academic achievement, encouraging talented students to pursue their post-secondary dreams. Buckle up as we delve into the details of this scholarship, making your journey towards claiming it informative, clear, and straightforward.

Who Was Alexander Rutherford?

Before diving into the scholarship itself, let’s pay homage to its namesake. Alexander Rutherford, Alberta’s first Premier and Minister of Education, championed public education. His unwavering support, particularly for the University of Alberta, and his active involvement in community affairs continue to inspire generations. The Alexander Rutherford Scholarship embodies his legacy, fostering academic excellence within the province.

Scholarship Benefits

Awarded students can receive up to $2,500, providing a welcome financial boost to cover educational expenses. This scholarship can significantly ease the burden of financing your post-secondary journey, allowing you to focus on your academic pursuits.

Also Read: Scholarships for International Students in Germany

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Alexander Rutherford Scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Citizenship: Be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident of Canada, or Protected Person under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (visa students are not eligible).
2. Residency: Be an Alberta resident. Here’s a breakdown of the residency requirements:

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• One parent or legal guardian must have maintained permanent residence in Canada for at least 12 consecutive months immediately before you commence your program of study.
• You must have maintained permanent residence in Alberta for at least 12 months before starting your program.
• You cannot be eligible for a scholarship related to any grade unless you or your parent(s)/legal guardian were residents in Alberta throughout that entire grade.

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• Graduation: Have completed high school on or after September 30, 1980.
• Post-Secondary Enrollment: Be enrolled full-time in a designated undergraduate post-secondary or an apprenticeship program lasting at least one semester. Graduate-level studies and professional programs (medicine, veterinary medicine, optometry, etc.) are not eligible.
• One-Time Award: You can only receive the Alexander Rutherford Scholarship once.

Also Read: USA International Scholarship

Selection Process

A minimum combined average based on five designated courses in at least one grade (Grade 10, 11, or 12) from your Alberta Transcript of High School Achievement is used for selection. Specific average requirements vary depending on your graduation year.

Additional Awards

By applying for the Alexander Rutherford Scholarship, you are automatically considered for the following awards without needing a separate application:

• Rutherford Scholars Award
• Dr. Ernest and Minnie Mehl Scholarship
• Mildred Rowe Weston Memorial Scholarship

Application Process

The application process is straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:

• Apply Online: Submit your application online when your official high school marks are available and you’re enrolled full-time in post-secondary studies.
• Required Documents: Ensure you have a valid Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN) and your Alberta Student Number (ASN) before applying.
• School Information: Provide details about the post-secondary school you’ll be attending and your start date, along with your high school information.

Confirmation of Enrollment

Once your application is processed, Alberta Student Aid will confirm your enrollment directly with your post-secondary institution. This confirmation is crucial for receiving the scholarship award.

Receiving Your Scholarship

After enrollment confirmation, Alberta Student Aid will mail you a cheque within a month.

Important Dates

The application deadline typically falls around mid-August, so keep an eye out for updates from Alberta Student Aid.

Course Requirements

The courses used to calculate your eligibility average depend on your graduation year. The scholarship website provides detailed charts outlining the specific courses required for each grade level.

Also Read: International Student Scholarships

Additional Considerations

• Upgrading Courses: Upgrading courses appearing on an official Alberta Transcript of High School Achievement are accepted.
• Out-of-Province Students: If you completed high school outside Alberta, you’ll need to submit additional documentation, including a Scholarship Residency History form and a copy of your official transcript.

Maximizing Your Chances

Here are some tips to strengthen your application:

• Maintain Excellent Grades: Strive for top marks in your designated courses to achieve the required average.
• Meet Deadlines: Ensure you submit your application and any necessary documents well before the deadline.
• Double-Check Information: Carefully review your application for accuracy before submitting it.

Conclusion

The Alexander Rutherford Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for Alberta’s high-achieving high school graduates. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and selection process, you can position yourself to claim