The Alexander Rutherford Scholarship is one of the best and easiest ways Alberta high school students can get financial help for post-secondary education.
This scholarship rewards academic excellence in Grades 10, 11, and 12 and can provide up to $2,500 toward university, college, or apprenticeship training.
Unlike competitive scholarships that require essays or interviews, this scholarship is mainly based on your grades and course performance.
Alexander Rutherford Scholarship Amount (How Much You Can Win)
The scholarship is divided across high school grades.
You can earn money in each grade level if you meet the grade requirements.
Scholarship Payment Table
| Grade | 75–79.9% | 80%+ |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 10 | $300 | $400 |
| Grade 11 | $500 | $800 |
| Grade 12 | $700 | $1,300 |
Maximum total award = $2,500
The higher your grades, the more money you receive.
Alexander Rutherford Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
You must meet 3 main requirements.
1. Citizenship Status
You must be:
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Canadian citizen
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Permanent resident
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Protected person
2. Alberta Education Requirement
You must:
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Graduate from an Alberta high school
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Be an Alberta resident
Students who completed high school outside Alberta usually do not qualify.
3. Post-Secondary Enrollment
You must enroll in:
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University
-
College
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Technical institute
-
Apprenticeship program
You must also be registered in at least 60% of a full-time course load.
Required Courses (Very Important)
Your scholarship average is calculated using 5 approved courses.
Usually includes:
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English Language Arts
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Social Studies
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Math
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Science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
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French Language Arts
Only first attempt diploma exam results are usually used.
How to Apply (Simple Step-by-Step Process)
Apply through Alberta Student Aid.
Step 1 — Create Account
Create a verified Alberta.ca account.
This allows you to access the student aid portal.
Step 2 — Prepare Documents
Have these ready:
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Alberta Student Number
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Social Insurance Number
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High school transcript
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Post-secondary admission proof
Step 3 — Submit Application
Inside the portal:
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Select Alexander Rutherford Scholarship
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Submit your details
Step 4 — Wait for Verification
Alberta Student Aid will:
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Confirm your enrollment
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Verify your grades
Payment is usually processed within about 1 month.
Application Deadlines
Apply as soon as you start post-secondary school.
Typical deadlines:
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September intake → Apply before May 1
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January intake → Apply before December 1
Rutherford Scholar Award (Extra Recognition)
Top academic students can win this bonus award.
Details:
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Value = $2,500
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Awarded to Top 10 students in Alberta
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No separate application required
Proven Strategies to Win the Scholarship
Target 80%+ Average
You earn more money at higher grade tiers.
Even small improvements can increase your award amount.
Focus on Core Subjects
Prioritize:
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English
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Math
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Science
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Social Studies
These courses usually determine eligibility.
Track Grades Early
Start tracking in Grade 10.
The scholarship rewards consistency.
Apply Only After Final Transcript
This ensures your highest marks are used.
Common Mistakes Students Make
Avoid these errors:
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Waiting too long to apply
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Missing transcript submission
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Not enrolling in full-time studies
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Assuming the scholarship is automatic (you must apply)
Who Should Apply?
This scholarship is ideal if you:
Study in Alberta
Plan post-secondary education
Have 75%+ academic averages
Want easy merit-based funding
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the scholarship renewable?
No. But you can earn amounts from multiple high school grades.
Can international students apply?
No. Only Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons qualify.
Can I study outside Alberta?
Yes, as long as you graduated from an Alberta high school.
What if my average is below 75%?
You will not qualify for this scholarship.
Final Practical Advice
To win the Alexander Rutherford Scholarship:
Maintain 75–80%+ grades
Focus on core academic subjects
Graduate from an Alberta high school
Apply after final transcript is ready
You could receive up to $2,500 toward your education.
Official scholarship details are available on the Alberta government website
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