Table of Contents
If you are an Alberta post-secondary student searching for the Jason Lang Scholarship, you are likely looking for two things: eligibility requirements (specifically the GPA and residency rules) and how to apply. The Jason Lang Scholarship is a $1,000 award funded by the Government of Alberta to reward high academic achievement. You need a minimum 3.5 GPA and Alberta residency to qualify. Below, we detail exactly how to secure the Jason Lang Scholarship each year, including deadlines and the distinction between it and the Louise McKinney Scholarship.
The Jason Lang Scholarship is one of Alberta’s most prestigious undergraduate awards, designed to recognize students who demonstrate academic excellence. Valued at $1,000, this provincial scholarship is administered through Alberta Student Aid and individual post-secondary institutions. To qualify for the Jason Lang Scholarship, students must be Alberta residents, Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and maintain a high Grade Point Average (GPA) while enrolled full-time in a degree program .
Applying for the Jason Lang Scholarship is straightforward, but understanding the specific criteria is key to avoiding disqualification. Since the Jason Lang Scholarship is awarded annually, it is crucial to stay updated on application windows to ensure you receive the funding you deserve.
What is the Jason Lang Scholarship?
The Jason Lang Scholarship was established in 2000 by the Government of Alberta to encourage students to continue their undergraduate studies. Named in honor of a respected academic, the scholarship provides financial support to students who have completed at least one year of post-secondary education and are continuing into their second, third, or fourth year . It is a non-renewable award, meaning students can receive it up to three times over their academic lifetime.
Key Details at a Glance
- Award Value: $1,000
- Funding Source: Government of Alberta / Alberta Student Aid
- Lifetime Maximum: 3 awards per student
- GPA Requirement: Minimum 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale)
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Jason Lang Scholarship, you must meet strict criteria. Here is the breakdown based on the official guidelines from Alberta post-secondary institutions.
1. Residency & Citizenship
- Citizenship: You must be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Protected Person (Visa students are not eligible) .
- Alberta Residency: You must be an Alberta resident. This is defined as:
- Alberta being the last place you have lived for 12 consecutive months prior to starting post-secondary studies; OR
- Your parent/guardian or spouse has maintained permanent residence in Alberta for 12 months prior to your studies .
2. Academic Standards
- Grade Point Average: You must have achieved a minimum GPA of 3.50 on a 4.0 scale in the previous academic year (Fall and Winter terms) .
- Course Load: You must have successfully completed at least 80% of a full course load (typically 24 credits or 8 half-credit courses) between September and April .
3. Enrollment Status
- Program: You must be enrolled in the second, third, or fourth year of an undergraduate degree or professional program. One-year certificate programs are not eligible .
- Institution: You must be attending a publicly funded post-secondary institution in Alberta (e.g., University of Calgary, University of Alberta, MacEwan University, etc.) .
Jason Lang vs. Louise McKinney
Many students confuse these two awards. While they are both funded by Alberta Student Aid, they have different values and application processes.
| Feature | Jason Lang Scholarship | Louise McKinney Scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| Award Value | $1,000 | $2,500 |
| GPA Requirement | 3.5+ | Highest level of academic achievement (usually 3.8-4.0) |
| Availability | Widely available; more recipients | Limited; highly competitive |
| Application | Apply via institution portal or AID | Usually separate application or automatically considered if Jason Lang is applied for |
Note: Students cannot receive both awards for the same period of study. If you apply for the Louise McKinney and are unsuccessful, you will typically be automatically considered for the Jason Lang Scholarship .
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
The application process varies slightly depending on your institution, but generally follows this structure:
Step 1: Check Your Institutional Process
Most universities (like the U of A, U of C, and MacEwan) have shifted to online applications.
- Auto-Consideration: Some institutions automatically consider students who meet the GPA criteria. For example, the University of Lethbridge automatically reviews eligible students based on their General Application .
- Active Application: Others require you to log in to a portal (like AcademicWorks or myStudentSystem) and actively search for the Jason Lang Scholarship to apply .
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
- Transcripts: If you transferred schools or attended multiple institutions during the review period, you will need to upload unofficial transcripts showing your grades and credit hours .
- SIN: Ensure your Social Insurance Number is up to date in your student portal.
Step 3: Submit Before the Deadline
There are typically two deadlines per academic year:
- Fall Deadline: Usually around September 15–30.
- Winter Deadline: Usually around January 15–21 .
If you miss the fall window, you generally have a second chance in the winter, though payments are processed later.
Important Restrictions
You are not eligible for the Jason Lang Scholarship if:
- You are in a one-year certificate program .
- You have already received the lifetime maximum of three awards .
- You do not return to a publicly funded post-secondary institution in the fall/winter of the next academic year .
- You are receiving the Louise McKinney Scholarship for the same academic year .
Payment and Notification
If you are nominated for the scholarship by your institution, you will be notified by the Financial Aid office approximately one month after the deadline .
- Payment Method: Alberta Student Aid mails cheques directly to the home address listed on your student file.
- Timing: For Fall applicants, cheques are typically mailed in December. For Winter applicants, cheques are mailed in March .
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the Jason Lang Scholarship if I am in a co-op program?
Yes, usually. If the co-op or internship is a mandatory component of your degree program, you may still be eligible. However, your academic terms (the classroom semesters) will be assessed for GPA, not the work terms .
What is the GPA requirement for the Jason Lang Scholarship?
The minimum required GPA is 3.5 on a 4.0 scale based on a full course load (24 credits) in the previous fall and winter terms .
Do I have to repay the Jason Lang Scholarship?
No. Scholarships are a form of “free money” (gift aid) and do not require repayment, as long as you maintain enrollment status.
How many times can I win the Jason Lang Scholarship?
You can receive it a maximum of three times over your lifetime .
For the most authoritative information, consult the official sources:
- Alberta Student Aid: studentaid.alberta.ca – For official policy changes and direct funding.
- University of Calgary Awards: ucalgary.ca/registrar/awards – For specific institutional deadlines.
- University of Alberta Student Financial Support: ualberta.ca – For specific application portal instructions.
