Alberta Post-Secondary Scholarships

Value: $1,500 (each)
Application deadline: January 31, 2025

Three (3) awards are available to post-secondary Indigenous students enrolled in, or accepted into a business program offered by an Alberta college, polytechnic, or university that offers the prerequisite courses required for entrance into the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP); or a block (60 credit) transfer to an Alberta post-secondary institution that offers the prerequisite courses required to enter into the CPA PEP. Students must have satisfactory academic standing at time of application and preference will be given to students who intend to pursue a Chartered Professional Accountant designation.

Applicants must:

• be a person who who self-identifies as Indigenous (i.e. Status Indian/First Nations, Non-Status Indian/First Nations, Métis or Inuit);
• submit a letter or video (2 to 3 minutes maximum) outlining why they are planning to, or are currently pursuing, a career in business or as a professional accountant;
• submit most recent transcripts to demonstrate academic achievement; and
• submit one (1) letter of support from a current instructor.

Value: $1,500 (each)
Application deadline: January 31, 2025

Three (3) awards are available to Indigenous adults at least 21 years of age at time of application, who are beginning/returning to pursue a post-secondary education after a minimum three-year absence from the educational sector. Applicants must be enrolled in or accepted into a business program offered by an Alberta college, polytechnic, or university that offers the prerequisite courses required for entrance into the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP), or a block (60 credit) transfer to an Alberta post-secondary institution that offers the prerequisite courses required to enter into the CPA PEP. Preference is given to students who intend to pursue a Chartered Professional Accountant designation.

Applicants must:

• be a person who self-identifies as Indigenous (i.e. Status Indian/First Nations, Non-Status Indian/First Nations, Métis or Inuit);
• submit a letter or video (2 to 3 minutes maximum) outlining why they are planning to, or are currently pursuing, a career in business or as a professional accountant; and
• submit one (1) letter of support from a current instructor or community leader.

Value: $1,500
Application deadline: January 31, 2025

Two awards granted annually to a student entering their fourth year of studies at a Calgary post-secondary institution that offers an undergraduate degree program meeting the prerequisite entry requirements into the CPA Professional Education Program.

Applicants must:

• submit one application letter on why they should be considered for the award and demonstrate expressed interest in registering in the CPA Professional Education Program;
• provide proof of fourth-year enrollment, with a major in accounting, at a Calgary post-secondary institution in a business/commerce program approved for entry into the CPA Western School of Business;
• submit most recent transcripts to demonstrate academic achievement; and
• provide a letter of support from at least one member in good standing of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Alberta.

The Calgary CPA Small Practitioners’ Fund was established in 2016 by Small Practitioner Forums Inc., which holds a professional development forum each fall for CPA’s and their staff operating in small public accounting firms. The CPA Small Practitioners’ Forum was first held in Banff in 1984.The Fund was established to enhance the ability of Calgary post-secondary students to pursue a degree in business/accounting and continue their professional development towards the Chartered Professional Accountant designation.

Value: $2,500 each
Application deadline: January 31, 2025

Two awards available to post-secondary students enrolled in business or commerce at a degree-granting post-secondary institution in Alberta. In addition to satisfactory academic standing, applicants must also demonstrate the following qualities in their applications: professionalism, integrity, ethics and leadership.

Applicants must:

• submit a letter or video (2 to 3 minutes maximum) outlining the qualities they believe are the most important in order to become a successful business leader today and why they believe these qualities contribute to success;
• submit most recent transcripts to demonstrate satisfactory academic achievement; and
• submit one letter of support from an instructor and one additional letter from someone other than an instructor or family member.

Value: $3,000
Application deadline: January 31, 2025

Awarded annually to one (1) third or fourth-year Indigenous post-secondary student who is enrolled in a Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Management, or Bachelor of Commerce program at an Alberta post-secondary institution that offers the prerequisite courses required for entrance into the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP). The recipient of the Crowe MacKay LLP No Limits Award may be considered for work placement at the Edmonton office.

Applicants must: 

• be a person who self-identifies as Indigenous (i.e. Status Indian/First Nations, Non-Status Indian/First Nations, Métis or Inuit);
• submit a letter (500 words maximum) or video (2 to 3 minutes maximum) outlining why they are planning to pursue a career as a Chartered Professional Accountant;
• submit most recent transcripts to demonstrate satisfactory academic achievement; and 
• submit one letter of support from a current instructor.

About our donor

Crowe MacKay LLP is a mid-sized accounting firm across Western Canada that provides accounting and financial services to individuals and businesses of all sizes. 

Value: $3,000
Application deadline: January 31, 2025

Awards granted annually to two students enrolled at any Alberta post-secondary institution in the second or third year of a business/commerce program approved for entry into the CPA Western School of Business, and preparing to enter the third or fourth year of their program. Selection is based on involvement in volunteer activities, satisfactory academic achievement, and an expressed interest in pursuing a CPA designation.

Applicants/nominators must:

• submit one application letter on why the applicant/nominee should be considered for the award, indicating financial need, and demonstrating expressed interest of applicant/nominee in pursuing a CPA designation;
• provide proof of applicant’s/nominee’s enrollment at an Alberta post-secondary institution in a business/commerce program that would qualify for entry into the CPA Western School of Business;
• submit transcripts of applicant/nominee to demonstrate satisfactory academic standing; and
• submit at least one nomination letter to support that the applicant/nominee has demonstrated involvement in volunteer activities.

The Bentley Awards are funded by two distinguished Albertans who have dedicated much of their lives to serving non-profit entities and the accounting profession.

David DeWolfe Bentley FCPA, FCA began his accounting career articling with Winspear Hamilton Anderson in Edmonton. He was Managing Partner at Winspear Higgins Stevenson and Doane in Edmonton from 1975-1980, and Managing Partner at Deloitte Haskins and Sells in Edmonton from 1980-84 after the merger of Winspear and Deloitte firms. Throughout his career, Mr. Bentley has been actively involved in the accounting profession. He served as a Member of the former Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta (ICAA) Council from 1967-72, President of the ICAA from 1971-72, and an Alberta Member of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) Council from 1974-76. Mr. Bentley was recognized for his contributions to the accounting profession and to the community in 1973 when he received his FCA designation.

Mr. Bentley has been an enthusiastic volunteer with Edmonton's Citadel Theatre for 50 years. Beginning as a founding member of the Board in 1965, Mr. Bentley has succeeded in the roles of Treasurer, President of the Board of Directors, Chair of the Board of Governors, and now as a member of the Board of Governors, as the Citadel celebrates its 50th Anniversary in 2015.

Janet Bentley graduated from the University of Alberta in Arts and has served on the University’s Senate and Board of Governors. She was the first female member of the Banff School of Advanced Management Board of Governors. Mrs. Bentley has had major roles in many volunteer organizations, including the Citadel Theatre, the Art Gallery of Alberta and the Junior League. In 1987, the Bentley's established a Doctoral Fellowship in their names at the University of Alberta School of Business.

Value: $2,000
Application Deadline: January 31, 2025

One award granted annually to a fourth-year post-secondary student in Alberta or Saskatchewan who has secured a CPA training position with an industry employer. The student must have satisfactory academic standing and demonstrated leadership within the community or on campus.

Applicants must:

• submit one application letter on why they should be considered for the award;
• submit at least one nomination letter to support that the applicant has demonstrated leadership in the community or on campus;
• submit most recent transcripts to demonstrate satisfactory academic standing; and
• provide proof of securing a CPA training position with an industry employer (e.g. offer letter from employer).

Don Wilson was a highly respected CA and former member of the former Chartered Accountants Education Foundation Board of Governors from 2005-2009.

During his career as a CA, Don achieved notable success, particularly during his 18-year career with Stantec, an Edmonton-based engineering and design firm with offices throughout North America.

Value: $2,500
Application deadline: January 31, 2025

One award granted annually to a student from any Alberta post-secondary institution and entering their first year in a business/commerce program approved for entry into the CPA Western School of Business. The award amount is $2,500 and is payable over three years as follows: $500 in the first year, $750 in the second year and $1,250 in the third year. Renewal for the second and third year is based on satisfactory academic achievement in the prior year with a minimum course load of 24 credits. Successful applicants must provide official academic transcripts to the CPA Education Foundation each year before funds will be disbursed. Selection is based on involvement in volunteer activities and expressed interest in pursuing a professional accounting designation.

Applicants must:

• submit one application letter on why they should be considered for the award and demonstrate expressed interest in pursuing a CPA designation;
• provide proof of first-year enrolment at Alberta post-secondary institution in business/commerce program approved for entry into the CPA Western School of Business; and
• submit at least one nomination letter to support that the applicant has demonstrated involvement in volunteer activities.

The Douglas R. Hagerman FCA Memorial Fund was established by friends, family and professional colleagues to recognize his significant contributions to the accounting profession.

Douglas Hagerman served as a navigator in the Airforce in World War II.

Throughout his career, Mr. Hagerman received many awards in recognition of his commendable service to the accounting profession and the community. Mr. Hagerman was made an FCA in 1970 and also received a Distinguished Serice Award in 1989 and a Life Time Achievement Award in 1998. He was a long-time volunteer with the Lake Louise Ski Friends and was active in the Calgary community as a member and past President of the Rotary Club of South Calgary. Mr. Hagerman was past President of the Calgary Petroleum Club and a past Director of the Calgary Golf and Country Club.

Value: $2,500
Application deadline: January 31, 2025

One award is available to an Indigenous student enrolled in business or commerce at a degree-granting post-secondary institution in Alberta at the time of application. Preference will be given to individuals with an indicated financial need and satisfactory academic achievement.

Applicants must:

• be a person who self-identifies as Indigenous (i.e. Status Indian/First Nations, Non-Status Indian/First Nations, Métis or Inuit);
• submit a letter or video (2 to 3 minutes maximum) outlining why they are planning to, or are currently pursuing, a career in business or as a professional accountant;
• submit most recent transcripts to demonstrate academic achievement; and
• submit one (1) letter of support from a current instructor.

Value: $1,500
Application Deadline: January 31, 2025

One award granted annually to an Alberta student entering their third or fourth year of study pursuing an undergraduate Business/Commerce degree with a declared major in accounting. Selection is based on satisfactory academic achievement in the prior year and an expressed interest in pursuing the CPA designation. The student's participation in volunteer activities within the community will be an added positive consideration in their application.

Requirements:

• Submit an application letter on why they should be considered for the award.
• Submit most recent transcripts to demonstrate satisfactory academic standing.
• Provide proof of registration for the upcoming academic year prior to receiving the scholarship funds.

The J. Lorne Baxter Memorial Fund was established in 2017 by family and friends who wanted to honour Lorne's contributions to the accounting profession in Alberta and Canada. He was intently interested in the education standards of his chosen profession and served on numerous education committees of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta during the 1960's.

Lorne was a proud Albertan who was born and raised in Calgary. His first accounting firm in Calgary was Alger Baxter & Co. which later merged with P.S. Ross & Sons (then Touche Ross, now Deloitte). There he spent his career enjoying work with his many friends, colleagues and clients in Canada and Japan.

Value: $2,000
Application deadline: January 31, 2025

One award granted annually to an Alberta post-secondary student who is registered in the final year of a business/commerce degree program with a declared major in accounting. Applicants must have secured a training position outside of external audit with a pre-approved program provider. Selection is based on demonstrated satisfactory academic standing and leadership in the community or on campus.

Applicants must:

• submit one application letter on why they should be considered for the award;
• submit at least one nomination letter to support that the applicant has demonstrated leadership in the community or on campus;
• submit most recent transcripts to demonstrate satisfactory academic standing; and
• provide proof of secured training position outside of external audit with a pre-approved program provider (e.g. offer letter from employer).

Kenneth Biggs FCPA, FCA had a long history of career accomplishments and contributions to the accounting profession.

Mr. Biggs received a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013 and his service to the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) gave Edmonton a presence on the international business stage.

He held senior corporate and board roles with numerous organizations, including Celanese Canada, Canadian Utilities, and Oxford Developments. He also served as a Director of the Citadel Theatre, Chair of the Salvation Army fundraising committee, and Chair of the Advisory Group for the Accounting Department at the University of Alberta School of Business.

Value: $2,500 (each)
Application deadline: January 31, 2025

Two (2) awards granted annually to two post-secondary students enrolled in any year of study in a Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Management, or Bachelor of Commerce program at an Alberta post-secondary institution that offers all the prerequisite courses for entrance into the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP).

Applicants must:

• submit one application letter on why they should be considered for the award, indicating financial need and demonstrating expressed interest of applicant/nominee in pursuing a CPA designation, while indicating that they do not have current ties to the CPA profession (i.e., an immediate family member who is a CPA);
• provide proof of enrolment at an Alberta post-secondary institution in the programs listed above; and
• submit at least one nomination letter of support from a current instructor or community leader.

About our donor

Michael Burnyeat FCPA, FCA is the Vice Chair of the CPA Education Foundation Board of Governors. He is currently an independent consultant in the public sector with experience in the energy, IT and insurance industries. Michael is passionate about ensuring young Albertans have access to opportunities to learn more about careers in accounting.

Value: $2,500
Application deadline: January 31, 2025

One award available to an individual who has become a new Canadian or permanent resident within the most recent five years at the time of application. This individual must enrolled in business or commerce at a degree-granting post-secondary institution in Alberta. Preference will be given to individuals with an indicated financial need and satisfactory academic achievement.

Applicants must:

• provide proof of new Canadian or permanent resident status, and date that status was obtained;
• submit most recent transcripts to demonstrate satisfactory academic achievement;
• submit a letter or video (2 to 3 minutes) outlining why they are planning to pursue a career in business and or accounting; and
• submit one letter of support from a current instructor or training principal/manager/supervisor.

Value: $2,000
Application deadline: January 31, 2025

One award granted annually to a student in Alberta who has completed at least one course related to the six core competencies (i.e. Assurance, Finance, Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Strategic Management or Taxation) for a CPA designation at the post-secondary level. Student must also demonstrate charitable and compassionate qualities through participation in volunteer activities, and a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a minimum of 24 credits for the previous academic year.

Applicants must:

• be residents of Alberta;
• submit one application letter (500 words maximum) or video (2-3 minutes maximum) on why they should be considered for the award and indicating financial need;
• submit most recent transcripts to demonstrate satisfactory academic achievement;
• and submit a letter of support from a community leader to verify involvement in volunteer activities.

Value: $2,000
Application deadline: January 31, 2025

One award granted annually to a post-secondary business student in their second, third or fourth year studies at an Alberta degree-granting post-secondary institution. Selection is based on excellence in academic achievement and an expressed interest in pursuing the CPA designation. Applicants must also demonstrate a commitment to community services, especially in the area of mentoring students. 

Applicants must:

• submit an application letter on why they should be considered for the award;
• submit most recent transcripts to demonstrate satisfactory academic standing;
• provide proof of registration for the upcoming academic year prior to receiving the scholarship funds; and
• submit at least one letter from a faculty member or community leader attesting to the applicant’s good character and/or commitment to community services, especially in the area of mentoring students. 

The Robert (Bob) Young FCPA, FCA Memorial Award was created in partnership with KPMG Foundation, CPA Education Foundation, and generous donors that contributed funds in memory of Bob. He was a National Partner with KPMG Canada for over 40 years and was known as one of the country’s leading experts on accounting standards and contributed his skills to the profession. Bob proudly supported the CPA Education Foundation through his commitment, his generosity, and his deep belief in the value of education, which earned him the Foundation’s 2020 Impact Award.

Value: $2,500
Application deadline: January 31, 2025

Awarded annually to one (1) Black third or fourth-year post-secondary business student who has completed at least one Intermediate Financial Accounting course. Applicants must be enrolled in a Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Management, or Bachelor of Commerce program with a declared major in accounting at an Alberta post-secondary institution that offers the prerequisite courses for entrance into the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP). Selection is based on an indicated financial need and satisfactory academic achievement. Preference is given to students who intend to pursue a Chartered Professional Accountant designation.

The recipient of the TELUS Award for Black Post-Secondary Success will be considered for mentorship and co-op opportunities provided by TELUS.

Applicants must:

• Be a person who self-identifies as Black;
• Submit a letter (500 words maximum) or video (2 to 3 minutes maximum) outlining why they are planning to pursue a career in accounting and/or as a Chartered Professional Accountant;
• Submit most recent transcripts to demonstrate satisfactory academic achievement; and
• Submit one letter of support from a current instructor or community leader.

About our donor

TELUS is committed to building a better future for all through using its technology for good and giving back to the community. Social purpose and diversity and inclusion are at the heart of everything they do as a world-leading technology company. In 2021, for the 12th time, TELUS was named one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers — an annual competition that recognizes the nation’s leaders in creating diverse and inclusive workplaces. They understand their corporate responsibility to take meaningful actions towards ending anti-Black systemic racism and have made their commitment public through signing the BlackNorth pledge.

Value: $2,500
Application deadline: January 31, 2025

Awarded annually to one (1) Indigenous third or fourth-year post-secondary business student who has completed at least one Intermediate Financial Accounting course. Applicants must be enrolled in a Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Management, or Bachelor of Commerce program with a declared major in accounting at an Alberta post-secondary institution that offers the prerequisite courses for entrance into the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP). Selection is based on an indicated financial need and satisfactory academic achievement. Preference is given to students who intend to pursue a Chartered Professional Accountant designation.

The recipient of the TELUS Award for Indigenous Post-Secondary Success will be considered for mentorship and co-op opportunities provided by TELUS.

Applicants must:

• Be residents of Alberta;
• Be a person who self-identifies as Indigenous (i.e. Status Indian/First Nations, Non-Status Indian/First Nations, Métis or Inuit);
• Submit a letter (500 words maximum) or video (2 to 3 minutes maximum) outlining what your Indigenous heritage means to you;
• Submit most recent transcripts to demonstrate satisfactory academic achievement; and
• Submit one letter of support from a current instructor or community leader.

About our donor

TELUS is committed to building a better future for everyone through using their technology for good and giving back to the community. Social purpose and diversity and inclusion are at the heart of everything they do as a world-leading technology company.  In 2021, for the 12th time, TELUS was named one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers — an annual competition that recognizes the nation’s leaders in creating diverse and inclusive workplaces. TELUS is committed to progressing the path of reconciliation and fulfilling its responsibilities in a deeply meaningful way, in partnership with Indigenous Peoples. TELUS’ Indigenous reconciliation action plan and targets can be found starting on page eight of their Indigenous Reconciliation and Connectivity Report.

Value: $2,500 
Application deadline: January 31, 2025

One award available to a second, third or fourth-year student enrolled in business or commerce at a degree-granting post-secondary institution in Alberta. Successful applicants will demonstrate an interest in pursuing a CPA designation and will have at least one family member who is (or was) a member, in good standing, of CPA Alberta or one or more of its legacy predecessors.

Applicants must:

• submit most recent transcripts to demonstrate academic achievement;
• provide proof of full-time enrolment at Alberta post-secondary institution;
• submit a letter on why they intend to pursue a CPA designation; and
• submit one letter of support from CPA Alberta family member outlining what it means to them that the applicant is interested in pursuing the same career path (if CPA Alberta family member is deceased, a letter from another family member or another CPA would be admissible).