Saskatchewan government pays out $11M in scholarships

The Saskatchewan government has paid out $11 million in scholarships so far this year to students in the province.

Nearly 21,500 students have received the funds though the Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship, which provides $500 yearly to a maximum of $2,000.

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Advanced Education Minister Tina Beaudry-Mellor said it is one way to ensure students have access to affordable post-secondary education.

“The Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship is an example of our government’s commitment to the future of our students and our province,” Beaudry-Mellor said in a statement.

The scholarship started in 2012 and since then, more than 40,000 students have received $43.9 million, with nearly 8,800 students receiving the maximum $2,000 available from the scholarship.

To be eligible for the Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship, students must have graduated from Grade 12 in the province, which includes adult basis education and general educational development (GED), on or after Jan. 1, 2012.

They must also be enrolled in a program at a Saskatchewan post-secondary institution that is recognized for Canada-Saskatchewan student loans or be in an apprenticeship program with a start date of April 1, 2012 or later.

Students have up to 10 years after graduating from high school to use the scholarship.