Frequently Asked Questions
Get to know the Tuition Assistance Bursary.
When we remove financial barriers that stand between our community members and their vocational goals, we're not simply giving local learners a leg up. We're diversifying our economy and breaking free of the boom/bust cycle.
We're becoming better, together.
General Questions
What's the Tuition Assistance Bursary program all about?
The first initiative of its kind in North America, the TAB program facilitates post-secondary and professional development opportunities here in the Brazeau County region, while easing financial barriers that stand between local students and their vocational goals.How does the program work?
We've forged strategic partnerships with post-secondary institutions to provide programming here in Drayton Valley, either in person at the Community Education & Training Centre, remotely via digital learning, or in a blended combination.To give local students a leg up, the program also helps cover tuition costs when other avenues of funding have proven insufficient.
Who does the program benefit?
The obvious beneficiaries of the TAB program are local students of all ages who take advantage of the local programming and are granted tuition top-ups. But the program actually has cascading benefits to the whole community. It helps grow and retain a skilled local workforce; supports our valued industry sectors; diversifies the local economy; and helps our region break free of the boom/bust cycle.How long has this program been around?
The Town of Drayton Valley launched this program in 2019. It was originally called the Zero Fee Tuition Program before being rebranded to the Tuition Assistance Bursary (TAB) in 2025.Would this program apply to me?
The TAB program is tailor-made for local students of any age who want to pursue their post-secondary goals while remaining here in the community. If you live in the Town of Drayton Valley or Brazeau County and are ready to take your education or career to the next level, you owe it to yourself to check out the different courses and learn how this program can help you succeed.Questions About the Application Process
How do I apply for the TAB program?
First and foremost: you need to apply for — and be accepted into — one of the affiliated programs. Do your best to secure funding for your program via grants, bursaries and other third-party sources.Do you have your acceptance letter? Have other sources of funding fallen short? Submit an online application form to request TAB funding. Add your contact information, attach your proof of residence, and explain how our bursary will impact your circumstances.
I don't live in Drayton Valley or Brazeau County. Can I still apply?
There are essentially two types of programming: distance learning and in-person courses at the Community Education & Training Centre (CETC) in Drayton Valley. If you plan to enroll in a program that's taught at the CETC, you can apply for TAB funding — even if you don't live in Drayton Valley or Brazeau County.What documents do I need to provide with my application?
Proof of residency (driver’s licence or other government-issued ID); Letter of acceptance from partner post-secondary institution; confirmation of enrolment and tuition fees owing; and funding letters or decisions from any other third-party sponsors. If you have been accepted to a U of A Extension program, you will need to fill out a sponsorship form before being enrolled in courses so that the Town can pay the U of A directly for your tuition.How will I know if my application has been successful?
A representative from the TAB program will contact you using the information you provided on your application. Look for an email from the Town of Drayton Valley.How do I receive the funding?
Once your application has been approved, the Town of Drayton Valley will send a sponsorship letter to your post-secondary institution. Once you have completed your studies, your institution will invoice the Town for the tuition funds to be applied directly to your account.Questions from the Business Community
What types of courses are available through this program?
Presently, we facilitate close to a hundred certificate, diploma and degree-granting programs in partnership with our post-secondary institutions. Visit the Programs section to browse the growing list.Can I suggest the inclusion of course material of value to my industry?
Great question! The long-term success of this program hinges on its alignment with the needs of local industry sectors large and small. To start the conversation, visit the Contact section to connect with a program administrator.How can I help support this initiative?
A healthy partnership between industry stakeholders, post-secondary institutions and civic leaders will ensure the sustained success of the TAB program. Support can take many forms, from financially sponsoring an individual student to helping the Town develop industry-specific avenues of learning. To discuss ways you think we can work together, reach out to your Councillor or Contact a program administrator to discuss ways we can work together.What's next for the TAB program?
We're on the eve of announcing a recent post-secondary training milestone that's certain to excite the community at large. We're also continuing to work with local industry leaders to determine how best they can provide support, and how we can grow the program in ways that benefit everyone.Take Advantage of TAB
Grab your gifted tuition, get your education on track, and grow the career you deserve.
Sponsorship Opportunities
By partnering with local industry stakeholders, we seek to ease reliance on taxpayer dollars and ensure the long-term viability of the TAB Program. Such financial partnerships are critical, and they also help us tailor educational programming to the evolving needs and priorities of the business community.
Through their ongoing support of this unique community catalyst, our industry partners demonstrate their commitment to building a robust and resilient region while reaping the direct benefits of talent retention, labour pool development, corporate goodwill, tax advantages and more.
A TAB candidate could be a single mom, or maybe a dad with a job who’s also taking care of his family. Our program helps alleviate financial hardship for these prospective post-secondary students.
They can improve their skill sets to achieve their dream career."
Amilla Gammana
CouncillorTown of Drayton Valley
The TAB program facilitates local post-secondary learning opportunities for residents of the Town of Drayton Valley and the Brazeau County region. Administrators reserve the right to periodically review and update the program and its funding criteria. Operation of the TAB program is subject to the availability of funding.
Copyright © 2025 Town of Drayton Valley