Alberta's International Language Teacher Bursary is awarded annually to teachers who want to develop their skills by taking a language, culture or teaching summer course outside of Canada. This year, bursaries of $4,200 have been awarded to 10 public school teachers. This money will support teachers participating in language and culture programs in Spain, France, Ecuador, Brazil and Mexico.
"Learning a new language opens doors to new experiences and opportunities for Alberta students and is a rewarding part of any student's educational journey. This money is helping teachers develop their language skills and cultural knowledge which will translate directly into tremendously rewarding learning experiences for Alberta students. Congratulations to this year's recipients."
Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education
Alberta's government established the International Language Teacher Bursary in 2003. The program is funded through the Alberta Heritage Scholarship Fund. An Alberta Education committee chooses the successful applicants based on defined requirements, including a statement of intent from the applicant about how the summer course will help them improve their language instruction skills.
"Alberta School Boards Association welcomes this investment in international language education, which supports the efforts of Alberta's locally elected school boards to offer rich programming that reflects the diversity of our communities. Our member boards are committed to equipping students with the skills they need to succeed in a global society."
Marilyn Dennis, president, Alberta School Boards Association
This year's recipients are employed by school boards across the province, including the Calgary Board of Education, Elk Island Public, Lethbridge School Division, Edmonton Public Schools and Red Deer Public Schools. Up to $42,000 was available for the 2025-26 program year.
Quick facts
- Ten Albertans received the International Language Teacher Bursary in 2024.
- In addition to the International Language Teacher Bursary, Alberta Education offers a First Nations, Métis and Inuit Languages Teacher Bursary, which awards bursaries of up to $4,200 and has its own application and selection processes.
- Certificated French language educators within Alberta can apply for up to $4,000 through the Individual Teacher Bursary to receive funding for eligible courses and professional development within Canada.
- The Individual Teacher Bursary is funded by the federal government as part of the Canada-Alberta Agreement on Minority-Language Education and Second-Language Instruction.
Related information
- International Language Teacher Bursary
- First Nations, Métis and Inuit Languages Teacher Bursary
- Individual Teacher Bursary Program
