Athlete Education Bursary Returns for Second Intake - Applications Open July 1, 2026

AEB intake 2

Financial support for education-related pursuits taking place during the 2026 calendar year!

Learning plays an important role in living well – offering balance, purpose, and new skills at any stage of your journey. Whether you’re exploring a new interest, continuing a program you’ve started, or taking steps that support what comes next, education can be a meaningful part of your growth.

The Athlete Education Bursary helps offset eligible education-related expenses for the 2026 calendar year, so you can continue to learn, grow and build towards your goals. All expenses must be related to the 2026 calendar year. 

Please note: If you do receive AAP tuition support, the bursary is meant to offset eligible education expenses that are not already covered by AAP.

How much funding you can apply for

You can request $500, $1,000, or $2,000 depending on your program and your expected expenses.

Tuition top-up include (but not limited to):

  • Post Graduate Degrees (Masters, PhD, Graduate Certificates etc.)

  • Undergraduate studies

  • College diplomas and certificates

  • Professional certifications

  • Professional schools

  • Advanced trade or technical diplomas

  • Accreditation/licensing programs

  • Business and technology skills training

  • Post-grad test preparation

  • Lab and exam fees

  • Academic tutoring

These examples are meant to guide you as you consider the amount that best fits your needs.

What’s not eligible

  • Tuition or expenses already covered by AAP

  • Laptops, technology and fees correlated to sport/performance

  • Expenses outside the 2026 school calendar year. Tuition costs must occur from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026 to be covered.

Who can apply

You are eligible to apply if you are Game Plan eligible:

  • A Sport Canada carded athlete

  • A recently carded athlete (within the past two years)

  • A non-carded senior national team athlete (including those retired within the past two years)

More information about Game Plan eligibility can be found here. If you're unsure about your eligibility, don't hesitate to connect with your Game Plan Advisor or email info@mygameplan.ca – we're here to help.

What to expect in the application 

When applications open on July 1, you’ll be asked to provide:

  • A description of your program of study and the expenses for which funding is being requested.

  • A brief statement outlining the impact of the funding on your educational and career goals.

  • Proof of enrolment from your institution (official documentation is required).

  • The bursary amount you are requesting.

  • Receipts for any payments already made to your institution (if applicable).

When you’ll hear back

Applicants will receive a decision by September 31, 2026. If you have any questions in the meantime, reach out to your Game Plan Advisor or email info@mygameplan.ca. 

Log in to the website and head to the Education Page to apply HERE (opens July 1, 2026)

About Game Plan Game Plan is Canada’s holistic athlete-support network. Its nationwide team of world-class experts and specialized advisors empower national athletes with practical ways to live healthy, balanced, and personally successful lives at every stage of their journey. Game Plan’s growth-centred programs, structured services, and everyday resources are custom designed to support the total well-being of every individual athlete.

Established in 2015, Game Plan is a globally leading initiative which functions in collaboration with the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC), Sport Canada and the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute Network (COPSIN).