Post-Secondary, Scholarships & Award Information
Learn more about post-secondary institutions in Alberta and beyond as well as scholarships available to Alberta students. There are also scholarships and awards available specifically to Pembina Hills/Vista Virtual School primary students.
Post-Secondary Resources
Grade 12 Students! Take a look at this slideshow to help you with your application to post-secondary institutions.
- 2022/23 Post-Secondary Information – created by VVS
- Alis Alberta – Provide some insight into your future by researching careers, education, and training.
- ApplyAlberta – Apply here to one or more Alberta post-secondary institutions.
- Alberta.ca, Academic Upgrading – View information regarding academic upgrading for those 20 years old or older.
- Educational Liaison Association of Alberta (ELAA) – View calendars of post-secondary open houses and opportunities.
- myPass – Order high school transcripts and more.
- Publicly-funded post-secondary institutions in Alberta – Explore different post-secondary institutions in Alberta and read their mandates.
- yconic.com – Use this all-in-one Canadian post-secondary info hub to find the right match for you or your child’s post secondary education and search for scholarships, awards, and more. Features discussion forums, self-assessment quizzes, articles, and other useful tools.
Scholarship Opportunities
We have compiled a list of scholarships that may available for students. We encourage students to research more about these opportunities.
List of Scholarships
VVS/Pembina Hills School Division (PHSD) Awards
Citizenship awards recognize students in PHSD who make positive contributions to their school and community. Nominations and applications must include examples or statements of how the student meets at least three (3) of the following criteria:
- Demonstrates responsibility
- Helps/supports others
- Has a positive attitude
- Displays kindness to others
- Works towards goals
- Listens to others
- Is honest
- Has the courage to do what is right
- Respects others
- Shows concern for others
- Is dependable
There are two types of PHSD Citizenship Awards:
Grades 1-12 Citizenship Award – by nomination
Grades 1-12 VVS students can be nominated by a staff member, community member. There is no limit to the number of recipients and students are awarded with a certificate and medallion.
To submit a nomination, click here.
Nominations are currently OPEN for the 2022/2023 school year.
The nomination deadline for Vista Virtual School’s 2022/2023 school year is May 1, 2023.
Grade 12 Citizenship Award – by application
Grade 12 VVS students can apply themselves. All applications are reviewed by a selection committee. This award recognizes two Grade 12 students with a $500 award.
To submit an application, click here.
Grade 12 applications are currently OPEN for the 2022/2023 school year.
The application deadline for Vista Virtual School’s 2022/2023 school year is April 15, 2023.
The Raju family established this monetary award to recognize full-time (school-aged) students who show diligence in their work, while studying at a distance, and demonstrate good citizenship in caring for others. For the purposes of this award, success is measured by the positive differences a student makes in the lives of others. There are no specifications on how the recipient chooses to use their award. A student may apply for the award themselves or be nominated.
The deadline to apply for the 2021/2022 school year has passed.
Check back to see when applications for the next school year open.
Two annual scholarships, of $1,000 each, are presented to two graduating students who are pursuing careers in education. The principal of Vista Virtual School chooses the recipients of this award based on qualifications that include success in distance learning and an overall academic record of at least 70% in each of the four core subjects.
Students may apply for the award themselves.
The deadline to apply for the 2021/2022 school year has passed.
Check back to see when applications for the next school year open.
Principal’s Award
*Primary students only
To recognize outstanding involvement with VVS, two students and two families will be honoured with a framed certificate.
- Principal’s Awards – Students: These full-time elementary, junior high, senior high students will display an exceptional work ethic, striving to achieve the best of their ability. These students demonstrate participation and cooperation with teachers, positive attitude, and strong work ethic.
- Principal’s Awards – Families: These families will strive to assist student excellence, participate in student learning, cooperate with VVS staff, and initiate contact with VVS.
Students and families are nominated by Vista Virtual School teachers and staff.
Honour Roll
*Primary students only
Honour roll certificates are presented to students who have achieved an overall average of at least 90% in grades 1 to 3, 85% in grades 4 to 6, 80% in grades 7 to 9, and 80% in at least four core courses in grades 10 to 12.
Top Marks
*Primary students only
Senior high students who earn the highest mark in any core course are presented with Top Marks certificates.
Elective Honours
*Primary students only
The Elective Honours award recognizes students who achieve honours-level marks (80% or more) in a combination of four or more Career and Technology Studies (CTS) options, second languages, Physical Education, and Career and Life Management studies.
Merit Awards
*Open to Primary, Non-Primary & Adult Students
Students can be nominated by their teacher for a Merit Award. These certificates recognize consistent student effort that results in significant improvements in academic achievement, organizational skills, or quality of work. Merit Award certificates are also presented to students who display acts of compassion in their communities or demonstrate a significant commitment to volunteerism.