Student Scholarships and Awards

Student Scholarships and Awards 

APPI annually recognizes and awards the achievement of students enrolled in post-secondary institutions with an interest in planning as a profession. Student Scholarships and Awards are evaluated based on the entirety of the application and overall merit.

These awards are NOT intended for practicing professionals who are furthering their education (practicing professionals are encouraged to apply for the Inspiration Grant).

The call for submissions for the Student Scholarships and Awards is issued annually in the first quarter of the year and the winning recipients are announced by May each year.

Student Education Scholarships

The Student Education Scholarships are intended to provide monetary assistance to students for tuition, research, books and or other academic expenses. For the 2026 awards cycle, there will be a one-time enhancement to the number of Student Education Scholarships awarded, such that a maximum of thirty (30) scholarships will be awarded, as a demonstration of the Institute's strong commitment to recognizing and supporting students pursuing planning-related education. 

Student Conference Awards

The Student Conference Awards are intended to assist students financially with their attendance and participation at the APPI Annual Conference, CIP Annual Conference, or another planning conference of the students choosing. A maximum of two $2,000 awards are granted each year.

Student Award in Indigenous, Rural and Northern Planning

This Student Award in Indigenous, Rural and Northern Planning was established in 2020, in honour of David Klippenstein (1944-2020),and in recognition of his outstanding contribution to planning in northern, Indigenous, and rural communities across Canada, and in appreciation of David's passion for sharing of his knowledge in this planning realm. The award is intended to cultivate students' interest and further study in the realm of Indigenous, rural and northern planning, which is of paramount relevance within APPI's jurisdiction. A maximum of two $1,500 awards may be granted each year.

2026 Student Education Scholarship Recipients

  • Sachin Acharya, Master's of Science, Urban and Regional Planning, University of Alberta
  • Sarah Elizabeth Biju, Master's of Science, Urban and Regional Planning, University of Alberta
  • Yidi Chen, Master's of Planning, SAPL, University of Calgary
  • Edmund Chung, Master's of Science, Urban and Regional Planning, University of Alberta
  • Jie Deng, Master's of Science, Urban and Regional Planning, University of Alberta
  • Azin Dinarvand, Master's of Planning, SAPL, University of Calgary
  • Diana Haymour, Master's of Science, Urban and Regional Planning, University of Alberta
  • Mark Locki, Master's of Planning, SAPL, University of Calgary
  • Shannon Lohner, Master's of Science, Urban and Regional Planning, University of Alberta
  • Kieran Moran, Master's of Science, Urban and Regional Planning, University of Alberta
  • Melika Nateghian, Master's of Science, Urban and Regional Planning, University of Alberta
  • Kelsey Prud'homme, Master's of Science, Urban and Regional Planning, University of Alberta
  • Kwadwo Nketia Kumankuma Sarpong, Master's of Science, Urban and Regional Planning, University of Alberta
  • Noah Seeton, Master's of Planning, SAPL, University of Calgary
  • Elizabeth Song, Master's of Science, Urban and Regional Planning, University of Alberta
  • Spencer Wearden, Master's of Science, Urban and Regional Planning, University of Alberta
  • Liam Aguda, Bachelor of Arts, Urban & Regional Planning, University of Alberta (Fall 2026)
  • Minahil Akmal, Bachelor of Arts, Urban & Regional Planning, University of Alberta
  • Lombe Bwalya-Dabi, Bachelor of Arts, Urban Studies, University of Calgary
  • Tess Burton, Bachelor of Arts, Urban & Regional Planning, University of Alberta
  • Tristen Chang, Bachelor of Arts, Human Georgraphy, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta
  • Dezmond Coyes, Bachelor of Arts, Urban & Regional Planning, University of Alberta
  • Kaylee Dodd, Bachelor of Arts, Urban & Regional Planning, University of Alberta
  • David Lee, Bachelor of Arts, Urban & Regional Planning, University of Alberta
  • Jaden Macyk, Bachelor of Arts, Urban & Regional Planning, University of Alberta
  • Hlib Mryha, Bachelor of Arts, Urban & Regional Planning, University of Alberta
  • Joel Sarich, Bachelor of Science, Urban & Regional Planning, University of Alberta
  • Leah Song, Bachelor of Arts, Urban & Regional Planning, University of Alberta
  • Emily Woitas, Bachelor of Arts, Urban Studies, University of Calgary
  • Lukas Zvonkovic, Bachelor of Arts, Urban & Regional Planning, University of Alberta

2026 Student Conference Awards Recipients

  • Stephen Baffoe, Master's of Science, Urban and Regional Planning, University of Alberta

2026 Student Awards in Indigenous, Rural and Northern Planning Recipients

  • Aida Esmaeilzadeh Seilabi, Master's of Science, Urban and Regional Planning, University of Alberta