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Anyone searching for University of Alberta scholarships — whether you are an international student, a domestic undergraduate, a graduate applicant, or a transfer student hoping to fund your studies in Canada. This guide covers every major funding opportunity, eligibility requirements, award amounts, application deadlines, and step-by-step tips to help you win.
What Are University of Alberta Scholarships?
University of Alberta scholarships are among the most competitive and generous funding programs available to students studying in Canada. The University of Alberta distributes over CAD $52 million annually in undergraduate scholarships, awards, and financial support — making it one of the richest scholarship ecosystems in the country. Whether you are a high school graduate, a continuing undergraduate, or an incoming graduate student, the university of alberta scholarships program has an award designed specifically for your profile.
The university of alberta scholarships are open to both domestic (Canadian) and international students across virtually every program and faculty. Each year, approximately 1 in 5 first-year students receives a scholarship offer, meaning your odds are better than you might think. The university of alberta scholarships are disbursed through the Office of the Registrar and the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS), covering undergraduate, professional, transfer, and graduate levels. The latest update confirms that applications are currently open on a rolling annual cycle, with a single application form assessing you for multiple awards simultaneously. If you have been wondering whether university of alberta scholarships are worth pursuing — the answer is an unequivocal yes.
Types of University of Alberta Scholarships Available
The University of Alberta organizes its scholarships into two broad categories that every applicant must understand before applying:
Admission-Based (Automatic) Scholarships — No separate application is required. When you apply for admission to an undergraduate program, the university automatically assesses your eligibility based on your high school admission average. If you qualify, you will be contacted directly.
Application-Based (Competitive) Scholarships — These require a separate, dedicated scholarship application submitted through the university’s Awards Hub portal. These awards consider academics, leadership, community involvement, financial need, and equity factors. One application puts you in the running for multiple awards at once.
For graduate students, the pathway is slightly different — scholarships are largely nomination-based, with your admitting department submitting your name to the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies for consideration.
Top University of Alberta Scholarships for Undergraduate Students
President’s International Distinction Scholarship
The most prestigious undergraduate scholarship at U of A. Students with a superior admission average and demonstrated leadership qualities entering their first year on a student visa permit can receive up to CAD $120,000 payable over 4 years. This award is automatically considered upon admission — no separate application needed.
May Quon Undergraduate Scholarship
Targeted at Chinese or Hong Kong citizens with superior academic achievement and demonstrated financial need, this award offers up to CAD $100,000 payable over 4 years.
Cora Martinson International Scholarship (Augustana Faculty)
Students with strong academic achievement entering any year at Augustana Faculty on a study permit can receive a total of CAD $56,000 payable over 4 years. Preference is given to students with financial need.
Global Citizen Scholarship for IB Diploma Students
Designed for students from Aga Khan Academies entering their first year of an undergraduate program, this award can reach up to CAD $53,000 per year for 4 years. Applicants must demonstrate strong IB academic standing, financial need, and leadership.
Gold Standard Scholarship
Each year, the top 5% of students in each faculty are eligible to receive up to CAD $6,000 based on their admission average.
University of Alberta Regional Entrance Scholarships
Top students from specific geographic regions can receive up to CAD $5,000 based on admission average. Students attending high school in Canada on a study permit with an admission average of 80% or higher are eligible.
Alexander Rutherford Scholarship
Named after Alberta’s first premier, this award recognizes senior high school academic achievement and is valued at up to CAD $2,500. It is one of the most widely awarded scholarships for students entering U of A from high school.
Turtle Spirit Pathway Award (Indigenous Students)
Specifically for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students applying to an undergraduate direct-entry program. Up to 20 new students per year can qualify for up to CAD $8,000 each.
University of Alberta Scholarships for International Students
The University of Alberta warmly welcomes students from across the globe, and each year offers a rich portfolio of international scholarships. Here is what is currently available:
Admission-Based International Scholarships (No Application Required) When you apply for admission, the university automatically assesses your admission average. Top international students can receive up to CAD $5,000 through regional or faculty-based entrance awards.
Application-Based International Scholarships These require a separate application via Awards Hub, typically opening on October 1 and closing January 10 for undergraduate entrance students. Awards are assessed on the basis of academics (admission average of 80%+), leadership, equity, and financial need.
International Supplementary Bursary International students who are in their second year or beyond and demonstrate a financial shortfall for basic living and academic costs can apply for bursary funding that does not need to be repaid. Applications open annually on October 1.
English Language Proficiency Note: Proof of English proficiency (IELTS Academic 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 90 are common benchmarks) is typically required unless you qualify for an ELP exemption. The University of Alberta has removed the English proficiency requirement for students from several countries — check the latest ELP Exemption list on the university’s official admissions page.
Graduate Scholarships at the University of Alberta
The Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) administers over CAD $29 million in graduate scholarships annually. Here are the flagship awards:
University of Alberta Graduate Entrance Scholarship
Purpose-built to attract high-ranking newly admitted graduate students, this scholarship provides:
- Master’s students: CAD $17,500 stipend + CAD $7,100 (domestic) or CAD $10,000 (international) for tuition and fees
- Doctoral students: CAD $21,000 stipend + same tuition support as above
Students are nominated by their admitting department — prospective students cannot apply directly.
Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship (AGES)
One of the most competitive provincial awards, AGES provides a minimum of CAD $11,000 and a maximum of CAD $15,000 to graduate students with a GPA of 3.3 or higher over the most recent 15 course credits.
University of Alberta Doctoral Recruitment Scholarship
Financial aid targeted specifically at doctoral students, providing CAD $5,000 per year to encourage top talent to pursue research at U of A.
Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship
The most prestigious graduate award at the university, this scholarship is open to both domestic and international students and covers the international differential fee. It is highly competitive and requires nomination.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
A Government of Canada program available to doctoral students at the University of Alberta, providing CAD $50,000 per year for 3 years. Requires exceptional academic achievement and leadership.
Research & Teaching Assistantships (RA/TA)
Graduate students can also supplement their funding through Research Assistantships (RA) or Teaching Assistantships (TA). These are employment contracts arranged with your supervisor or department and can provide meaningful income during your studies.
China Scholarship Council (CSC) Program
The University of Alberta has an active collaboration with the CSC. Top Chinese doctoral candidates can receive a monthly stipend of approximately CAD $1,600 for up to 4 years, while the university covers their tuition and fees.
Scholarship Comparison Table: At a Glance
Undergraduate Scholarships Comparison
| Scholarship Name | Target Students | Maximum Value | Application Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| President’s International Distinction Scholarship | International, 1st year UG | CAD $120,000 (4 yrs) | No (auto-considered) |
| May Quon Undergraduate Scholarship | Chinese/HK citizens, financial need | CAD $100,000 (4 yrs) | No (auto-considered) |
| Cora Martinson International Scholarship | International, Augustana Faculty | CAD $56,000 (4 yrs) | No (auto-considered) |
| Global Citizen IB Diploma Scholarship | IB Diploma, Aga Khan Academies | CAD $53,000/yr (4 yrs) | Contact [email protected] |
| Gold Standard Scholarship | Top 5% per faculty | CAD $6,000 | No (auto-considered) |
| Regional Entrance Scholarship | International/domestic, regional | CAD $5,000 | No (auto-considered) |
| Alexander Rutherford Scholarship | High school seniors (Alberta) | CAD $2,500 | Yes |
| Turtle Spirit Pathway Award | Indigenous students | CAD $8,000 | Yes |
Graduate Scholarships Comparison
| Scholarship Name | Level | Maximum Value | Application Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Entrance Scholarship | Master’s & PhD | $21,000 + fees | No (dept. nomination) |
| Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship | Master’s & PhD | CAD $15,000 | Yes |
| Doctoral Recruitment Scholarship | PhD | CAD $5,000/yr | No (dept. nomination) |
| Izaak Walton Killam Scholarship | PhD | Varies (prestigious) | Yes (nomination) |
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship | PhD | CAD $50,000/yr (3 yrs) | Yes |
| CSC Program (Chinese nationals) | PhD | Stipend + tuition | Yes (via CSC) |
Eligibility Requirements — What You Need to Qualify
Understanding eligibility is the foundation of a strong application. Here is a comprehensive breakdown:
For Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships:
- Must be entering directly from high school (or have no prior post-secondary credit)
- Meet or exceed the required admission average (commonly 80% minimum; top scholarships require 95%+)
- Must be entering the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree program in September of the applicable year
- International students must be on a valid student visa/study permit
For Continuing Undergraduate Scholarships:
- Must be a current, returning, or convocating U of A undergraduate student
- Must be enrolled full-time (unless registered with Accommodations & Accessibility Services)
- Academic standing must be satisfactory or greater
- Alberta residents may need to meet the Alberta Scholarship Act residency requirement for some awards
For Graduate Entrance Scholarships:
- Must be admitted to a doctoral or thesis-based Master’s degree program
- Must be nominated by the admitting department (no self-nomination)
- Must be registered full-time in your program
- Must have a Canadian bank account and Canadian address to receive funds
For International Students (All Levels):
- Must be on a valid study permit
- Must meet English language proficiency requirements (or qualify for an ELP exemption)
- Minimum GPA requirements apply (commonly 3.0 on a 4-point scale for graduate programs)
How to Apply for University of Alberta Scholarships (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps to maximize your scholarship chances each year:
Step 1: Apply for Admission First Before anything else, submit your application to an undergraduate or graduate program at U of A. You will receive a CCID (Campus Computing ID) and password — this is your key to the scholarship portal.
Step 2: Create Your Awards Hub Account Use your CCID to create an account on the university’s Awards Hub portal. This is where all application-based scholarships are submitted.
Step 3: Complete the Single Scholarship Application For undergraduate students, one form assesses you for all application-based awards. You will need to:
- Complete an activity summary
- Answer 5 long-answer questions
- Respond to yes/no eligibility questions
- Provide a reference contact
Step 4: Submit Required Documents Documents typically include: transcripts, proof of identity (for Indigenous awards), letters of recommendation, and English language test scores (if applicable). Graduate nominations require a complete package submitted to GPS by your department via the GSMS Awards Portal.
Step 5: Track Your Application Notifications are sent to your U of A email address and posted to your application dashboard. Watch for offer notifications and accept any offers by the stated deadline.
Step 6: Apply for External Scholarships Too Supplement your university funding with provincial awards (Alexander Rutherford, AGES), federal awards (Vanier, SSHRC, NSERC), and third-party scholarships. If you win an external scholarship after receiving a Graduate Entrance Scholarship, you may be required to accept the external award, which may reduce the university stipend.
Application Deadlines You Must Know
Deadlines shift slightly from year to year, but the pattern below holds annually:
| Application Window | Who It Applies To |
|---|---|
| October 1 — Opens | Undergraduate entrance scholarship applications open each year |
| January 10 — Closes | Undergraduate entrance scholarship application deadline (annually) |
| February 1 — Opens | Continuing undergraduate, transfer, and professional scholarship applications open |
| March 31 — Closes | Continuing undergraduate scholarship application deadline |
| February 15 (Indigenous) | Turtle Spirit Pathway Award application deadline |
| Mid-April onwards | Scholarship offers sent to eligible undergraduate applicants |
| Varies by award | Graduate scholarship nomination deadlines (check GPS portal annually) |
Pro Tip: Always verify the exact deadline on the official University of Alberta scholarships page before applying, as dates are updated each cycle.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning
Thousands of students apply for University of Alberta scholarships each year. Use these proven strategies to stand out:
Maintain a Competitive Admission Average — The higher your grades, the more scholarship doors open automatically. Aim for 90%+ to unlock the most valuable entrance awards.
Apply Early and Apply for Everything — The single application form assesses you for all available awards simultaneously. There is genuinely no reason not to apply.
Craft Powerful Long-Answer Responses — Scholarship readers are looking for authentic impact. Use specific examples, measurable outcomes, and show what makes you distinct. Avoid generic responses.
Highlight Leadership and Community Involvement — Many awards at U of A go beyond grades. Document your extracurricular roles, volunteer work, sports, and community projects carefully.
Get Your Application Proofread — Spelling and grammar errors can cost you. Use a word processor to check your work before submitting.
For Graduate Students: Connect With a Supervisor Early — Many graduate funding opportunities (including RAs and TAs) are arranged directly with faculty supervisors. Reaching out to potential supervisors before applying significantly improves your chances.
Check for Sponsored Student Programs — If your home government funds international students (e.g., the China Scholarship Council), explore whether a partnership exists between your government and the University of Alberta.
What People Also Ask
Q: Does the University of Alberta offer full scholarships? The University of Alberta does not offer full scholarships covering all costs for either domestic or international students at the undergraduate level. However, highly competitive international students can receive up to CAD $120,000 over four years through the President’s International Distinction Scholarship, which substantially offsets the cost of study. At the graduate level, combinations of entrance scholarships, stipends, and assistantships can come close to full funding for doctoral students.
Q: How much scholarship money does the University of Alberta give out each year? The University of Alberta distributes over CAD $52 million annually in undergraduate scholarships, awards, and financial support. The Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies alone administers approximately CAD $29 million in graduate scholarships every year.
Q: Can international students apply for University of Alberta scholarships? Yes. International students are eligible for a wide range of University of Alberta scholarships, including admission-based scholarships (automatically considered upon applying for admission) and application-based scholarships (submitted through Awards Hub). There are also scholarships specifically targeted at international students, such as the President’s International Distinction Scholarship and the International Supplementary Bursary.
Q: What GPA do you need for a University of Alberta scholarship? For undergraduate entrance scholarships, eligibility is based on your high school admission average. A minimum of 80% is typically required for most awards, while the top awards require 95% or higher. For continuing undergraduate and graduate scholarships, a GPA of 3.0 or higher (on the U of A 4-point scale) is generally required, with some awards requiring 3.3 or above.
Q: Do I need IELTS to apply for University of Alberta scholarships? English language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL) is required for admission and most scholarship eligibility, unless you qualify for an exemption. The University of Alberta has removed the ELP requirement for students from certain countries. Check the university’s current ELP Exemption list to confirm if your country is exempt.
Q: When do University of Alberta scholarship applications open? Each year, undergraduate entrance scholarship applications open on October 1 and close January 10. Continuing undergraduate scholarship applications open February 1 and close March 31. Deadlines for graduate scholarships vary by award — check the GPS portal for the latest update.
Q: What is the Alexander Rutherford Scholarship? The Alexander Rutherford Scholarship is a provincial award named after Alberta’s first premier. It recognizes the academic achievement of senior high school students in Alberta and is valued at up to CAD $2,500. You can apply once your official high school transcript is available and you are enrolled in full-time post-secondary studies.
Q: Is it hard to get a scholarship at the University of Alberta? It is competitive, but not impossible. About 1 in 5 first-year students receive a scholarship each year. Meeting the academic thresholds is necessary but not always sufficient — application-based awards also weigh leadership, community involvement, and personal essays. The key is to apply early, apply thoroughly, and present your strongest, most authentic profile.
Related Blog Posts
Looking for more scholarship opportunities in Canada and beyond? Check out these related guides on LicensureHub:
- Canada Graduate Research Scholarship: 5 Powerful Funding Secrets — Everything you need to know about the Vanier, SSHRC, and NSERC graduate funding programs in Canada.
- Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships: The Ultimate Guide — A comprehensive breakdown of one of Canada’s most prestigious doctoral scholarship programs.
- Scholarship Mastery: 7 Powerful Secrets to Win Fully Funded Awards — Expert strategies for writing winning scholarship applications that stand out from the competition.
- All Canada Scholarship Opportunities — Browse the full list of currently open and upcoming scholarships to study in Canada.
- University of Alberta Official Scholarship Page — The primary source for all current scholarship listings, application portals, and official deadlines.
- University of Alberta International Entrance Scholarships — Detailed breakdown of all automatically considered entrance scholarships for international undergraduate students.
- Alberta Student Aid — Provincial Scholarships — Official Government of Alberta page listing provincial scholarships, including the Alexander Rutherford Scholarship and Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship (AGES).
Final Thoughts
University of Alberta scholarships represent one of the most powerful pathways to funding your education in Canada — whether you are an ambitious international student aiming for a world-class research career, a domestic high school graduate entering one of Canada’s top universities, or a graduate student seeking funding that allows you to focus entirely on your research.
The key is to start early, stay organized, and put your best application forward. With over CAD $52 million distributed annually, the University of Alberta is genuinely committed to rewarding talent, leadership, and financial need across every background and discipline.
Bookmark this page for the latest update each cycle, and check back annually as new scholarships and deadlines are announced. Good luck — and remember, your scholarship journey starts the moment you submit that first application.
