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University of Calgary scholarships for international students include the International Entrance Scholarship (worth CAD $20,000, renewable annually), the Energizing Canada International Entrance Scholarship (CAD $20,000, renewable), and the Award for International Student Athletes (up to CAD $10,000). University of Calgary scholarships for international students are open each year to non-Canadian citizens entering undergraduate programs in the fall term.
University of Calgary scholarships for international students are based primarily on academic merit and extracurricular achievement. University of Calgary scholarships for international students are applied for through the myUofC student portal, and most require you to have submitted an admission application first. University of Calgary scholarships for international students at the graduate level include the International Graduate Tuition Award, Graduate Assistantship funding, the MITACS Graduate Award, and the Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship — making UCalgary one of the most accessible research universities in Canada for global talent.
About the University of Calgary
Founded in 1966, the University of Calgary (UCalgary) is one of Canada’s leading public research universities, located in Calgary, Alberta. It hosts more than 200 academic programs across 14 faculties, attracts students from over 150 countries, and is consistently ranked among the top research-intensive universities in North America.
For international students, UCalgary is especially appealing because of its innovation-driven campus, affordable tuition relative to other top Canadian institutions, and — most importantly — its robust portfolio of scholarships, awards, and bursaries that are updated and offered each year.
[Image Prompt: Aerial view of the University of Calgary campus in Alberta, Canada, showing MacEwan Hall and the Oval — bright blue sky, modern architecture. Alt text: “University of Calgary campus — home of scholarships for international students”.]
Why Apply for UCalgary Scholarships?
Tuition fees for international students at the University of Calgary range from approximately CAD $20,000 to CAD $46,000 per year, depending on the program. Scholarships can offset a substantial portion — or in some cases, the majority — of these costs.
Beyond finances, winning a UCalgary scholarship:
- Strengthens your Canadian study permit application
- Demonstrates academic credibility to future employers
- Provides networking access within UCalgary’s award community
- Can be renewed annually for up to four years if GPA requirements are maintained
The university releases its latest updated scholarship competitions each year, and the portal opens for new applications annually — so bookmark this guide and check back for the latest update.
Top University of Calgary Scholarships for International Students
University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
This is the flagship award for incoming international undergraduates. It is offered annually to international students entering their first year of any undergraduate degree in the upcoming fall term.
Award Value: CAD $20,000 per year Renewable: Yes — up to 4 years (total potential value: CAD $60,000–$80,000) Renewal GPA Requirement: Minimum 2.60 over at least 24.00 units in the previous fall and winter terms Basis: Academic merit plus extracurricular accomplishments Eligibility: Must be a non-Canadian citizen, not a Permanent Resident, and required to pay international tuition fees Application Deadline: Typically December 1 each year for fall entry
This prestigious award recognizes not only academic excellence but also what you have accomplished beyond the classroom — leadership, community involvement, and innovation are all considered.
Energizing Canada International Entrance Scholarship
This scholarship mirrors the International Entrance Scholarship in value but carries a distinct preference for students entering specific high-demand programs.
Award Value: CAD $20,000 (renewable) Preferred Programs: Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Health Sciences, Bachelor of Arts (Urban Studies) Renewal Conditions: Minimum GPA of 3.00 over at least 24.00 units per year Basis: Academic merit and program alignment
If you are pursuing engineering, business, or health sciences, this is the award to prioritize in your application — it is offered each year to a select cohort of high-achieving international students.
University of Calgary Award for International Student Athletes
Award Value: Up to CAD $10,000 (covers tuition and compulsory fees) Nomination: No application required — nominated by the university’s athletics director Eligibility: International students who are registered student athletes at UCalgary
This award recognizes the dual demands on international student athletes balancing academics and varsity sport. Applications are currently open each year for fall entry — speak directly to UCalgary Athletics if you are a recruited athlete.
[Image Prompt: International student athletes at the University of Calgary running on a track — bright UCalgary red and gold gear. Alt text: “UCalgary Award for International Student Athletes — scholarships for international students at the University of Calgary”.]
Jean Owen Scholarship
Award Value: CAD $3,500 Basis: Extracurricular achievement Level: Undergraduate international students
A smaller but competitive award recognizing a well-rounded international student whose contributions extend beyond academics. Offered each year through the university’s awards portal.
International Graduate Tuition Award
Award Value: CAD $3,060 per year Automatic: Yes — no separate application required Level: Graduate international students Disbursement: Applied directly to tuition account
This award is automatically considered for eligible international graduate students. It is one of the most accessible forms of tuition relief for postgraduate international applicants at UCalgary.
Key University of Calgary Scholarships for International Students
| Scholarship Name | Award Value (CAD) | Level | Renewable | Application Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Entrance Scholarship | $20,000/year | Undergraduate | Yes (4 years) | Yes |
| Energizing Canada Entrance Scholarship | $20,000/year | Undergraduate | Yes (4 years) | Yes |
| Award for International Student Athletes | Up to $10,000 | Undergraduate | No | No (Nominated) |
| Jean Owen Scholarship | $3,500 | Undergraduate | No | Yes |
| International Graduate Tuition Award | $3,060/year | Graduate | Yes | No (Automatic) |
| MITACS Graduate Award | $15,000 | Graduate | No | Yes |
| Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship (AGES-I) | $11,000 (tuition waiver) | Graduate | No | Yes |
| Matt Suezle Bursary | $4,600 | Graduate | No | Yes |
| Graduate Assistantship Funding | Up to $25,000/year | Graduate | Yes | Via supervisor |
Graduate Scholarships for International Students
The University of Calgary invests heavily in attracting top international graduate students. Research-based master’s and PhD programs often come with minimum guaranteed funding of CAD $21,000 per year, plus tuition scholarships of approximately CAD $3,000 per year for qualified students.
Here are the most significant graduate-level awards currently available:
MITACS Graduate Award
Value: CAD $15,000 A nationally competitive award for graduate students engaged in collaborative research with industry partners in Canada. UCalgary students are actively encouraged to apply each year. Outbound Link: Learn more at MITACS.ca
Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship — International (AGES-I)
Value: CAD $11,000 tuition fee waiver Open to postgraduate students enrolled in any field of study with direct relevance to the Alberta region through their academic achievements. Offered annually through the Government of Alberta.
Graduate Assistantship (Teaching and Non-Teaching)
Value: Up to CAD $25,000/year (teaching assistantships) | CAD $2,216/year (non-teaching) Awarded through individual graduate programs. Students working as teaching assistants or research assistants receive stipends that substantially reduce their cost of study.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (External — Available to UCalgary Students)
Value: CAD $50,000/year for 3 years One of Canada’s most prestigious doctoral scholarships, open to international PhD students at participating universities including the University of Calgary. Outbound Link: Apply at vanier.gc.ca
[Image Prompt: International graduate student working in a UCalgary research laboratory with advanced equipment — focused and professional. Alt text: “Graduate scholarships for international students at the University of Calgary”.]
External Awards and Government Scholarships
Beyond the university’s internal awards, international students at UCalgary are eligible for a range of Government of Canada scholarships administered through EduCanada and Global Affairs Canada, including:
- Study in Canada Scholarships — for students from select countries in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America
- Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) — short-term exchange scholarships
- Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development — for students from ASEAN member states and Pacific Island countries
UCalgary’s International Student Services office ([email protected]) serves as the authorized representative for submitting Global Affairs Canada applications on behalf of students.
Browse Global Affairs Canada scholarships at EduCanada.ca
Eligibility Requirements
For Undergraduate Scholarships
To be eligible for most University of Calgary scholarships for international students at the undergraduate level, you must:
- Be a non-Canadian citizen and not a Permanent Resident of Canada
- Be required to pay international differential tuition fees
- Be entering your first year of an undergraduate degree program in the upcoming fall term
- Meet the university’s English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirement for your chosen program (IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, or equivalent)
- Demonstrate academic merit (strong high school grades) and, for some awards, extracurricular accomplishments
For Graduate Scholarships
- Must be enrolled or accepted into a graduate degree program at UCalgary
- Non-Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident (for international-specific awards)
- Specific awards may require a minimum GPA of 3.00–3.50 on a 4.00 scale
- Some awards are program-recommended and require your supervisor’s nomination
English Language Requirements
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) |
| TOEFL iBT | 86 overall |
| Duolingo English Test | 115 |
| PTE Academic | 59 |
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
Step 1 — Apply for Admission
Begin your undergraduate application at UCalgary. Create your UCalgary eID and submit your application along with the CAD $145 application fee. Applications for fall entry typically open in August for international students.
Step 2 — Access Your Scholarship Application
Within 24 to 48 hours of submitting your admission application, you will gain access to the scholarship application portal through your myUofC Student Center.
In your Student Center, click “My Financials” → scroll to “Awards & Scholarships” → click “Apply for Undergraduate Awards.”
Important: Ensure pop-ups are enabled in your browser. The scholarship application launches in a pop-up window.
Step 4 — Complete and Submit
A window will display all currently open scholarship competitions with their respective deadlines. Review eligibility carefully, fill in all required fields (personal statement, extracurricular record, academic history), and submit before the stated deadline.
Step 5 — Monitor Your Award Notification
Award decisions are communicated through the Calgary Student Center via your myUofC portal. Keep your contact information updated and check your portal regularly for the latest update on your application status.
Application Deadlines
Deadlines shift slightly each year. The table below reflects the general annual schedule — always verify the latest update on UCalgary’s official awards page.
| Award Type | Typical Annual Deadline |
|---|---|
| International Entrance Scholarship | December 1 (for following fall) |
| Energizing Canada Scholarship | December 1 (for following fall) |
| Student Athlete Award | March 31 |
| In-Course Awards (current students) | October 1 onwards each year |
| Graduate Competitive Awards | Varies by award (check portal) |
| Global Affairs Canada (ELAP, etc.) | Internal UCalgary deadline precedes official dates |
Tip: UCalgary’s internal deadline for Global Affairs Canada applications is earlier than the official EduCanada deadline. Contact [email protected] well in advance.
Tips to Win a UCalgary Scholarship
1. Apply for admission early. The scholarship application only unlocks after you apply for admission. Do not wait until January — submit your admission application as soon as the portal opens.
2. Highlight what you did outside the classroom. The International Entrance Scholarship explicitly evaluates extracurricular accomplishments — leadership roles, community work, sports, arts, or entrepreneurship all count.
3. Maintain your GPA for renewal. Most renewable awards require a minimum GPA of 2.60–3.00. Losing your scholarship mid-degree can significantly impact your finances. Build in study support strategies from day one.
4. Apply for multiple awards simultaneously. UCalgary’s portal allows you to be considered for all awards you are eligible for in a single application cycle. Never limit yourself to one.
5. Contact the awards office directly. The UCalgary awards team ([email protected]) can clarify eligibility requirements and confirm your application is complete. A quick email can save you from missing a deadline.
6. Explore external awards too. Many international students overlook government-funded scholarships that UCalgary formally nominates students for. These are currently open for international applicants annually through the EduCanada portal.
What People Also Ask
Q: Does the University of Calgary offer fully funded scholarships to international students? The University of Calgary does not offer fully-funded (tuition + living + flights) scholarships directly. However, combining the $20,000 renewable International Entrance Scholarship with graduate assistantships, bursaries, and external awards can significantly reduce or effectively cover your cost of study.
Q: What GPA do I need to keep my UCalgary scholarship? Most renewable undergraduate scholarships require a minimum GPA of 2.60 (on a 4.00 scale) over at least 24.00 units in the previous fall and winter terms. The Energizing Canada Scholarship requires a slightly higher minimum of 3.00.
Q: Can I apply for UCalgary scholarships before getting an admission offer? You should submit your admission application first — scholarship access is granted 24–48 hours after admission submission. You do not need to wait for an admission decision before completing your scholarship application.
Q: How competitive are the University of Calgary scholarships for international students? Highly competitive. The flagship International Entrance Scholarship selects only a small number of recipients each year from the entire incoming international class. A strong academic record alone is not sufficient — extracurricular leadership significantly strengthens your profile.
Q: Are UCalgary scholarships available for postgraduate (Master’s/PhD) students? Yes. Graduate students benefit from the International Graduate Tuition Award (automatic), Graduate Assistantship funding, the MITACS Graduate Award, the AGES-International scholarship, and a range of program-recommended and departmental awards.
Q: What is the application fee for UCalgary? The undergraduate admission application fee is CAD $145. This is separate from and in addition to the scholarship application.
Q: When should I apply for scholarships at the University of Calgary? Submit your admission application as early as possible — ideally by December 1 of the year before your intended fall enrollment. The earlier you apply, the more time you have to complete the scholarship application accurately.
Q: Is the University of Calgary a good university for international students? UCalgary is ranked among the top 200 universities globally and consistently placed in the top 10 in Canada. With over 150 nationalities represented on campus and a dedicated International Student Services office, it is widely considered one of the most welcoming and resource-rich universities for international students in Canada.
Related Posts
Based on content available on licensurehub.com, here are relevant articles your readers will find valuable after reading this guide:
- Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships: The Ultimate Guide — Worth up to CAD $210,000 for PhD students at Canadian universities including UCalgary. A must-read for doctoral applicants.
- Canada Graduate Research Scholarship: 5 Powerful Funding Secrets — A deep-dive guide into the federal graduate scholarship programs that UCalgary students are eligible for annually.
- UVic Scholarships: The Ultimate Guide to Securing Funding — Comparing scholarship opportunities at other top Canadian universities helps you build the best application strategy.
- Ottawa University Scholarships: Your Complete Guide to Funding — Another excellent Canadian institution with generous international student awards.
- Scholarship Mastery: 7 Powerful Secrets to Win Fully Funded Awards — Essential reading for any international student who wants to maximize their chances across multiple scholarship applications.
Final Thoughts
University of Calgary scholarships for international students represent some of the most competitive and rewarding funding opportunities in Canada. With awards worth up to CAD $20,000 annually — renewable for up to four years — the total potential value for an undergraduate student reaches CAD $60,000 to $80,000 over the course of a degree.
The key is to act early: submit your admission application as soon as the portal opens each year, build a strong extracurricular portfolio alongside your academics, and apply for every award for which you are eligible — both internal UCalgary awards and external government-funded scholarships.
Bookmark this page for the latest update each academic cycle, and share it with a fellow international student who needs this information.
- University of Calgary Official International Awards Page — ucalgary.ca
- MITACS Awards for Graduate Students — mitacs.ca
- EduCanada — Government of Canada Scholarships for International Students — educanada.ca
Contact for UCalgary Award Enquiries: [email protected] (undergraduate awards) [email protected] (international/Global Affairs Canada awards) University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
This article is updated to reflect the latest available information. For the most current deadlines and award values, always verify directly with the University of Calgary’s official registrar’s office.
