University Of Calgary Scholarships: 7 Fully Funded Opportunities

University of Calgary Scholarships: 7 Fully Funded Opportunities

What Are University of Calgary Scholarships?

University of Calgary scholarships are among the most competitive and rewarding funding opportunities available to students studying in Canada. Each year, the University of Calgary (UCalgary) distributes millions of dollars in university of calgary scholarships to undergraduate, graduate, domestic, and international students across virtually every faculty and program. Whether you are entering your first year or pursuing a doctoral degree, university of calgary scholarships exist to reduce your financial burden and recognize your academic achievement.

The university offers university of calgary scholarships in several categories — merit-based, need-based, entrance, continuing, and research-focused awards — making it one of Canada’s most scholarship-rich institutions. If you are planning to study at UCalgary, understanding university of calgary scholarships is the single most important step you can take before submitting your application.

University of calgary scholarships are awarded through multiple channels including the Office of the Registrar, the Faculty of Graduate Studies, individual faculties, and external organizations. Each year, the Faculty of Graduate Studies alone manages over $40 million in graduate funding, making UCalgary one of the most generously funded research universities in Canada. University of calgary scholarships are currently open for applications on a rolling basis depending on the award type, and deadlines vary — so reading this guide from start to finish will help you stay organized and on track.

University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship

The University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship is the flagship award for incoming international undergraduate students and arguably one of the most valuable entrance scholarships currently open to international students in Canada.

Key Details

Value: CAD $20,000 per year
Renewable: Yes — for the second, third, and fourth years of study
Total Potential Value: Up to CAD $80,000 over four years
Basis: Academic merit (no community service essay required for the base award)
Eligibility: International students (non-Canadian citizens, non-Permanent Residents) entering first-year undergraduate study in the upcoming fall term
GPA Requirement for Renewal: Minimum GPA of 2.60 over at least 24.00 units in the previous fall and winter terms
Minimum Admission Average: 85% or above
Deadline: Typically December 1 of the year before studies begin — confirm annually on the official UCalgary awards portal

Prestige Award Tier

For the highest achievers, UCalgary also offers a Prestige Entrance Award tier with an earlier deadline (typically October). Students with the most outstanding academic profiles are encouraged to apply for this competitive tier. Check the official awards portal for the latest application window each year.

How to Apply

First, submit your admission application to the University of Calgary
Wait 24–48 hours for access to the scholarship application portal
Complete the online award application, including transcripts and personal statement
Submit before the December 1 deadline (confirm the latest update annually)
Successful applicants are notified by email

Undergraduate Scholarships at UCalgary

Beyond the International Entrance Scholarship, UCalgary offers several undergraduate-level awards. These are available to both domestic and international students, and many are currently open for application each year through the official Registrar’s awards portal.

Entrance Scholarships (Domestic Students)

Domestic students entering UCalgary are automatically considered for entrance awards based on their high school admission average. No separate application is required in many cases. The higher your average, the more competitive your consideration becomes.

Continuing Undergraduate Awards

Each year, UCalgary runs a Continuing Undergraduate Awards Competition open to students already enrolled at the university. These awards recognize sustained academic excellence and other criteria such as leadership, financial need, and community involvement. Applications typically open on October 1 annually — mark your calendar.

UCalgary Award for International Student Athletes

Eligibility: International student athletes nominated by a UCalgary Dinos coach
Deadline: Typically May 1 each year
Note: Nomination-based; contact your Dinos coaching staff directly

University of Calgary International Undergraduate Award

This award is designed for continuing international undergraduate students who have already completed at least one year of study at UCalgary. It is merit-based and applied for through the awards portal, with a deadline that typically aligns with the continuing undergraduate awards cycle (around May 1 each year — always confirm the latest update).

Bursaries for Undergraduate Students

Students with demonstrated financial need can apply for bursaries through the Office of the Registrar. These are separate from scholarships and are not merit-based. Applications typically open each October alongside the continuing awards competition.

Graduate Scholarships and Awards at UCalgary

UCalgary is one of Canada’s leading research universities, and its graduate funding ecosystem reflects that commitment. The Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) administers an enormous portfolio of awards covering master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral students.

Guaranteed Minimum Funding for Thesis-Based Students

One of the most important facts about UCalgary graduate study that many students overlook: thesis-based graduate students receive guaranteed minimum funding packages. Annually, these amounts are:

MA/MSc (Domestic): Minimum $23,676 per year (guaranteed for the first two years)
MA/MSc (International): Minimum $25,455 per year
PhD (Domestic and International): Guaranteed for the first four years of program

These packages typically combine stipends from supervisor research grants, internal awards, and teaching or research assistantship compensation.

Graduate Award Competition (GAC)

The Graduate Award Competition is UCalgary’s primary university-wide competitive scholarship process for graduate students. It is highly competitive and awards funding that is released in the fall term each year. Entrance and continuing competition deadlines typically fall in January and February respectively — confirm the latest dates through your faculty or the FGS awards page.

Canada Graduate Research Scholarships (CGRS)

UCalgary students are strongly encouraged to apply for the federal Canada Graduate Research Scholarships, administered by Canada’s Tri-Agency (NSERC, SSHRC, and CIHR). These are among the most prestigious graduate awards in Canada:

CGRS-Master’s: Currently $27,000 for 12 months
CGRS-Doctoral: Currently $40,000 per year for up to 3 years

Applications are submitted annually on December 1 through the Research Portal. UCalgary graduate students are expected to apply for all external awards for which they are eligible.

See our full guide: Canada Graduate Research Scholarship: 5 Powerful Secrets

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are among the most prestigious doctoral awards in the country, valued at $50,000 per year for three years. They recognize students who demonstrate outstanding leadership and a high standard of scholarly achievement in health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, or humanities. Students interested in applying must submit a Preliminary Assessment Form (PAF) to the FGS scholarship office by August 19 each year.

Maximum Award Caps (Graduate Students)

UCalgary enforces award caps to ensure fair distribution:

Master’s students: Maximum combined university-wide awards of $20,500 per year
Doctoral students: Maximum combined university-wide awards of $26,000 per year

Students may hold one award that exceeds the cap, plus one additional Program Recommended Award.

Indigenous Student Scholarships at UCalgary

UCalgary offers dedicated scholarship and bursary support for Indigenous students (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit). These awards are accessible through:

The Registrar’s Awards Database (filter by Indigenous category)
The Graduate Award Competition — includes an Indigenous Scholars Awards and Supplements stream under the CGRS-Master’s competition
Band funding and Indigenous government funding — recognized alongside university awards but subject to specific stacking regulations

Indigenous students are encouraged to meet with an advisor at the Chancellor Cuthbertson Student Success Centre to identify all available awards and navigate the application process effectively.

Bursaries vs. Scholarships: What’s the Difference?

Many students confuse scholarships with bursaries. Here is a clear breakdown:

Feature	Scholarship	Bursary
Based on	Academic merit (or leadership/research)	Financial need
Application Required	Sometimes (some are automatic)	Usually yes
Renewable	Often, with GPA conditions	Typically annual re-application
Who Can Apply	Students meeting merit criteria	Students with demonstrated need
Taxable	May be (check CRA rules)	Generally not (confirm with CRA)

UCalgary offers both. International students are eligible for both categories, provided they meet the specific criteria for each award and are paying international tuition fees.

Scholarship Comparison Table

Here is a quick comparison of the major University of Calgary scholarships currently available each year:

Scholarship	Value (CAD)	Level	Renewable?	For International Students?
International Entrance Scholarship	$20,000/year	Undergraduate	Yes (up to 4 years)	Yes
UCalgary International Undergraduate Award	Varies	Undergraduate (Continuing)	Annual application	Yes
UCalgary Award for Int’l Student Athletes	Varies	Undergraduate	Annual	Yes (nominated)
Graduate Minimum Funding (MSc/MA)	$23,676–$25,455/year	Master’s (thesis)	Yes (2 years)	Yes
Graduate Award Competition	Varies	Graduate	Competitive	Depends on award
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship (Master’s)	$27,000	Master’s	No (12 months)	No (must be Canadian PR or Citizen)
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship (Doctoral)	$40,000/year	PhD	Yes (up to 3 years)	No (must be Canadian PR or Citizen)
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship	$50,000/year	PhD	Yes (3 years)	No (citizenship unrestricted — confirm)
Program Recommended Awards (PRAs)	Widely varies	Graduate	Annual	Depends on award

Note: Values and eligibility are subject to change. Always verify the latest update on the official UCalgary awards portal at ucalgary.ca/registrar/finances/awards before applying.

How to Apply for University of Calgary Scholarships

Applying successfully requires a clear, step-by-step approach. Here is what the process looks like for most applicants each year:

Step 1: Apply for Admission First

For all entrance scholarships — especially the International Entrance Scholarship — you must first submit your admission application to UCalgary. Scholarship access is granted 24–48 hours after your admission application is submitted.

Step 2: Check the Awards Database

Navigate to the UCalgary Awards Database and search for awards that match your profile: citizenship, program, year of study, and financial need. The database is filterable and is the most reliable source for currently open awards.

Step 3: Gather Your Documents

Typical documents required include:

Official academic transcripts
English language proficiency scores (IELTS or TOEFL, if applicable)
Personal statement or essay (for select awards)
Reference letters (graduate scholarships in particular)
Proof of enrollment or admission

Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline

Deadlines vary significantly by award. The most important annual deadlines to note are:

October 1 — Continuing undergraduate awards competition opens
December 1 — Canada Graduate Research Scholarship application deadline
December 1 — International Entrance Scholarship (undergraduate) typical deadline
January 15 – February 1 — Graduate Award Competition (entrance and continuing)
May 1 — Several continuing undergraduate and graduate awards
August 19 — Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships PAF submission to FGS

Step 5: Follow Up

After submitting, track your application through the UCalgary Student Centre. For graduate awards, successful applicants are notified electronically and must formally accept or decline through their Student Centre by the stated deadline.

Tips to Win a University of Calgary Scholarship

Getting a university of calgary scholarship is competitive. Here are proven strategies to strengthen your application:

Maintain a strong GPA. Most scholarships at UCalgary are merit-based. For undergraduates, an 85%+ admission average makes you competitive for entrance awards. For graduate students, a first-class average (typically 3.5 GPA or 80%+) is generally expected for external awards.

Apply early. The Prestige tier of the International Entrance Scholarship has an earlier deadline than the main award. Missing it means you compete for a smaller pool of funding.

Use the Student Success Centre. UCalgary’s Chancellor Cuthbertson Student Success Centre offers free advising specifically for scholarship and award applications. Book an appointment early in the academic year.

Apply for external awards too. Graduate students in particular are expected — and in some cases required — to apply for Tri-Agency awards (NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR) and other external funding. Holding an external award may still allow you to hold an internal UCalgary award simultaneously, depending on the stacking rules.

Write a compelling personal statement. For awards that require essays or statements, tailor your writing to the specific criteria of each award. Generic statements rarely succeed in competitive processes.

Check for faculty-specific awards. Every faculty at UCalgary — from Science to Architecture to Social Work — has its own set of Program Recommended Awards (PRAs). These are often less competitive than university-wide awards because they are targeted to a specific department.

What People Also Ask

Q: Does the University of Calgary offer full scholarships? Yes. The International Entrance Scholarship is worth $20,000 per year and is renewable for up to four years, for a total potential value of $80,000. Combined with other awards, it can significantly offset the full cost of study.

Q: What GPA do you need to keep a UCalgary scholarship? For the International Entrance Scholarship, a minimum GPA of 2.60 over at least 24.00 units in the previous fall and winter terms is required for annual renewal.

Q: Can international students apply for scholarships at UCalgary? Yes. UCalgary has specific scholarships for international students, including the flagship International Entrance Scholarship. International students are also eligible for many general university awards that do not restrict eligibility by citizenship.

Q: Are University of Calgary graduate students guaranteed funding? Thesis-based master’s and doctoral students receive guaranteed minimum funding packages each year — currently $23,676 annually for domestic and $25,455 for international master’s students, guaranteed for the first two years. PhD funding is guaranteed for the first four years.

Q: Is the University of Calgary scholarship automatic or do I need to apply? Some awards are automatic (particularly domestic entrance awards based on your admission average), while others — including the International Entrance Scholarship — require a separate online application. Always check the specific award’s terms of reference.

Q: When do UCalgary scholarships open? Several competitions open annually on October 1. The International Entrance Scholarship deadline is typically December 1. Graduate competitions typically fall between January and February each year.

Q: Can I hold multiple scholarships at UCalgary? Yes, but UCalgary enforces stacking caps for graduate students — a maximum of $20,500 per year for master’s students and $26,000 per year for doctoral students in combined university-wide awards. Undergraduate students may hold multiple awards unless specific terms of reference prohibit it.

Q: What is the difference between a scholarship and a bursary at UCalgary? Scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit (academic achievement, leadership, or research potential), while bursaries are awarded based on demonstrated financial need.

If you found this guide helpful, explore these related resources on LicensureHub:

Canada Graduate Research Scholarship: 5 Powerful Funding Secrets — Everything you need to know about the CGRS, the most important graduate funding opportunity in Canada, including the Master’s ($27,000) and Doctoral ($40,000/year) streams currently open for applications each year.
Ottawa University Scholarships: Your Complete Guide to Funding — Comparing Canadian university scholarship programs? This complete guide covers Ottawa University scholarships from automatic entrance awards to graduate research funding.
UVic Scholarships: The Ultimate Guide to Securing Funding — Planning to compare UCalgary with other Canadian universities? Explore the University of Victoria’s complete scholarship ecosystem, including automatic entrance awards and graduate opportunities.
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships: Complete Guide — If you are a doctoral student in Canada, the Trudeau Foundation award (up to $210,000 over three years) is one of the most prestigious doctoral fellowships available annually — and UCalgary students are eligible.

For the most accurate and currently open information on University of Calgary scholarships, consult these official and authoritative sources:

UCalgary Awards and Scholarships — Official Registrar Portal (DoFollow) — The official searchable database of all undergraduate scholarships, bursaries, and entrance awards currently administered by UCalgary. This is the primary source for domestic and international undergraduate applicants.
UCalgary Faculty of Graduate Studies — Awards and Funding (DoFollow) — Official portal for all graduate-level scholarship competitions, including the Graduate Award Competition, Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, and Tri-Agency awards administered through UCalgary.
EduCanada — Canada’s Official International Student Scholarship Resource (DoFollow) — The Government of Canada’s official platform listing scholarships for international students seeking to study in Canada, including awards at UCalgary and other institutions.

Explore More Scholarship Opportunities on LicensureHub

University of Calgary scholarships — UCalgary main campus

Final Thoughts

University of Calgary scholarships represent one of the most generous and accessible funding ecosystems in Canadian higher education. Each year, UCalgary distributes tens of millions of dollars to undergraduate and graduate students from across Canada and around the world. Whether you are a high school student aiming for the $80,000 International Entrance Scholarship, a thesis-based master’s student accessing guaranteed minimum funding, or a doctoral researcher pursuing a Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, the opportunities at UCalgary are substantial.

The key to securing University of Calgary scholarships is simple: apply early, maintain strong academic performance, use the university’s student success resources, and never limit yourself to a single award. Stack every eligible opportunity.

Bookmark this page for the latest update each cycle, and always confirm deadlines and values through the official UCalgary awards portal before submitting your application.

Disclaimer: Scholarship values, eligibility criteria, and deadlines are subject to change annually. Always verify the latest information through the official University of Calgary awards portal (ucalgary.ca/registrar/finances/awards) and the Faculty of Graduate Studies (grad.ucalgary.ca/awards) before applying.