The University of Alberta stands as one of Canada's leading research-intensive institutions, consistently ranking among the top five universities in the country. For international students comparing scholarship opportunities across Canadian universities, UAlberta offers a comprehensive portfolio of merit-based entrance awards, graduate funding packages, and research scholarships that can significantly reduce the cost of studying in Edmonton. Understanding the range of university of alberta scholarships international students can access - and the application requirements for each - is essential for anyone planning to study at this institution in 2026 and beyond.
This guide walks through the major scholarship programmes available to international undergraduates and graduate students at the University of Alberta, explains eligibility criteria and application processes, and provides practical advice on maximising your chances of securing funding at one of Canada's premier research universities.
Key facts
Aspect | What to know |
|---|---|
Administering body | University of Alberta, Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies for graduate awards |
Main undergraduate awards | President's International Distinction Scholarship, Regional Excellence Scholarships, International Entrance Scholarships |
Main graduate awards | University of Alberta Graduate Entrance Scholarship, Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship (AGES), faculty-specific awards |
Application deadline | January 10 for most undergraduate entrance scholarships; graduate deadlines vary by programme - check the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies for current dates |
Eligibility basis | Academic merit, admission average, country or region of citizenship, programme of study |
Where to verify current award amounts | See the official International Entrance Scholarships page and Graduate Entrance Scholarship page on ualberta.ca |
Understanding UAlberta's scholarship landscape for international students
The University of Alberta structures its financial support for international students into two broad streams: undergraduate entrance scholarships awarded at the point of admission, and graduate funding that combines entrance awards, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and competitive scholarships. Both streams prioritise academic excellence, and most awards are granted automatically based on your admission application - though some require separate applications or nominations.
Unlike some Canadian universities that bundle scholarships into a single award category, UAlberta maintains distinct programmes targeting students from specific regions, academic profiles, and degree levels. This means you may be considered for multiple scholarships simultaneously, and in some cases awards can be stacked to provide more comprehensive support.
How scholarships are assessed and awarded
For undergraduate applicants, the university assesses your admission average - the grades from your final years of secondary school or any post-secondary work - against the thresholds for each scholarship programme. The assessment happens automatically when you apply for admission by the scholarship deadline, so there is no separate scholarship application form for most entrance awards. However, meeting the academic threshold does not guarantee an award; competition is strong, and the number of scholarships available each year is limited.
Graduate scholarships follow a different model. Some, like the University of Alberta Graduate Entrance Scholarship, are awarded automatically to high-achieving students admitted to eligible programmes. Others, such as the Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship, require a nomination from your department or supervisor. Research-based graduate programmes also typically offer funding packages that combine scholarships with paid research or teaching roles, and the total support you receive will depend on your field, supervisor, and the funding available within your faculty.
Major undergraduate scholarships for international students
The university of alberta international student awards for undergraduates fall into several categories, each with its own eligibility criteria and selection process. These awards are designed to attract high-achieving students from around the world and recognise academic excellence at the point of entry.
President's International Distinction Scholarship
The President's International Distinction Scholarship is the university's most prestigious entrance award for international undergraduates. It recognises exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential. Students who receive this scholarship typically have outstanding admission averages and a strong record of extracurricular involvement or community leadership. The award is renewable for up to three additional years, provided you maintain a high grade point average during your studies.
Because this is a highly competitive award, applicants should ensure their admission application clearly demonstrates not only academic strength but also leadership, initiative, and a commitment to contributing to the UAlberta community. There is no separate application; you are automatically considered when you apply for admission by the January 10 scholarship deadline.
Regional Excellence Scholarships
The Regional Excellence Scholarship UAlberta programme targets students from specific countries or regions, reflecting the university's commitment to geographic diversity. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and country of citizenship, and they are renewable for up to three additional years subject to maintaining a specified grade point average.
Eligibility for a regional excellence scholarship depends on where you hold citizenship and your admission average. The university publishes a list of eligible countries and regions each year, so it is important to check the official international entrance scholarships page to confirm whether your country is included and what the current academic thresholds are.
Other international entrance scholarships
Beyond the flagship awards, the University of Alberta offers a range of other entrance scholarships for international students. These may be faculty-specific, programme-specific, or based on particular criteria such as academic discipline or demonstrated financial need. Some faculties, such as Engineering or Business, maintain their own scholarship funds and may offer additional awards to students admitted to their programmes.
To maximise your chances of receiving funding, apply for admission as early as possible and ensure your application is complete well before the January 10 deadline. Late or incomplete applications are not considered for most entrance scholarships, and the university does not typically extend deadlines for individual applicants.
Graduate scholarships and funding for international students
Graduate students at the University of Alberta have access to a more complex funding ecosystem that includes entrance scholarships, competitive awards, research funding, and employment opportunities. Understanding how these elements work together is key to planning your finances for a master's or doctoral programme.
University of Alberta Graduate Entrance Scholarship
The University of Alberta Graduate Entrance Scholarship is awarded automatically to high-achieving students admitted to eligible graduate programmes. Both master's and doctoral students can receive this award, and it is typically granted for the first year of study. The scholarship recognises academic excellence and is intended to support students as they transition into graduate-level research.
You do not need to submit a separate application for this scholarship. When you apply for admission to a graduate programme, the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and your department will assess your eligibility based on your academic record and the strength of your application. If you are offered the scholarship, the details will be included in your admission offer.
Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship (AGES)
The Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship, commonly known as the AGES scholarship, is a competitive award for doctoral students demonstrating exceptional research potential. This scholarship is typically awarded in the second or subsequent years of a PhD programme, and it requires a nomination from your department or supervisor.
To be considered for an AGES scholarship, you must be making strong progress in your doctoral research and have a supervisor willing to nominate you. The selection process is competitive, and awards are limited. Your department will inform you of the nomination deadlines and the materials required, which typically include a research proposal, academic transcripts, and letters of support.
Faculty-specific and research funding
Many faculties and departments at the University of Alberta maintain their own scholarship funds and offer additional awards to graduate students in their programmes. For example, the Faculty of Science and the Department of Computing Science provide information on awards specific to their graduate students, including research assistantships and teaching assistantships that provide both funding and valuable professional experience.
Research-based graduate programmes (thesis-based master's and doctoral programmes) typically come with funding packages that combine scholarships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships. These packages are designed to cover tuition and provide a living stipend, though the total amount varies by faculty, supervisor, and available funding. When you are admitted to a research-based programme, your offer letter will outline the funding you can expect, but it is also worth discussing funding expectations directly with your prospective supervisor before you accept an offer.
External funding and tri-agency scholarships
In addition to university-administered awards, international graduate students at the University of Alberta are encouraged to apply for external scholarships. While many Canadian federal scholarships (such as those from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research) are restricted to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, some programmes do accept international applicants or have special streams for students from particular countries.
The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies maintains a list of external funding opportunities for international students, and you should review this list early in your application process. Applying for external funding not only increases your total financial support but also strengthens your academic profile and demonstrates initiative to potential supervisors.
How to apply for University of Alberta funding
The application process for university of alberta scholarships international students depends on whether you are applying for undergraduate or graduate study, and which specific scholarships you are targeting. However, some general principles apply across all levels.
Undergraduate scholarship applications
For most undergraduate entrance scholarships, there is no separate scholarship application. You are automatically considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible when you submit your application for admission by the ualberta scholarship application deadline of January 10. This means your admission application itself is your scholarship application, and the strength of your academic record, personal statement, and any supplementary materials you submit will determine whether you receive an award.
To maximise your scholarship prospects, ensure that your application is complete and submitted well before the deadline. Pay close attention to the personal statement or essay requirements, as these provide an opportunity to demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and your motivation for studying at UAlberta. If your programme requires supplementary materials such as a portfolio, audition, or additional essays, treat these with the same care as your main application - they all contribute to the overall assessment.
Graduate scholarship applications
Graduate scholarship applications are more varied. For entrance scholarships awarded automatically, your application for admission to a graduate programme serves as your scholarship application. However, for competitive awards like the AGES scholarship, you will need to be nominated by your department, and this typically happens after you have already begun your programme.
When applying to graduate programmes, it is essential to identify a potential supervisor early and discuss funding expectations before you apply. Many supervisors have research grants that can support graduate students, and a strong relationship with a supervisor can open doors to funding opportunities that are not widely advertised. In your application, clearly articulate your research interests, how they align with the supervisor's work, and why you are a strong candidate for graduate study.
Key deadlines and timelines
The January 10 scholarship deadline is critical for undergraduate applicants. Applications submitted after this date are still considered for admission, but they are not eligible for most entrance scholarships. Graduate programme deadlines vary by faculty and department, so check the specific programme page for the deadline that applies to you. Many competitive graduate scholarships have internal deadlines set by departments, and missing these deadlines means you will not be considered, even if you are otherwise eligible.
Plan to submit all applications - admission and scholarship - well in advance of the deadline. Technical issues, missing documents, and delays in obtaining transcripts or reference letters are common, and the university does not typically grant extensions for these reasons.
Eligibility and selection criteria
Understanding the university of alberta scholarship requirements is essential for setting realistic expectations and strengthening your application. While each scholarship has its own specific criteria, some common themes run through most awards.
Academic merit
All major scholarships at the University of Alberta are merit-based, meaning they are awarded primarily on the basis of academic achievement. For undergraduate scholarships, this means your admission average - the grades from your final years of secondary school or any post-secondary coursework. For graduate scholarships, your undergraduate grade point average, the strength of your research proposal, and letters of reference are the primary factors.
Competition for scholarships is strong, and meeting the minimum academic threshold does not guarantee an award. The university receives applications from high-achieving students around the world, and scholarship committees look for applicants who stand out not only for their grades but also for their potential to contribute to the university community and their field of study.
Country or region of citizenship
Some scholarships, particularly the regional excellence scholarships, are restricted to students from specific countries or regions. This is part of the university's strategy to build a diverse and globally representative student body. If you are applying from a country that is eligible for a regional scholarship, this can significantly improve your chances of receiving funding, as you are competing within a smaller, geographically defined pool rather than against all international applicants.
Programme of study and faculty
Certain scholarships are restricted to students in particular faculties or programmes. For example, some awards are available only to students in STEM fields, while others target students in the humanities or social sciences. When researching scholarships, pay close attention to any programme-specific restrictions and focus your efforts on awards for which you are genuinely eligible.
Leadership and extracurricular involvement
While academic merit is the primary criterion for most scholarships, leadership and extracurricular involvement can be important differentiators, especially for prestigious awards like the President's International Distinction Scholarship. If you have a strong record of community service, leadership roles in student organisations, or significant achievements outside the classroom, make sure these are clearly highlighted in your application.
Maximising your scholarship prospects
Securing funding at the University of Alberta requires more than simply meeting the eligibility criteria. The following strategies can help you strengthen your application and improve your chances of receiving a scholarship.
Apply early and meet all deadlines
This cannot be emphasised enough: apply for admission by the January 10 deadline if you want to be considered for undergraduate entrance scholarships. For graduate applicants, check your programme's specific deadline and aim to submit well in advance. Late applications are not considered for most scholarships, and there are no exceptions.
Strengthen your academic record
Scholarships are awarded on merit, so the single most important thing you can do is achieve the highest grades possible in your current studies. If you are still in secondary school, focus on excelling in your final year. If you are applying to graduate school, maintain a strong grade point average in your undergraduate degree and seek out research opportunities that will strengthen your profile.
Craft a compelling personal statement
Your personal statement is your opportunity to show the scholarship committee who you are beyond your grades. Use it to explain your academic interests, your reasons for choosing the University of Alberta, and how you plan to contribute to the university community. Be specific, be genuine, and avoid generic statements that could apply to any applicant.
Seek strong letters of reference
For graduate applicants, letters of reference are a critical component of your scholarship application. Choose referees who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities, research potential, and personal qualities. Give your referees plenty of notice and provide them with information about the scholarships you are applying for and why you are a strong candidate.
Explore all funding sources
Do not rely solely on university-administered scholarships. Explore external funding opportunities, including scholarships offered by governments, foundations, and international organisations. The more funding sources you apply for, the better your chances of securing the financial support you need. You can search for additional Canadian scholarships to complement your UAlberta applications.
Living costs and financial planning in Edmonton
Even with a scholarship, you will need to budget carefully for your time at the University of Alberta. Edmonton is one of Canada's more affordable major cities, but international students still face significant costs including tuition, accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, and personal expenses.
Scholarships typically cover a portion of tuition or provide a fixed amount toward your overall costs, but they rarely cover all expenses. It is important to calculate your total expected costs and identify how you will cover any gap between your scholarship and your actual expenses. This might include part-time work (international students in Canada can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during scheduled breaks), additional family support, or savings.
The university provides detailed information on estimated costs for international students on its official tuition and fees pages, and you should review these figures carefully when planning your budget. Remember that costs can vary depending on your programme, lifestyle, and whether you live on campus or in private accommodation.
After you receive a scholarship offer
If you are offered a scholarship, the details will be included in your admission offer letter. Read this letter carefully, as it will outline the value of the scholarship, any conditions you must meet to retain it (such as maintaining a minimum grade point average), and whether the scholarship is renewable for additional years.
For renewable scholarships, it is essential to understand the renewal criteria and plan your academic workload accordingly. Losing a scholarship in your second or third year because you did not meet the grade point average requirement can create significant financial hardship, so take the renewal conditions seriously from day one.
If you are offered multiple scholarships or if you receive funding from both the university and an external source, check whether the awards can be held concurrently. Some scholarships have rules about stacking or may reduce the value of one award if you receive another. The university's financial aid office can clarify these rules if your offer letter does not make them clear.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for multiple scholarships at the University of Alberta?
Yes, you are automatically considered for all undergraduate entrance scholarships for which you meet the eligibility criteria when you apply for admission by the January 10 deadline. For graduate students, you may be considered for multiple awards depending on your programme, academic record, and nominations from your department. There is no restriction on applying for or holding multiple scholarships, though some awards cannot be stacked.
What happens if I miss the January 10 scholarship deadline?
If you apply for undergraduate admission after January 10, you will still be considered for admission to the university, but you will not be eligible for most entrance scholarships. The deadline is firm, and the university does not grant extensions or consider late applications for scholarship purposes. If you are serious about securing funding, plan to submit your application well before this date.
Are University of Alberta scholarships renewable for multiple years?
Many undergraduate entrance scholarships, including the President's International Distinction Scholarship and Regional Excellence Scholarships, are renewable for up to three additional years (four years total) provided you maintain a specified grade point average. The renewal criteria are outlined in your scholarship offer letter. Graduate scholarships are typically awarded for one year, though some doctoral students may receive multi-year funding packages that combine scholarships with research or teaching assistantships.
Do I need a separate application for graduate funding?
For most graduate entrance scholarships, no separate application is required - you are automatically considered when you apply for admission to a graduate programme. However, some competitive awards, such as the Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship, require a nomination from your department or supervisor. External scholarships typically require separate applications with their own deadlines and materials.
Can international students work while holding a scholarship?
Yes, international students in Canada are generally permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during scheduled breaks, regardless of whether they hold a scholarship. However, some scholarships, particularly those that come with research or teaching assistantship duties, may have expectations about how you allocate your time. Check the terms of your scholarship and discuss any work plans with your academic advisor or supervisor to ensure you remain in compliance with both your scholarship conditions and your study permit.
