tudying for a master’s or doctoral degree in Canada can be expensive, especially for international students who must plan for tuition, accommodation, food, transportation, insurance and other living costs. Fortunately, the University of Alberta Graduate Scholarship for International Students in Canada provides an important opportunity for qualified graduate students to receive financial support while studying at one of Canada’s major research universities.
The University of Alberta offers several graduate scholarships and awards that are open to international students. Depending on the award, funding may support tuition and fees or provide a stipend that can help with living expenses. Some awards are designed for newly admitted students, while others are available to students already enrolled in graduate research programs.
In this guide, you will learn what the University of Alberta graduate scholarship is, how much funding may be available, who can qualify, which graduate programs are considered, how the selection process works, what international applicants need to prepare, and how to start the application process. You will also learn an important point that many applicants miss: some University of Alberta graduate scholarships do not have a separate scholarship application form and instead require nomination by an academic department or faculty.
What Is the University of Alberta Graduate Scholarship for International Students in Canada?
The University of Alberta Graduate Scholarship for International Students in Canada refers to the range of scholarships, awards and funding opportunities available to graduate students at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta.
The university’s Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies administers or supports numerous graduate funding opportunities. These include entrance scholarships, recruitment scholarships, research awards, government-funded awards and department-specific scholarships.
For international students, the most important point is that eligibility depends on the specific award. Not every scholarship is available to international applicants, and some awards are restricted to particular types of graduate programs.
One major opportunity is the University of Alberta Graduate Entrance Scholarship.
For the 2026 competition, the Graduate Entrance Scholarship provides:
- $17,500 for master’s students
- $21,000 for doctoral students
- An additional $10,000 toward tuition and fees for eligible international students
- Full-time graduate study during the scholarship period
- Consideration for both master’s and doctoral students who meet the stated requirements
The scholarship is intended for newly admitted graduate students whose applications have been highly ranked by their departments.
Importantly, students do not submit a separate application directly for the Graduate Entrance Scholarship. Eligible newly admitted students are considered through a departmental nomination process.
University of Alberta Graduate Scholarship for International Students: How Much Is Available?
The amount of financial support depends on the specific scholarship.
The University of Alberta has several graduate funding opportunities, so international students should not assume that every award has the same value or conditions.
Here is a simplified comparison of several major opportunities:
| Scholarship/Award | Typical Value | International Students | Main Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Entrance Scholarship | $17,500 Master’s / $21,000 Doctoral + $10,000 toward eligible international fees | Yes | Newly admitted graduate students |
| Graduate Recruitment Scholarship | Minimum $5,000 per unit | Yes, for eligible students | Newly admitted thesis-based master’s or doctoral students |
| Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship | $12,000 | Yes | Outstanding graduate students |
| Killam Memorial Scholarship | Up to $45,000 per year for two years | Yes | Highly competitive graduate research applicants |
| Graduate Student Awards | Varies | Yes, depending on award | Current eligible graduate students |
The exact amount, eligibility rules and deadlines can change from one award cycle to another. Applicants should therefore check the current University of Alberta information before making financial plans.
The university also provides other forms of graduate funding, including teaching assistantships, research assistantships, fellowships and department-level awards.
University of Alberta Graduate Scholarship for International Students: Who Can Apply?
International students can qualify for several University of Alberta graduate funding opportunities, but the eligibility requirements differ from one award to another.
For the 2026 University of Alberta Graduate Entrance Scholarship, eligible students include international students who are newly admitted to an eligible master’s or doctoral program.
The 2026 entrance scholarship eligibility includes the following:
- You must be a newly admitted graduate student.
- You must be entering an eligible master’s or doctoral program.
- You must meet the required admission GPA.
- You must be registered full-time during the award period.
- International students are eligible.
- Both course-based and thesis-based graduate students can be considered for the Graduate Entrance Scholarship.
- The scholarship is not automatically renewable.
For the 2026 award cycle, the required admission GPA for the Graduate Entrance Scholarship is 3.7 or higher.
However, meeting the minimum GPA does not guarantee an award. The scholarship is competitive, and departments nominate students based on the strength of their admissions applications.
Requirements for the Graduate Recruitment Scholarship
The University of Alberta Graduate Recruitment Scholarship has different requirements.
This award is primarily intended to recruit strong graduate students into research-focused programs.
Eligible students generally need to:
- Be newly admitted to a doctoral or thesis-based master’s program.
- Register full-time.
- Have an admission GPA of at least 3.5.
- Hold an eligible study status, including international students studying on a study permit.
- Meet any additional faculty or department requirements.
Course-based graduate students are generally not eligible for the Graduate Recruitment Scholarship.
This distinction is important because an applicant may qualify for one University of Alberta graduate scholarship but not another.
Which Programs Are Eligible?
The University of Alberta offers graduate programs across many academic fields.
Depending on the scholarship, eligible programs may include fields such as:
- Engineering
- Computer science
- Artificial intelligence
- Business
- Economics
- Education
- Public health
- Medicine and health sciences
- Nursing
- Agricultural sciences
- Environmental sciences
- Biological sciences
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Social sciences
- Humanities
- Law
- Energy and natural resources
- Indigenous studies
However, the availability of a scholarship should not be confused with admission to a particular program.
A student must first meet the admission requirements of the graduate program. The department may also have additional requirements concerning academic background, research interests, supervisors, work experience, writing samples or other supporting materials.
For research-based master’s and doctoral programs, identifying an appropriate research area and potential supervisor can be especially important.
Is the University of Alberta Graduate Scholarship Fully Funded?
The answer depends on which scholarship you receive.
The University of Alberta Graduate Entrance Scholarship is not necessarily a complete full-ride scholarship covering every expense for the entire degree.
For 2026, the award includes a stipend of $17,500 for master’s students or $21,000 for doctoral students, together with an additional $10,000 toward eligible fees for international students.
This can significantly reduce the financial burden of graduate study, but applicants should still create a complete financial plan.
Costs may include:
- Tuition and student fees
- Housing
- Food
- Transportation
- Health insurance
- Books and study materials
- Winter clothing
- Study permit-related expenses
- Flights and travel
- Personal expenses
Some other University of Alberta awards can provide considerably larger funding. For example, the Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship can be worth up to $45,000 per year for two years, subject to the award’s requirements.
Therefore, students interested in studying in Canada should look beyond one scholarship and investigate multiple sources of graduate funding.
How the University of Alberta Graduate Scholarship Selection Works
One of the most important things international applicants need to understand is that some University of Alberta graduate scholarships are nomination-based.
This means that you may not find a normal scholarship application form where you simply enter your personal information and upload documents.
For the Graduate Entrance Scholarship, newly admitted students are considered through their academic department.
The general process is:
- Choose an eligible graduate program.
- Prepare your graduate admission application.
- Submit your application to the University of Alberta.
- Receive admission to the eligible graduate program.
- The department evaluates eligible students for scholarship consideration.
- Strong candidates may be nominated for the scholarship.
- The Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies reviews eligible nominations.
- Successful students receive notification of the award.
This is why submitting a strong graduate admission application is extremely important.
Your admission application can effectively become part of your scholarship profile when departments use academic merit and the overall strength of the applicant to select nominees.
How to Apply for the University of Alberta Graduate Scholarship for International Students
If you want to be considered for the University of Alberta Graduate Scholarship for International Students in Canada, your first step is normally to apply for admission to an eligible graduate program.
Step 1: Choose Your Graduate Program
Start by identifying the master’s or doctoral program you want to study.
Check the program’s admission requirements carefully. Pay attention to:
- Previous degree requirements
- Minimum GPA
- English-language requirements
- Required academic background
- Research requirements
- Application deadlines
- Supporting documents
- Supervisor requirements, where applicable
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
International graduate applicants should prepare their academic and supporting documents well in advance.
These may include:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Curriculum vitae or résumé
- Statement of purpose
- Research proposal, where required
- Letters of recommendation
- English-language test results, where required
- Passport identification page
- Evidence of relevant research or professional experience
Not every program requires all of these documents, so applicants should follow the requirements for their specific program.
Step 3: Submit Your University of Alberta Application
Submit your graduate admission application before the relevant program deadline.
This is the most important practical step because some University of Alberta graduate scholarships are connected to the admissions and departmental nomination process.
Step 4: Contact the Graduate Department
After applying, students should understand how their department handles funding.
This can be particularly useful for research-based programs.
Ask the department about:
- Graduate scholarships
- Department funding
- Research assistantships
- Teaching assistantships
- Faculty awards
- Supervisor-funded opportunities
- External scholarships
The University of Alberta specifically encourages international graduate applicants to consult their department regarding potential assistantship opportunities.
Step 5: Wait for Scholarship Consideration
For nomination-based scholarships, you generally do not need to submit a separate scholarship application.
Instead, the department or faculty identifies eligible candidates.
This makes academic performance, the quality of your admission application and your fit with the graduate program particularly important.
How to Apply — Quick Instructions
1. Find an eligible master’s or doctoral program at the University of Alberta.
2. Check the program’s admission requirements and deadline.
3. Prepare your transcripts, CV, statement, references and other required documents.
4. Apply for graduate admission.
5. Contact your department to ask about graduate funding and scholarship nomination procedures.
6. If eligible, you may be considered for the Graduate Entrance Scholarship or another departmental award.
Official scholarship and application information:
VISIT SCHOLARSHIP WEBSITE
What Makes a Strong Scholarship Candidate?
Although meeting the minimum eligibility requirements is important, competitive graduate funding usually requires more than simply having a qualifying GPA.
A strong applicant should focus on the complete academic profile.
Academic Performance
A strong academic record is one of the most obvious factors.
For the 2026 Graduate Entrance Scholarship, applicants need an admission GPA of at least 3.7.
However, applicants should aim to present their strongest academic record rather than focusing only on the minimum.
Research Potential
For thesis-based master’s and doctoral applicants, research potential can be particularly important.
A strong research profile may include:
- Undergraduate or master’s research
- Published academic work
- Conference presentations
- Research projects
- Laboratory experience
- Technical projects
- Relevant professional experience
Applicants should explain their research interests clearly and demonstrate how those interests connect with their proposed graduate program.
Strong Statement of Purpose
Your statement should explain why you want to pursue the program and what you hope to accomplish.
Avoid simply repeating your CV.
Instead, explain:
- Your academic background
- Your research interests
- Why the program fits your goals
- What problems you want to investigate
- How your previous experience prepared you
- Your long-term academic or professional goals
Strong References
Academic references can help demonstrate your ability to succeed in graduate-level study.
Choose referees who know your academic or research work well and can provide specific examples rather than generic praise.
Other University of Alberta Funding Opportunities for International Students
Students should not limit their search to the Graduate Entrance Scholarship.
The University of Alberta administers a broad range of graduate awards.
Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship
The Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship, or AGES, is designed to recognize outstanding academic achievement among graduate students in Alberta.
At the University of Alberta, the award is valued at $12,000.
International students can be eligible for this award.
Like other university awards, selection is competitive and students must satisfy the applicable requirements.
University of Alberta Graduate Recruitment Scholarship
The Graduate Recruitment Scholarship is designed to attract strong graduate students to the university.
The award has a minimum value of $5,000 per unit, although the final amount can vary depending on the number of units awarded.
It is particularly relevant to newly admitted students entering eligible thesis-based master’s or doctoral programs.
Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship
The Killam Memorial Scholarship is another major graduate funding opportunity.
For eligible recipients, it can provide up to $45,000 per year for two years, along with applicable international graduate differential fees.
Because of the value and competitive nature of the award, applicants should treat it as a separate funding opportunity and carefully review its specific eligibility requirements.
Important Deadlines for International Applicants
Scholarship deadlines can vary depending on the award and the student’s intended start date.
For example, the 2026 Graduate Entrance Scholarship had a departmental nomination deadline of April 14, 2026.
For the Graduate Recruitment Scholarship and Graduate Student Award, deadlines vary according to the student’s start term. The University of Alberta lists different nomination deadlines for May, July, September and January starts.
This means applicants should not wait until after receiving admission to investigate funding.
A better approach is to research funding opportunities before submitting your graduate application.
Some departments may have internal deadlines that are earlier than the final university-level deadline.
Common Mistakes International Students Should Avoid
Mistake 1: Assuming Every Scholarship Requires a Separate Application
Some applicants spend time looking for an online scholarship form when the award is actually nomination-based.
Always determine whether the scholarship is:
- Direct application
- Department nomination
- Faculty nomination
- Automatic consideration
- External application
Mistake 2: Applying Only for One Scholarship
Graduate funding can come from several sources.
Consider scholarships, assistantships, fellowships, research funding and department awards.
Mistake 3: Ignoring the Department
The graduate department can be an important source of information about funding.
Contact the department and ask what opportunities may be available to international students in your program.
Mistake 4: Waiting Until Admission to Research Funding
Scholarship deadlines can arrive quickly.
Start researching funding before you submit your admission application so you know what documents and deadlines you need to prepare.
Mistake 5: Treating the Minimum GPA as a Guarantee
A minimum GPA makes you eligible for consideration, but competitive scholarships may involve ranking among many qualified applicants.
A strong application should demonstrate academic achievement, research potential and a clear reason for pursuing the chosen program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the University of Alberta Graduate Scholarship available to international students?
Yes. The University of Alberta offers several graduate scholarships and awards that are open to eligible international students. The Graduate Entrance Scholarship, for example, explicitly includes international students among its eligible applicants. However, eligibility varies by award, so international students should check the requirements of each scholarship.
How much is the University of Alberta Graduate Entrance Scholarship?
For the 2026 award cycle, the Graduate Entrance Scholarship provides a stipend of $17,500 for master’s students and $21,000 for doctoral students. Eligible international students can also receive an additional $10,000 toward tuition and fees. The award is not automatically renewable, and recipients must meet the applicable registration and scholarship requirements.
Do I need a separate application for the University of Alberta Graduate Entrance Scholarship?
No separate scholarship application is required for the Graduate Entrance Scholarship. Newly admitted eligible students are considered through a departmental nomination process. This means applicants should focus on submitting a strong graduate admission application and should contact their admitting department to understand the internal scholarship selection process.
What GPA do I need for the University of Alberta Graduate Entrance Scholarship?
For the 2026 Graduate Entrance Scholarship, applicants must have an admission GPA of 3.7 or higher. Meeting this minimum does not guarantee that a student will receive the scholarship because candidates are selected competitively through departmental nominations.
Can international master’s students apply?
Yes. International students can be considered for several University of Alberta graduate awards. The Graduate Entrance Scholarship is open to eligible master’s and doctoral students, while the Graduate Recruitment Scholarship is generally targeted toward thesis-based master’s and doctoral programs. Students should check the requirements for the specific award and their program.
Can I get a scholarship before being admitted?
For the University of Alberta Graduate Entrance Scholarship, students must first be admitted to an eligible graduate program before they can be considered through the departmental nomination process. Therefore, prospective students should concentrate first on meeting the admission requirements and submitting a strong application.
Final Thoughts: University of Alberta Graduate Scholarship for International Students in Canada
The University of Alberta Graduate Scholarship for International Students in Canada can provide valuable financial support for qualified students pursuing master’s and doctoral studies in Canada.
For the 2026 Graduate Entrance Scholarship, eligible students can receive $17,500 at the master’s level or $21,000 at the doctoral level, with an additional $10,000 toward eligible fees for international students. Other University of Alberta awards can provide additional funding, including recruitment scholarships, Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarships and major research awards.
The most important thing to remember is that not every scholarship operates through a traditional application form. Some awards are based on departmental or faculty nomination, making your graduate admission application an important part of the funding process.
If you are an international student planning to study in Canada, begin by choosing an eligible University of Alberta graduate program, checking its admission requirements, preparing strong documents and contacting the department about available funding.
Start your application and review the official scholarship requirements before preparing your submission.
