Planning a master’s or PhD in Canada? The University of Alberta (UAlberta) in Edmonton is a top research destination, and it funds international graduate students through several scholarships. This guide covers the main awards, who qualifies, and how to apply.
Is there one “University of Alberta Graduate Scholarship”?
Not exactly. The Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) administers or co-administers awards open to international applicants. The scholarship you apply for depends on your degree level, your department, and whether you’re a new or continuing student. The faculty administers more than 2,000 awards for students in graduate departments.
Main graduate scholarships for international students
1. Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship (PhD)
This is the most prestigious graduate award at UAlberta. It goes to outstanding doctoral students who have completed at least one year of graduate study, with no citizenship restriction and all fields eligible. Awards run for two years and include a stipend of $45,000 per year. It also covers the international differential fee.
2. Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship (AGES)
AGES is funded by the Government of Alberta. It supports the recruitment and retention of exceptional master’s and doctoral students, including international students.
3. Recruitment and entrance scholarships
UAlberta offers recruitment scholarships at the doctoral and master’s level. The Graduate Entrance Scholarship supports newly admitted students whose admission was ranked highly by their department. You don’t normally apply separately for these. Your department considers you when you apply for admission.
4. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
UAlberta points outstanding international students to the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, one of the most prestigious in Canada. Competition is intense, so start early and talk to your prospective supervisor.
5. China Scholarship Council (CSC) program
This program offers scholarships of up to four years for top Chinese students pursuing a doctorate, in all areas of study. The CSC provides a monthly stipend of $1,600, and UAlberta covers tuition and fees.
Who is Eligible?
Requirements differ by award, but most share these basics:
- Admission to, or enrolment in, a UAlberta master’s or doctoral program
- Strong academic standing and research potential
- Nomination by your department for most competitive awards
- For Killam, at least 12 months of completed graduate work before the award starts
Treat any GPA figure you see online as a guide, not a rule. Each award sets its own threshold, and the university’s award page is the only reliable source.
How to Apply
- Apply for admission to your program through the UAlberta graduate admissions portal. Funding decisions follow admission.
- Contact potential supervisors early. For research degrees, supervisor support strengthens any funding case.
- Ask your department about nominations. Departments nominate candidates to the faculty, and the Graduate Scholarship Committee makes the final selection. ualbertaualberta
- Check the awards portal. UAlberta runs a GSMS Awards Portal where applications are made.
- For Killam, submit the combined Killam and Andrew Stewart application form with supporting documents to your department.
Deadlines
Deadlines vary by award and change each year. The Killam deadline for the 2025 cycle was February 13, according to a third-party listing, so expect a similar window and confirm the current date with your department. Value and number of awards are set annually and may increase or decrease, so check the figures before you rely on them.
Tips for a stronger application
- Apply for admission as early as possible so you’re in the pool for recruitment funding.
- Tie your statement of purpose to the research strengths of your target department.
- Ask referees for specific, evidence-based letters.
- Apply for external awards such as Vanier alongside UAlberta funding.
- If you hit a short-term cash problem, International Student Services runs an emergency loan program for international students.
FAQs
Can international students get the University of Alberta Graduate Scholarship?
Yes. Killam, AGES, recruitment awards and CSC funding all include international students.
Is there a single application for all graduate scholarships?
No. Most awards go through your department or admission file, and a few, like Killam, have their own forms.
Do UAlberta scholarships cover the international tuition difference?
Some do. Killam covers the international differential fee. Check each award’s terms.
Can I work while studying?
Many graduate students hold assistantships, which are paid roles within the university.
Final thoughts
The University of Alberta Graduate Scholarship for International Students in Canada is really a set of awards. Apply for admission early, talk to supervisors, and use the university’s awards portal to confirm current amounts and deadlines.
Official links: UAlberta Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies, international student funding page, GSMS Awards Portal.