University of Alberta Scholarships 2026 in Canada (Fully Funded)

The University of Alberta (UAlberta), established in 1908 and consistently ranked among the top universities globally (119th in QS World University Rankings), offers an extensive array of scholarship opportunities for both domestic and international students in 2026 . As one of Canada’s leading public research institutions, UAlberta administers over $52 million annually in scholarships and financial support, demonstrating its strong commitment to making quality education accessible to talented students worldwide . These scholarships cater to undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral candidates across more than 200 undergraduate and 500 postgraduate programs .

The university’s scholarship ecosystem is designed to recognize and reward academic excellence, leadership qualities, and community involvement, ensuring that financial constraints don’t hinder promising students from achieving their educational aspirations. This comprehensive guide will navigate through the fully funded opportunities available at the University of Alberta for the 2026 academic year, providing crucial information about eligibility criteria, application processes, and strategies to enhance your chances of securing these prestigious awards.

Types of Scholarships Available in 2026

Entrance Scholarships for Undergraduate Students

The University of Alberta offers a diverse range of entrance scholarships for students entering directly from high school. These awards are designed to recognize academic achievement, leadership potential, and extracurricular accomplishments .

• Application-Based Scholarships: Through a single application form, students can be considered for multiple awards based on academics, leadership, inclusion, and financial need. Notable examples include:

  • Scholastic Distinction Scholarship: For high achievers with admission averages of 95%+ who demonstrate outstanding potential through their application .

  • Entrance Leadership Scholarship: Recognizing well-rounded students with admission averages of 80%+ who have shown exceptional leadership in their communities .

  • Enriched Scholar Scholarship: Providing up to $3,500 for top AP and IB students to recognize their achievements in academically rigorous programs .

  • Fly Home Award: Offering up to $1,500 to help out-of-province Canadian students stay connected to their home communities .

  • Opportunities Awards: Valued up to $5,000, these awards provide access to university for students from diverse backgrounds .

• Admission-Based Scholarships: These don’t require a separate application and are automatically considered based on your admission application:

  • Gold Standard Scholarship: Awarded to the top 5% of students in each faculty, with values up to $6,000 based on admission average .

  • Indigenous Entrance Scholarship: First Nations, Métis, or Inuit applicants with an admission average of 80%+ may receive $1,500 .

  • National Achievement Scholarship: Providing $30,000 payable over four years to top incoming out-of-province Canadian students .

  • International Admission Scholarship: Awarding up to $5,000 to students with superior academics attending high school in Canada on a study permit .

Specialized Undergraduate Awards

• Discover University of Alberta Award: This award assists domestic students facing financial challenges and barriers to attending university. Up to 30 new students per year qualify for up to $8,000 .

• Turtle Spirit Pathway Award: For First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students, this award provides up to $8,000 for up to 20 new students annually who demonstrate financial need .

• Alexander Rutherford Scholarship: Valued at up to $2,500, this scholarship recognizes academic achievement of senior high school students and requires application through Alberta Student Aid .

Prestigious External Scholarships Administered through UAlberta

• Schulich Leader Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship for Canadian high school students enrolling in STEM programs is renewable for up to four years with a total value of $100,000 or $120,000 depending on the program .

• Loran Award: Canada’s largest and most comprehensive four-year undergraduate award, renewable for up to four years with a total value of $100,000, offered based on character, service, and leadership .

Graduate Scholarships for Master’s and PhD Students

University of Alberta Graduate Entrance Scholarship

This prestigious scholarship provides substantial support for newly admitted graduate students whose admissions were highly ranked by their Department .

• Value:

  • Stipend: $17,500 for Master’s students; $21,000 for Doctoral students

  • Additional tuition support: Domestic students receive $7,100; International students receive $10,000 to help cover fees

• Eligibility:

  • Must be newly admitted to a master’s or doctoral program in January, May, July, or September 2025

  • Open to domestic and international students in both course-based and thesis-based programs

  • Requires an Admission GPA of 3.7 or higher

  • Must maintain full-time registration during the award tenure

• Application Process: Students cannot apply directly for this scholarship. Instead, they must be nominated by their admitting Department based on their admission application .

Additional Graduate Funding Opportunities

• Graduate Excellence Scholarship (AGES): Provides $15,000 to support outstanding Master’s and Doctoral students .

• Doctoral Recruitment Scholarship: Offers $5,000 per year to support PhD students .

• Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship: The most prestigious award at the University of Alberta, open to international students and covering the international differential fee .

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship: One of Canada’s most prestigious scholarships, available to both domestic and international doctoral students .

Funding for International Graduate Students

The University of Alberta provides specific support for international students through various programs:

• China Scholarship Council (CSC) Program: This collaboration provides scholarships for top Chinese students wishing to obtain a Doctoral degree from UAlberta. The CSC provides a monthly stipend of $1,600 for up to four years, while the University covers tuition and fees .

• Research and Teaching Assistantships: International students can secure Research Assistantship (RA) or Teaching Assistantship (TA) positions, which provide valuable financial support and professional experience .

• International Student Scholarships: Various department-specific awards and travel grants are available to support international graduate students in their research and studies .

Eligibility Criteria and Application Process

General Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility criteria vary by scholarship type but generally include:

• Academic Scholarships: Require a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a minimum of 24 credits over the most recent September to April period .

• Leadership Awards: Require a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a full-time course load over the most recent September to April period .

• Residency Requirements: Some scholarships funded by the Government of Alberta require applicants to be Alberta Residents as defined by the Alberta Scholarship Act .

• International Students: Must possess a valid study permit and meet specific award criteria .

Application Deadlines for 2026 Intake

The University of Alberta has specific deadlines for each intake period :

• July 1, 2026 for September 2026 admission

• November 1, 2026 for January 2027 admission

• March 1, 2026 for May 2026 admission

• May 1, 2026 for July 2026 admission

For undergraduate students starting at the U of A in September 2026, the scholarship application opened on October 1, 2025, and closes on January 10, 2026 . Some specific awards like the Discover University of Alberta Award and Turtle Spirit Pathway Award have extended deadlines until February 15, 2026 .

Required Documentation

A successful scholarship application typically includes:

• Detailed CV or resume outlining education, experience, and expertise

• Statement of intent or motivational letter

• Two recommendation letters from previous educational institutions

• Writing samples (for certain programs)

• GRE, GMAT, or other test scores (if required)

• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL) for non-native speakers

Tips for Crafting a Successful Scholarship Application

Based on advice from scholarship experts and previous winners, here are strategies to strengthen your application:

Activity Summary Excellence

The activity summary requires describing three activities participated in during the last three years, including their impact on you and your community (100 words max per activity) . To excel in this section:

• Prioritize describing your most impactful initiator and leader roles first

• Focus on experiences where you started initiatives or demonstrated significant leadership

• Clearly articulate both the personal growth and community impact resulting from each activity

Essay Writing Strategies

The scholarship application includes several short essays requiring thoughtful responses:

• Essay 1: Focus on qualities of exceptional students and your demonstration of these qualities (250 words max)

  • Begin with a compelling hook to capture the reader’s attention

  • Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your examples

  • Connect your qualities to what you hope to develop at UAlberta

• Essay 2: Describe a time you stepped outside your comfort zone (250 words max)

  • Focus on personal growth and lessons learned

  • Connect the experience to your future goals

• Essay 3: Choose from various prompts to share additional information (250 words max)

  • Select a topic that highlights your leadership and achievements

  • Connect your response to your volunteer or extracurricular experiences

• Essay 4: Pose and answer your own question (250 words max)

  • Be creative while still showcasing your strengths

  • Connect your question to your experiences and aspirations

General Application Advice

• Start early to allow sufficient time for crafting compelling responses and gathering required documents

• Attend Scholarships 101 Workshops offered by the Student Financial Support team in November and December 2025

• Review tips provided on the university’s official website before starting your application

• Ensure accuracy in self-reported grades, as award offers are conditional on the accuracy of this information

• Apply for admission early to receive your CCID, which is required to access the scholarship application portal

Additional Financial Support Resources

Beyond scholarships, the University of Alberta offers comprehensive financial support:

• Bursaries and Emergency Loans: Need-based funding for students facing financial challenges

• Student Loan Advising: Professional guidance on government student loan programs

• Financial Workshops: Regular sessions on budgeting and financial management

• Work-Study Programs: On-campus employment opportunities for eligible students

The University of Alberta’s extensive scholarship programs demonstrate its commitment to attracting and supporting outstanding students from diverse backgrounds. By understanding the available opportunities, meeting eligibility requirements, and submitting well-crafted applications, students can significantly offset the costs of their education at one of Canada’s premier institutions. Start your application early, pay attention to deadlines, and present a comprehensive picture of your achievements and potential to maximize your chances of receiving financial support for your studies at the University of Alberta in 2026.