University of Alberta is offering $52 million in scholarships for international students

The University of Alberta is one of the leading institutions in Canada, renowned not only for academic excellence but also for extending generous financial aid to international students.

It offers an astonishing $52 million in scholarships, grants, and financial support each year to help realize academic and professional goals.

These scholarships cover a wide category of students, ensuring that academic achievement, leadership qualities, and unique backgrounds are recognized.

The following guide takes an in-depth look at the opportunities that exist for international undergraduate students at U of A, eligibility criteria, and the access mechanism for such life-changing scholarships.

Scholarships for International Students: A Broad Overview

The University of Alberta ensures that one out of every five first-year students benefits from its scholarships. These awards extend to both incoming first-year students and those transferring from other institutions. Scholarships at U of A fall into two main categories:

• Admission-Based Scholarships – Automatically awarded based on admission criteria.
• Application-Based Scholarships – Require students to submit a dedicated application for consideration.

Admission-Based Scholarships: No Application Required

One of the most appealing features of U of A’s financial aid program is its admission-based scholarships. The scholarship is automatically offered to all eligible students with an offer of admission into an undergraduate program. In this case, these scholarships save time and effort for students and make it easier for them to settle into their academic journey.

Admission-based scholarships eligibility is based on a student’s high school admission average at the time of the offer of admission. If you are eligible, you will be notified by the university.

Here are some of the notable admission-based scholarships:

• International Admission Scholarship: The award is aimed at academically excellent students; the award is up to CAD $5,000 for those showing excellent admission averages.
• Gold Standard Scholarship: This scholarship is reserved for the top 5% of students in each faculty and awards up to CAD $6,000.

Application-Based Scholarships: Tailored to Your Strengths

For students who are looking for higher-value scholarships, U of A has application-based scholarships that require an additional step. By submitting a single scholarship application, students will be assessed on a broad set of criteria including academic performance, extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and personal background.

To be considered for these scholarships, students must first be admitted to a direct-entry undergraduate program. The application deadline is January 10, and thus, students are advised to apply early enough to have a better chance.

Some of the best application-based scholarships include:

• President’s International Distinction Scholarship: This highly competitive scholarship provides up to CAD $120,000, renewable over four years, to 25 outstanding students who show leadership skills and exceptional academic performance.
• A Chan Pang Kuen Memorial International Distinction Scholarship: Valued up to CAD $120,000 over four years, this is another award for students demonstrating a high academic achievement record with recognized leadership.
• International Leader Scholarship: Targeting well-rounded students who demonstrate leadership in their schools, communities, or workplaces, this scholarship provides up to CAD $15,000.
• May Quon Undergraduate Scholarship: This scholarship targets students from China or Hong Kong and offers up to CAD $100,000 over four years, specifically to those with high academic standing and demonstrated financial need.

Specialized Scholarships Targeting Unique Groups

Further to the general scholarships, the U of A has developed a range of awards targeting specific groups based on their academic focus, backgrounds, or extracurricular activities.

• Cora Martinson International Scholarship: This scholarship, available to students enrolled in the Augustana Faculty, recognizes superior academic achievements.
• University of Alberta Global Citizen Scholarship: This is reserved for students holding an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and offers up to CAD $53,000 annually, renewable to a maximum of four years, serving as very substantial support for meritorious students.

These specialized awards not only recognize academic excellence but also highlight the university’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion among its students.

Why Choose the University of Alberta?

The University of Alberta is more than an institution; it’s a way to success. Here’s why thousands of international students choose U of A:

• World-Class Education: The U of A is among the top universities in Canada and among the world’s top universities, offering a wide array of programs and research opportunities.
• Supportive Environment: The university is committed to student success, offering extensive resources such as career services, academic counseling, and multicultural support.
• Affordable Living: Edmonton, Alberta’s capital, offers a great quality of life at a relatively affordable cost compared to other major Canadian cities.
• Networking Opportunities: The study at U of A connects a student with a wide network of alumni and industry leaders, thus opening up opportunities for internships and jobs.

Tips for Success into the University of Alberta

While getting a scholarship into the University of Alberta might be quite competitive, here are some tips to help:

1. Apply Early: Most of the scholarships have fixed deadlines. Early applications show initiative and can help resolve any issues that may arise unexpectedly.
2. Pay attention to your academics since high grades qualify students for admission-based scholarships and enhance their applications for other scholarships.
3. Showcase your leadership and involvement by mentioning your leadership roles, volunteer contributions, and community service.
4. Craft a Strong Personal Statement: For application-based scholarships, a compelling essay can make your application stand out.
5. Seek Guidance: Utilize your school counselors or mentors to review your application.

University of Alberta Scholarship Page