Fully Funded University of Alberta Graduate Scholarship in Canada, 2025

The University of Alberta Graduate Entrance Scholarship 2025 is one of Canada’s most prestigious graduate funding opportunities, aimed at attracting the brightest minds from across the world. This fully funded award is designed for outstanding master’s and doctoral students beginning their academic journey at the University of Alberta (UAlberta) in 2025.

With a funding package that includes tuition coverage, stipends, and additional allowances, this scholarship enables students to pursue advanced research and professional development without the burden of financial stress. Whether you are an international applicant seeking world-class education or a domestic student committed to pushing the boundaries of knowledge, this scholarship represents a life-changing opportunity.

About the University of Alberta

Founded in 1908, the University of Alberta is a top 5 research-intensive university in Canada and consistently ranks among the world’s best. Located in Edmonton, Alberta, the university is home to over 40,000 students from more than 150 countries.

Key highlights of UAlberta:

  • Over 500 graduate programs across faculties like science, engineering, health sciences, business, and social sciences.

  • Strong global reputation in artificial intelligence, energy research, public health, and environment sciences.

  • A network of 200,000+ alumni worldwide contributing to innovation, business, and public service.

  • A commitment to diversity, research excellence, and community engagement.

Studying here means not only accessing world-class facilities but also joining a vibrant, multicultural community that prepares graduates for leadership roles in academia, industry, and society.

Overview of the Graduate Entrance Scholarship

The Graduate Entrance Scholarship is administered by UAlberta’s Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS). It’s awarded to newly admitted master’s and doctoral students who have achieved high academic standing in their department. It is effectively UAlberta’s way of inviting strong candidates by providing significant financial incentive—including tuition/fee relief and stipend support.

The Graduate Entrance Scholarship is a competitive award offered to newly admitted master’s and doctoral students beginning their studies in January, May, July, or September 2025.

  • It is merit-based, rewarding those with an outstanding academic record, research potential, and leadership capacity.

  • Recipients are nominated by their admitting department, meaning students cannot apply directly.

  • It is a one-time award (non-renewable) that runs from September 1, 2025 to August 31, 2026 regardless of when the student begins their program.

Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship provides a comprehensive funding package that significantly reduces financial barriers:

  1. Stipend Support

    • Master’s students: CAD $17,500.

    • Doctoral students: CAD $21,000.

  2. Tuition and Fees Coverage

    • Domestic students: additional CAD $7,100 to cover fees.

    • International students: additional CAD $10,000 toward tuition and fees.

  3. Duration

    • Covers one full academic year (Sept 2025 – Aug 2026).

  4. Professional Development Opportunities

    • Access to mentorship, networking, and research collaborations.

    • Opportunities to work as Teaching Assistants (TAs) or Research Assistants (RAs) alongside faculty.

  5. Prestige and Recognition

    • Being a recipient enhances your academic profile and opens doors for future funding and research partnerships.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Academic Excellence

  • Must have an admission GPA of 3.7/4.0 or higher (or equivalent in international grading).

  • Demonstrated academic achievements such as awards, publications, research projects, or honors.

Program Requirements

  • Be newly admitted to a master’s or PhD program at UAlberta in Jan, May, July, or Sept 2025.

  • Must be registered full-time during the award year.

  • Students cannot switch between course-based and thesis-based programs during the award tenure.

Citizenship

  • Open to both domestic and international students.

  • International students must meet all study permit and visa requirements.

Departmental Nomination

  • Students cannot apply directly; instead, their admitting department nominates them based on merit.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents for admission and nomination:

  • Completed Graduate Application Form (via UAlberta portal).

  • Official Academic Transcripts from all institutions attended.

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume highlighting education, research, publications, and leadership roles.

  • Statement of Purpose/Research Proposal explaining academic goals, research interests, and future career plans.

  • Letters of Recommendation (usually 2–3) from academic/professional referees.

  • Proof of English Language Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/other accepted tests) if applicable.

  • Passport/ID Copy (for international applicants).

  • Any additional documents required by the specific program or department.

Application Process

The application process is department-driven. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Apply for Admission

  • Submit an application to a graduate program at the University of Alberta for Jan, May, July, or Sept 2025.

  • Pay the application fee and upload all required documents.

Step 2: Departmental Review

  • Departments review applications and select top candidates for nomination.

  • Nomination is based on academic merit, research alignment, and potential contribution.

Step 3: Departmental Nomination Submission

  • Departments submit nominees to the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) via the GSMS Awards Portal.

  • Deadline: April 14, 2025.

Step 4: Review by GPS and Graduate Scholarship Committee

  • Applications are assessed on GPA, research potential, and overall fit.

  • Final decisions are made by the Graduate Scholarship Committee.

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Step 5: Notification of Results

  • Selected students are notified by email and must confirm acceptance.

Selection Criteria

The scholarship selection is based on:

  • Academic Performance: GPA, academic honors, and consistency.

  • Research Potential: Research proposal, publications, conference presentations, or relevant projects.

  • Leadership and Engagement: Community involvement, leadership roles, and extracurricular achievements.

  • Letters of Recommendation: Quality and credibility of references.

  • Fit with UAlberta’s Research Strengths: Alignment with departmental priorities and faculty expertise.

Important Dates

  • Application Deadlines for Admission: Vary by department (check your program’s page).

  • Nomination Deadline (by departments): April 14, 2025.

  • Scholarship Duration: September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026.

Tips for a Strong Application

  • Start Early: Prepare transcripts, test scores, and recommendation letters well ahead.

  • Tailor Your Research Proposal: Ensure your research aligns with faculty strengths at UAlberta.

  • Maintain a High GPA: GPA is the most important eligibility factor.

  • Build a Strong CV: Include leadership, community service, and publications.

  • Secure Strong Recommendations: Ask referees who know your academic strengths well.

  • Stay Organized: Keep track of deadlines for both admission and scholarship nomination.

Conclusion

The 2025 Fully Funded University of Alberta Graduate Entrance Scholarship offers one of the best opportunities for graduate students to pursue world-class education in Canada. With generous financial support, access to leading researchers, and professional development opportunities

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