The University of Alberta offers more than 150 scholarship opportunities, including over 25 that may be relevant to Indian students studying in Canada on a study permit. These awards support students at different academic levels, from undergraduate degrees to master’s programmes, PhD research, and internships. Depending on the scholarship and eligibility criteria, funding can range from CAD 5,000 (INR 3.35 lakhs) for a single award to CAD 120,000 (INR 80.68 lakh) over four years for selected undergraduate scholarships.
- Standard international UG tuition: CAD 30,000 (INR 20.14 lakhs) to CAD 45,000 (INR 30.21lakhs) per year
- With the India Centenary waiver: net tuition drops by about CAD 5,000 per year (INR 3.35 lakhs saved annually)
- With President’s International Distinction stacked with India First Year Excellence: up to CAD 30,000 saved in year 1 (INR 20.14 lakhs)
- Next entrance scholarship deadline: Tentative January 10, 2027 (annual cycle for 2027 to 2028 intake)
Currency Note: All INR conversions use the live rate of 1 CAD = INR 67.14 as of 12 October 2026.
Also check: University of Alberta
University of Alberta Scholarships for UG Students
The University of Alberta offers several entrance scholarships to international undergraduate students, including applicants from India. Some awards are assessed automatically during the admission process, while others require a separate application through the university’s Awards Hub. Academic performance is a key consideration, with leadership experience, community involvement, essays, and references also considered for selected scholarships.
| Scholarship |
Value (CAD / INR) |
Eligibility for Indian Students |
How to Apply |
Deadline (Tentative, next cycle) |
|
International Admission Scholarship
|
Up to CAD 5,000 (INR 3.35 lakhs) to 10,000 (INR 6.71 lakhs)
|
Study permit holders with a superior high school admission average
|
Automatic on admission
|
Based on admission offer
by January 10, 2027 |
|
Gold Standard Scholarship
|
Up to CAD 6,000 (INR 4.02 lakhs)
|
Top 5% of first-year admits in each faculty (including Alberta School of Business)
|
Automatic on admission
|
January 10, 2027 |
|
Regional Excellence Scholarship
|
Up to CAD 5,000 (INR 3.35 lakhs)
|
Students attending high school in Canada on a study permit with 80%+ average (from select regions)
|
Automatic on admission |
January 10, 2027 |
|
International Leader Scholarship
|
Up to CAD 15,000 (INR 10.07 lakhs)
|
Superior academics + demonstrated leadership & community engagement
|
Online application via Awards Hub
|
January 10, 2027 |
|
President’s International Distinction Scholarship
|
Up to CAD 120,000 (INR 80.56 lakhs) (over 4 years)
|
Exceptional academics + leadership; study permit holder. 25 awards per year
|
Online application via Awards Hub + references
|
January 10, 2027 |
The President’s International Distinction Scholarship is among the University of Alberta’s major undergraduate awards for outstanding international students.Automatic entrance awards are generally assessed as part of the admission process, and successful applicants may receive details with their admission offer or through BearTracks. Processing and notification times vary by scholarship.
Reddit Insight: Strong Class XII results can improve scholarship prospects, but award amounts depend on the scholarship, competition, and individual eligibility. Students with leadership experience, extracurricular achievements and community involvement should also consider awards requiring a separate application.
Also check: Popular Scholarships to Study in Canada
University of Alberta Scholarships for PG / Master’s Students
The University of Alberta offers postgraduate funding through the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS), individual faculties and academic departments. Many graduate scholarships are awarded through departmental nominations, so students may be considered automatically after admission. However, some awards require a separate application, and eligibility depends on the programme and funding scheme.
| Scholarship |
Value (CAD / INR) |
Eligibility for Indian Students |
How to Apply |
Deadline (Tentative, next cycle) |
| Graduate Entrance Scholarship (Masters) |
CAD 17,500 (INR 11.74 lakhs) stipend + CAD 10,000 (INR 6.71 lakhs) tuition top-up for international students (total CAD 27,500 (INR 18.46 lakhs))
|
Newly admitted full-time Masters, Admission GPA 3.7+, open to international students
|
Nominated by department via GSMS Awards Portal (students cannot apply directly)
|
April 14, 2027 |
| Graduate Recruitment Scholarship |
Minimum CAD 5,000 (INR 3.35 lakhs) (can be higher depending on faculty allocation)
|
Newly admitted thesis-based Master's or PhD, AGPA 3.5+
|
Nominated by faculty/department
|
Rolling, aligned with offer letters |
| Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship (AGES) |
CAD 12,000 (INR 8.05 lakhs) (one-time)
|
Study permit holders, GPA 3.3+ over recent 15 units (or AGPA), full-time
|
Student applies (for some categories); department/faculty nominates
|
Student application tentative October 13, 2027; department nomination November 13, 2027 |
| Ivy A Thomson and William A Thomson Graduate Scholarship |
CAD 15,000 (INR 10.07 lakhs) (one-time)
|
Master’s students with strong research; departmental selection
|
Department nomination |
Varies by department, typically February 2027 |
| Teaching and Research Assistantships (TA / RA) |
Typically CAD 15,000 (INR 10.07 lakhs) to CAD 25,000 (INR 16.78 lakhs) + per year (varies widely by department and hours)
|
Admitted students; assigned by faculty/supervisor
|
Arranged with supervisor or department (often at offer stage)
|
Rolling |
The Graduate Entrance Scholarship for Master’s students is one of the funding options available to eligible graduate applicants. Award duration, value, and eligibility conditions depend on the specific scholarship and admission cycle. International students may also qualify for additional tuition support or faculty-specific awards, subject to the applicable terms. Students may also receive financial support through research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or departmental funding. In some cases, these sources can be combined, depending on university policies and individual award conditions.
Reddit Insight: If you are applying for a research-based master’s degree in STEM or another funded field, contact potential supervisors and your department early. Ask whether research assistantship funding is available, whether it covers tuition or living expenses, and whether the funding is confirmed in writing before you accept the admission offer.
Also check: Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students
India-Specific Scholarships at University of Alberta
The University of Alberta offers scholarship opportunities that may benefit Indian undergraduate applicants pursuing a degree in Canada. These awards have specific eligibility conditions, and students should check whether Indian citizenship, a valid Canadian study permit, and enrolment in an eligible undergraduate programme are required.
| Scholarship |
Value (CAD / INR) |
Eligibility |
How to Apply |
Deadline (Tentative, next cycle) |
| India Centenary Scholarship |
CAD 20,000 (INR 13.42 lakhs) over 4 years
|
Study permit holder, Indian high school, less than 24 IB / AP / A-Level credits, strong academics, leadership and extracurriculars |
Application via Awards Hub + counsellor/teacher recommendation letter
|
February 15, 2027 |
| India First Year Excellence Scholarship |
CAD 5,000 (INR 3.35 lakhs) (one-time)
|
Indian national, completed high school in India, superior academics, unconditional UG offer
|
Automatic on admission (no separate application)
|
Admission by January 10, 2027 |
The India Centenary Scholarship and the India First Year Excellence Scholarship are two awards mentioned in connection with Indian students. Their award amounts, payment schedules, and eligibility criteria differ, so applicants should review the latest scholarship details before relying on them to fund their education. The India Centenary Award is described as providing funding over multiple years, subject to maintaining the required academic performance. Students who do not meet the renewal criteria may lose eligibility for subsequent payments. The India First Year Excellence Award is intended to provide financial assistance during the first year of undergraduate study.
Also check: Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students
University of Alberta PhD Scholarships
The University of Alberta provides funding opportunities for doctoral students through university scholarships, departmental awards and research or teaching assistantships. For Indian applicants, the overall funding package depends on the department, research area, supervisor’s grants, and individual eligibility. Students should confirm the minimum funding commitment and its conditions with their prospective department before accepting an offer.
| Scholarship |
Value (CAD / INR) |
Eligibility for Indian Students |
How to Apply |
Deadline (Tentative, next cycle) |
| Graduate Entrance Scholarship (Doctoral) |
CAD 21,000 stipend + CAD 10,000 fees = CAD 31,000 (INR 20.84 Lakhs), one year |
Newly admitted PhD applicant, admission GPA 3.7+, full-time registration |
Department nomination via GSMS Awards Portal |
April 14, 2027 |
| President’s Doctoral Prize of Distinction |
CAD 10,000 (INR 6.71 lakhs) in year 1 plus tuition and fees in later years |
PhD students holding a Tri-Council scholarship, top-ranked by GPS |
Automatic consideration if holding a Tri-Council award |
Rolling after Tri-Council results |
| Doctoral Recruitment Scholarship |
CAD 5,000 (INR 3.36 lakhs) increments, one-time |
Admitted PhD or thesis Masters applicant, Indian study permit holder, GPA 3.5+ |
Department nomination at admission |
Rolling |
| Minimum Guaranteed PhD Funding |
CAD 100,000 (INR 6.71 lakhs) over 4 years |
All PhD admits, regardless of nationality |
Automatic; combined via supervisor, department, GPS |
Attached to offer letter |
| Joint Doctoral Programs with IITs |
Co-funded; tuition waiver plus stipend from both institutions |
PhD applicants admitted jointly with IIT Bombay, Kharagpur or Roorkee |
Apply via home IIT and University of Alberta department |
Rolling, department-specific |
Eligible PhD candidates may receive support through the Graduate Entrance Scholarship, research assistantships (RA), teaching assistantships (TA) and departmental recruitment awards. These sources can contribute towards tuition fees and living expenses, although the amounts and availability vary across programmes.
University of Alberta External Government Scholarships
Indian students studying at the University of Alberta may be eligible for external funding from Canadian research organisations, government programmes and other scholarship providers. These opportunities can help cover tuition fees and research expenses, although eligibility depends on the award, academic level and applicant's status in Canada.
| Scholarship |
Value (CAD / INR) |
Eligibility for Indian Students |
How to Apply |
Deadline (Tentative, next cycle) |
| Canada Graduate Research Scholarship Doctoral (CGRS D) |
CAD 40,000 (26.85 lakhs) per year for 3 years |
Registered PhD at the University of Alberta, max 36 months into the programme, max 3 attempts |
Online application via CIHR / NSERC / SSHRC portal plus department endorsement |
September 18, 2027 |
| Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarships |
CAD 26,000 (INR 17.45 lakhs) to CAD 31,000 (INR 20.81 lakhs) per year |
Master's or PhD in science, engineering, or health research at an Alberta university |
Online application via Alberta Innovates portal |
March 2027 |
| MITACS Globalink Research Internship |
Round-trip airfare, housing stipend, and insurance; approximately CAD 6,000 (INR 4.02 lakhs) equivalent package |
Indian UG students in years 2 to 3 of an eligible Indian institution |
MITACS Globalink portal, matched with University of Alberta faculty project |
September 2027 |
| Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute Fellowships |
Variable; typically CAD 5,000 (INR 3.35 lakhs) to CAD 10,000 (INR 6.71 lakhs) |
Indian researchers and students doing India-Canada bilateral work |
SICI online portal with faculty host |
Varies by scheme, typically November 2026 and April 2027 |
| Tri-Council Awards (CIHR / NSERC / SSHRC) |
CAD 17,500 (INR 11.74 lakhs) to CAD 40,000 (26.85 lakhs) per year |
Registered graduate students; some streams restricted by citizenship |
Via University of Alberta GPS internal process |
September to December 2027 by agency |
For undergraduate students, Mitacs Globalink offers research-related opportunities through selected programmes and institutional partnerships. Indian students interested in these opportunities should check the current eligibility criteria, participating institutions, and application deadlines before applying.
The University of Alberta offers a wide range of scholarships for Indian students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programmes, with awards based on academic merit, leadership, and research potential. Students can also explore India-specific scholarships, graduate funding and external research grants to reduce their education costs. Check the latest eligibility criteria and application deadlines, and apply early to improve your chances of securing financial support.
FAQs
Ques. When should Indian applicants apply for University of Alberta scholarships?
Ans. Submit admission and scholarship applications together between October 1 and the January 10 deadline each year for UG entrance awards. The India Centenary deadline is February 15, 2027, falling about a month after the general entrance scholarship closes. Graduate Entrance Scholarship nominations are due April 14, 2027, so Masters and PhD applicants should ask their supervisor to confirm the departmental nomination by late March.
Ques. Which University of Alberta scholarships are automatic and which need a separate application?
Ans. Automatic awards include the International Admission Scholarship, Gold Standard Scholarship, Regional Excellence Scholarship and the India First Year Excellence Scholarship; eligible admits are considered on their admission average alone.
Ques. Do University of Alberta scholarships cover living costs in Edmonton for Indian students?
Ans. The average annual cost of living for a student in Edmonton is roughly CAD 15,670 (INR 10.53 Lakhs), covering rent, food, transit, and personal spending. The President’s International Distinction at CAD 30,000 per year does cover both tuition and most living expenses in cheaper housing like shared off-campus apartments.
Ques. What GPA or Class 12 percentage do Indian students need for University of Alberta scholarships?
Ans. Automatic UG scholarships kick in at an admission average of around 80% in Class 12, with the top-tier CAD 30,000+ per year President’s track realistically requiring 95% or higher. For the Graduate Entrance Scholarship at the master's and PhD level, the University of Alberta needs a 3.7 admission GPA, which translates to approximately 85% in an Indian 4-year bachelor’s or 8.0 out of 10 CGPA. AGES has a lower threshold of 3.3 GPA on the most recent 15 units.
Comments