The University of Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship (AGES) is a prestigious graduate scholarship offered at the University of Alberta and funded by the Government of Alberta. The scholarship recognizes students with outstanding academic achievements who are pursuing graduate studies in Alberta. It was established to attract talented students from around the world and encourage them to continue their academic and research journeys at leading institutions in the province. The scholarship is open to both domestic and international students who meet the eligibility requirements. It provides valuable financial support that can help students focus on their studies while building strong academic and professional foundations in Canada.

Many students apply for the University of Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship because of its competitive funding and academic recognition. Graduate students benefit from studying at one of Canada’s leading research universities while becoming part of a diverse and innovative academic community. The scholarship supports master’s and doctoral students across eligible graduate programs and rewards academic excellence, research achievements, and scholarly contributions. Since selection is highly competitive, receiving the award can significantly strengthen a student’s academic profile.

University of Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship Program Summary

The Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship supports outstanding graduate students studying at the University of Alberta. Funding is provided by the Government of Alberta and administered through the University of Alberta’s graduate scholarship processes.

Eligibility for the University of Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship

Applicants must satisfy both the University’s requirements and the eligibility criteria established for the scholarship. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection because nominations are highly competitive and are reviewed at the faculty level.

General Eligibility Criteria

• Be enrolled as a full-time graduate student at the University of Alberta.
• Be registered in eligible master’s or doctoral programs.
• International students holding valid study permits may apply.
• Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and protected persons are also eligible.
• Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement.
• Be living in Alberta while enrolled at the institution.
• Meet faculty-specific nomination requirements where applicable.
• Students registered with approved accommodations may qualify while enrolled in at least 40% of a full course load.

Age and Academic Requirements

• Applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance as part of the selection process.
• Current graduate students are generally expected to have a minimum GPA of 3.3 or higher based on their most recent 15 units of course weight in their current program.
• Newly admitted students may be evaluated using their Admission GPA if no graded coursework is available yet.
• Academic excellence is a key selection factor and is assessed at the faculty level.
• Additional academic strengths such as research publications, conference presentations, and scholarly achievements can improve an applicant’s chances.
• Participation in community engagement activities and receipt of previous academic awards may also strengthen the application.

Benefits of the University of Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship

The scholarship provides both financial assistance and valuable academic recognition to graduate students.

Financial Benefits

• CAD $12,000 awarded as a one-time scholarship payment at the University of Alberta.
• Financial support that may help offset educational expenses during graduate studies.
• Recognition for outstanding academic performance.
• Opportunities to receive nomination for future competitions if eligibility requirements continue to be met (the scholarship itself is not renewable).

Academic and Personal Benefits

• Studying at one of Canada’s leading research universities.
• Recognition of academic and scholarly excellence.
• Access to graduate-level research opportunities.
• Opportunities to collaborate with faculty members and fellow researchers.
• Enhanced academic profiles that may support future scholarship and career opportunities.
• Exposure to an international graduate student community at the University of Alberta.

Documents Required for the University of Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship

Applicants should prepare their academic and admission documents early. Since the University of Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship is awarded through faculty or department nominations, some document requirements may vary depending on the graduate program.

• Academic Transcripts
• Degree Certificates
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
• Letters of Recommendation
• Statement of Purpose or Motivation Letter
• Research Proposal (If Required)
• Proof of English Language Proficiency
• Valid Passport or National Identification Documents

How to Apply for the University of Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship

Eligible students are nominated by their department or faculty. Students should first apply for admission to an eligible graduate program at the University of Alberta. Faculties then identify outstanding students for nomination based on scholarship allocations and eligibility requirements.

Step-by-Step Application Process

• Explore the graduate programs offered by the University of Alberta and confirm that your program qualifies for scholarship consideration.
• Carefully check the admission requirements, language requirements, and supporting document requirements for your chosen graduate program.
• Complete your graduate admission application through the University’s official application portal.
• Provide accurate personal details, citizenship information, and contact information during the admission process.
• Include information about your previous qualifications, grades, institutions attended, and academic achievements.
• sSubmit all required documents before the program deadline. Missing documents may affect both admission and scholarship consideration.
• Submit your graduate admission application according to the deadlines specified by your chosen department or faculty.
• Eligible students are considered for nomination by their department or faculty. Individual faculties receive a limited number of scholarship allocations each year and select nominees based on academic excellence.
• Faculties evaluate eligible candidates according to scholarship requirements and submit nominations to the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies for final processing.
• Successful candidates are notified after the scholarship review and approval process is completed.

Application Tips

• Maintain an excellent academic record before applying.
• Submit all admission documents well before program deadlines.
• Choose graduate programs that align closely with your academic background and research interests.
• Highlight publications, research projects, leadership activities, and academic achievements in your CV.
• Request recommendation letters from professors who know your academic strengths well.
• Prepare a clear and well-structured statement of purpose if required by your graduate program.
• International students should confirm that their study permit and citizenship information are properly recorded when requested.
• Regularly check departmental websites because nomination procedures may vary between faculties.

Deadline for the University of Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship

The University of Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship does not publish a single university-wide application deadline for all students. Applicants should check the official University of Alberta website and their chosen graduate program regularly for updated admission and scholarship timelines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)