University of Alberta Scholarships 2027–2028 – Are you looking for financial support to pursue an undergraduate degree in Canada? The University of Alberta offers several entrance scholarships for international students, including awards based on academic performance and others that consider leadership, personal achievements, and additional factors.
Some awards are worth up to CAD $120,000 over four years, although eligibility and award amounts vary by scholarship. Applications for Fall 2027 entrance awards opened on October 1, 2026, and the deadline for application-based awards is January 10, 2027. This guide explains the available opportunities, eligibility requirements, required documents, and how to apply.
Scholarship Summary
| Scholarship Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Institution | University of Alberta |
| Host country | Canada |
| Study level | Undergraduate |
| Entry term | Fall 2027 |
| Eligible applicants | International students who meet the requirements of individual awards |
| Scholarship types | Admission-based and application-based awards |
| Award values | From smaller entrance awards to up to CAD $120,000 over four years for selected awards |
| Scholarship application opening date | October 1, 2026 |
| Application-based award deadline | January 10, 2027 |
| Admission application required first | Yes |
| Official scholarship page | University of Alberta International Entrance Scholarships |
About the University of Alberta Scholarships
The University of Alberta is a public research university in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It offers undergraduate programmes across several academic disciplines and welcomes students from Canada and other countries.
The university provides a range of scholarships, awards, and other financial support to undergraduate students. Its international entrance scholarships are intended for eligible students beginning their undergraduate studies, with awards recognising different combinations of academic performance, leadership, personal achievements, and other criteria.
The important thing to understand is that there is no single scholarship with one set of requirements that applies to every international student. The University of Alberta offers several awards, and each has its own eligibility criteria, value, and selection process.
The university divides its entrance scholarships into two broad categories.
Admission-based scholarships do not require a separate scholarship application. Eligible students are assessed when they apply for admission, with consideration based on factors such as their high-school admission average. Students who qualify are contacted by the university.
Application-based scholarships require a separate application through the university’s Awards Hub. Applicants are assessed for awards that match their academic background, experiences, interests, and other eligibility factors. The student must apply for an undergraduate degree before submitting the scholarship application.
For international students, some of the most notable options include the President’s International Distinction Scholarship, the Chan Pang Kuen Memorial International Distinction Scholarship, and the International Leader Scholarship. Other awards are intended for applicants from particular regions or with specific educational backgrounds.
Financial Benefits and Coverage
The value of a University of Alberta entrance scholarship depends on the award for which a student qualifies. Some awards provide a smaller contribution towards study costs, while others offer substantial funding over several years.
President’s International Distinction Scholarship
The President’s International Distinction Scholarship is one of the university’s major awards for international undergraduate students. The university states that approximately 25 students each year who demonstrate a superior admission average and leadership qualities may receive up to CAD $120,000, payable over four years.
Applicants must be entering the first year of an undergraduate degree and studying in Canada on a study permit. The award is competitive, and meeting the stated criteria does not guarantee selection.
Chan Pang Kuen Memorial International Distinction Scholarship
This award also offers up to CAD $120,000 over four years to eligible international students entering the first year of an undergraduate degree. Applicants must demonstrate superior academic performance and leadership qualities.
International Leader Scholarship
The International Leader Scholarship recognises well-rounded applicants with strong academic results and leadership accomplishments in areas such as school activities, community organisations, extracurricular activities, or the workplace. Eligible recipients may receive up to CAD $15,000.
International Admission Scholarship
The International Admission Scholarship is an admission-based award. The university states that top students may receive up to CAD $10,000, based on their admission average. No separate scholarship application is required for this award.
Regional Excellence Scholarship
Students from certain regions may be eligible for the Regional Excellence Scholarship, which offers up to CAD $5,000 based on admission average. Availability depends on the applicant’s region and the university’s award criteria.
Other international awards
The university also lists additional scholarships for students with particular backgrounds. For example, the May Quon Undergraduate Scholarship may provide up to CAD $100,000 over four years to eligible students who are Chinese or Hong Kong citizens and demonstrate academic excellence and financial need. The Cora Martinson International Scholarship supports eligible students at Augustana Faculty and may provide up to CAD $56,000 over four years.
These examples show why applicants should review individual awards rather than assume that the highest advertised amount is available to everyone.
Important: The university does not describe every entrance scholarship as fully funded. Applicants should compare their specific award with tuition, accommodation, food, transport, health insurance, books, and other expenses. A scholarship’s maximum value does not necessarily mean that it covers every cost of studying in Canada.
Eligible Programs and Courses
The University of Alberta offers undergraduate programmes in a wide range of academic fields. Depending on the faculty and programme, options include:
- Arts and humanities
- Business and commerce
- Computing science
- Engineering
- Environmental and agricultural sciences
- Health sciences
- Life sciences
- Mathematics and physical sciences
- Education
- Social sciences
The available scholarships and admission requirements can vary by programme. Applicants should first identify an undergraduate degree they wish to pursue and then check the programme’s entry requirements.
Some awards are available across multiple faculties, while others are restricted to a particular campus, degree, academic background, or group of students. For example, the Cora Martinson International Scholarship is associated with Augustana Faculty, while other awards have specific citizenship or educational-background requirements.
The university’s scholarship pages and Awards Hub provide the most reliable way to determine which opportunities match an applicant’s circumstances.
Eligibility Requirements
There is no single eligibility checklist for all University of Alberta international entrance scholarships. Applicants must satisfy the requirements of their intended undergraduate programme and the particular awards for which they wish to be considered.
International student status
For the major international entrance awards, applicants generally need to be entering the university on a study permit. Some scholarships are specifically designed for international students, while others are restricted to Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Academic performance
Many international entrance scholarships require a superior admission average or strong academic achievement. The exact standard may vary by award and programme.
Applicants should submit accurate academic records and check how the university evaluates qualifications from their country or education system.
Leadership and extracurricular involvement
Some awards, including the President’s International Distinction Scholarship and the International Leader Scholarship, consider leadership qualities and achievements beyond academic results.
Relevant experience may include community service, student leadership, volunteering, extracurricular activities, employment, or other activities demonstrating initiative and responsibility.
First-year undergraduate entry
Several major international distinction awards are intended for students entering the first year of an undergraduate degree. Applicants who have already completed post-secondary studies should check whether they qualify for an entrance award or need to explore transfer or continuing-student scholarships instead.
Additional award-specific requirements
Certain scholarships have more specialised eligibility criteria. These may relate to nationality, region, financial need, educational qualifications, faculty, or campus.
For example, the May Quon Undergraduate Scholarship is restricted to eligible Chinese or Hong Kong citizens, while the University of Alberta Global Citizenship Scholarship described by the university is for qualifying International Baccalaureate Diploma students from Aga Khan Academies.
Applicants should not assume that every award is open to all international students.
Admission to an eligible programme
Students must apply for an undergraduate degree before they can submit an application for application-based entrance awards. They must also meet the admission requirements for their selected programme.
Admission and scholarship selection are separate processes. Applying to the university does not guarantee a scholarship, and meeting the criteria for an award does not guarantee admission to a degree.
Required Documents
The exact documents required depend on the degree programme and the scholarship. Applicants should follow the instructions in their admission application and Awards Hub account.
Common requirements include:
- Academic transcripts and secondary-school records.
- Information about the applicant’s educational qualifications.
- Documents required for admission to the intended undergraduate programme.
- Details of leadership activities, extracurricular involvement, and personal achievements.
- Responses to scholarship application questions.
- Financial information or evidence of financial need, where required.
- Additional documents requested for a specific award.
Some admission-based scholarships do not require a separate application or additional scholarship documents. Eligible students are assessed through their admission application, and the university contacts them if they qualify.
For application-based scholarships, applicants should complete the general scholarship application and provide all requested information. Some awards may require additional responses or supporting documentation.
International applicants should check whether their transcripts need to be translated into English or submitted in a particular format. Requirements can differ according to the country and educational system in which the applicant studied.
Do not send documents that are not requested unless the university’s instructions say they are necessary. Instead, check the official admissions page and Awards Hub for the requirements that apply to your circumstances.
How to Apply for University of Alberta Scholarships 2027–2028
The application process begins with applying for admission to an undergraduate degree. Students who want to be considered for application-based awards must then complete the scholarship application.
Step 1: Choose an undergraduate programme
Visit the University of Alberta’s undergraduate programme listings and identify a degree that matches your academic interests and career plans.
Check the programme’s admission requirements, including required subjects, academic qualifications, and any additional steps. You should also confirm that the programme is available for Fall 2027 entry.
Step 2: Apply for admission to the university
Complete the undergraduate admission application through the university’s application process. The Fall 2027 application period opened on October 1, 2026.
You must apply for an undergraduate degree before applying for application-based entrance scholarships. Applying early also gives you time to complete the separate scholarship process before its deadline.
Step 3: Check admission-based scholarships
Some awards do not require a separate scholarship application. Your eligibility may be assessed using your high-school admission average and information submitted as part of your admission application.
The International Admission Scholarship and Regional Excellence Scholarship are examples of admission-based awards. If you qualify, the university will contact you.
Step 4: Access the Awards Hub
For application-based awards, sign in to the University of Alberta Awards Hub using the account details provided by the university.
Complete the general application and any entrance scholarship application required for new high-school applicants. The university uses the information you provide to assess your eligibility for awards that match your background, academic record, experiences, and interests.
Step 5: Complete all application questions
Provide accurate information about your academic achievements, leadership experience, extracurricular activities, and other relevant circumstances.
If an award requires information about financial need or a particular educational background, ensure that your responses are complete and supported by the documents requested.
Step 6: Review your application
Before submitting, check that all sections are complete and that your information matches the details in your admission application.
Review the descriptions of individual scholarships to ensure that you meet their eligibility requirements. If a particular award requires additional information, follow the instructions in the Awards Hub.
Step 7: Submit by January 10, 2027
The deadline for application-based entrance scholarships for students starting at the University of Alberta in September 2027 is January 10, 2027.
The university’s published admission timeline states that deadlines are effective at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on the dates indicated. Submit your scholarship application before the deadline and allow time to resolve any technical or account-access problems.
Step 8: Monitor your email and application account
After submitting your applications, check your email and university account regularly for updates, requests for additional documents, and scholarship decisions.
The university indicates that offers for application-based scholarships begin in early winter. The timing and outcome depend on the particular award and the assessment process.
Application Deadline and Current Status
The University of Alberta’s entrance scholarship application period for Fall 2027 opened on October 1, 2026.
As of October 9, 2026, the application period is open. The key dates are:
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Fall 2027 admission and award applications opened | October 1, 2026 |
| Application-based entrance scholarship deadline | January 10, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time |
| General undergraduate admission deadline for most programmes | March 1, 2027 |
| Fall 2027 classes begin | September 2027 |
The March 1 admission deadline applies to most undergraduate programmes, but some faculties and programmes have different deadlines. Applicants should check their intended programme’s specific dates.
Do not confuse the general admission deadline with the scholarship deadline. Students seeking application-based entrance awards should complete their scholarship applications by January 10, 2027.
For the latest details, consult the official International Entrance Scholarships page and the university’s admission dates and deadlines.
Selection Process and Application Tips
The University of Alberta uses different selection processes depending on the scholarship. Admission-based awards are assessed through the admission application, while application-based awards require students to complete the separate scholarship application.
Selection may consider academic achievement, leadership, extracurricular activities, financial need, regional eligibility, or other award-specific criteria.
The following tips can help you prepare a stronger application.
Apply for admission early. You cannot apply for application-based entrance scholarships until you have applied for an undergraduate degree. Starting early gives you time to complete both applications.
Understand the award criteria. Do not assume that every scholarship is open to all international students. Some awards have restrictions based on nationality, region, faculty, educational background, or financial need.
Present your achievements clearly. For awards that consider leadership, explain your actual responsibilities and contributions. Specific examples of community involvement, volunteering, student activities, or employment can help demonstrate your experience.
Provide accurate academic information. Make sure your transcripts and other educational records are correct and follow the university’s requirements for documents from your country.
Complete the Awards Hub application carefully. Answer every required question and provide any additional information requested for the scholarships you are targeting.
Plan for the full cost of study. A large scholarship can reduce your expenses significantly, but the amount and payment schedule differ by award. Estimate your tuition and living costs before making financial decisions.
Check your email regularly. The university may contact you about missing documents, admission decisions, or scholarship offers. Respond to requests within the specified time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are University of Alberta scholarships open for 2027–2028?
Yes. The entrance scholarship application period for students starting in Fall 2027 opened on October 1, 2026. The deadline for application-based entrance awards is January 10, 2027.
Can international students apply for University of Alberta scholarships?
Yes. The university offers several entrance scholarships for eligible international undergraduate students. However, each award has its own requirements, and some scholarships are restricted to particular nationalities, regions, educational backgrounds, or programmes.
What is the highest scholarship amount available to international students?
The President’s International Distinction Scholarship and the Chan Pang Kuen Memorial International Distinction Scholarship may provide up to CAD $120,000 over four years to eligible international undergraduate students. These awards are competitive, and the maximum amount is not guaranteed to every applicant.
Do I need to apply separately for every scholarship?
Not necessarily. Some admission-based awards do not require a separate scholarship application. For application-based awards, the university provides a scholarship application through the Awards Hub and assesses applicants for awards that match their eligibility.
What is the deadline for University of Alberta entrance scholarships?
The deadline for application-based entrance scholarships for Fall 2027 is January 10, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time. Applicants should check the official page for the requirements of individual awards.
Can Nigerian students apply?
Nigerian students may qualify for international entrance scholarships if they meet the requirements of the award and the intended undergraduate programme. Applicants should check each award’s criteria because not every scholarship is open to all international nationalities.
Are University of Alberta entrance scholarships fully funded?
Not all of them. Some awards provide smaller contributions, while selected international distinction scholarships offer up to CAD $120,000 over four years. Applicants should check the amount, payment conditions, and their expected tuition and living expenses before treating an award as full funding.
When will scholarship decisions be announced?
The university states that offers for application-based scholarships begin in early winter. The exact notification date depends on the award and the selection process. Applicants should monitor their email and university account for updates.
Conclusion
The University of Alberta offers several entrance scholarships that can help international students finance an undergraduate degree in Canada. The President’s International Distinction Scholarship and the Chan Pang Kuen Memorial International Distinction Scholarship are among the most substantial options, with awards of up to CAD $120,000 over four years. Other opportunities include the International Leader Scholarship, International Admission Scholarship, and Regional Excellence Scholarship.
The most important step is to identify the awards for which you qualify and understand whether they require a separate application. Apply for admission to an eligible undergraduate programme, complete the Awards Hub application where required, and submit all materials before January 10, 2027. Always confirm the latest eligibility criteria and award details on the university’s official website before applying.
References
ualberta.ca – International Entrance Scholarships
ualberta.ca – Entrance Scholarships
ualberta.ca – Dates + Deadlines for Admissions
alberta.academicworks.ca – All Opportunities – University of Alberta
