University of Alberta 2025 Graduate Recruitment Scholarship & Graduate Student Award: Apply Now for Funding Opportunities

Are you a high-achieving student with aspirations to pursue graduate studies in Canada? The University of Alberta invites qualified candidates to take advantage of two prestigious funding opportunities for the 2025–2026 academic year: the Graduate Recruitment Scholarship (GRS) and the Graduate Student Award (GSA).

These scholarships are designed to attract top talent and support ongoing academic research at one of Canada’s leading institutions.

About the University of Alberta

Founded in 1908, the University of Alberta is a globally recognized public research university located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. With a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and innovation, it continues to be a hub for scholarly research and graduate education.

Overview of GRS and GSA Awards

Scholarship Provider: University of Alberta

Level of Study: Postgraduate (Master’s and PhD)

Type of Program: Thesis-based programs only

Study Location: Canada

Eligible Applicants: Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and international students with a valid study permit

Application Mode: Faculty nomination (students cannot apply directly)

 Aim and Benefits

Both awards aim to:

Recruit top-tier graduate students (GRS)

Support current full-time graduate students conducting research (GSA)

Funding Amount: Starts at $5,000 per unit. Faculties can allocate multiple units based on availability and nominee merit. The exact amount will be specified in the award offer letter.

Eligibility Criteria

Graduate Recruitment Scholarship (GRS)

• Must be newly admitted to a doctoral or thesis-based master’s program

• Can also be students who have fast-tracked from a master’s to a doctoral program

• Must have an Admission GPA of 3.5 or above

• Must be registered full-time by the admit term

• Students in course-based or qualifying programs are not eligible

• Can be awarded only once, unless transferring to a PhD

Graduate Student Award (GSA)

• Must be a current full-time student in a thesis-based master’s or doctoral program

• Must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7 over the last 15 credits (or use AGPA if fewer credits)

• Course-based or qualifying students are not eligible

• Awards are not renewable, but students can be re-nominated annually

Note: Faculties may set additional criteria. Check with your department for specific requirements.

 Important Nomination Deadlines

Program Start Date	Nomination Deadline
May 1, 2025	March 27, 2025
July 1, 2025	May 29, 2025
September 1, 2025	July 10, 2025
January 1, 2026	November 13, 2025

Ensure any nomination changes are also submitted by these deadlines.

 How to Apply

There is no direct application form for these awards. All eligible students are automatically considered based on faculty nominations.

Tip: Contact your department or faculty early to express your interest and confirm your eligibility.

For official information, visit the University of Alberta Graduate Scholarships page

Application Deadline: November 13, 2025