University Of Alberta Graduate Entrance Scholarship 2027 in Canada | Fully Funded — University of Alberta
Layering a specific additional $10,000 tuition and fee supplement exclusively for international doctoral students, on top of the standard living allowance every PhD student receives, gives the University of Alberta’s funding structure a deliberate international-specific enhancement most peer universities fold into a single flat figure instead.
About the Fellowship
The University of Alberta’s Graduate Entrance Scholarship provides doctoral students a living allowance of $21,000 CAD, with international students receiving an additional $10,000 CAD specifically to cover tuition and fees. Combined, international PhD students can access minimum guaranteed funding of at least $100,000 CAD over four years, with a minimum of $25,000 CAD in year one specifically.
This guaranteed funding structure also sits alongside the separate Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship, a $12,000 CAD grant funded directly by the Government of Alberta specifically to attract outstanding graduate students to the province, including international students. This provincial-level award gives eligible students an additional funding source beyond the university’s own guaranteed package.
Because the University of Alberta explicitly structures its international doctoral funding with a dedicated tuition and fee supplement rather than requiring international students to absorb this cost from their base living allowance, the university’s overall international PhD funding package is notably more comprehensive than programs offering only a single standard stipend figure.
As a major public research university located in Edmonton, Alberta, the University of Alberta offers international PhD students strong programs across engineering, business, and the sciences, within a large Canadian prairie city known for its substantial research infrastructure and relatively lower cost of living compared to Canada’s largest metropolitan centers.
Fellowship Benefits
- A $21,000 CAD living allowance for doctoral students
- An additional $10,000 CAD specifically for international students to cover tuition and fees
- Minimum guaranteed funding of at least $100,000 CAD over four years, with $25,000 CAD minimum in year one
- Access to the separate $12,000 CAD Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship funded by the provincial government
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be an international student admitted to a PhD program at the University of Alberta
- You must meet the University of Alberta’s standard doctoral admission requirements for your specific program
- You may separately qualify for the Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship based on provincial eligibility criteria
- You must maintain good academic standing to retain ongoing guaranteed funding
Fields of Study Covered
The fellowship structure applies broadly across the University of Alberta’s PhD programs, with particular strength in engineering, business, and the sciences.
Required Documents
- A completed University of Alberta PhD program application
- Academic transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- A statement of purpose or research interests, as required by your specific program
- Standardized test scores, if required by your department
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Apply for admission to your chosen PhD program at the University of Alberta
- Submit all required application materials, including transcripts, recommendation letters, and your statement of purpose
- Complete your application by your program’s specific PhD application deadline
- Review your guaranteed funding package details once you receive an admission offer
- Research separate Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship eligibility for additional provincial funding
Selection Process
Individual departments at the University of Alberta evaluate PhD applicants based on academic record, research fit, and potential, with the guaranteed minimum funding package applying automatically to admitted international students according to the university’s published structure.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Submit a strong statement of purpose that clearly aligns with specific faculty research interests in your target department
- Research separate Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship eligibility to potentially supplement your guaranteed university funding
- Apply as early as possible within your program’s cycle to strengthen your overall candidacy
- Compare this against other guaranteed full-funding PhD structures like the University of Calgary PhD Funding Guarantee when evaluating multiple program offers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the funding guarantee the same for domestic and international students?
No, international students receive an additional $10,000 CAD specifically to cover tuition and fees, on top of the standard $21,000 living allowance.
What is the total guaranteed funding over four years?
At least $100,000 CAD, with a minimum of $25,000 CAD specifically in year one.
What is the Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship?
A separate $12,000 CAD grant funded by the Government of Alberta to attract outstanding graduate students, including international students.
Do I need to apply separately for this guaranteed funding?
No, it is included as part of standard PhD admission rather than requiring a separate competitive application.
What is the University of Alberta known for academically?
Strong programs in engineering, business, and the sciences.
Where is the University of Alberta located?
Edmonton, Alberta.
Does the funding guarantee apply to master’s students as well?
This specific guarantee is described for PhD students; confirm separate master’s-level funding guidance directly with the university.
Can I combine this funding with external scholarship sources?
Check the University of Alberta’s current policy on combining institutional funding with external scholarship sources.