The University of Alberta Undergraduate Scholarships program offers substantial financial awards, totaling up to $52 million annually, to potential domestic and international students worldwide pursuing undergraduate degrees. These scholarships range from $5,000 to $120,000 (payable over four years) and are primarily awarded based on a superior admission average and demonstrated leadership qualities. The most prestigious awards include the President’s International Distinction Scholarship and the A Chan Pang Kuen Memorial International Distinction Scholarship, both valued up to $120,000.
The application process is integrated with the admission process; students are automatically evaluated for most admission-based scholarships when they apply for an undergraduate degree program. The deadline for general scholarship consideration is January 10, 2026, for entry in the 2026-2027 academic year.
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University of Alberta Scholarship Summary
The following table summarizes the key details for undergraduate applicants:
| Host Country | Canada |
|---|---|
| Study Abroad | Study in Canada |
| Category | Undergraduate Scholarships |
| Eligible Countries | All Countries (Global Eligibility) |
| Reward | $5,000 – $120,000 (Over 4 years) |
| Key Criteria | High admission average & demonstrated leadership |
| Application Deadline | January 10, 2026 |
The University of Alberta (U of A) is committed to attracting the world’s most talented students, offering one of the most comprehensive scholarship programs in Canada. With up to $52 million allocated annually for potential undergraduate students, these funds provide life-changing opportunities for both Canadian and international students.
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The scholarships are designed to reward students who demonstrate both exceptional academic potential (high admission average) and significant leadership qualities in their school, community, or workplace. Awards range from $5,000 to $120,000 over the course of a four-year undergraduate study period at the institution.
This detailed guide outlines the requirements, specific award values, and the simple step-by-step procedure for securing these prestigious undergraduate scholarships at the University of Alberta for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Scholarship Details
The University of Alberta offers numerous scholarships, including fully funded opportunities, to support talented and deserving students. The scholarships are open to both international students (who will be entering on a student visa permit) and Canadian citizens pursuing an undergraduate degree.
The university encourages students to feed their curiosity, pursue research that tackles today’s most challenging issues, and break the boundaries of conventional wisdom. Special arrangements are also administered for sponsored students—international students whose studies are fully funded by their governments, companies, or third-party entities, with support covering tuition, fees, and living expenses.
Benefits and Specific Scholarship Awards of the University of Alberta Admission
The University of Alberta offers a tiered system of undergraduate scholarships that recognize different levels of academic achievement and leadership. The rewards are significant, with the most distinguished awards covering nearly all costs over four years about $5000 to $120000 in funds.
Tier 1: International Distinction Scholarships (Up to $120,000)
These are the most prestigious entrance awards for international students Undergraduate Scholarships Canada:
- President’s International Distinction Scholarship: Annually awarded to 25 students with a superior admission average and demonstrated leadership. Recipients receive up to CAN $120000 scholarship fund, payable over 4 years.
- A Chan Pang Kuen Memorial International Distinction Scholarship: Awarded to students with a superior admission average and demonstrated leadership qualities entering their first year of an undergraduate degree on a student visa permit. Recipients receive up to CAN $120,000, payable over 4 years.
Tier 2: Leadership and Faculty Specific Awards
These awards recognize well-rounded and high-achieving students across different faculties:
- International Leader Scholarship: Recognizes applicants with superior academics based on their leadership roles and accomplishments. Recipients may receive up to CAN $15,000.
- Cora Martinson International Scholarship: Specifically for students with superior academic achievement entering any year of an undergraduate degree program at Augustana Faculty on a student visa permit. Recipients could receive up to CAN $56,000 (payable over 4 years).
- Gold Standard Scholarship: Awarded to the top 5% of students in each faculty based on admission average. Recipients could receive up to CAN $6,000.
Tier 3: Admission and Regional Excellence
These awards are granted based purely on high academic performance:
- International Admission Scholarship: Top international students could receive up to CAN $5,000 based on their high admission average.
- Regional Excellence Scholarship: Top students from certain regions (based on regional recruitment initiatives) could receive up to CAN $5,000 based on the admission average.
Eligibility Requirements for University of Alberta Undergraduate Scholarship 2026
To be considered for the various admission-based scholarships at the University of Alberta, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Academic and Leadership Criteria: You must have a high admission average and possess demonstrated leadership qualities through involvement in school, community organizations, extracurricular activities, or the workplace.
- Study Status: You must be entering the first year of an undergraduate degree program at the University of Alberta.
- Visa Status (for most large awards): To qualify for the top distinction awards, you must be entering the university on a student visa permit (i.e., be an international student).
- Program Admission: You must meet the standard course requirements listed on the university’s program search tool, including the minimum average and language proficiencies for your chosen faculty.
How to Apply for University of Alberta Undergraduate Scholarships 2026 (Step by Step)
The application process for most University of Alberta scholarships is largely automatic upon application for admission, simplifying the process for talented students.
Step 1: Apply for an Undergraduate Degree Program
The first and most critical step is to apply for an undergraduate degree program available at the University of Alberta through the link provided below. This application should be submitted well in advance of the scholarship deadline.
Step 2: Automatic Scholarship Evaluation
You will be automatically evaluated for most of these scholarships when you apply for admission. There is typically no separate scholarship application form required for the admission-based awards listed above.
Step 3: Eligibility Assessment
Your eligibility for an admission-based scholarship will be based on your high school admission average at the time your admission offer is made. U of A will assess your profile for a match against the requirements for the International Distinction Scholarship, the International Leader Scholarship, and many more.
Step 4: Notification of Award
If you are eligible for an admission-based scholarship, you will be contacted directly by the university with the offer details. Ensure your contact information is correct during the admission application process.
Crucial Note: While the evaluation is automatic, ensure you complete your admission application and submit all required documentation (including transcripts) well before the January 10, 2026 scholarship deadline to ensure you are considered for the full range of awards.
Application Deadline: January 10th, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the University of Alberta Undergraduate Scholarships
1. Do I need a separate application for the $120,000 Distinction Scholarships?
No, generally you do not. The majority of the University of Alberta’s major entrance awards, including the $120,000 President’s International Distinction Scholarship, are admission-based. This means you are automatically considered when you apply for admission to an undergraduate program, provided you meet the required high academic average and leadership criteria.
2. Is the scholarship amount of $120,000 paid at once?
No. The maximum award amount of $120,000 is typically disbursed over the period of your four-year undergraduate study, meaning recipients receive a substantial portion of the total amount each academic year.
3. What constitutes “demonstrated leadership qualities”?
Demonstrated leadership qualities include documented roles and accomplishments in areas such as student government, significant community service or volunteer work, leadership in extracurricular activities (sports, clubs), or notable responsibilities in a part-time job or internship. These must be reflected in your application documents.
4. Is the January 10, 2026 deadline for admission or scholarship?
This deadline is the deadline for applicants to be considered for the majority of the major entrance scholarships, including the Distinction Scholarships. It is highly recommended to submit your admission application and all supporting documents well before this date.
5. Are Canadian citizens eligible for the $120,000 Distinction Scholarships?
The President’s International Distinction Scholarship and the A Chan Pang Kuen Memorial International Distinction Scholarship are explicitly for students entering their first year on a student visa permit (international students). Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligible for a different, extensive range of entrance awards.
6. Do I need to provide an English proficiency test score (IELTS/TOEFL)?
Yes, if your first language is not English, you must meet the university’s English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements. These requirements must be met before you can be admitted and therefore considered for the scholarships.
7. Which students are considered “Top Students” for the International Admission Scholarship?
“Top Students” refers to applicants whose high school admission average falls within the highest percentiles of the incoming undergraduate class. These academic averages are determined by the university’s competitive selection process.
8. Is the scholarship renewable each year?
For awards payable over four years (like the $120,000 scholarships), renewal is typically conditional upon maintaining a satisfactory academic standing (e.g., a specific minimum GPA) throughout the undergraduate program.
9. What is the Augustana Faculty, and why does it have separate scholarships?
Augustana Faculty is the University of Alberta’s smaller campus located in Camrose, offering an intimate liberal arts and sciences experience. It maintains separate, faculty-specific scholarships like the Cora Martinson International Scholarship to attract high-achieving students to that campus.
10. If I am an international sponsored student, can I still receive one of these scholarships?
Yes, sponsored students may still be considered for these scholarships. However, the final award amount may be adjusted if your government or third-party sponsor is already covering full tuition and living expenses, as the university aims to distribute funds to students with the highest unmet financial need and academic merit.
