University of Alberta Graduate Recruitment Scholarship 2026 – Minimum $5,000

Scholarship Description

The University of Alberta Graduate Recruitment Scholarship (GRS) is designed to recruit superior graduate students who have the potential to contribute to the University of Alberta's community and research. The scholarship provides financial support to newly admitted doctoral or thesis-based master's students with a minimum value of $5,000.

The University of Alberta is one of Canada's top research universities, known for its excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. Located in Edmonton, Alberta, the university attracts students from across Canada and around the world. The GRS is part of the university's commitment to supporting outstanding graduate students and advancing research across all disciplines.

Scholarship Location

The scholarship is tenable at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The university's main campus is located in the heart of Edmonton, one of Canada's most vibrant and dynamic cities.

Scholarship Deadline

GRS nominations are submitted by Faculties on an ongoing basis, but must be submitted by the applicable deadlines based on the student's start date.

Host Institution

The University of Alberta is a public research university located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Founded in 1908, it is one of Canada's top research universities and a member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities. The university is home to over 40,000 students and offers programs across a wide range of disciplines.

Level and Fields of Study

Level: Master's (thesis-based) and Doctoral (PhD) programs.

Fields: All disciplines are eligible. The scholarship is open to students in thesis-based graduate programs across all faculties and departments at the University of Alberta.

Target Group

The scholarship is open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and students on a study permit. Newly admitted students to doctoral or thesis-based master's programs are eligible. The GRS is designed to recruit superior graduate students who have the potential to contribute to the university's community and research.

Scholarship Amount

Minimum Value: $5,000 (one unit). Faculties may choose to award multiple units to eligible nominees based on allocation.

Duration: The GRS is a one-time award for newly admitted students. Students may only receive a GRS once (unless they transfer from a master's to a doctoral degree program).

Graduate Student Award (GSA): Current graduate students may be nominated for the GSA, which also has a minimum value of $5,000 per unit. The GSA is not automatically renewable, but faculties may nominate students for a new award each year.

Scholarship Eligibility

Graduate Recruitment Scholarship (GRS):

• Admission status: Newly admitted to a doctoral or thesis-based master's graduate degree program, or transferred (fast-tracked) from a master's to a doctoral degree program.
• Enrollment: Registered full-time in a doctoral degree or thesis-based master's degree program by the admit term.
• GPA: Admission GPA (AGPA) of at least 3.5. Current students transferring from a master's to a doctoral degree must have both AGPA and current program GPA of 3.5 or over.
• Program type: Students admitted to course-based or qualifying programs are not eligible.
• Previous award: Students may receive a GRS only once (unless they transfer from a master's to a doctoral degree program).

Graduate Student Award (GSA):

• Enrollment: Currently registered full-time in a doctoral degree or thesis-based master's degree program.
• Academic standing: Satisfactory academic standing (GPA of 2.7 or greater) over the most recent 15 units of course weight.
• Program type: Students in course-based or qualifying programs are not eligible.

Application Procedure

1. Apply for admission – Submit an application for admission to a thesis-based master's or doctoral program at the University of Alberta.
2. Meet GPA requirements – Ensure your admission GPA is 3.5 or higher to be considered for the GRS.
3. Faculty nomination – Eligible students are not able to apply directly. Faculties nominate students based on eligibility criteria and allocation. Departments consult with their Faculty for internal processes.
4. Selection criteria – Faculties may consider academic record, letters of appraisal, statement of program, research potential, and other technical experience.
5. Nomination submission – The Faculty (or delegate) submits nominations through the GSMS Awards Portal by the applicable deadline.
6. Verification and notification – GPS verifies eligibility and notifies winners directly with an official offer letter.

Important notes: GPS recommends that Departments and Faculties do not tell students they have won a GRS until an official offer is made. They may inform students they have been nominated. For students with a September 1, 2026 start date, the nomination deadline is July 9, 2026.

Official Website & Application Links

University of Alberta – Graduate Recruitment Scholarship Official Page

Graduate Studies: www.ualberta.ca/graduate-studies

Contact: Consult your Faculty for internal nomination processes and deadlines.