When you’re planning to study at a top Canadian university, the cost of tuition and living can be a major concern. The good news is the University of Alberta (U of A) offers a comprehensive awards program — open to entering, transferring, and continuing undergraduate students — to help make your education more affordable and accessible. Here’s your go-to guide to the 2026 Undergraduate Awards program at U of A: what’s available, how you apply, who qualifies, and how to make the most of it.
What Are the Undergraduate Awards?
U of A’s Awards & Financial Support unit distributes over CAD $50 million annually in scholarships, awards, bursaries and other financial supports for undergraduates. These funds cover a wide spectrum of needs: academic merit, leadership, equity, financial need, community involvement, and more. Rather than having dozens of separate applications, U of A uses a single application platform (the Awards Hub) — you complete the General Application and any “conditional” applications for which you’re eligible.
Categories of Awards
Academic & Merit-Based Awards
- For students whose grades and academic achievement stand out.
- Typical requirement: a GPA of 3.5 or higher (on U of A’s scale) based on at least 24 credits in the most recent Sept–April term.
- These awards often do not require a separate scholarship-application — they might simply be awarded on basis of your academic record.
Leadership & Community-Based Awards
- If you’ve taken on leadership roles, made an impact in your community, or driven change, you’ll want to apply here.
- Some leadership awards allow a minimum of 2.0 GPA if you meet the full-time-course-load requirement and strongly demonstrate leadership.
- You’ll be assessed on evidence of your involvement, impact and potential.
Need-Based & Equity-Focused Awards
- For students who have financial need, or represent equity-seeking groups (e.g., Indigenous, first-generation, under-represented backgrounds).
- For Indigenous students (First Nations, Métis, Inuit), there is a dedicated awards section with eligibility requiring Indigenous background and community leadership.
- Many of these awards are “hybrid” (meaning they consider both merit and financial need).
Faculty-Specific & Program-Specific Awards
- Each faculty (Arts, Science, Engineering, Education, etc.) maintains listings of awards specific to its students. After you apply via the main Awards Hub, you may also qualify for these faculty-specific awards.
External / Prestigious Award Programs
- U of A also supports students aiming for external scholarships (e.g., national or international awards like the Rhodes Scholarship). As part of that process, there’s an internal endorsement step through the Awards Hub.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
Academic Standing
- For academic (merit-based) scholarships, a typical threshold is a GPA of 3.5 (on U of A’s scale) over at least 24 credits (the most recent September–April term).
- Leadership scholarships may require a lower GPA (e.g., U of A states a minimum of 2.0 GPA on a full-time load for some leadership awards) plus demonstrated leadership.
Selection Factors
- Beyond grades, U of A considers extracurricular activities, community involvement, leadership, personal background, and in some cases financial need.
- For specific scholarships, other criteria may apply (e.g., citizenship, visa status, region, IB diploma).
Continuing Students
- Undergraduate students who are continuing at U of A (or transferring in) can also apply for awards/renewable scholarships via the Awards Hub.
Application Accessibility
- If you have a permanent disability and require accommodations to complete the scholarship application, you should apply early and contact the Dean of Students.
Benefits of the University of Alberta Undergraduate Scholarships
- Huge Funding Pool: The University of Alberta gives out over CAD $50 million every year for undergraduate scholarships and awards.
- Supports International Students: Many awards are available specifically for international students, helping them manage higher fees.
- Encourages Academic Excellence: Scholarships reward high-performing students and motivate you to keep achieving strong grades.
- Opens More Academic Opportunities: With financial support, students can join research projects, internships, conferences, and workshops more easily.
- Helps With Living Expenses: Some awards also provide money that can be used for books, supplies, and living costs.
- Provides Long-Term Benefits: Scholarship achievements help when applying for jobs, internships, or graduate school.
- Simple Application System: Through the Awards Hub, one application connects you to many different scholarships.
- Supports Both New and Current Students: Whether you’re just entering or already studying at U of A, there are awards for you.
How to Apply
1. Log in to the Awards Hub (using your U of A CCID once you are admitted or have your student ID).
2. Complete the General Application — this will gather your basic academic and personal profile.
3. Review your dashboard for Conditional Applications you qualify for (based on your background, program, equity group, etc.).
4. Upload any required supporting documents (transcripts, leadership statements, references if needed).
5. Monitor your dashboard – accept or decline any award offers through the Hub.
6. Attend any recommended workshops (Scholarships 101 / Bursaries 101) to strengthen future applications.
The application for undergraduate scholarships and awards will open in Feb. 2026. For more details about the scholarship, visit the official scholarship website
Tips for Applying
- Apply early for your program: Since admission-based scholarships are assessed automatically, the earlier you apply, the better.
- Complete the Awards Application: When the application opens (usually by February for continuing students), make sure to fill it out thoroughly.
- Prepare Scholarship Essays / Responses: For application-based awards, reflect on leadership, community involvement, and academic past in your responses.
- Watch Deadlines: Ensure you submit your scholarship application before January 10, 2026 (for entrance scholarships).
- Accept Offers: If you receive a scholarship offer, accept it via the Awards Portal / Bear Tracks before the deadline.
- Explore Additional Funding: Even if you don’t win a top scholarship, you may qualify for need-based awards, bursaries, or external opportunities.
Conclusion
The University of Alberta’s 2026 Undergraduate Scholarships offer incredible opportunities for international students to study at one of Canada’s most respected institutions. With awards ranging from CAD $5,000 to CAD $120,000, students from diverse backgrounds have a real chance to fund their education.
If you’re eyeing Fall 2026 at the University of Alberta and need financial support, the Undergraduate Awards program offers one of the most organised and accessible pathways. Apply early, showcase your strengths, and use the Awards Hub to its fullest.
