How to get a scholarship at the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is an excellent school with a lot to offer students. However, it can be expensive to attend, especially for international students. If you want to attend the University of Calgary but are worried about the cost, consider applying for a scholarship.
There are many scholarships available to students at the University of Calgary. You can visit the university’s website to learn more about scholarships available at the University of Calgary.
Here are some tips on how to increase your chances of getting a scholarship at the University of Calgary

Overview of the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is a public research university in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It offers over 250 programs in 14 faculties, ranging from arts and sciences to engineering and medicine. It is among the top 250 universities globally and Canada’s top 5 research universities.

If you are interested in studying at the University of Calgary, you might wonder how to get a scholarship to help you finance your education. Scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership, community involvement, or other achievements. They do not have to be repaid and can reduce the cost of your tuition, books, and living expenses.

The University of Calgary annually offers over $12 million in scholarships and bursaries to new and continuing students. The generous financial support comes from various donors, including the university, government agencies, corporations, foundations, alums, and community organizations.

Read more about How to get admission into University of Calgary

How to get a scholarship at university of Calgary

To get a scholarship at the University of Calgary, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Search for scholarships that match your profile

The first step is to find out what scholarships are available for you. You can use the online award search tool to browse hundreds of scholarships based on your student type, faculty, program, citizenship, residency, academic standing, and other criteria. You can also check out the external awards page for opportunities offered by different organizations outside the university.

Some of the most common scholarship programs initiated by the University of Calgary are:

• The University of Calgary Awards for International Student-Athletes: These awards are for international students who are members of a varsity team and have a minimum GPA of 2.00.
• The University of Calgary International Undergraduate Awards: These awards are for international students entering the first year of any undergraduate degree who have satisfied the university’s English Language Proficiency requirement. They are renewable for up to four years if the recipients maintain a GPA of 2.60 or more.
• Metis Scholars Undergraduate Awards: These awards are for Metis students enrolled full-time in any undergraduate degree who demonstrate financial need and academic merit.
• Elizabeth and Walter Fairey Bursary: This bursary is for students enrolled full-time in any undergraduate degree who demonstrate financial need and academic merit. Preference is given to students from rural Alberta.
• D.H. Greggs Indigenous Awards: These awards are for Indigenous students enrolled full-time in any undergraduate degree who demonstrate financial need and academic merit.
• Dr. Michelle Hucul Indigenous Leadership Awards: These awards are for Indigenous students enrolled full-time in any undergraduate degree who demonstrate leadership potential and community involvement.
• Rhodes Scholarships: These scholarships are intended for exceptional students who want to pursue graduate studies at the University of Oxford, England. They cover all expenses for two or three years and are awarded based on academic achievement, character, leadership, and service.
• Loran Scholars: These scholarships are for high school students demonstrating character, service, and leadership potential. They provide up to $100,000 over four years for undergraduate studies at one of the partner universities in Canada, including the University of Calgary.

Step 2: Prepare your application materials

The next step is to prepare your application materials for the scholarships you want to apply for. Depending on the scholarship, you may need to submit some or all of the following documents:

• Application form: This is where you provide your personal information, academic history, extracurricular activities, awards and honors, and other relevant details. You can access most application forms online through the [MyUCalgary portal] or download them from the award search tool.
• Transcripts: These are official records of your academic performance in high school or previous post-secondary institutions. You may request them from your school or upload them online through the MyUCalgary portal.
• Letters of reference: These are letters from teachers, coaches, mentors, employers, or others who know you well and can attest to your abilities and achievements. Ask them to write and send the letters directly to the university or upload them online through the MyUCalgary portal.
• Personal statement: This is an essay where you explain why you are applying for the scholarship, what your goals and aspirations are, how you have overcome challenges or contributed to your community, and what makes you stand out from other applicants. You may need to write a different personal statement for each scholarship or use a common one with some modifications.
• Resume or curriculum vitae (CV): This is a document where you summarize your education, work experience, skills, interests, and achievements. You may need to tailor it to highlight relevant aspects of the scholarship you are applying for.
• Portfolio or sample of work: This is a collection of your creative or academic work, such as essays, poems, paintings, photographs, videos, or projects. You may need to submit it if you are applying for a scholarship that requires artistic or scholarly talent.

Step 3: Submit your application before the deadline

The final step is to submit your application before the deadline. You can submit most applications online through the MyUCalgary portal or by email, mail, or in-person to the Enrollment Services office. Ensure you follow the instructions carefully and check for errors before sending your application. You can also track the status of your application online through the MyUCalgary portal.

The deadlines for applying for scholarships vary depending on the scholarship and the student type. Some of the standard deadlines are:

• July 1: The deadline for applying for the Jason Lang/Louise McKinney Scholarship for Alberta students continuing their studies full-time in the Fall or winter.
• August 10: This is the deadline for applying for the Cumming School of Medicine (MD) Awards, which are for entering or continuing students in the MD Program.
• September 1: This is the deadline for applying for the High School Prestige Awards Competition for high school students entering their first year in any undergraduate degree in the Fall.
• September 30: This is the deadline for applying for most university undergraduate awards, including faculty-specific and general awards.
• October 15: The deadline for applying for the Indigenous Careers Award for Indigenous students living in Alberta enrolled full-time in the fall or winter
• November 1: This is the deadline for applying for most graduate awards offered by the university, including faculty-specific awards and general awards.

You can find more information about each scholarship’s deadlines and application procedures on the award search tool or the [award deadlines] page.

Step 4: Wait for the results and accept your offer

The last step is to wait for the results and accept your offer if you are successful. You will be notified by email or letter if you have been selected for a scholarship. You may need to confirm your acceptance online through the MyUCalgary portal or by email, mail, or in-person at the Enrollment Services office. You may also need to provide additional documents or information to verify your eligibility.

You can expect to receive your scholarship funds after registering for courses and paying your fees. The funds will be applied directly to your student account or deposited into your bank account. You can view your award payments online through the MyUCalgary portal.

You may also need to maintain certain conditions for your scholarships, such as a minimum GPA, course load, or progress report. You can find more information about the terms and conditions of each scholarship on the award search tool or your offer letter.

Tips and Advice

Here are some additional tips that may be helpful for international students:

• Demonstrate your interest in Canada. This could include writing about your experiences in Canada, or taking Canadian history or Canadian literature courses.
• Highlight your English language skills. This could include taking the TOEFL or IELTS exams, or getting a letter of recommendation from an English teacher.
• Showcase your leadership skills. This could include participating in extracurricular activities, or holding leadership positions in clubs or organizations.
• Be creative. There are many different ways to apply for scholarships. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and come up with a unique scholarship application.

FAQs

How can I apply for scholarships at the University of Calgary?

You must apply through their online scholarship portal to apply for scholarships at the University of Calgary. It is essential to thoroughly examine the eligibility requirements and submission deadlines for any scholarships you want to apply for. How can I apply for scholarships at the University of Calgary?

What are the qualifications for scholarships at the University of Calgary?

Scholarship eligibility requirements vary based on factors such as academic performance, leadership skills, community service, and financial situation. Specific scholarships may also have additional criteria related to areas of study or extracurricular activities.

Are scholarships available for international students at the University of Calgary?

Yes, the University of Calgary offers scholarships specifically for international students, including the International Entrance and International Baccalaureate scholarships.

When is the deadline to apply for scholarships at the University of Calgary?

The application deadlines for scholarships at the University of Calgary vary depending on the specific scholarship. It is essential to carefully review the deadlines and submit your application before the specified date.

Can one apply for multiple scholarships at the University of Calgary?

You can apply for multiple scholarships at the University of Calgary. However, review the individual scholarship requirements; some may have specific application restrictions.

How competitive is receiving a scholarship at the University of Calgary?

The competitiveness of scholarships at the University of Calgary varies depending on the specific scholarship. Some scholarships may be highly competitive, while others may have less competition. Reviewing the eligibility requirements and putting forth the best application possible is essential.

Are there any specific tips for maximizing my chances of receiving a scholarship at the University of Calgary?

Some tips for maximizing your chances of receiving a scholarship at the University of Calgary include maintaining high academic performance, getting involved in extracurricular activities and leadership roles, highlighting your unique qualities and experiences in your application, and submitting your application before the deadline.

Can I receive a scholarship if I already receive financial aid or student loans?

In some cases, receiving financial aid or student loans may not disqualify you from receiving a scholarship at the University of Calgary. However, reviewing the specific scholarship requirements is essential, as some scholarships may restrict receiving certain financial assistance.

How will I be notified if I am awarded a scholarship at the University of Calgary?

If you are awarded a scholarship at the University of Calgary, you will typically be notified through the contact information provided in your application. This may include email or regular mail. It is essential to check your email and regularly update your contact information.