The Government of Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship (AGES) 2026 is one of Canada’s most competitive funding programs for graduate students. Designed to reward academic excellence and innovation, the scholarship provides a $12,000 grant to outstanding Master’s and PhD students studying at recognized Alberta universities.
Funded by the Government of Alberta, the AGES scholarship attracts exceptional scholars from around the world. It recognizes not only high academic achievement but also contributions to research, community engagement, and professional growth. Both Canadian citizens and international students are eligible to apply.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, and step-by-step application process.
Post Summary
- Host Country: Canada
- Study Location: Alberta, Canada
- Eligible Levels: Master’s and PhD (Doctoral)
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded Graduate Scholarship
- Eligible Applicants: Domestic and International Students
- Scholarship Value: $12,000 Grant
- IELTS Requirement: Not Required
- Deadline: November 14, 2025
- Application Mode: Faculty nomination required
About the Government of Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship (AGES)
The Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship was created to encourage top-performing students to pursue graduate studies within Alberta’s leading universities, including:
- University of Alberta,
- University of Calgary, and
- University of Lethbridge.
Through this initiative, the provincial government invests in education and research by supporting students who contribute to academic excellence, innovation, and community advancement.
This scholarship is open to all fields of study, whether in the sciences, humanities, engineering, health sciences, or social sciences. It represents Alberta’s commitment to nurturing future leaders and fostering a diverse academic environment.
Eligibility Criteria for the Government of Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship 2026
Before applying, candidates should ensure they meet all the requirements outlined below.
1. Citizenship and Residency Status
To qualify, applicants must fall under one of these categories:
- Canadian citizens,
- Permanent residents of Canada,
- Protected persons as defined under subsection 95(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada), or
- International students with a valid Canadian study permit.
Your citizenship status must be accurately updated in your Bear Tracks account by the Graduate Program Services (GPS) deadline.
2. Eligible Study Programs
The scholarship supports:
- Course-based or thesis-based Master’s and Doctoral (PhD) programs.
- Graduate certificate students who can transition into a Master’s program (“laddering”) are also eligible.
Students must be registered in an eligible program at a recognized Alberta university.
3. Alberta Residency Requirement
All applicants must be living in Alberta while enrolled in their programs—whether attending classes in-person or online.
You must:
- Complete the AGES Student Declaration Form to confirm your Alberta residency.
- Update your residential address in Bear Tracks before the GPS deadline.
- Note: Department or faculty office addresses do not count as residential addresses.
4. Enrollment Requirement
- Current students must be registered full-time in Fall 2025 and/or Winter 2026 terms.
- New students admitted in January 2026 must be registered full-time in Winter 2026.
- Students with documented accommodations (via Student Accessibility Services) may qualify if enrolled in at least 40% of a full course load.
5. Academic Excellence
Candidates must demonstrate high academic performance and potential for research impact. This includes:
- A minimum GPA of 3.3 or higher in the most recent 15 units of coursework.
- If fewer credits are available, the Admission GPA (AGPA) will be considered.
- Evidence of research output, such as publications, presentations, or performances.
- A strong record of academic awards, scholarships, or community engagement.
Students must also be within:
- Years 1–4 of their Master’s program, or
- Years 1–6 of their Doctoral program.
Transferred students from a Master’s to a PhD program will have their Master’s duration counted toward the doctoral timeline.
Scholarship Benefits
The Government of Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship provides several key benefits:
- Generous Grant: A $12,000 one-time payment to support tuition, living costs, and research expenses.
- Global Accessibility: Open to students from all nationalities, encouraging global academic collaboration.
- No IELTS Requirement: Applicants do not need to submit IELTS or TOEFL results.
- Academic Recognition: Boosts your academic profile and strengthens your CV for future scholarships or research grants.
- Program Flexibility: Supports both course-based and research-based graduate studies across multiple disciplines.
This award allows scholars to focus entirely on their research and innovation goals without the burden of financial stress.
Why Choose Alberta for Graduate Studies?
Alberta is known for its excellent universities, cutting-edge research, and welcoming environment for international students. Here’s why it’s a great choice:
- World-Class Universities: Alberta institutions consistently rank among Canada’s best.
- Affordable Living: The province offers a high standard of living with affordable costs.
- Diverse Research Opportunities: Students can engage in global-level research projects.
- Strong Industry Links: Alberta universities collaborate with industries in technology, healthcare, energy, and more.
- Supportive Community: International students benefit from mentorship, cultural activities, and government support.
By choosing Alberta, students gain a world-class education and a pathway to professional success.
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How to Apply for the Government of Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship (AGES) 2026
Applying for the AGES Scholarship involves collaboration between the student and their home faculty. Follow the steps below carefully:
Check Eligibility
Confirm you meet all the eligibility conditions — including academic requirements, full-time enrollment, and Alberta residency.
Faculty Nomination
Students cannot apply directly online through the GSMS Awards Portal. Instead, each applicant must be nominated by their home faculty to the Graduate Program Services (GPS).
Complete the AGES Student Declaration Form
Fill out the AGES Student Declaration Form to verify your Alberta residency while enrolled in your program. Submit the form to your department before your faculty’s internal deadline.
Submit to the Faculty Office
Your faculty determines its internal nomination deadline. Contact your department to:
- Confirm submission procedures,
- Learn about internal evaluation criteria, and
- Verify if your nomination has been forwarded to GPS.
Await Nomination Results
After your faculty review, selected nominees will be submitted to GPS. Successful candidates will receive an official notification and payment details.
The $12,000 scholarship payment will be issued as a one-time award directly to successful recipients.
Application Deadline
The official deadline for the Government of Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship (AGES) is November 14, 2025.
However, each faculty may have its own internal deadline, often earlier than the official one. Applicants are strongly advised to contact their department well in advance.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Maintain Academic Excellence: Keep a high GPA throughout your program.
- Demonstrate Research Potential: Publish your work or present at conferences.
- Stay Organized: Prepare your documents and declaration form early.
- Engage with Your Faculty: Maintain communication with faculty staff about nomination deadlines.
- Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute — internal deadlines vary by faculty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who funds the Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship (AGES)?
The scholarship is funded by the Government of Alberta to reward graduate students who excel academically and contribute to research and innovation.
2. Can international students apply for the AGES Scholarship?
Yes. The scholarship is open to international students with a valid Canadian study permit.
3. Is IELTS required for this scholarship?
No. The AGES Scholarship does not require IELTS or other English proficiency tests, although your university’s admission requirements may still apply.
4. Can I apply directly online?
No. Students must be nominated by their home faculty — applications cannot be submitted independently.
5. How much funding does the AGES Scholarship provide?
Each selected student receives a $12,000 one-time grant to support their studies and living expenses.
6. What universities in Alberta participate in AGES?
The main participating institutions include:
- University of Alberta
- University of Calgary
- University of Lethbridge
7. When is the deadline to apply?
The official deadline is November 14, 2025, but internal faculty deadlines may occur earlier. Always check with your department.
8. Can part-time students apply?
Generally, no. However, students registered with Student Accessibility Services may qualify if enrolled in at least 40% of a full course load.
Conclusion
The Government of Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship (AGES) 2026 offers more than just financial aid — it’s a recognition of academic dedication, innovation, and leadership potential. With a $12,000 grant, this program enables both Canadian and international graduate students to pursue world-class research opportunities in Alberta.
If you are committed to academic excellence and want to study in one of Canada’s most dynamic provinces, don’t miss this chance to apply.
Deadline: November 14, 2025
Application Mode: Through your home faculty nomination