The University of Calgary has an array of graduate awards throughout Canada to help students work toward their academic goals by funding graduate education.
Fortunately, for many students, attending graduate school represents a monumental investment in their future, one that is often prohibitively expensive.
As graduate awards are not only monetarily relieving but also an acknowledgment of excellence or great potential,
Why go to the University of Calgary for Graduate Studies?
Located in the heart of Calgary, Alberta, the University of Calgary is a public tier-one research university known for academic excellence and innovation. As one of Canada’s top universities, graduate programs are offered across a vast set of disciplines: engineering, business, sciences, and arts.
Key Highlights of the University of Calgary:
- World-class faculty and facilities
- Diverse and inclusive student community
- Strong industrial connections for research and career opportunities.
- Huge funding opportunities exist: graduate awards included.
Graduated at one of Canada’s top universities, with a combination of excellence in learning, a welcoming and inclusive learning environment focused on ensuring your successful training experience.
University of Calgary Graduate Award Opportunities Overview
The University of Calgary extends extensive support to graduate students through a wide array of awards. Each award has been designed and tailored to meet and address different needs and spectrums of achievements, whether scholarships, bursaries, or fellowships.
Type of Awards
1. Entrance:Â This is an award made available to all first-year entering graduate students based on academic merit.
2. Program-Specific: A specific graduate program in which one gets admitted.
3. Merit-Based Scholarship: Recognizing exceptionally qualified students for academic and research excellence.
4. Need-Based Bursaries: For students needing financial assistance.
5. External Scholarships: Awards provided by external organizations and agencies.
These ensure that no student, due to finances, is barred from achieving his academic objectives.
Eligibility Criteria Graduate Awards
To be an eligible candidate for the graduate award, an applicant has to follow certain eligibility criteria decided by the university itself.
Not every graduate award would have the same criteria, but in general they would include the following:
1. Status of Enrollment: The student has to be enrolled or accepted within a graduate program at the University of Calgary.
2. Academic Standing: Generally speaking, most awards require a minimum GPA requirement, which could either be 3.5 or above.
3. Merit for Research-based Awards: For research-based awards, candidates are expected to have proven a potential to conduct original research.
4. Citizenship: Few awards allow international students. Other awards are strictly open only to Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents.
5. Need: Students desiring to be considered for need-based awards must be prepared to document financial need of some type.
Eligibility requirements for each graduate award must be carefully reviewed for a determination of how the criteria are to be met.
Application Procedure for Graduate Awards
Applying to graduate awards at the University of Calgary is relatively easy, but it does take some careful preparation in order to maximize your chances of success. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Research Available Awards:
Search for Awards Start by searching the Graduate Award Database on the university’s website. Filter awards according to your program, academic achievements, and other criteria.
2. Prepare Application Materials:
Common application documents include:
- Academic transcripts.
- A statement of purpose or personal statement.
- Letters of recommendation.
- Proof of financial need, if applicable.
- Research proposal or portfolio, in case it is a research-based award.
3. Apply:
Access the online portal, log in, and complete the application as directed, making sure all documents are forwarded in a timely manner.
4. Follow-up Application:
After being submitted, follow up on the status and be ready to quickly provide what is needed from the Selection Committee.
5. Receive Outcomes:
Recipients are normally notified via email. If you are chosen, proceed with the instructions on how to accept your award and submit further documentation.
Benefits of Graduate Awards
Receiving a graduate award at the University of Calgary has several advantages aside from financial gain. These include:
- Reduces Financial Stress: It covers tuition and a living stipend, thereby allowing a student to focus on academics and research.
- Recognition of Excellence: Awards bring your academic excellence to the fore in an explicit manner, adding value to your curriculum vitae.
- Networking Opportunities: Some awards provide opportunities to engage with faculty, industry professionals, and other award recipients.
- Research Advancement: This financial support for projects can give you breakthrough results.
- Career Development: Scholarships and fellowships create opportunities for internships, collaborations, and job openings.
Application Tips
Additionally, for success at the graduate level, one ought to take the following into consideration:
1. Start the application early in order to avoid the last-minute rush and tension which will in turn culminate in a poor performance.
2. Your statement of purpose should be tuned to the aim of the award.
3. Avail strong recommendations from professors or mentors who will account for your abilities.
4. Proofread thoroughly to ensure your application is free from errors and professionally presented.
5. Stay Organized: Keep track of deadlines, required documents, and submission guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can international students apply for graduate awards at the University of Calgary?
Yes, many graduate awards are open to international students. However, some awards may have specific citizenship requirements, so it’s important to review the eligibility criteria.
2. Are graduate awards renewable?
Some are renewable and some are one-time grants. For more detailed information, it will be provided under each individual award’s terms.
3. What is the typical value of a graduate award?
Awards can range in value from several hundred dollars up to and including all tuition and living expenses.
4. Must I apply for each separately?
Awards are either based on individual applications or students may be pre-selected based upon their application for admission. Check each award’s application procedure listed below.
5. Can I hold more than one award?
Students in many instances can receive multiple awards long as they meet the criteria for each. However, there is a cap to the quantity of funding a student can receive.
Conclusion
The University of Calgary Graduate Awards will provide invaluable support to students studying for a higher degree. Whether an international student or a Canadian resident, the award helps in reaching academic and career goals.
Understand the eligibility criteria, prepare a strong application, and explore the range of awards available to unlock opportunities that could pave the way forward for a bright future.
To learn more and to apply, please visit the University of Calgary Graduate Studies website.