Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship (AGES) 2026 for International Students

If you dream of studying in one of Canada’s most academically vibrant provinces, Alberta is calling — and it’s offering you a scholarship worth $12,000 to make that dream a reality.

The Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship (AGES) 2026, funded by the Government of Alberta, honors outstanding students – including international scholars – who are pursuing graduate studies at top universities such as the University of Alberta. This prestigious scholarship is not just a financial award; it’s a recognition of excellence and a gateway to advanced research opportunities in Canada’s innovation-driven heartland.

Why This Scholarship Matters?

The AGES 2026 aims to attract the brightest minds from around the world to Alberta’s graduate programs, fostering innovation and leadership in every field. Recipients receive a one-time payment of $12,000, deposited directly into their Canadian bank accounts. To qualify, students must have an Alberta residential address and maintain academic distinction throughout their program.

Who Can Apply?

The scholarship welcomes a wide range of students:

• International students with a valid study permit
• Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons
• Master’s or PhD students, including those in course-based and thesis-based programs
• Students enrolled full-time in Fall 2025 and/or Winter 2026, or newly admitted in January 2026
• Learners with disabilities enrolled in at least 40% of a full course load are also eligible

To qualify, students must demonstrate a GPA of 3.3 or higher, show academic excellence through research or publications, and be actively engaged in their scholarly communities.

How to Apply?

Unlike most scholarships, you can’t apply directly for AGES. Instead, your faculty nominates you based on your achievements and eligibility. To be considered, complete the AGES Student Declaration Form and submit it to your home faculty before their internal deadline. Each faculty then selects the most deserving students and forwards nominations to the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS).

Nomination and Adjudication

Faculties in Alberta receive a limited allocation of AGES awards, ensuring only the most exceptional students are nominated. Once nominated, the GPS reviews all submissions, verifies eligibility, and directly notifies the winners.

Application Dates to Remember

Faculties must submit their nominations to GPS through the GSMS Awards Portal by Friday, November 14, 2025.