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2026 University of Alberta Graduate Scholarship
2026 University of Alberta Graduate Scholarship: Are you a Nigerian graduate student dreaming of earning a fully funded Master’s or PhD at a top Canadian university?
The University of Alberta in Canada is offering a prestigious 2026 Graduate Scholarship, specifically aimed at international students—including those from Nigeria—who plan to begin their studies in 2026. Here’s everything you need to know and how to apply before deadlines close.
About the University of Alberta Graduate Scholarship
The University of Alberta, located in Edmonton, is a world-class public research university that consistently ranks among Canada’s top institutions (opportunitytracker.ug). The 2026 Graduate Scholarship provides comprehensive funding to newly admitted international students in thesis-based master’s and doctoral programs.
What’s covered:
- Full tuition and mandatory fees
- Annual living stipend, payable for the duration of the program; renewable each year
- Possible research/travel support to present at conferences, depending on the faculty (ualberta.ca, opportunitytracker.ug)
The result? Financial freedom to focus entirely on research and academic excellence.
Value of the Awards
Though the exact figures may vary by discipline and department, recent scholarships have offered:
- Master’s: Canadian stipend of CAD 17,500 plus up to CAD 10,000 in tuition support for international students (opportunitytracker.ug).
- Doctoral: Doctoral stipend of CAD 21,000, with similar or higher tuition relief (ualberta.ca).
- Recurring funding: Renewable up to the program’s normal duration (e.g., 2 years for Master’s, 4 years for PhD) .
This ensures your academic journey in Canada is fully financed.
Eligibility: Can Nigerians Apply?
Absolutely! The scholarship is open to all international students, including Nigerians (scholarships365.info). To qualify, you must:
- Hold an offer of admission to a thesis-based Master’s or PhD program at UAlberta,
- Maintain a minimum Admission GPA (typically ≥ 3.5 or 3.7, depending on the award) (ualberta.ca),
- Register full-time and meet English proficiency requirements,
- In many cases, be nominated by your department, so connect early with your graduate coordinator (opportunityportal.info, ualberta.ca).
Important Deadlines for Nigerian Applicants
- Admission timeline: Apply between January–September 2025 to start in 2026 .
- Scholarship nomination deadlines:
- September 2025, January 2026 admission: Departments nominate by July 2025 .
- Visa and logistics: Nigerian students must allow 6 months for study permit processing and relocation.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Follow these steps carefully to maximize your chances:
- Research & Choose Your Program
Explore UAlberta’s 400+ graduate programs and find a match for your academic interests (en.wikipedia.org). - Connect with a Supervisor (PhD/MSc)
Identify and reach out to potential supervisors early—many thesis programs require this before submitting applications (ualberta.ca). - Submit Graduate Admission
Apply via the official UAlberta portal. Early application is key—departments begin considering scholarship candidates well in advance (ualberta.ca). - Automatic Scholarship Consideration
You’ll be automatically assessed for Graduate Entrance and Recruitment Scholarships once you apply, provided you meet GPA and program criteria (oyaop.com, opportunityportal.info). - Departmental Nomination
Work with your department to secure a nomination for the GRS/GSA awards by internal deadlines (ualberta.ca). - Await Offer
Once nominated, successful candidates receive scholarship offers from the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS). - Accept & Finalize Plans
Accept the offer, apply for your study permit, arrange finances, and arrange travel to Canada.
Tips for Nigerian Applicants
- Strong academic record: A high GPA (> 3.7) significantly boosts likelihood of scholarship.
- Solid English proof: High IELTS/TOEFL scores are essential.
- Compelling research proposal (for research programs): Clearly articulate your research goals and why UAlberta is the right fit.
- Early start: Begin preparation at least a year before enrollment—September 2024 is ideal if aiming for 2026.
- Networking: Make personal contact with Canadian professors—they value initiative and fit.
Why Study at UAlberta?
- Top-tier research & facilities: Over $500 million/year in external research funding, with 400+ research labs (ualberta.ca, ualberta.ca, en.wikipedia.org).
- Diverse community: With 46,000 students—including more than 8,400 graduate researchers—from 150+ countries (en.wikipedia.org).
- Abundant funding: The GPS administers $29 million annually in graduate awards (ualberta.ca).
- Edmonton: A vibrant, affordable city with a rich cultural scene and beautiful outdoors.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 University of Alberta Graduate Scholarship offers Nigerian students a life-changing opportunity—completely funding your education abroad while connecting you to world-class research and global networks. Start early, prepare meticulously, and leverage every opportunity by applying before the deadlines.
Begin today: explore your program options, draft a strong application, and position yourself for success. Canada is calling—are you ready?
In other news, Study in the USA: Tyler Scholarship at Pittsburg State University 2025 for Nigerians – Fully Funded