University of Calgary Graduate Awards: A Comprehensive Guide

Situated in the core of Alberta, Canada, the University of Calgary stands as a premier institution for research. Renowned for its forward-thinking educational methods and robust focus on scholarly pursuits, the university draws students from every corner of the globe. In aiding its doctoral candidates, the University of Calgary provides a range of doctoral fellowships and grants, aimed at acknowledging scholarly achievement, promoting research, and easing the economic challenges linked to doctoral studies. This piece will offer a detailed examination of these fellowships and grants, covering their categories, who qualifies, how to apply, and the advantages they provide.

Plan Your Study Abroad Journey on a Budget

#Introduction to the University of Calgary:

To fully grasp the significance of the graduate scholarships, it's crucial to consider the background of the University of Calgary. Founded in 1966, this institution has expanded to achieve a prestigious position among Canadian universities. It provides an extensive selection of graduate courses through its 14 departments, such as arts, engineering, business, medicine, law, and additional fields. The university is celebrated for its dedication to research, innovation, and involvement with the community, which positions it as a desirable choice for graduate students from around the globe.

#Graduate Scholarship Programs at the University of Calgary:

The University of Calgary provides a diverse range of graduate scholarship programs designed to meet the varied needs of students, including scholarships based on achievement, research funding, and financial assistance for those requiring it. These scholarships are typically divided into three main groups:

• University-Sponsored Scholarships: These scholarships are supported by the university and are awarded based on academic excellence, research potential, and financial hardship. They encompass scholarships for incoming students, ongoing student support, and awards tailored to particular research fields.

• Donor-Endowed Scholarships: These scholarships are provided by outside entities such as government bodies, private foundations, and corporate sponsors. They often have unique requirements for eligibility and application procedures, which can vary from those of university-sponsored scholarships.

• Scholarships from Government Bodies: These include scholarships and fellowships offered by the federal and provincial governments to assist graduate students in their academic pursuits. The most prestigious of these are the Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) and the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships.

#University of Calgary's Graduate Award Competition:

The Graduate Award Competition (GAC) stands as a key internal accolade provided by the University of Calgary. This contest welcomes all graduate students, irrespective of their academic program or department. The GAC encompasses a variety of scholarships and prizes, including:

• Graduate Entrance Awards: Aimed at incoming graduate students at the University of Calgary, these awards are given based on academic achievement and research capability. The prize money varies by award, typically ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.

• Special Awards: Tailored for students engaged in research within certain fields, like energy, health, and social innovation, these awards offer extra financial support beyond existing scholarships and are often renewable.

• Faculty-Specific Awards: Each department at the University of Calgary has its own set of scholarships and prizes, managed through the Graduate Award Competition. These awards honor exceptional students in their respective fields, with prize amounts ranging from $2,000 to $10,000.

Onward Student Grants:

• Onward student grants are available to students who have successfully completed at least one academic year in their graduate studies at the University of Calgary. These grants are determined by the student's academic achievements in the past years of their education and their contributions to research. Some examples include:

• Graduate Research Endowment Grants: These grants are given to students who show remarkable potential in research. They cover the costs of the student's research projects and their living costs.

• Graduate Student Teaching Fellowships: While not a conventional scholarship, these fellowships provide financial aid in return for teaching or helping with undergraduate classes. These roles are very competitive and are given based on both the student's academic record and their teaching skills.

• Graduate Student Scholarships: These scholarships are for students who have demonstrated outstanding academic success and research potential during their graduate studies. They usually range from $3,000 to $10,000.

#Grants from Outside the University: Funding Avenues Beyond the Campus

Grants from outside the university serve as an additional crucial source of financial aid for graduate students at the University of Calgary. These grants are typically more rigorous, as they are accessible to students from universities nationwide and occasionally even from abroad. Some prominent grants include:

• Tri-Council Funding: The Tri-Council funding bodies, which include the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), present distinguished scholarships and fellowships. These awards can offer significant financial backing, often surpassing $30,000 annually.

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: The Vanier CGS stands as one of the most esteemed awards for doctoral students in Canada. It is valued at $50,000 annually for three years and is granted based on scholarly achievement, research potential, and leadership skills.

• Mitacs Fellowships: Mitacs provides a range of fellowship programs that cover research internships with industry collaborators. These fellowships assist students in acquiring hands-on experience while furthering their research.

• International Scholarships: For students from abroad, there are numerous scholarships provided by entities such as the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. These scholarships are aimed at supporting students from developing nations in their educational endeavors.

#Government-Backed Grants: Support from All Levels

The Canadian government provides a variety of financial assistance options for graduate students, including both federal and regional grants. These grants are highly sought after and are distributed based on academic excellence, research potential, and the significance of the student's contributions.

1. Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS)

The Canada Graduate Scholarships are provided by the federal government to assist students in their pursuit of master's and doctoral degrees in Canada. These grants are accessible through the Tri-Council agencies and include:

• CGS Master's Program: This grant offers $17,500 annually for a year to students participating in a master's program at a Canadian university. It is awarded based on academic excellence, research potential, and the quality of the research proposal.

• CGS Doctoral Program: This grant, valued at $35,000 annually for a maximum of three years, is for doctoral students who show outstanding academic performance and research potential.

2. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

As previously mentioned, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are a distinguished award for doctoral students. It is given to students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities, academic achievement, and research potential. The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are designed to attract and keep top doctoral students by offering substantial financial aid.

3. Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarships

The province of Alberta provides further financial support for graduate students through the Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarships. These scholarships are targeted at students engaged in research that is of strategic importance to the province, focusing on areas like energy, environment, and health. The scholarships can cover up to $26,000 annually for master's students and $31,000 annually for doctoral students.

#Wide Array of Supported Fields:

A standout feature of the University of Calgary Graduate Awards is the broad spectrum of fields it covers. The university boasts several faculties, each providing specialized graduate programs for a variety of academic and professional interests. Among the prominent faculties are:

• Faculty of Arts: This faculty is dedicated to offering support for graduate students in the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts. Research areas include literature, history, psychology, sociology, political science, among others.

• Schulich School of Engineering: Graduate awards at this school are frequently linked to research in engineering fields like chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical, and software engineering. Scholarships may fund projects related to sustainable energy, infrastructure improvement, or technological advancement.

• Cumming School of Medicine: This faculty is a strong supporter of medical and health research, providing scholarships for students in biomedical sciences, public health, medical education, and clinical research.

• Haskayne School of Business: Business students, especially those focusing on research in finance, marketing, organizational behavior, and entrepreneurship, have access to a variety of scholarships and awards that highlight leadership and innovation.

• Faculty of Science: Students in disciplines such as biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and physics can seek awards that encourage scientific research and innovation. These awards are designed for students who are exploring new frontiers in their fields.

• Faculty of Law: Law students researching in areas like environmental law, human rights, corporate law, and legal theory are eligible for specialized scholarships that back their academic pursuits.

• Faculty of Social Work: Graduate students in social work aiming to enhance knowledge and practice in areas such as community development, social policy, and clinical practice can find awards specifically designed for their research.

#In Summary:

The Graduate Awards at the University of Calgary provide an extensive array of chances for students to thrive in their studies and research endeavors. These awards not only supply financial aid but also acknowledge and nurture the potential for leadership, creativity, and distinction across different fields. By skillfully maneuvering through the application process and maximizing the benefits these awards offer, graduate students can greatly improve their educational path and lay the groundwork for a fulfilling and influential career.

Whether you're considering applying or are already a graduate student at the University of Calgary, these awards are a priceless asset that can assist you in reaching your educational and career objectives. The secret to success is in recognizing the available opportunities, developing a compelling and customized application, and taking full advantage of the numerous advantages that come with being awarded a scholarship.