The University of Alberta President’s International Distinction Scholarship offers up to CAD $120,000 over four years to exceptional international students beginning an undergraduate degree in September 2027. The university expects to select 25 recipients based on superior admission results and demonstrated leadership. Applications opened October 1, 2026 and close January 10, 2027.
Scholarship at a glance
- Host: University of Alberta, Canada
- Study level: First undergraduate degree
- Value: Up to CAD $120,000, payable over four years
- Number of awards: 25 annually
- Audience: International students entering on a Canadian study permit
- Applications open: October 1, 2026
- Scholarship deadline: January 10, 2027
- Admission application fee: CAD $150 for new applicants
University of Alberta’s Fall 2027 dates page states that listed deadlines are effective at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time. The entrance-award application deadline is January 10, 2027.
What does the scholarship cover?
The President’s International Distinction Scholarship is worth up to CAD $120,000 across four years. The official page does not describe it as a guaranteed full-cost scholarship, and the University of Alberta explicitly says it does not offer full scholarships to domestic or international students. Applicants should therefore budget separately for any tuition, fees, housing, food, travel, insurance or other costs not covered by their final award.
The award is renewable through its four-year payment structure, subject to the terms in the recipient’s offer. The current public page does not give a fixed annual instalment or list renewal-grade conditions, so successful students should rely on their official award letter.
Who is eligible?
You should meet all of the following core conditions:
- Be entering the first year of a University of Alberta undergraduate degree in September 2027.
- Be entering directly from high school, or after time away from high school without earning post-secondary credit.
- Plan to study in Canada on a student visa or study permit.
- Have a superior admission average.
- Demonstrate meaningful leadership qualities and accomplishments.
- Meet the subject, grade and language requirements for your chosen degree.
Competition is strong. Meeting the minimum eligibility conditions does not guarantee an award.
Key dates
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Admission applications open | October 1, 2026 |
| Entrance scholarship application opens | October 1, 2026 |
| Scholarship application closes | January 10, 2027 |
| Scholarship offers begin | Early winter; no single date published |
The university says a CCID and password can take two to three business days to generate after the admission application. Do not leave the admission step until January 10.
Admission and scholarship documents
The exact admission checklist is generated in the University of Alberta Launchpad after you apply. International applicants should be ready to provide:
- Current and previous high-school results and final-year course registrations
- Final official transcript or school-leaving credentials when requested
- Evidence that you have completed the five academic subjects required for your program
- English-language evidence, if you do not qualify through previous education or an approved course
- Certified English translations for documents issued in a language other than English or French
- Scholarship responses describing your strongest academic, leadership, service, community, extracurricular or work achievements
Only upload documents listed in your Launchpad checklist. The university warns that unsolicited or duplicate documents can delay processing.
English-language requirements
All applicants to English-speaking and bilingual undergraduate programs must meet English Language Proficiency requirements. This can be satisfied through recognized previous education, approved coursework or an accepted test.
| Test | Published minimum |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0 |
| Duolingo English Test | 120 overall, with no integrated subscore below 100 |
| TOEFL iBT taken on/after January 21, 2026 | 4.5 overall on the 1–6 scale, with no band below 4.5 |
| TOEFL iBT taken before January 21, 2026 | 90 overall, with no section below 21 |
Some Education and health-related programs also require Spoken English Proficiency. English-test results must be less than two years old when submitted.
Application fee
New applicants pay a non-refundable CAD $150 admission application fee. The university says this fee is mandatory and does not grant fee waivers on request. There is no separate scholarship-application fee stated on the official scholarship pages.
How to apply
- Choose your programs. New high-school applicants can list a first and second undergraduate program choice.
- Apply for admission. Submit the University of Alberta undergraduate application and pay the required fee.
- Wait for your CCID. Account generation can take two to three business days.
- Open the Awards Hub. Sign in with your University of Alberta credentials.
- Complete the single entrance-scholarship application. The system uses one form to assess applicants for the President’s International Distinction Scholarship and other application-based awards.
- Write specific leadership responses. Focus on your strongest examples, personal impact, growth, service and achievements.
- Submit by January 10, 2027. University of Alberta states that Fall 2027 deadlines are effective at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time. Submit earlier to avoid last-minute account or upload problems.
- Monitor Launchpad and email. Upload only requested admission documents and respond promptly to new checklist items.
Apply Now — Official Scholarship Page
Frequently asked questions
Is the University of Alberta President’s Scholarship fully funded?
No. It provides up to CAD $120,000 over four years, but the university explicitly states that it does not offer full scholarships. Your final award may not cover every attendance cost.
Can international students apply?
Yes. The award is specifically for high-achieving international students entering their first undergraduate year on a Canadian study permit.
Do I need a separate scholarship application?
Yes. First apply for admission, receive your CCID, and then complete the single application-based entrance scholarship form in Awards Hub.
How many awards are available?
The official international scholarship page states that 25 students receive the President’s International Distinction Scholarship each year.
What is the deadline?
The entrance-award application deadline is January 10, 2027. University of Alberta states that its listed Fall 2027 deadlines are effective at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time.
Official sources
- International entrance scholarships
- Entrance scholarship application and dates
- Undergraduate application process
- International admission requirements
- Language requirements
- International documents
Related opportunities
ScholarshipHubNow independently summarizes official information. Requirements may change; confirm every detail on the University of Alberta website before submitting.
