University of Alberta Graduate Student Scholarship: Eligibility, Deadline & How to Apply

The Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarship (AI GSS) is a prestigious provincial program designed to attract and support top-tier graduate talent in Alberta. Funded by Alberta Advanced Education in partnership with Alberta Innovates, this scholarship invests in academically superior graduate students undertaking full-time, research-based Master's or Doctoral degrees at an Alberta university.

The program is strategically designed to enable promising students to succeed in Emerging Technology Areas of scientific research that are critical to Alberta's economic future. If you are passionate about driving innovation in fields like technology and advanced manufacturing, this scholarship provides significant financial support to focus on your research.

For the 2025-2026 academic year, the application deadline for students to submit their applications via the GSMS portal is Wednesday, July 23, 2025. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the eligibility criteria, application process, award value, and key deadlines to help you secure this competitive funding for your studies at the University of Alberta.

The Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarship is tenable only at universities within the province of Alberta. The primary and most renowned institution for this award is the University of Alberta. The scholarship supports full-time, research-based graduate programs where the research focus aligns with the specified emerging technology areas.

University of Alberta Graduate Student Scholarship Awards

The Alberta Innovates GSS is a significant financial award for graduate students pursuing research in strategic, technology-focused areas at the University of Alberta. It provides crucial funding to help you concentrate on your studies and groundbreaking research.

The scholarship offers two levels of funding, depending on whether you are a Master's or Doctoral student, and can be a top-up for those holding other major awards.

• Master's full value: $26,000
• PhD full value: $31,000
• Top-up value: $12,000 (for holders of major external awards valued at $17,500 or higher, such as Tri-Council scholarships)

University of Alberta Graduate Student Scholarship Benefits

Beyond the direct financial injection, the Alberta Innovates GSS offers prestigious benefits that can accelerate your academic and professional trajectory.

The eligibility criteria for the AI GSS are specific and must be met fully. The requirements are strictly enforced by the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS).

The application is submitted entirely online through the University of Alberta's GSMS Awards Portal. The process is competitive and requires careful attention to detail.

1. Prepare Your Documents: Gather all required transcripts and contact your referees well in advance.
2. Complete the Application Form: Log in to the GSMS Awards Portal and fill out the AI GSS application form meticulously.
3. Upload Transcripts: Scan and upload all transcripts in order, from least recent to most recent, including the legend on the back.
4. Provide Reference Link: Send the Google Form link for references to your two chosen referees and follow up to ensure they submit before the deadline.
5. Submit Before Deadline: Review your entire application and submit it via GSMS, ensuring the status changes to "Under Review" before July 23, 2025.

Application Timeline for University of Alberta Graduate Student Scholarship

Adhering to the timeline is critical for a successful application. The entire process from application to decision takes several months.

University of Alberta Graduate Student Scholarship Interview

There is no interview process for the Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarship. The selection is based solely on the written application, academic excellence, research proposal alignment, and reference letters. The adjudication is conducted by the Graduate Scholarship Committee (GSC) and Alberta Innovates.

A complete application package is crucial. Missing documents will result in an ineligible application. Start gathering these materials early.

• Completed AI GSS Application Form (filled via GSMS Awards Portal).
• Up-to-Date Transcripts: Unofficial U of A transcript and official copies from all other post-secondary institutions attended.
• Two Letters of Reference: Referees must submit their assessments using the designated Google Form link you provide them.

FAQs about University of Alberta Graduate Student Scholarship

Who is eligible for the Alberta Innovates GSS?

You must be a graduate student at the University of Alberta with a minimum 3.5 GPA, enrolled in a research-based Master's or PhD program. Your research must align with ICT or Advanced Materials & Manufacturing areas. There are no citizenship restrictions.

What is the Alberta Innovates GSS value for a PhD student?

The full-value award for a PhD student is $31,000. If you already hold a major external award (valued at $17,500 or higher), you can receive a $12,000 top-up.

How do I apply for the University of Alberta graduate scholarship?

You must apply directly through the GSMS Awards Portal by the deadline. A complete application includes the filled form, all academic transcripts, and two reference letters submitted via the specified Google Form.

Can I hold this scholarship with other funding?

Yes. The AI GSS can be held concurrently with the Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship (AGES). If you hold a major external award, you will receive the AI GSS as a top-up.