African students planning to study in Canada can now apply for University of Alberta Scholarships 2027, with international undergraduate awards worth up to CAD 120,000 over four years.
The University of Alberta offers both automatic admission-based scholarships and competitive application-based awards for international students.
Applications for students starting undergraduate study in September 2027 opened on October 1, 2026.
The main application-based entrance scholarship deadline is January 10, 2027. Students must first apply for admission to an undergraduate programme before they can submit the scholarship application.
International students can compete for awards including the President’s International Distinction Scholarship, which provides up to CAD 120,000 over four years, and the International Leader Scholarship, worth up to CAD 15,000.
Students from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Cameroon and other African countries can apply if they meet the university and scholarship requirements.
However, applicants should understand one important point from the beginning: the University of Alberta states that it does not offer a general full scholarship for all international students. Instead, it provides a range of competitive scholarships and awards that can significantly reduce the cost of studying in Canada.
University of Alberta Scholarships 2027 at a Glance
University: University of Alberta
Country: Canada
Study Level: Undergraduate
African Students: Eligible
Applications Open: October 1, 2026
Entrance Scholarship Deadline: January 10, 2027
General Admission Deadline for Most Programmes: March 1, 2027
Highest Major International Award: Up to CAD 120,000 over four years
Automatic Scholarships: Available
Application-Based Scholarships: Available
Scholarship Application: One main entrance award application assesses students for several awards
Study Begins: September 2027
Last Updated: October 2026
Are University of Alberta Scholarships Open for 2027?
Yes.
Applications for students entering the University of Alberta in September 2027 opened on:
October 1, 2026.
This includes admission and entrance scholarship applications.
The main deadline for application-based entrance awards is:
January 10, 2027.
Students should not wait until January before applying for admission.
The University of Alberta explains that applicants first need to submit an undergraduate admission application. The university then generates a CCID and password that students use to access the scholarship system.
Generating those credentials can take two to three business days.
Therefore, an international student who waits until January 9 to begin may run into unnecessary problems.
How Much Scholarship Can International Students Receive?
Scholarship values vary widely.
Some students may receive smaller automatic entrance awards, while a small number of highly competitive applicants can receive awards worth up to CAD 120,000 over four years.
The University of Alberta currently administers more than CAD 53 million each year in undergraduate scholarships, awards and financial support.
International applicants can receive consideration for several different awards.
President’s International Distinction Scholarship
The President’s International Distinction Scholarship is one of the largest University of Alberta scholarships available to international undergraduate students.
Each year, 25 students entering the first year of an undergraduate degree on a Canadian student visa permit can receive up to:
CAD 120,000
paid over four years.
The university looks for students with:
- Superior academic results
- Demonstrated leadership
- Strong overall scholarship applications
This award can provide up to an average of:
CAD 30,000 per year
over four years.
However, students should not automatically describe the President’s International Distinction Scholarship as a complete full-ride scholarship.
The University of Alberta itself states that it does not offer general full scholarships for international students. Costs can also vary depending on the student’s programme and living arrangements.
Can African Students Win the President’s International Distinction Scholarship?
Yes.
African students can compete for the award.
The University of Alberta currently features Onyinyechi Akalonu from Nigeria among recipients of the President’s International Distinction Scholarship. She entered the Faculty of Science.
Therefore, African applicants should not assume the largest University of Alberta entrance awards only go to students from Asia, Europe or North America.
The important factors are your academic performance, leadership and overall application.
Chan Pang Kuen Memorial International Distinction Scholarship
International students can also receive consideration for the Chan Pang Kuen Memorial International Distinction Scholarship.
Students entering the first year of an undergraduate degree on a study permit with superior academic results and demonstrated leadership can receive up to:
CAD 120,000 over four years.
Like the President’s International Distinction Scholarship, this award is highly competitive.
Applicants do not need to submit completely separate applications for every award listed in the main application-based competition.
The University of Alberta uses its scholarship application to assess students for awards that fit their profile.
International Leader Scholarship
The International Leader Scholarship rewards well-rounded international students who combine strong academics with leadership and extracurricular achievements.
Recipients can receive up to:
CAD 15,000.
UBC and other Canadian institutions often use leadership as part of scholarship selection, and the University of Alberta takes a similar approach for this award.
Leadership can come from:
- School organisations
- Community projects
- Volunteer work
- Sports
- Student clubs
- Entrepreneurship
- Religious or community organisations
- Employment
- Social-impact projects
You do not necessarily need to hold the title of president or head student.
Instead, show what you actually accomplished.
International Admission Scholarship
The University of Alberta International Admission Scholarship is an automatic admission-based award.
Top international students can receive up to:
CAD 10,000
based on their admission average.
You do not submit a separate scholarship application for admission-based awards.
Once you apply for admission, the university automatically evaluates your eligibility.
Therefore, applying early can be useful.
Regional Excellence Scholarship
Top students from selected regions can receive the Regional Excellence Scholarship.
The award can provide up to:
CAD 5,000
based on the applicant’s admission average.
Eligibility can depend on the student’s region and academic results.
You do not need a separate scholarship application for this admission-based award.
International Leader Scholarship vs International Admission Scholarship
These two scholarships work differently.
The International Admission Scholarship mainly uses your admission average and requires no separate scholarship application.
The International Leader Scholarship comes through the competitive application-based scholarship process and considers leadership alongside academic performance.
Therefore, students with strong extracurricular or community involvement should complete the application-based scholarship form even if they expect automatic consideration for an admission award.
Cora Martinson International Scholarship
Students entering the University of Alberta’s Augustana Faculty can also receive consideration for the Cora Martinson International Scholarship.
Eligible international students with superior academic achievement can receive up to:
CAD 56,000 over four years.
The university gives preference to students who indicate financial need.
Therefore, students willing to study at Augustana should not overlook this opportunity.
University of Alberta Global Citizen Scholarship for Aga Khan Academy Students
UBC is not the only Canadian university with substantial need-based awards.
The University of Alberta also offers a particularly strong opportunity to qualifying International Baccalaureate students from Aga Khan Academies.
The University of Alberta Global Citizen Scholarship can cover:
- Total tuition costs
- Non-instructional fees for four years
- Up to CAD 28,000 per year for living expenses.
Applicants must meet specific conditions, including studying at an Aga Khan Academy operating under the Aga Khan Development Network.
This makes it a specialised scholarship rather than a general international student award.
African students attending eligible Aga Khan Academies should check this opportunity carefully.
Are University of Alberta Scholarships Fully Funded?
Not generally.
The University of Alberta clearly states that it does not offer full scholarships for either domestic or international students as a general scholarship category.
However, some individual awards provide very substantial support.
For example:
President’s International Distinction Scholarship: up to CAD 120,000 over four years.
Chan Pang Kuen Memorial International Distinction Scholarship: up to CAD 120,000 over four years.
Global Citizen Scholarship for qualifying Aga Khan Academy students: full tuition and non-instructional fees plus up to CAD 28,000 annually for living expenses.
Therefore, applicants should describe the specific scholarship accurately rather than calling every University of Alberta award fully funded.
Can Nigerian Students Apply for University of Alberta Scholarships?
Yes.
Nigerian students can apply for admission and international entrance scholarships at the University of Alberta.
Nigerian applicants have also received the university’s major international scholarships.
For example, the University features Nigerian student Onyinyechi Akalonu among its President’s International Distinction Scholarship recipients.
Therefore, Nigerian students with strong academics and leadership experience should consider completing both:
- The University of Alberta admission application
- The application-based entrance scholarship form
Can Ghanaian Students Apply?
Yes.
Eligible Ghanaian students can apply for undergraduate admission and international scholarships.
The same international entrance scholarship system applies, although individual award conditions may differ.
Can Kenyan Students Apply?
Yes.
Eligible Kenyan secondary school students can apply for international undergraduate entrance scholarships.
Applicants should check the academic requirements that apply to their secondary school curriculum.
Can Ugandan Students Apply?
Yes.
Ugandan students can compete for University of Alberta international scholarships if they qualify for undergraduate admission.
Can South African Students Apply?
Yes.
South African applicants can apply for international undergraduate scholarships.
Can Rwandan and Tanzanian Students Apply?
Yes.
Students from Rwanda and Tanzania can also apply if they meet the university’s international admission requirements.
Who Qualifies for University of Alberta Entrance Scholarships?
The basic entrance scholarship requirements state that applicants should:
- Enter directly from high school
- Meet or exceed the required admission average
- Begin the first year of full-time undergraduate study at the University of Alberta in September
- Meet any additional requirements attached to the scholarship.
Students who finished high school and took time off may still count as entrance students if they did not complete post-secondary credits during the gap period.
Can Gap-Year Students Apply?
Yes, potentially.
The University of Alberta describes an entrance student as someone entering directly from high school or someone who took time off after high school without receiving post-secondary credit.
Therefore, a student who finished secondary school and took a gap year can still potentially apply for entrance scholarships.
However, someone who already attended university and earned post-secondary credits becomes a transfer applicant and follows a different scholarship route.
Can Current University Students Apply for These Entrance Scholarships?
Not through the main entrance competition.
Students entering the University of Alberta from another post-secondary institution are treated as transfer students.
Transfer and continuing undergraduate scholarships use a different application period, currently running from:
February 1 to March 31.
Therefore, applicants should make sure they use the correct scholarship category.
University of Alberta Scholarship Application Deadline 2027
The main entrance scholarship deadline for September 2027 students is:
January 10, 2027.
The scholarship application opened on:
October 1, 2026.
This gives applicants more than three months to complete the process.
However, you must apply for admission first.
University of Alberta Admission Deadline 2027
For most Fall 2027 undergraduate programmes, the general admission deadline is:
March 1, 2027.
However, students seeking application-based entrance scholarships cannot wait until March.
The scholarship deadline comes much earlier on January 10.
Therefore:
Admission deadline for most programmes: March 1, 2027
Entrance scholarship deadline: January 10, 2027
Students seeking scholarships should work with the January deadline.
Important University of Alberta Dates for 2027 Applicants
October 1, 2026: Admission, residence and entrance scholarship applications open.
January 10, 2027: Entrance award application deadline.
March 1, 2027: Undergraduate admission deadline for most programmes.
April 30, 2027: Deadline to apply for a guaranteed residence space.
May 1, 2027: General deadline to accept an admission offer unless a different deadline applies.
August 1, 2027: Deadline for required final admission documents.
September 1, 2027: Classes begin.
How to Apply for University of Alberta Scholarships From Africa
The application process is straightforward, but the order matters.
Step 1: Choose an Undergraduate Programme
Start by choosing what you want to study.
The University of Alberta offers undergraduate programmes across fields such as:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Business
- Economics
- Agriculture
- Biological Sciences
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Environmental Science
- Arts
- Education
- Nursing
- Public Health-related disciplines
- Social Sciences
Check the academic requirements for your exact programme.
Do not select a course simply because you think it gives you a better scholarship chance.
Choose a programme that fits your academic background and long-term goals.
Step 2: Apply for Admission
Submit your undergraduate application to the University of Alberta.
Scholarship applicants need to do this first.
After your application, the university generates your CCID and password.
The University of Alberta warns that creating these credentials can take two to three business days.
Therefore, do not wait until January 10.
Step 3: Check Automatic Scholarship Consideration
Once you apply for admission, the university automatically assesses you for applicable admission-based scholarships.
You do not submit a separate application for awards such as the International Admission Scholarship.
Your admission average plays a major role.
Step 4: Open the Awards Hub
Use your University of Alberta credentials to enter the scholarship system.
Complete the entrance scholarship application.
You do not need to know the exact name of every scholarship you qualify for.
The university uses one application to assess applicants for multiple application-based awards.
Step 5: Complete Your Academic Information
Enter your results accurately.
Do not inflate grades.
The University warns that entrance award offers depend on the accuracy of self-reported grades.
If your official transcript later shows a discrepancy, the university can withdraw your scholarship offer.
Step 6: Prepare Your Leadership Information
Several major awards consider leadership.
Think about times when you:
- Led a project
- Organised students
- Solved a community problem
- Started an initiative
- Managed a club
- Built a business
- Mentored younger students
- Created a social-impact project
Focus on your actions.
Step 7: Explain Your Achievements With Evidence
Avoid writing:
“I am a passionate leader who loves helping people.”
Instead, show what happened.
For example:
“I recruited 12 student volunteers and organised weekend mathematics lessons for 80 junior students preparing for national examinations.”
Now the assessor can see:
- What you did
- How many people participated
- Who benefited
Evidence makes your application stronger.
Step 8: Complete Financial-Need Information Where Required
Not every University of Alberta scholarship uses financial need.
However, some awards include it as a selection factor.
Provide accurate information.
Do not invent financial hardship.
Step 9: Review Your Application
Check your:
- Academic results
- Dates
- Leadership activities
- Employment
- Extracurricular activities
- Personal information
Make sure everything remains consistent with your admission application.
Step 10: Submit Before January 10
The entrance award deadline is:
January 10, 2027.
Submit several days early if possible.
Do You Need School Nomination?
The University of Alberta’s main international application-based scholarships do not use the same school nomination process as the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship or UBC International Scholars Program.
Instead, students first apply to the University of Alberta and then submit the scholarship application themselves through the Awards Hub.
This can make the application process easier for students whose high schools do not regularly handle Canadian scholarship nominations.
Do You Need IELTS?
International students must satisfy the University of Alberta’s English-language requirements.
The exact method depends on your education and programme.
Applicants may be able to demonstrate English proficiency through:
- Previous education
- Approved English-language tests
- Other recognised qualifications
Some programmes can impose additional requirements.
Therefore, check the admission requirements attached to your programme before paying for a language test.
Can African Students Apply Without IELTS?
Possibly.
The answer depends on your educational background and how the University of Alberta assesses your English-language preparation.
Students should not assume that coming from an English-speaking African country automatically eliminates all English requirements.
At the same time, do not assume IELTS is always compulsory.
Use the university’s official admission requirements for your country and programme.
What Grades Do You Need for University of Alberta Scholarships?
There is no one grade requirement for every international scholarship.
The strongest awards are highly competitive.
For example, the President’s International Distinction Scholarship looks for students with a superior admission average and demonstrated leadership.
Other general University of Alberta entrance scholarship guidance identifies:
95%+ admission averages for consideration within its Scholastic Distinction category
and
80%+ admission averages for certain Entrance Leadership Scholarships.
However, those categories are part of the wider entrance scholarship programme and do not mean every international award uses exactly the same percentage.
Apply if you meet the university requirements and present a strong profile.
Can You Apply With WAEC or NECO?
Nigerian applicants should follow the University of Alberta’s country-specific undergraduate admission instructions for secondary school qualifications.
Scholarship consideration does not replace admission requirements.
Your results must qualify you for the programme you choose.
Therefore, check subject requirements carefully, particularly for programmes such as:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Sciences
- Business
where mathematics or science prerequisites can matter.
Is There an Age Limit?
The main University of Alberta entrance scholarship information focuses on the student’s academic status rather than publishing one universal maximum age.
You should normally be entering directly from high school or after a gap period without post-secondary credit.
Therefore, your education history matters more than one simple age number.
Do You Need Work Experience?
No.
These are undergraduate entrance scholarships.
Professional employment is not a standard requirement.
However, relevant work experience can still demonstrate leadership or initiative if you have it.
For example, a student who runs a small business may discuss the experience when describing leadership.
Can Fresh Secondary School Graduates Apply?
Yes.
The entrance scholarship programme is primarily designed for students entering university from high school.
Therefore, current final-year secondary school students and qualifying gap-year applicants are the main audience.
Can International Students Receive More Than One Scholarship?
Scholarship rules can vary.
Students can receive consideration for multiple awards, but the University of Alberta may apply conditions about combining particular awards.
Read the conditions attached to any offer before assuming several large scholarships can all be stacked together.
Are University of Alberta Scholarships Renewable?
Some are.
For example, the President’s International Distinction Scholarship can provide up to CAD 120,000 over four years.
The Chan Pang Kuen Memorial International Distinction Scholarship can also provide up to CAD 120,000 over four years.
The Cora Martinson International Scholarship can provide up to CAD 56,000 over four years.
Other awards may be one-time payments.
Always check the terms of the exact scholarship you receive.
Does the President’s International Distinction Scholarship Cover Accommodation?
The award provides up to CAD 120,000 over four years rather than promising a separate free residence room.
Students can use their overall financial resources to cover expenses including tuition and living costs according to the award’s rules.
Therefore, do not describe it as automatically including free accommodation unless the university states that separately in your offer.
Does the Scholarship Cover Flights to Canada?
The standard President’s International Distinction Scholarship description does not list free international airfare as a separate guaranteed benefit.
Applicants should therefore budget for travel expenses unless another award or support programme covers them.
University of Alberta vs UBC Scholarships
Both universities offer strong entrance scholarships to international students.
However, their funding systems differ.
The UBC International Scholars Program focuses strongly on students who combine outstanding academics and leadership with significant demonstrated financial need.
The University of Alberta offers a wider mix of automatic and application-based awards, including scholarships worth up to CAD 120,000 over four years.
Therefore, strong African students can consider applying to both universities rather than choosing only one.
University of Alberta vs Lester B. Pearson Scholarship
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto provides a defined four-year package covering tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support.
The University of Alberta instead offers several separate international scholarships.
Its President’s International Distinction Scholarship can reach CAD 120,000 over four years, but the university states that it does not generally offer full scholarships to international students.
Another major difference is nomination.
Pearson requires school nomination.
Most University of Alberta international entrance scholarships do not.
What if You Are Already a University Graduate?
These international entrance scholarships are mainly for first-year undergraduate students entering from high school.
African graduates looking for master’s funding should consider postgraduate scholarship programmes instead.
For example, the Chevening Scholarship 2027/2028 for African Students supports eligible master’s study in the United Kingdom.
Eligible graduates can also explore the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship 2027/2028 for African Students.
How to Strengthen Your University of Alberta Scholarship Application
Start With Strong Academics
Large scholarships attract strong students.
Therefore, your grades remain important.
Work toward the best results you can achieve rather than aiming only for the minimum admission requirement.
Build a Clear Leadership Story
Leadership does not mean collecting titles.
Instead of writing:
“I was the president of three clubs.”
explain:
- What problem you identified
- What you changed
- Who participated
- What result you achieved
For example:
“As science club president, I organised free Saturday practical sessions for 60 students who lacked access to laboratory equipment during regular classes.”
That gives context to the title.
Use Numbers Carefully
Numbers make achievements more concrete.
Instead of:
“I raised money for disadvantaged students.”
you could write:
“I coordinated a school fundraiser that raised the equivalent of CAD 1,800 and purchased examination materials for 42 students.”
Use only accurate figures.
Include Activities Outside School
Leadership and achievement can come from:
- Community groups
- Sports
- Religious organisations
- Businesses
- Volunteering
- Family responsibilities
- Technology projects
- Creative work
- Employment
You do not need to limit yourself to official school clubs.
Show Consistency
Your university programme and scholarship story should make sense together.
For example, an Engineering applicant might highlight:
- Mathematics competitions
- Robotics
- Coding
- Science projects
- Community infrastructure projects
A Business applicant could discuss:
- Entrepreneurship
- Financial literacy
- School businesses
- Community fundraising
Your activities do not need to match perfectly, but a clear academic direction helps.
Do Not Write Like a Brochure
Avoid:
“The University of Alberta is a world-class institution with exceptional excellence and a prestigious global reputation.”
The university already knows itself.
Use the limited space to explain you.
Common University of Alberta Scholarship Mistakes
Waiting Until January to Apply for Admission
Your CCID can take several business days to arrive.
Apply early.
Assuming Admission Automatically Applies You for Every Scholarship
Admission-based scholarships are automatic.
Application-based scholarships require the separate entrance award application.
Complete both.
Thinking the Admission Deadline Is the Scholarship Deadline
They are different.
Scholarships: January 10, 2027.
Most admission applications: March 1, 2027.
Calling Every Award Fully Funded
The University explicitly says it does not generally offer full scholarships for international students.
Use the exact value of each award.
Exaggerating Leadership
Show evidence instead.
Reporting Incorrect Grades
A discrepancy between self-reported marks and official transcripts can cause the university to revoke an award.
Applying Only for Automatic Scholarships
The largest international awards are application-based.
Complete the Awards Hub application.
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Alberta Scholarships 2027
Are University of Alberta Scholarships open for 2027?
Yes.
Applications opened on October 1, 2026 for students beginning in September 2027.
What is the University of Alberta scholarship deadline?
The main entrance scholarship application deadline is:
January 10, 2027.
What is the University of Alberta admission deadline?
For most Fall 2027 undergraduate programmes, the deadline is:
March 1, 2027.
Can African students apply?
Yes.
International students, including applicants from African countries, can compete for UAlberta’s international entrance scholarships.
Can Nigerian students apply?
Yes.
The university has previously awarded its President’s International Distinction Scholarship to a Nigerian student.
Can Ghanaian students apply?
Yes.
Eligible Ghanaian students can apply.
Can Kenyan students apply?
Yes.
Eligible Kenyan students can apply.
Can Ugandan students apply?
Yes.
Eligible Ugandan students can apply.
Can South African students apply?
Yes.
Eligible South African applicants can compete for international entrance awards.
What is the biggest University of Alberta scholarship for international students?
The President’s International Distinction Scholarship provides up to:
CAD 120,000 over four years.
The Chan Pang Kuen Memorial International Distinction Scholarship can also reach CAD 120,000 over four years.
How many President’s International Distinction Scholarships are awarded?
The university states that 25 students each year receive the award.
Is the University of Alberta scholarship fully funded?
Not generally.
The university states that it does not offer general full scholarships for international students, although individual awards can provide significant financial support.
Are there automatic scholarships?
Yes.
The International Admission Scholarship and Regional Excellence Scholarship are examples of admission-based awards for which eligible students receive automatic consideration.
How much is the International Admission Scholarship?
Top students can receive up to:
CAD 10,000.
How much is the International Leader Scholarship?
Recipients can receive up to:
CAD 15,000.
Do I need a separate application for the President’s International Distinction Scholarship?
You complete the university’s application-based entrance scholarship process.
The university then assesses your profile for applicable awards.
Do I need school nomination?
The main University of Alberta international scholarships do not use the same mandatory school nomination process as Pearson or UBC International Scholars.
Can gap-year students apply?
Yes, if they took time off after high school without earning post-secondary credits.
Can university students apply?
Students transferring from another post-secondary institution use the transfer scholarship route rather than the entrance competition.
Do I need IELTS?
It depends on how you satisfy the University of Alberta’s English-language requirements.
Check your country, curriculum and programme requirements.
Does the scholarship cover accommodation?
The major general international awards are stated as financial scholarship amounts rather than a separate guaranteed free accommodation package.
Does the scholarship pay for flights?
International airfare is not listed as a standard guaranteed benefit of the main President’s International Distinction Scholarship.
When will scholarship offers come out?
The university says application-based award offers begin in early winter.
Final Advice for African Students
The University of Alberta Scholarships 2027 give African students several opportunities to reduce the cost of undergraduate study in Canada.
Applications are already open.
Students starting in September 2027 have until:
January 10, 2027
to submit the main entrance scholarship application.
The strongest international awards are significant.
The President’s International Distinction Scholarship offers up to CAD 120,000 over four years, while the International Leader Scholarship provides up to CAD 15,000.
Top students can also receive automatic admission scholarships worth up to CAD 10,000.
However, the first step is admission.
Apply to your chosen University of Alberta programme early so you can receive your CCID and access the Awards Hub.
Then complete the entrance scholarship application rather than relying only on automatic awards.
Use the application to show what you have achieved academically and what you have actually done as a leader.
Do not simply call yourself hardworking or ambitious.
Provide evidence.
Most importantly, keep the January 10 deadline in mind.
Although most University of Alberta undergraduate admission applications remain open until March 1, students who wait until March will already have missed the main entrance scholarship competition.