African students planning to study in Canada can apply for several University of Calgary Scholarships 2027, including a renewable international entrance scholarship worth CAD 20,000 per year.
The University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship is available to international students entering the first year of an undergraduate degree. According to the University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship page, the university currently offers two of these awards each year, and successful students can renew the scholarship during their second, third and fourth years if they meet the academic requirements.
That means an eligible student who renews the award for all four years can receive as much as:
CAD 80,000 over four years.
African students from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Cameroon and other countries can compete because the award is specifically available to international students who pay international tuition fees.
Applications for undergraduate programmes starting in Fall 2027 opened on October 1, 2026. The University of Calgary says Fall 2027 undergraduate applications remain open until March 1, 2027, although scholarship applicants need to pay attention to much earlier award deadlines.
The most important early deadline is:
December 1, 2026 — Prestige Awards deadline.
Students applying for other High School Awards have until:
March 1, 2027.
The university lists these dates in its official undergraduate awards calendar.
University of Calgary Scholarships 2027 at a Glance
University: University of Calgary
Country: Canada
Province: Alberta
Study Level: Undergraduate
African Students: Eligible
International Entrance Scholarship: CAD 20,000 per year
Maximum Renewable Value: Up to CAD 80,000 over four years
Number of Main International Entrance Scholarships: 2 annually
International Entrance Award: CAD 20,000
President’s Admission Scholarship: CAD 5,000
Prestige Awards Application Opens: October 1, 2026
Prestige Awards Deadline: December 1, 2026
Prestige Supporting Documents Deadline: December 15, 2026
High School Awards Deadline: March 1, 2027
High School Awards Documents Deadline: March 15, 2027
Fall 2027 Admission Deadline: March 1, 2027
Study Begins: Fall 2027
Last Updated: October 2026
University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
The University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship is one of the strongest general undergraduate awards available to international students at the university.
Each scholarship is currently worth:
CAD 20,000.
The award is renewable during the student’s second, third and fourth years.
Therefore, a student who retains the award throughout a standard four-year degree could receive:
First year: CAD 20,000
Second year: CAD 20,000
Third year: CAD 20,000
Fourth year: CAD 20,000
Maximum total: CAD 80,000
This makes the scholarship particularly attractive to African students looking for renewable Canadian university funding rather than a one-time entrance award.
How Many University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarships Are Available?
The university currently offers:
Two International Entrance Scholarships annually.
Therefore, the award is highly competitive.
Students should not assume that simply meeting the minimum admission requirements will make them competitive.
The scholarship specifically considers academic merit.
Can Nigerian Students Apply?
Yes.
Nigerian students qualify as international applicants if they meet the University of Calgary admission and scholarship requirements.
The International Entrance Scholarship is open to students who:
- Are international students
- Pay international differential tuition fees
- Are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- Enter the first year of an undergraduate degree
- Meet the University’s English-language requirement.
Therefore, eligible Nigerian secondary school graduates can compete.
Can Ghanaians Apply?
Yes.
Eligible Ghanaian students can compete for the University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship and other awards available to international applicants.
Can Kenyan Students Apply?
Yes.
Kenyan applicants who meet the undergraduate admission and scholarship requirements can apply.
Can Ugandan Students Apply?
Yes.
Eligible Ugandan students can compete for University of Calgary international entrance funding.
Can South African Students Apply?
Yes.
South African applicants can apply for international entrance scholarships if they meet the required conditions.
Can Students From Other African Countries Apply?
Yes.
The main International Entrance Scholarship is based on international student status rather than a limited list of African nationalities.
Therefore, eligible applicants can come from countries including:
- Rwanda
- Tanzania
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Cameroon
- Ethiopia
- Sierra Leone
- Liberia
- Botswana
- Namibia
- Senegal
- The Gambia
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Egypt
- Morocco
- Algeria
and other African countries.
How Do You Renew the CAD 20,000 Scholarship?
Winning the scholarship in first year does not mean the remaining three years arrive automatically.
The University of Calgary requires recipients to maintain:
A GPA of at least 2.60
over at least:
24 units
during the previous Fall and Winter terms.
Students must also continue paying international differential tuition as international students.
Therefore, academic performance after arriving at UCalgary matters.
University of Calgary International Entrance Award
The University of Calgary also offers a separate International Entrance Award worth:
CAD 20,000.
Unlike the renewable International Entrance Scholarship, the International Entrance Award is currently listed as a CAD 20,000 award without the same four-year renewable structure.
The award is available to international students entering first year in any undergraduate programme and considers academic merit.
The number of awards can vary.
What Is the Difference Between the International Entrance Scholarship and Entrance Award?
The names sound similar, but the funding structures differ.
The International Entrance Scholarship is:
CAD 20,000 and renewable.
The International Entrance Award is:
CAD 20,000 under its current award listing.
Therefore, the renewable scholarship can ultimately be much more valuable.
Students should still apply for every entrance award competition for which they qualify rather than focusing on only one award.
President’s Admission Scholarship
African students with exceptionally strong secondary school results can also receive automatic consideration for the President’s Admission Scholarship.
The award is worth:
CAD 5,000.
No separate scholarship application is required.
The University of Calgary automatically awards it to first-year undergraduate students admitted directly from high school with a final admission average of:
95% or higher.
The official President’s Admission Scholarship page confirms that the award is open to students of any citizenship or residency status, meaning international students can qualify.
Is the President’s Admission Scholarship Renewable?
No.
The CAD 5,000 President’s Admission Scholarship is a one-time entrance scholarship.
However, receiving it does not necessarily prevent a student from qualifying for other awards where the scholarship rules allow combinations.
University of Calgary Prestige Awards
African applicants should pay close attention to the Prestige Awards competition.
These awards target some of UCalgary’s highest-achieving incoming students.
The university says Prestige Awards are generally worth:
CAD 15,000 to more than CAD 30,000
and many can renew annually.
The Prestige application deadline for students beginning in Fall 2027 is:
December 1, 2026.
Required admission documents for Prestige Award consideration must generally reach the university by:
December 15, 2026.
Therefore, students seeking the university’s largest scholarships should apply for admission well before March.
Seymour Schulich Academic Excellence Entrance Scholarship
African students applying to Engineering should pay particular attention to the Seymour Schulich Academic Excellence Entrance Scholarship for Students Outside the Calgary Area.
International students are eligible.
The first-year award is currently worth:
CAD 30,400.
If the student meets the renewal requirements, the scholarship provides:
CAD 22,700 in second year
and
CAD 22,700 in third year.
That gives the scholarship a potential total value of:
CAD 75,800.
Applicants need exceptional academic merit and must enter the Schulich School of Engineering.
They must also have a permanent home address and graduate from a high school at least 100 kilometres outside Calgary’s city centre. International applicants naturally studying outside Canada can potentially meet this geographic requirement.
You can confirm the award structure through the official Seymour Schulich Academic Excellence Entrance Scholarship page.
What GPA Do You Need to Renew the Schulich Scholarship?
Recipients need to remain enrolled in the Schulich School of Engineering and achieve a minimum GPA of:
3.00
over at least:
30 units
during the previous Fall and Winter terms.
Therefore, this award suits students who can maintain strong academic performance after admission.
High School Awards Competition
Students who miss out on a Prestige Award still have access to the broader High School Awards competition.
Applications open on October 1 and close on:
March 1, 2027.
Required award and admission documents are due by:
March 15, 2027.
The university uses this competition to assess applicants for a large number of entrance awards with different criteria.
Some consider:
- Academic achievement
- Leadership
- Community involvement
- Financial need
- Extracurricular activities
- Programme or faculty
Therefore, applicants should complete the High School Awards application even if they are not selected for a Prestige Award.
Do You Need to Apply Separately for Every University of Calgary Scholarship?
No.
For competitive entrance awards, UCalgary allows students to submit an award application through their Student Centre and then considers them for awards for which they qualify.
The university’s official award application guide explains that entering high-school students can use one application to receive consideration for multiple competitive entrance awards.
However, automatic awards such as the President’s Admission Scholarship require no application at all.
University of Calgary Scholarship Deadlines for 2027
There are several different deadlines.
October 1, 2026
Fall 2027 undergraduate admission opens.
Prestige Award applications open.
High School Award applications open.
December 1, 2026
Prestige Award application deadline.
December 15, 2026
Deadline to submit admission documents required for Prestige Award consideration.
March 1, 2027
Fall 2027 undergraduate application deadline.
High School Awards application deadline.
March 15, 2027
Admissions and awards documentation deadline for High School Awards.
March and April 2027
Prestige Award notifications begin around March or April.
High School Award recipients are generally notified around the end of April.
Why You Should Apply Before December 1
The general Fall 2027 admission deadline is March 1.
However, waiting until February can cause you to miss some of the university’s most valuable scholarships.
Prestige Awards close on:
December 1, 2026.
The university encourages students to apply early even if their Grade 12 results are still developing because applicants who do not receive an early admission offer can be reconsidered later as new grades become available.
Therefore, weak Grade 11 results should not automatically make a student delay until March.
University of Calgary Admission Requirements for International Students
The general undergraduate requirement is the equivalent of Alberta Grade 12 graduation alongside the programme-specific senior secondary courses required for the student’s chosen degree.
Required courses vary by programme.
For example, an Engineering, Business or Science applicant may need mathematics or science subjects that an Arts applicant does not need.
Therefore, African students should first select a programme and then check its specific academic requirements.
Can You Study Computer Science?
Yes.
The University of Calgary offers Computer Science and related technology programmes.
Applicants should check the current senior secondary mathematics and other academic prerequisites before applying.
Computer Science can be competitive, so meeting the basic requirements does not automatically guarantee admission.
Can You Study Engineering?
Yes.
The Schulich School of Engineering offers undergraduate Engineering programmes.
Engineering students can also qualify for major Engineering-specific entrance scholarships, including Seymour Schulich awards.
Can You Study Business?
Yes.
The Haskayne School of Business offers undergraduate business education at UCalgary.
Applicants need to satisfy the programme’s mathematics and other admission requirements.
Can You Study Science?
Yes.
The university offers programmes across fields such as:
- Biological Sciences
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Data-related fields
- Environmental Science
- Geoscience
- Neuroscience
depending on the available undergraduate programmes.
Do You Need IELTS?
Not every African applicant automatically needs IELTS.
The University of Calgary provides several ways to satisfy its English Language Proficiency requirement.
One route involves completing at least three years of formal full-time secondary education in English at a qualifying school.
Students can also satisfy the requirement through approved English tests.
For most standard undergraduate programmes, the current IELTS Academic requirement is:
6.5 overall.
The university’s official English Language Proficiency rules list other accepted tests and explain that Education and Nursing can require higher scores.
What IELTS Score Does Nursing Require?
Under the current UCalgary English requirements, Nursing uses a higher standard than most undergraduate programmes.
The listed IELTS requirement is:
7.0 overall
with:
No band below 7.0.
Students should always check current programme rules because requirements can change.
What IELTS Score Does Education Require?
The current Education requirement is:
IELTS 8.0 overall
with:
No band below 7.0.
Again, most undergraduate programmes use a lower general requirement.
Can African Students Apply Without IELTS?
Possibly.
If your secondary education satisfies one of the University’s approved English-medium education routes, you may not need IELTS.
The University currently recognises at least three years of qualifying full-time secondary study in English as one route to meeting English proficiency.
However, the school and country must satisfy the university’s specific conditions.
Therefore, do not assume that speaking English or attending an English-named school automatically grants an exemption.
Is There an Age Limit for University of Calgary Scholarships?
The International Entrance Scholarship does not publish one simple maximum age as its main eligibility condition.
Instead, it targets students entering first year in an undergraduate programme.
Prestige and High School Awards similarly focus on entering students applying on the basis of high school grades.
Therefore, education history matters more than a universal age limit.
Can Gap-Year Students Apply?
Potentially, yes.
A student who completed high school and has not accumulated significant post-secondary study can still potentially qualify as an entering student.
However, scholarship rules can differ.
If you already attended a university or college and accumulated at least 12 post-secondary units, UCalgary considers you a transfer applicant for award purposes.
Can Transfer Students Receive the International Entrance Scholarship?
The main International Entrance Scholarship targets students entering first year.
Students who have already earned significant post-secondary credits should check transfer or continuing undergraduate awards instead.
The university states that applicants with at least 12 post-secondary units are treated as transfer students for its undergraduate award process.
Are University of Calgary Scholarships Fully Funded?
Generally, no.
The University of Calgary itself advises international students that most entrance awards and undergraduate scholarships do not cover the entire cost of tuition, fees and living expenses.
However, several awards are still substantial.
For example:
International Entrance Scholarship: up to CAD 80,000 over four years
Seymour Schulich Academic Excellence Scholarship: up to CAD 75,800 under the current structure
President’s Admission Scholarship: CAD 5,000
International Entrance Award: CAD 20,000
These scholarships can significantly reduce the amount an African family needs to contribute.
Does the International Entrance Scholarship Cover Accommodation?
The CAD 20,000 International Entrance Scholarship is a monetary scholarship rather than a separate promise of free university residence.
Therefore, students should calculate:
- Tuition
- Accommodation
- Food
- Books
- Health insurance
- Transportation
- Study permit expenses
- Flights
before determining how much additional funding they need.
Does It Cover Flights to Canada?
The official International Entrance Scholarship description does not list international airfare as a separate guaranteed benefit.
Students should therefore budget for travel unless they receive another source of funding that covers flights.
How to Apply for University of Calgary Scholarships From Africa
Step 1: Choose Your Programme
Start by identifying the undergraduate degree you want.
Do not select a programme only because you believe it offers easier scholarships.
Your academic background should match the degree.
Step 2: Apply for Fall 2027 Admission
Fall 2027 applications opened on:
October 1, 2026
and remain open until:
March 1, 2027.
However, apply much earlier if you want Prestige Award consideration.
Step 3: Get Access to My UCalgary
After submitting your admission application, use your UCalgary Student Centre to manage:
- Admission
- Documents
- Scholarships
- Awards
- Application updates
Step 4: Complete the Prestige Awards Application
If you have a strong academic and extracurricular profile, submit the Prestige Awards application by:
December 1, 2026.
Do not wait until the final day.
Step 5: Submit Admission Documents by December 15
Students competing for Prestige Awards need their required admissions documentation submitted by the December deadline shown in the applicant portal.
Step 6: Complete the High School Awards Application
Even if you apply for Prestige Awards, also complete the broader High School Awards application where appropriate.
The deadline is:
March 1, 2027.
Step 7: Submit High School Award Documents
Required documentation must generally reach the university by:
March 15, 2027.
Step 8: Monitor Your Email and Portal
Prestige scholarship notifications usually begin in March or April.
Other High School Award decisions generally arrive around the end of April.
How to Strengthen Your University of Calgary Scholarship Application
Start With Academic Performance
The main international scholarship considers academic merit.
Prestige Awards also target high-achieving students.
Therefore, your secondary school grades matter.
Continue working on your final-year results even after you submit your application.
Show Leadership Through Real Examples
Avoid writing:
“I am a passionate leader.”
Instead:
“I coordinated a six-person student team that organised free science tutorials for 70 junior students over two school terms.”
The second example shows what you actually did.
Explain Community Contribution Clearly
Prestige awards can consider involvement beyond academics.
Useful activities can include:
- Volunteering
- Entrepreneurship
- Student organisations
- Sports
- Community service
- School clubs
- Technology projects
- Environmental initiatives
- Mentoring
- Creative activities
Focus on depth and results.
Do Not Fill Your Application With Titles
Being president of a club tells the committee less than explaining what you accomplished.
Instead of:
“President, Technology Club”
explain:
“As Technology Club president, I introduced monthly coding workshops and helped 25 students build their first web projects.”
That creates a clearer picture.
Use Numbers When They Improve Context
Real numbers help.
For example:
“I raised funds for 35 students.”
is clearer than:
“I helped many students.”
However, use only figures you can defend.
Keep Your Essays Focused
UCalgary’s Prestige Awards application includes essay questions.
Use the essays to show:
- Academic interests
- Leadership
- Character
- Community impact
- Goals
Do not spend half the essay describing how beautiful Canada is.
The university already knows Canada.
The committee wants to understand you.
University of Calgary 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 residence.
The University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship instead provides up to CAD 20,000 per year, renewable for four years.
Pearson also requires school nomination, while UCalgary students apply through the university’s own award system.
African students can compare both opportunities in our Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2027 for African Students: Fully Funded University of Toronto Scholarship.
University of Calgary vs UBC International Scholars Program
The UBC International Scholars Program combines exceptional academic achievement, leadership and significant financial need.
UBC can provide very substantial need-based support depending on the student’s circumstances.
UCalgary’s main international scholarship focuses on academic merit and provides a defined renewable amount.
Students with significant financial need should also explore our UBC International Scholars Program 2027 for African Students: Fully Funded University of British Columbia Scholarship.
University of Calgary vs University of Alberta Scholarships
Both universities are located in Alberta and offer substantial international entrance funding.
The University of Alberta’s largest general international awards can reach CAD 120,000 over four years.
The University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship can reach CAD 80,000 over four years under its current renewable structure.
Students considering Alberta can compare both in our University of Alberta Scholarships 2027 for African Students: Study in Canada.
University of Calgary vs University of Waterloo Scholarships
Waterloo currently provides eligible first-year international students with an automatic CAD 10,000 entrance scholarship and offers faculty awards worth significantly more.
The University of Calgary’s main international scholarship starts at CAD 20,000 and can renew for up to four years.
Students considering Ontario can read our University of Waterloo Scholarships 2027 for African Students: Canada Entrance Awards.
University of Calgary vs York University Scholarships
York University’s largest 2027 international undergraduate scholarship is worth up to CAD 180,000 over four years.
UCalgary’s main International Entrance Scholarship offers up to CAD 80,000 if renewed for the full four years.
The application systems also differ.
Students can compare York through our York University Scholarships 2027 for African Students: Study in Canada.
Common University of Calgary Scholarship Mistakes
Waiting Until March to Apply
The university admission deadline is March 1.
Prestige Scholarships close in December.
Apply early.
Missing the December 1 Deadline
Prestige Awards represent some of UCalgary’s largest scholarships.
Missing December 1 can remove you from consideration.
Assuming Every Scholarship Is Automatic
The President’s Admission Scholarship is automatic.
The International Entrance Scholarship and Prestige Awards use application processes.
Complete your award applications.
Thinking CAD 20,000 Is Automatically CAD 80,000
The International Entrance Scholarship is renewable.
You must satisfy the renewal conditions every year.
Ignoring Your Grades After Admission
Renewable scholarships have GPA requirements.
Keep your academic performance strong after arriving in Canada.
Calling Every UCalgary Award Fully Funded
Most awards do not cover every expense.
Use the exact scholarship value when comparing offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Calgary Scholarships 2027
Are University of Calgary Scholarships open for 2027?
Yes.
Fall 2027 undergraduate and entrance award applications opened on October 1, 2026.
What is the University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship worth?
The scholarship is worth:
CAD 20,000 per year
and is renewable under the current conditions.
How much can I receive over four years?
An eligible student who successfully renews the scholarship for all four years can receive up to:
CAD 80,000.
How many International Entrance Scholarships are available?
The University currently lists:
Two scholarships annually.
Can African students apply?
Yes.
Eligible international students from African countries can apply.
Can Nigerian students apply?
Yes.
Can Ghanaian students apply?
Yes.
Can Kenyan students apply?
Yes.
Can Ugandan students apply?
Yes.
Can South African students apply?
Yes.
What GPA do I need to renew the international scholarship?
Recipients need at least:
2.60 GPA
over at least 24 units in the previous Fall and Winter terms.
What is the Prestige Awards deadline?
December 1, 2026.
What is the Fall 2027 admission deadline?
March 1, 2027.
What is the High School Awards deadline?
March 1, 2027.
Does UCalgary have an automatic scholarship?
Yes.
The President’s Admission Scholarship provides:
CAD 5,000
to eligible entering students with a final admission average of at least 95%.
No application is required.
Is there a scholarship for Engineering students?
Yes.
International students can qualify for the Seymour Schulich Academic Excellence Entrance Scholarship for students outside the Calgary area.
Its current funding can reach CAD 75,800 over three years when successfully renewed.
Do I need IELTS?
Not necessarily.
Students can satisfy English proficiency through several approved methods.
For most undergraduate programmes using IELTS Academic, the current requirement is 6.5 overall.
Can gap-year students apply?
Potentially, yes.
However, students with significant post-secondary credits may be treated as transfer applicants and use different scholarship routes.
Do I need work experience?
No.
These are undergraduate entrance scholarships.
Does the scholarship cover flights?
The main International Entrance Scholarship does not list international airfare as a separate guaranteed benefit.
Does it cover accommodation?
The scholarship provides financial support rather than a separate guaranteed free residence package.
Is the University of Calgary scholarship fully funded?
Most UCalgary undergraduate entrance awards are not complete full-ride scholarships.
The university advises international students to secure additional funding before committing to their studies.
Final Advice for African Students
The University of Calgary Scholarships 2027 give African students access to several substantial Canadian undergraduate awards.
The standout opportunity is the University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship.
It currently provides:
CAD 20,000 per year
and can renew during the student’s second, third and fourth years.
That creates a potential total value of:
CAD 80,000 over four years.
Engineering applicants can also target the Seymour Schulich Academic Excellence Entrance Scholarship, while students with final admission averages of at least 95% automatically qualify for consideration under the CAD 5,000 President’s Admission Scholarship.
However, the most important date is not the March admission deadline.
Students targeting the university’s high-value Prestige Awards must submit their scholarship application by:
December 1, 2026.
Therefore, apply for Fall 2027 admission as soon as possible.
After submitting your admission application, open your My UCalgary Student Centre and complete the Prestige Awards application.
Then prepare your admission documents before the December 15 deadline.
If you do not win a Prestige Award, continue with the broader High School Awards competition before March 1.
Most importantly, keep your application specific.
Show strong academic results.
Explain your leadership with real examples.
Describe what you have contributed to your school or community.
Then connect those experiences with what you want to study in Canada.
For African students with strong secondary school results, the University of Calgary is worth adding to the 2027 Canada scholarship list because its largest international entrance award can provide renewable support throughout a four-year undergraduate degree.