Introduction
The University of Calgary, one of Canada’s top-ranked institutions, is committed to supporting both domestic and international students through a variety of scholarship programs. These scholarships are designed to attract and support talented students who exhibit academic excellence, leadership qualities, and a commitment to community service. The 2024 scholarship offerings continue this tradition, providing numerous opportunities for students to ease their financial burdens and focus on their educational goals.
Types of Scholarships
The University of Calgary offers a diverse array of scholarships catering to different needs and qualifications. These include:
Entrance Scholarships
Merit-based Scholarships
Need-based Scholarships
Faculty-specific Scholarships
International Student Scholarships
External Scholarships
Entrance Scholarships
Entrance scholarships are awarded to new students entering the University of Calgary directly from high school. These scholarships do not typically require an application; instead, they are automatically awarded based on the student’s admission application.
Examples of Entrance Scholarships:
President’s Admission Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship awards $5,000 to high-achieving students with outstanding academic records.
Seymour Schulich Academic Excellence Entrance Scholarship: Targeted towards students entering the Schulich School of Engineering, this scholarship ranges from $5,000 to $25,000.
Merit-based Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, leadership, and extracurricular involvement. These scholarships are often competitive and may require a separate application.
Examples of Merit-based Scholarships:
Chancellor’s Scholarship: Awarded to students who have achieved an average of 95% or higher in their final year of high school and demonstrated significant leadership and community involvement. This scholarship is valued at $10,000.
Alexander Rutherford Scholarship: Named after Alberta’s first premier, this scholarship is awarded to high school students with a minimum average of 75% in specific courses and is valued at up to $2,500.
Need-based Scholarships
Need-based scholarships are designed to support students who demonstrate financial need. These scholarships aim to ensure that all qualified students have the opportunity to attend the University of Calgary, regardless of their financial situation.
Examples of Need-based Scholarships:
UCalgary Bursary Program: This program provides varying amounts of financial aid to students based on their financial need, academic standing, and personal circumstances.
Jason Lang Scholarship: Awarded to Alberta students with financial need who have completed at least one year of post-secondary education and achieved a minimum GPA of 3.2. The scholarship is valued at $1,000.
Faculty-specific Scholarships
Many faculties within the University of Calgary offer scholarships specific to their programs. These scholarships recognize outstanding students within specific disciplines and encourage them to continue their studies at a high level.
Examples of Faculty-specific Scholarships:
Haskayne School of Business Scholarships: These include a variety of awards such as the Haskayne School of Business International Student Scholarship, valued at $5,000.
Faculty of Arts Awards: The Faculty of Arts offers several scholarships, including the Fine Arts Award, which supports students in programs such as Music, Art, and Drama.
International Student Scholarships
The University of Calgary is committed to attracting and supporting international students. These scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden for international students and encourage a diverse student body.
Examples of International Student Scholarships:
UCalgary International Entrance Scholarship: This scholarship is valued at $15,000 and is awarded to outstanding international students entering their first year.
International Undergraduate Awards: These include several awards for international students who demonstrate academic excellence and need, with values ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.
External Scholarships
In addition to the scholarships offered directly by the University of Calgary, students can also apply for a variety of external scholarships funded by government programs, private organizations, and foundations.
Examples of External Scholarships:
Government of Canada International Scholarships Program: This program provides funding for international students from various countries to study in Canada.
Canada Student Loans and Grants: Canadian students can apply for these federal programs to receive additional financial aid based on their financial need.
Application Process
The application process for University of Calgary scholarships varies depending on the type of scholarship. Some scholarships are automatically considered based on admission applications, while others require a separate application.
Automatic Consideration: For entrance scholarships and some merit-based scholarships, students are automatically considered based on their admission application. No additional steps are required.
Separate Application: For other scholarships, such as need-based and faculty-specific awards, students must submit a separate application. This typically involves filling out an online form, providing financial information, and sometimes submitting additional documents such as essays or letters of recommendation.
Deadlines: It is crucial for students to be aware of the deadlines for each scholarship. Entrance scholarships usually align with admission deadlines, while other scholarships have specific application periods.
Tips for a Successful Scholarship Application
Start Early: Begin researching and preparing your scholarship applications well in advance. This will give you ample time to gather necessary documents and write compelling essays.
Highlight Achievements: Clearly articulate your academic achievements, leadership experiences, and community involvement. Demonstrate how these experiences have prepared you for success at the University of Calgary.
Financial Need: If applying for need-based scholarships, provide a thorough and honest account of your financial situation.
Seek Recommendations: For scholarships that require letters of recommendation, choose individuals who know you well and can speak to your qualifications and character.
Conclusion
The University of Calgary’s scholarship programs for 2024 offer a wealth of opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to achieve their educational goals. Whether you are a high school student entering your first year, an international student seeking financial support, or a current student excelling in your field, there is likely a scholarship that fits your needs. By understanding the types of scholarships available, the application process, and how to present a strong application, you can significantly increase your chances of receiving financial aid and making your academic dreams a reality at the University of Calgary.
https://www.ucalgary.ca/registrar/awards/university-calgary-international-entrance-scholarship