Funding Opportunities
One of the biggest benefits of studying abroad on a ɫ program is that you continue to pay tuition and fees to the ɫ at the same rates you normally pay. You also remain eligible for regular UCalgary awards and scholarships, and you can take your student loans with you as well.
But that’s not all:The ɫ is committed to making international opportunities as accessible as possible.As a result, there is almost half a million dollars in UCalgary funding available to students going on UCalgary study abroad programs, not to mention a variety of external awards that may also apply to your program. Start your research early and pay attention to the deadlines so that you don’t miss out.
UCalgary Funding Opportunities:
These awards are offered by organizations and departments associated with the ɫ. The University helps to administer the awards, and can also offer support when you submit your application.
Funding First! The Global Access Fund is unique in that students apply for this funding prior to submitting their global learning program application. Results will be announced in advance of global learning program application deadlines so that the funding can be applied toward any up-front costs.
ɫ International aims to make global learning experiences accessible to every undergraduate student. The Global Access Fund has been established to help address barriers experienced by groups underrepresented in global learning experiences. With a wide range of programs offered, including programs from 10 days to 1 year in length, our goal is to help you find a program that not only aligns with your personal & academic goals but with your financial and accessibility needs as well. Economically disadvantaged students, students who are first-in-family to attend university, Indigenous students, 2SLGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and visible/racialized minority students are strongly encouraged to apply.
ճGlobal Learning Award(formerly known as the International Study Travel Grant) supports ɫ students participating in an official UCalgary Global Learning programsuch as a studentexchange, group study program, field school, co-op, practicum, internship, or international courses timetabled at the ɫ and supervised by a UCalgary professor.
Note that only travel-based programs qualify for this award.
The Global Indigenous Skills program (GIS) is funded by Global Skills Opportunity - the Government of Canada’s Outbound Student Mobility Pilot Program. Its aim is to invest in global skills for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, cultivating leadership, identity awareness, and global networks related to Indigenous ways of knowing, doing, connecting, and being.
Please visit the Global Indigenous Skills page, linked below,for more details about this scholarship and qualifying programs.
The ɫ has partnered with Mitacs to provide funding through the Globalink program for senior undergraduate, graduate (Masters or PhD) and postdoctoral fellows to take part in international research opportunities. These are collaborative experiences between the ɫ and universities located in Mitacs partner and eligible countries.The award is worth $6,000 CAD per student.Placements must be between 12-24 weeks.
For more information, please refer to:
The supports undergraduate UCalgary students participating in eligible UCalgary research programs. A list of current eligible programs is available on the grant webpage, linked above.
- Mainland China: The Canada Learning Initiative in China has connected select Canadian universities with the Chinese Ministry of Education to cover many of the costs of studying in mainland China on a number of different approved programs. You must be a full time student at the ɫ and must be accepted into one of the approved study abroad programs
- Mainland China: The CNOOC International Canadian Global Leaders in China Award of $2000 per studentis offered to up to 20 students participating in an approved UCalgary study abroad program in mainland China (exclusive of Hong Kong).This includes credit programs such as student exchange programs with partner universities; group study programs led by ɫ professors; term abroad programs; research projects; practica, internships and co-operative education abroad.No application necessary- students will be internally nominated by their program/exchange advisor, via the Global Learning Office. Please indicate to your advisor if you are interested in being nominated for this award. Preference will be given to students based on academic merit.
- China, Hong Kong, and Macau: The China International Study Travel Award- generally distributed as 4 awards of $5000, and generously sponsored by Joe & Cindy Leung,these awards are offered annually to continuing undergraduate students enrolled at the ɫ who have been selected to participate in an approved study abroad program in China (inclusive of Hong Kong and Macau) during the upcoming academic year. This includes credit programs such as student exchange programs with partner universities; group study programs led by ɫ professors; term abroad programs; research projects; practica, internships and co-operative education abroad. No application necessary - students will be internally nominated by their program/exchange advisor, via the Study Abroad Office. Preference may be given to students based on academic merit (3.0 GPA over previous 24 units), demonstration of financial need, and/or students enrolled in Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Health Science, or Bachelor of Arts - Urban Studies program. Please indicate to your advisor if you are interested in being nominated for this award.
- China and Hong Kong:ճgenerously awards 4annual scholarships (Special Prize: C$3000, 1st place: C$1500, 2nd place: C$1000, 3rd place: C$500and a 1 year free HKCBA student membership and a complimentary ticket to attend HKCBA Calgary Lunar New Year Gala & Student’s reception on February 7 2025)to UCalgary students. The selection will be based onacademic achievements or leadership, social networking efforts (online or offline), motivation, and the potential for cultural exchange and personal growth. Other eligibility criteria include being enrolled in a part or full-time undergraduate or graduate UCalgary degree program. Students must submit an application package including a personal video of not more than 3 minutes explaining why you are interested in working or studying in Hong Kong,Personal statement, Academic or professional Letters of Support (Optional). DEADLINE: 7 December 2024
- Mainland China and Japan:Dr. Benjamin Chee-man Wong has generously awarded 1 annual scholarship worth $5000 to a continuing undergraduate student in an approved study abroad to China or Japan during the upcoming academic year. Other eligibility criteriainclude a 3.0 GPA in the previous Fall and Winter semesters, with at least 24 units in those semesters. Students must be full time in the upcoming fall term.
See additional funding opportunities in the External Funding Opportunities section at the bottom of this web page!
The awards below are ones which UCalgary International has been specifically made aware of. We recommend also checking with your faculty or department in case of any other awards offered that are not listed here!
Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Arts Student Study Abroad Grants-These grants increase student access to global experiences. It is for undergraduate Arts students to support their participation in international activities abroad as part of their academic program. Priority will be given to students who demonstrate financial need or other unique circumstances or factors. Applications open annually in the winter semester and are submitted online in .
- Edna F. EinsiedelStudy Abroad Award - variable number of awards up to $2500 available to continuing undergraduate students (second-year standing and above) in the Faculty of Arts, majoring in Communication and Media Studies or Film Studies.Students must be accepted for a group study program or asemester abroad program (exchange or independently arranged). Academic merit is also taken into consideration. Award recipients are nominated directly by the department, so no application is required.
- Dr. Rowland Smith Memorial Award - 1 award of up to $2000 available to continuing undergraduate students (second-year standing and above) in the Faculty of Arts. Preference is given to students doing a Study Abroad program in the upcoming year. Academic merit is also taken into consideration. Awardrecipients are nominated directly by the faculty, so no application is required.
- John W. Humphrey Travel Award - 1 award of up to $4000 available to continuing undergraduate students (second-year standing and above) in Greek and Roman Studies: GRST, ANME, or ARKY majors, or others who have taken at least 2 GRST courses with demonstrated interest in the Mediterranean region. Academic merit is also taken into consideration. Applications are taken annually, please see the website linked above for details.
- Continuing Arts Association Travel Scholarship - 1 award of up to $1800 available to continuing undergraduate students (third-year standing) in Fine Arts: BFA, ARHI, ART, DART, or VIST majors. Students must have completed studio work in their first 2.5 years of university. Award recipients are nominated directly by the faculty, so no application is required.
Faculty of Science
- - available to students in the Faculty of Science, the fund is designed tosupport students to engage in innovation, leadership, educational and professional development activities, which includes overseas travel for educational opportunities. The maximum amount of funding over a degree is $2500. Deadline for Spring/Summer, Feb 15; deadline for Fall, July 15; deadline for Winter, November 15.
- The new RAO/JC Carter Scholarship:More information through: “Faculty of Science” > “science engagement” > “science experiences” > “Courses/Programs”.
*Students cannot receive both the IDEAS award and an RAO/JC Carter award.
Faculty of Kinesiology
- Kinesiology Student Abroad Award - 5 awards of $1000available to continuing undergraduate students in the Faculty of Kinesiology. Students must be accepted to an exchange semester/year at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences. Award recipients arenominated directly by the faculty, so no application is required.
Schulich School of Engineering
- - available to students in the Schulich School of Engineering to support a variety of activities.
Haskayne School of Business
- Students attending a semester or year exchange program through UCalgary International or the Haskayne School of Business may be eligible for various awards. for more information.
Graduate Programs
- - inquire here about NSERC, SSHERC, Vanier, Open Doctoral Competition, and other current award competitions.
- - an award of $7,500 granted to an outstanding full-time student registered in any faculty at the ɫ wishing to pursue studies in France through anofficial exchange program, for two semesters. Award holders must select courses in which the language of instruction is French. The selection criteria are: academic merit, solid command of oral and written French, and extra-curricular activities exhibiting concern for others. The deadline for applications isMarch 1.
See additional funding opportunities in the "Europe" tab of the External Funding Opportunities section below! Additional University-specific awards can be found on our individual program pages for our university partners in France, such as the University of Tours,Université Claude Bernard, etc.
- - available to undergraduate ɫ engineering students wishing to study at the Technische Universität Berlin for semesterand year-longexchanges or summer research. The award is $7,500 per semester (maximum of two semesters) or $7,500 for a summer research term. Awards are open to all engineering majors. Contactstudy.abroad@ucalgary.cafor details.
- - two awards of$1000 available tostudents participating in an approved ɫ Study Abroad Program of at least six weeks in duration. See GPA and Major/Minor requirements in the link above. Deadline April 1, 2021
See additional funding opportunities in the "Europe" tab of the External Funding Opportunities section below!Additional University-specific awards can be found on our individual program pages for our university partners in Germany, such as theUniversity of Oldenburg.
- -one annual award of $500offered to a student in any faculty selected to participate in the UCalgary exchange program at the University of Bologna in Italy for at least one term.Selection is based on academic merit, and applicants must have completed at least 24 units (8 half-courses) in the previous Fall/Winter terms before award application. Those selected for Bologna that meet this criteria will be sent details on the award application due August 15th each year. An additional letter of recommendation may be required.
- - one annual award of up to $1600 offered to a continuing undergrad student in the Faculty of Arts pursuing a major/minor in Italian, or to a student in any faculty who is completing or has completed at least two HCE (6 units) in Italian. Students must be accepted to a study abroad program in Italy (and continuing their studies full time into the following fall semester). A minimum GPA of 2.6 over the academic year of application (F & W), with at least 24 units (8 half-courses) taken, is required.For more details, . DeadlineMay 1st!
See additional funding opportunities in the "Europe" tab of the External Funding Opportunities section below!
- - two annual awards for undergraduate students, enrolled in a UCI exchange or group study program in Spain (valuedup to $1350 each!). The awards are open to undergrads in any program who have an academic interest in Spain. The award is based on academic merit (minimum 2.6 GPA or higher in the past academic year), with enrollment in at least 8 HCE or 24 units over Fall/Winter. For more details, and scroll down to Spanish - Julio Peris Award
See additional funding opportunities in the "Europe" tab of the External Funding Opportunities section below!
- - enables exceptional undergraduate students from universities in Canada to spend a semester or an academic year as an exchange student in the United States
- Donald York Cooke Travel Award - 1 award of $1,300 offered annually to a continuing undergraduate student attending a UCalgary study abroad program, with preference given to study abroad programs in Ireland. This is a nominated award; no application necessary.
See additional funding opportunities in the External Funding Opportunities section below!
ճisan award for non-credit, non-academic, unpaid international experiences only. Selection decisions are competitive and need-based, so please review the eligibility section thoroughly before applying, and ensure you complete the application in its entirety.
Eligible programs include co-curricular experiences like UCalgaryCares service-learning trips, or unpaid, non-credit bearing experiential research/internships, amongst others.
External Funding Opportunities:
These are awards offered by groups external to the ɫ. As the university does not administer these awards, it is best to contact the organizations directly with any questions regarding eligibility and application requirements.Please note, this is only a short list of opportunities and resources known to our office. Students are highly encouraged to do their own further research for more funding options!
- Austria - the
- Germany - - offers funding for programs in Germany including exchanges, internships, research, and language courses. Also check the2021-22 DAAD Grants Brochure and the 2021-22 DAAD Funding for Study, Research and Internship in Germany Presentation
- Germany -"Come to Oldenburg" Grant
- Hungary - - a full tuition scholarship (available for students with Hungarian identity, roots, or connection to a Hungarian diaspora)to study for 1 semester or 1 year at the University ofPécs. As Pécs is not a current exchange partner, applications are made directly through their website, however students who plan to apply should also contact the UCalgary Study Abroad Office for additional support.
- Netherlands -(NUFFIC)
- Netherlands (Erasmus University Rotterdam Faculty of History, Communication & Culture only)
- Norway - scholarships
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- Sweden -
- UK -(BUTEX)
- UK -
- UK -
- Europe-wide - (formerly known as theGoEuro European Study Abroad Scholarship)
- Australia -
- Australia -(scholarship noticeboard/search)
- Australia -
- China -
- Japan -
- Japan - (two scholarships, and )
- Latin America –
In light of COVID-19 and the financial difficulties many are facing, please also note the Canadian Government's assistance programs, "Canada Emergency Response Benefit" and "Canada Emergency Student Benefit". While these are not intended for Study Abroad, they may be useful to draw upon in these times and support your financial situation while planning for future studies.