University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship 2025

The University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship is a prestigious award designed to attract talented international students who demonstrate both academic excellence and leadership potential. As a major financial aid program, it provides substantial support to students who may otherwise face significant financial barriers to higher education in Canada. This blog post offers a comprehensive overview of the University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship, including its eligibility criteria, value, application process, and the long-term benefits for awardees.

Scholarship Overview

The University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship is aimed at undergraduate international students entering their first year of any undergraduate degree program at the university. This award reflects the institution’s commitment to fostering diversity on campus and encouraging the development of future leaders. In 2025, two such scholarships will be awarded, each valued at $20,000 and renewable for up to four years based on academic performance.

Awardees of this scholarship will benefit not only from financial aid but also from joining a vibrant, multicultural student body at one of Canada's leading research universities. The scholarship supports the University of Calgary's mission to create a diverse academic community and to nurture the next generation of global citizens.

Award Value and Structure

The University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship is valued at $20,000 per recipient, which can be renewed annually for up to four years, totaling a maximum of $80,000. Renewal is contingent upon students maintaining a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.60 across 24.00 units during the preceding fall and winter terms.

Students are expected to continue paying international differential tuition fees throughout their studies. This aspect ensures that recipients remain eligible for the scholarship only as international students, contributing to Calgary’s diverse learning environment.

The renewable nature of the award provides a stable and valuable form of financial assistance throughout the student’s undergraduate experience, helping to alleviate the burden of tuition and living costs for international students.

Number of Awards

For 2025, the University of Calgary offers two International Entrance Scholarships. These limited awards are highly competitive and given to students who exhibit outstanding academic achievement, leadership qualities, and a commitment to their community, making them well-suited for the challenges and opportunities that come with studying at the university.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship, candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• International Student Status: Applicants must be classified as international students, meaning they are neither Canadian citizens nor permanent residents of Canada. International students who pay international tuition fees qualify for the scholarship.
• Admission into First Year: The scholarship is available only to undergraduate students entering their first year of an undergraduate degree program at the University of Calgary. This implies that the scholarship is not open to transfer students or those already enrolled in degree programs at the institution.
• English Language Proficiency: All applicants must satisfy the University of Calgary's English Language Proficiency requirement. Proficiency in English is crucial to success in the academic environment at Calgary, ensuring students can effectively communicate and excel in their studies.
• Academic Excellence: The scholarship emphasizes academic merit, so applicants must have an excellent academic record from high school or their equivalent previous academic experience. The exact academic thresholds for eligibility may vary each year based on the applicant pool.
• GPA Maintenance for Renewal: Scholarship recipients must maintain a GPA of at least 2.60 over a minimum of 24.00 units during the fall and winter terms to remain eligible for the renewal of the scholarship in subsequent years.
• Leadership and Extracurricular Involvement: Though not explicitly stated, the university often looks for applicants who demonstrate leadership potential, involvement in extracurricular activities, and a commitment to community service, reflecting a holistic approach to selecting deserving students.

Application Process

To apply for the University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship, students need to follow these steps:

• Apply for Admission: First, students must apply and be admitted to the University of Calgary as an international student. This involves completing the standard admission process through the university’s online portal and meeting the admission requirements for the chosen undergraduate degree program.
• Submit Scholarship Application: Once admitted to the university, students can apply for the scholarship by participating in the High School Prestige Awards Competition. This competition is designed to recognize and reward students with outstanding academic achievements, leadership qualities, and community involvement.
• Prepare Supporting Documents: Applicants are often required to submit supporting documents along with their scholarship application. These may include high school transcripts, proof of English language proficiency, personal statements or essays, and letters of recommendation from teachers or community leaders.
• Meeting Deadlines: To maximize the chances of securing this scholarship, applicants must adhere to all specified deadlines. Scholarship application deadlines are typically aligned with admission deadlines, which means students must be proactive in completing their applications well in advance of the deadline.
• Await Decision: Once the application has been submitted, the University of Calgary will review the applications, assessing candidates based on academic merit, leadership potential, and other personal achievements. Successful applicants will be notified of their award status before the start of the fall term.

To apply, visit University of Calgary Online Portal Application page.

Academic and Social Benefits

Winning the University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship comes with several tangible and intangible benefits that go beyond financial support.

• Financial Support: The scholarship eases the financial burden on students and their families by covering a significant portion of tuition fees and other related costs. This allows students to focus on their studies and fully engage in their university experience without the constant stress of financial challenges.
• Academic Motivation: The requirement to maintain a GPA of 2.60 or higher ensures that students are consistently working toward academic excellence. This performance-based renewal mechanism acts as a motivator for students to stay focused and succeed in their academic pursuits.
• Access to Resources and Networks: Awardees become part of a prestigious group of scholars, gaining access to exclusive resources, mentorship opportunities, and leadership development programs. They are also likely to connect with other international students, forming a valuable peer support network that can help ease the transition to university life in Canada.
• Leadership Development: The University of Calgary has a strong focus on developing future global leaders. Scholarship recipients may have opportunities to participate in leadership workshops, conferences, and social impact initiatives that nurture their skills in leading teams, solving complex problems, and contributing positively to society.
• Enhanced Cultural Understanding: As a part of a diverse, multicultural campus community, international scholarship recipients can share their unique perspectives with other students while gaining an understanding of different cultures, fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment.

Long-Term Benefits of the Scholarship

The University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship provides long-term advantages that extend well beyond the four years of study.

• Career Opportunities: Graduating from a prestigious institution like the University of Calgary with a fully funded scholarship boosts a student’s résumé, making them more attractive to prospective employers. International students who excel academically and demonstrate leadership are likely to gain internships, co-op positions, and job offers from top organizations in Canada and beyond.
• Global Network: Scholarship recipients can build a global professional network of fellow scholars, faculty members, and industry leaders. This network can provide support and connections as students transition from university life to their professional careers.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency: For many international students, studying in Canada opens pathways to permanent residency. Programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) allow international graduates to apply for residency after gaining work experience in Canada, providing a long-term benefit for scholarship recipients interested in staying in the country.
• Continued Learning: Graduates who excel may have the opportunity to pursue further studies, including graduate programs or professional certifications, through additional scholarships and funding opportunities. The foundation of an undergraduate degree from the University of Calgary creates numerous pathways for continued academic and professional growth.

The University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for international students to receive a world-class education in Canada while receiving substantial financial support. The scholarship not only alleviates financial concerns but also encourages academic excellence, leadership development, and personal growth. By providing a nurturing and inclusive environment, the University of Calgary ensures that scholarship recipients have the resources and opportunities needed to succeed academically and socially.

As competition for these scholarships is fierce, prospective applicants are encouraged to begin preparing early, ensuring they meet the necessary academic requirements and deadlines. For international students looking to launch their academic journey in Canada, the University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship serves as a stepping stone to a bright and successful future.

Click Here to Apply Online.