The University of Calgary has increasingly positioned itself as a global hub for research, and scholarships play a vital role in this development. With changes in Canada’s national scholarship system and the university’s internal funding strategies, there are clear signs that the future of research-focused scholarships will be more inclusive, globally oriented, and supportive of diverse fields of study.
Canada Research Training Awards Suite (CRTAS)
From 2025, Canada’s federal graduate scholarships will be streamlined under the Canada Research Training Awards Suite. This reform consolidates funding previously offered separately by CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC.
The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship at the master’s level will include an additional 300 awards nationwide, which means more opportunities for research-oriented students. At the doctoral level, 1,200 new awards will be introduced, and for the first time, international students will be eligible to receive them. Up to 15 percent of doctoral awards may go to international applicants, while around 20 percent could be held at institutions abroad by eligible researchers. This marks a major shift in Canada’s research funding landscape, making it more accessible to global talent.
Expanded Global and Partnership-Based Funding
The University of Calgary is also expanding its reach through global collaborations and partnerships. International Partnership Research Workshop Grants provide funds for collaborative research workshops, allowing students and faculty to connect with institutions abroad.
Another key initiative is the Mitacs Globalink Program, which offers international research placements valued at 6,000 Canadian dollars for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. These placements provide valuable cross-border research exposure. Additionally, programs like the Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarships continue to provide strong financial support at the provincial level, with awards of 10,800 dollars for master’s students and 15,000 dollars for doctoral students. These scholarships ensure that promising research talent can thrive in Alberta while contributing to global knowledge networks.
University-Level Scholarships and Fellowships
In addition to federal and provincial funding, the University of Calgary has its own scholarships designed to attract top-tier research students. The President’s Doctoral Recruitment Scholarship offers up to 12,000 dollars annually for four years, providing sustained support for doctoral students. The Distinguished Doctoral Recruitment Scholarship is another prestigious option designed to bring leading researchers into the university’s academic environment.
The university also maintains a Graduate Awards Database, which lists opportunities ranging from Indigenous-specific scholarships to international tuition awards, as well as those supported by Mitacs and Alberta Innovates. These institutional mechanisms play a crucial role in complementing national funding and ensuring that students across disciplines can pursue meaningful research.
Equity and Inclusion Initiatives
The future of research scholarships at the University of Calgary is also shaped by equity and diversity efforts. Initiatives like the IBET Momentum Fellowships, designed for Indigenous and Black doctoral candidates in STEM fields, reflect a national push toward greater inclusivity. These awards, offering 30,000 dollars annually for four years, support underrepresented groups and encourage broader participation in Canada’s research ecosystem.
Such efforts highlight the university’s commitment to ensuring that access to research opportunities is not limited by background, but rather expanded to include diverse voices and perspectives.
Student Perspective: Challenges and Considerations
While the future looks bright, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. Students often raise concerns about the adequacy of stipends, particularly given Calgary’s rising cost of living. For many international students, the financial gap between scholarship support and actual living expenses can be a significant barrier.
There are also disparities in funding between faculties and programs. Some students report that scholarship awards are offset by reductions in other funding sources, which undermines the intended benefits. Addressing these issues will be crucial to ensure that the expanded scholarship landscape truly meets the needs of the research community.
Summary: What the Future Holds
The University of Calgary’s scholarship programs for research are moving in a direction that emphasizes inclusivity, global collaboration, and sustained support. The future trends can be summarized as follows:
- Federal funding reforms will introduce more scholarships and expand eligibility to international students.
- International partnerships and mobility programs will strengthen global research ties.
- University-level scholarships will attract top talent and provide financial stability.
- Equity-focused initiatives will ensure broader representation in research, particularly in STEM.
- Challenges remain regarding the adequacy of funding relative to the cost of living and fair distribution across disciplines.
Overall, the University of Calgary is poised to become an even stronger destination for research students worldwide. With evolving scholarship structures and global partnerships, it is fostering an environment that values excellence, inclusivity, and international collaboration while working to address financial challenges faced by students.
