Funding support for thesis-based students

UCalgary is proud to be a top Canadian research university, committed to offering thesis‑based graduate students among the highest levels of funding in the U15.
MacKimmie Tower

Minimum guaranteed funding

The University of Calgary provides some of the highest levels of funding for thesis-based graduate students in Canada. Full-time PhD students beginning their program on or after January 1, 2026, are guaranteed a minimum funding package of $31,426 for domestic students and $33,205 for international students. MA or MSc thesis-based students will receive a minimum funding package of $23,676 for domestic students and $25,455 for international students. These annual amounts are guaranteed for the first four years of a PhD program and the first two years of an MA or MSc thesis-based program. 

A student’s guaranteed funding is contingent on continued full-time registration in their graduate program and maintaining satisfactory academic progress (as defined in G.H.3 Regulation).

Funding packages

Student funding packages of individual graduate programs are designed to meet or exceed the university’s minimum guaranteed levels. Program funding packages are typically composed of multiple sources, including stipends from supervisors’ research grants, internal and external awards, and compensation for teaching or research assistantships. A student’s funding offer letter will outline the minimum guaranteed amount, the sources of funding included or excluded, and how scholarships adjust the overall funding package, to place students in a strong financial position.

Applying for awards

Graduate students who have submitted their application and received their University of Calgary student number (UCID) should apply for internal and external awards and seek out Teaching Assistant and Research Assistant opportunities. Students are not required to meet the eligibility requirements in the terms of reference of an award when they apply, but if successful, they must meet the eligibility requirements at the time the award is paid.

Learn more about graduate award opportunities by visiting the Awards and Funding webpage.