Financing grad school
Before starting your graduate program, make sure you understand your tuition and general fees, and learn which awards you are eligible for.
General fees
All students pay the same general fees. Most of these are due on a per-term basis while other fees are due annually.
Yearly fees
Include the Graduate Students’ Association membership, Group insurance, Extended Health Insurance/Dental Insurance and Graduate Bursary Donation.
Per-term fees
Include the costs for UPASS, Athletics, Campus Recreation and Student Services.
Tuition fees
Thesis-based programs
Students in a thesis-based degree (master’s or doctoral) program pay annual tuition fees.
Course-based programs
Students in most course-based master’s programs pay tuition fees on a per-course basis.
Program-specific fees
Some course-based programs may charge additional program fees, or use a program-specific fee structure.
Students can pay via:
Online banking, international funds transfer, cheque, money order or bank draft, and In person (debit).
Payment plan
The Graduate Student Payment Plan is available to eligible graduate students who wish to spread their fee payments over a specified period of time.
How do I fund graduate school?
Scholarships
Full-time students registered in a graduate degree program at the university are eligible for awards and financial assistance. There are also select awards available for prospective students.
Student loans
Government student assistance programs (student loans) are available to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, protected persons and American citizens.
Third-party funding
Highly competitive awards are available through external agencies and Canadian and international governments. If you are an international student, check with your home government for funding options.
Self-funding
You may be able to fund your own studies by saving enough to cover tuition and fees ahead of time, or by enrolling part-time while you work outside of the university.
Funding sources
Most thesis-based graduate programs provide funding for students in the first two years of a Master’s degree and the first four of a PhD. More information is available from the program.
We also have a listing of external awards organized by subject to help you find the award that fits your research or study area.
There are several funding opportunities available for Indigenous graduate applicants available through the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Each year, most faculties have several graduate teaching and research assistantships available for students. Contact your program for information about eligibility, application deadlines and procedures.
The Faculty of Graduate Studies administers a wide variety of award competitions funded from a variety of sources, allowing students to focus on their research. It’s important to apply for funding as early as possible.
Ready for graduate study at UCalgary? Explore programs