Indigenous graduate students

The university respects the diversity of our learners, their communities, aspirations, cultures and traditions.

The University of Calgary, located in the heart of Southern Alberta, both acknowledges and pays tribute to the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, which include the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprised of the Siksika, the Piikani, and the Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). The city of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation within Alberta (including Nose Hill Métis District 5 and Elbow Métis District 6).

The University of Calgary is situated on land Northwest of where the Bow River meets the Elbow River, a site traditionally known as Moh’kins’tsis to the Blackfoot, Wîchîspa to the Stoney Nakoda, and Guts’ists’i to the Tsuut’ina. On this land and in this place we strive to learn together, walk together, and grow together “in a good way.”

See our How to apply page for instructions on preparing and submitting your application to your graduate program(s) of interest.

Please make sure that you declare your Indigenous identity in the online application form. Self-identifying on your application helps us tell you about programs, supports, and scholarships for Indigenous graduate students.

If you have any questions about graduate admissions, please email the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

After you apply

Changes to your application: Once you have submitted the online application, it cannot be updated. If your circumstances have changed, please notify your program directly.

Check your status: To check the status of your sent documents or application, log in to your Student Centre.

Learn more about UCalgary graduate programs at a graduate recruitment event

Apply for awards and funding

Why you should apply

Most of the funding opportunities are open to both thesis-based and course-based graduate students, and so all Indigenous graduate students should apply if eligible. The money from these scholarships can provide critical financial support during your graduate studies. Plan ahead and research the awards and funding for which your are eligible. Here is a breakdown of the different types of funding available.

Prepare for funding as a graduate student

If you’d like to be considered for funding specific to Indigenous students, documentation will be required to verify your Indigenous citizenship and/or membership.

Documentation requirements

Submitted documentation must be current, valid or both to be considered. We encourage you to submit early to ensure that the process is not delayed.

You are encouraged to contact the Graduate Award Office for support and advice regarding documentation.

Band funding

Indigenous students should consult with their Band for funding before applying for scholarships. UCalgary considers Band funding to be third party sponsorship, and you are still eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries. If you are receiving Band funding, you should consult our webpage on sponsorship letters, payment options for sponsors, and any other important details.

Indigenous award opportunities

Prospective and current Indigenous graduate students at UCalgary should consult our webpage for specific information on internal and external scholarship opportunities. These range broadly between the intended subject matter, eligible groups, or courses of study. It’s important to apply for external funding as early as possible.

Indigenous awards

University awards

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.

Internal awards opportunities

Federal, provincial and external opportunities

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.

Award opportunities

Other sources of funding

Funding for thesis-based students

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.

Graduate assistantships

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.

Supporting Aboriginal Graduate Enhancement (SAGE)

SAGE UCalgary strives to support and nurture the recruitment, retention and program completion of Indigenous graduate students. This program aims to ensure graduate students have safe spaces to share their experiences with their peers, mentors, and campus community and to further develop their professional, academic, and personal skills.

SAGE UCalgary is an early initiative that supports the University of Calgary's Indigenous Strategy.

Contact Visit their website

Get connected and develop a community

The University of Calgary offers a number of cultural, personal and academic supports. The Writing Symbols Lodge is a one-stop location that encourages and supports student success through a wide variety of services, facilities, volunteer opportunities, programs and events. This includes peer tutoring, mentorship, career planning, Grad Pow-wow and cultural and personal advising.

The Writing Symbols Lodge has a number of student facilities including a computer lab, Indigenous Students’ Council office, Red Lodge Student Lounge, study space, and a ceremonial room

Visit the Writing Symbols Lodge for further information and a calendar of events.

Campus Life

The university offers a number of services to all University of Calgary students including, sports, clubs, theatre, student government and more. You can find more information by visiting our graduate student experience page.

Career Services

Career Services is dedicated to inspiring UCalgary students and alumni to embrace their potential and strive for career excellence. Connect with your Career Development Specialist and start networking today.