Funding support for thesis-based students
Guaranteed funding for graduate research students
As one of the top research universities in Canada, UCalgary recognizes the importance of thesis-based students and the contributions that they make to our institution’s research and education goals. We are committed to ensuring that funding for UCalgary thesis-based graduate students ranks among the highest within the U15 universities.
Financial support is provided to thesis-based graduate students who are pursuing full-time study in MA, MSc and PhD programs at UCalgary. Part-time students and professional doctoral students are not eligible for guaranteed financial support. Funding is intended to compensate students for scholarly contributions to the research ecosystem and provide a partial living allowance.
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. Master’s thesis 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 a Master’s program.
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.
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.
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).