Graduate students have a wide range of opportunities to receive thousands of dollars in scholarships and awards to lighten the load. It all adds up to a solid foundation for success.
- You must apply for graduate awards; you are not automatically considered.
- You do not need to be accepted into your program before you apply for certain awards.
- Apply for awards and scholarships if you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Some awards are restricted by citizenship and residency, there are many awards available for international students.
- Look for emails with the subject line: Scholarship Opportunities - pay attention to the internal deadlines.
Where to start?
Looking for Awards
Begin your search using the Graduate Awards Database. Filter by program and degree for a list of awards that match your criteria.
Eligibility
Before you apply for an award, make sure you are eligible by checking the award criteria.
Prepare a stellar application
Make sure you allow enough time to prepare your application. You will likely write many versions.
Submit your application
Do not wait to the last minute, submit your application before the deadline. Make sure you include all required documents.
Course-based
Thesis-based
Consult with your supervisor about award opportunities and nominations
Program Recommended Awards
For in-program students only
This competition is announced in late-October and the deadline is early November.
You must fill out the online Program Recommend Graduate Awards Application and prepare a one page statement.
The faculty's Scholarship and Awards Committee adjudicates all applications and nominates the award winners to the Faculty of Graduate Studies Scholarship Office.
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- Albert Comanor Memorial Graduate Social Work Scholarship
- Couple and Family Therapy Graduate Scholarship
- Dave Este Excellence Graduate Scholarship [Thesis only]
- Elizabeth Mason Memorial Graduate Scholarship in Addictions
- Iain Cullen Ramsay Graduate Scholarship in Social Work
- Kamrudin Mithani International Graduate Student Scholarship
- Lorne and Pat Gordon/YMCA of Calgary Award
- M. Lilian Dick Graduate Scholarship in Social Work
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- Mavis Marteinson Graduate Scholarship in Social Work
- Patricia Allen Memorial Graduate Scholarship
- RBC Graduate Scholarship in Social Work
- Robbie Babins-Wagner Graduate Scholarship in Social Work
- Ruth Hilland Graduate Scholarship in Social Work
- Wholistic Science Award in Social Work
- Yvonne A. Stanford Graduate Scholarship
Faculty of Social Work Recognition of Excellence Awards
The competition is announced in March. Nominations must be submitted by filling out the online Recognition of Excellence nomination form.
The following awards are open to all undergraduate (BSW) and graduate (PhD, MSW and Graduate Certificate) students in the Faculty of Social Work:
Awarded annually to a maximum of five students whose activities have contributed to significantly enhancing the educational experiences of students in the Faculty of Social Work. Recipients’ leadership may be formal (e.g., through involvement with student governance) or informal (e.g., through organizing social action or educational activities).
Awarded annually to a maximum of five students whose activities and achievements in practicum have been outstanding in a placement that has occurred during the current academic year. This Recognition of Excellence acknowledges that while students are intended to be learners in their practica, they may also contribute meaningfully to their clients’ (individuals, groups, families, communities, organizations) lives.
Awarded annually to a maximum of five students who demonstrate a commitment to social justice, civic engagement, and volunteerism through actions against racism, anti-Semitism or other forms of injustice.
Awarded annually to a maximum of five students whose commitment to education in social work has been demonstrated by inspirational attitudes and behaviors in class, practica, and/or relationships with other students. This award is intended to honor excellence that may not be indicated through traditional means such as grade point average or participation in formal student governance activities. Students may demonstrate outstanding personal achievement through, for example, coping with significant personal or academic challenges while in the program or inspiring other students through particularly compassionate or empowering activities.
MSW Thesis Scholarship
Effective April 2025, students in the thesis-based MSW program are eligible for a one-time MSW Thesis Scholarship valued at $3,000, awarded upon receipt of an Ethics Certificate or, where ethics approval is not required, upon supervisor confirmation that the student is ready to begin.
Students admitted in 2024 or earlier remain eligible for the previous MSW Thesis Scholarship valued at $2,500 and paid in two instalments: $1,875 upon ethics approval and application submission; $625 when the final defence is scheduled.
A completed MSW Thesis Scholarship Application Form must be submitted to fsw.studentservices@ucalgary.ca within three months of receiving ethics approval or, where ethics approval is not required, within three months of completing the final research course.