PhD Awards and Scholarships
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.
- Consult with your supervisor about award opportunities and nominations.
- 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.
University Awards
- Entrance Awards
- Graduate Award Competition
- Program recommended awards
- Medals and Prizes
- Travel Awards
- Indigenous Graduate Award Competition
- and many more!
Program Recommended Awards
For in-program students only
This competition is announced in mid-October and the deadline is early November.
You must fill out the Program Recommend Graduate Awards Application Form and prepare a one page statement.
The faculty's Graduate Scholarship Committee adjudicates all applications and puts forward one name for each award.
This scholarship honors the work and contributions of Dr. Dave Este to the field of Social Work. It reflects a desire to support diversity and equity within the social work profession, which will ultimately serve to benefit our society as a whole.
This award is open to applicants who self-identify as Black (e.g. African/Caribbean descent).
Candidates must submit a non-intrusive, non-trauma statement (approx. 400 words) outlining their eligibility and their commitment to advancing research focusing on Black communities.
This award honours James Gripton whose contributions over 60 years significantly influenced social work education, research, policy and clinical practice.
Candidates must have a demonstrated capacity for innovation in the pursuit of social justice in any area of social work practice.
Lorne and Pat Gordon are very strong supporters of work carried out by the YWCA to prevent domestic violence and reduce homelessness and poverty for women and children within our community.
Selection is based on academic merit and demonstrated commitment to preventing domestic violence and reducing homelessness and poverty for women and children.
This scholarship was established in memory of Patricia Allen and honours her commitment to enhancing the lives of older adults.
Preference will be given to students studying or researching in the field of gerontology and/or senior care.
Faculty of Social Work Recognition of Excellence Awards
The following awards are open to all undergraduate (BSW) and graduate (MSW, PhD) students in the Faculty of Social Work.
The competition is announced in late February and the deadline for nominations is in late March. Nominations must be submitted to Student Services through fsw.studentservices@ucalgary.ca.
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.