How to Apply

The instructions below are ONLY for students who wish to conduct research. If you instead wish to register in courses as part of a study exchange then you'll need to follow the instructions for students interested in a course-based exchange. Note that we are unable to accept applications for students wishing to both conduct research and take courses; you must choose one or the other.

Candidates wishing to conduct research at the U of A

Step 1 - Determine Your Eligibility
Review all Eligibility criteria and Important Dates before proceeding.
Step 2 - Find a Host Professor/Supervisor

If all Eligibility criteria is met, the research internship candidate must find a willing UAlberta host supervisor and work with the host supervisor to determine a mutually agreed upon research project and duration based on the scholarship that is being applied for.

Search by faculty and research area on the different University of Alberta faculty websites or by Professors, Associate Professors, or Assistant Professors using this Department Listing. 

Email professors you would potentially like to work with the following information:

  • your full name and contact information
  • your home University and home country
  • whether you are currently an undergraduate (bachelor) or graduate (master or doctoral) student
  • which year of your degree program you are in
  • the full name of the scholarship program you would be applying for
  • how long you wish to do research for (4 months, 5-6 months, 8 months)
  • your ideal start date (must finish no later than February 1 each year)
  • documents such as your CV/resume, university academic transcripts, and/or cover letter
  • a link to the information for host supervisors

Start this search early and allow up to 10 business days for a reply before following up, as professors receive many requests.

It is a good idea to start by reaching out to one to three potential host professors in your field. Please respect if someone tells you that the timing does not work for them, or that your research strengths are not a good fit for their project. These scholarships are open to universities across Canada and there may be a more suitable fit for you at another institution.

Step 3 - Gather Supporting Documents

Once the research internship candidate has found a host supervisor, the candidate will work together with their home institution (not the University of Alberta) and U of A host supervisor to gather the required supporting documents. 

The supporting documents vary slightly between funding programs, so please follow all instructions on the appropriate program pages carefully. The information is listed in the Supporting Documents section on each specific scholarship web page.

Step 4 - Submit your Application

All applications for a research experience must be submitted through the University of Alberta International Government of Canada Scholarships Research Application Form by the University of Alberta’s deadline.

NOTE: You will be required to answer several questions and upload the supporting documents to the application form. Be sure to allow yourself adequate time before the deadline time to collect and submit all of the information.

Step 5 - The University of Alberta International reviews your application

University of Alberta International (UAI) will review all applications received via the Electronic Application Form by the institution-set internal deadline for eligibility and completeness. Incomplete applications and unsolicited documents emailed outside of the University of Alberta International Government of Canada Scholarships Research Application Form will NOT be submitted.

The University of Alberta International (UAI) will attach a signed copy of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or other agreement between the University of Alberta and the partner institution as part of submitting applications through Momentum, the online scholarships application system.

If your application is incomplete or ineligible, we will follow up with you between the institution-set internal deadline and the final submission deadline. If you are not able to provide the appropriate information within two business days of the request or before the final submission deadline, we will not submit your application. Check the email account that you provided to us in the application form frequently for any messages, and check your spam or junk mail folders to be sure.

Step 6 - The University of Alberta International submits applications
The University of Alberta International (UAI) will submit complete and eligible applications to the Government of Canada on behalf of the candidate and host supervisor by the relevant deadline. Late submissions or incomplete applications will not be submitted.
Step 7 - The University of Alberta International communicates results
University of Alberta International (UAI) will notify all candidates and host supervisors of the results via email once they are shared by the Canadian Bureau of International Education (CBIE), typically 3 months or so after the submission deadline has passed.

Important Information about Supporting Documents

Review the following information about the necessary application documents, what is required of each, and who is responsible for their submission. 

Proof of Citizenship

Important Notes

  • ONLY a copy of the candidate's passport or national identity card with valid dates and photo will be accepted.
  • If the national identity card is not in English or French, an official translation by a professional translator must be provided. It does not need to be a certified translation.

Who Submits Document

Candidate (student) uploads to the University of Alberta International Government of Canada Scholarships Research Application Form.

Letter of Intent

Important Notes

  • Maximum one page
  • dated within the last six months
  • explains the nature of studies or research to be undertaken
  • provides a rationale for study in Canada and for the choice of institution, program and supervisor 
  • explains how the proposed program of study or research will relate to their future career

Who Submits Document

Candidate (student) uploads to the University of Alberta International Government of Canada Scholarships Research Application Form.

Letter of Invitation (Required for both undergraduate and graduate research based applications)

Important Notes

  • Maximum one page
  • Written and signed by Letter from the University of Alberta host professor (Canadian supervisor)
  • on official letterhead
  • dated within the last six months
  • Should describe the nature and scope of the research collaboration with the student’s home institution
  • confirms their willingness to support and mentor the candidate during the exchange period
  • explains how the Canadian institution, supervisor and peers will benefit from the exchange

Who Submits Document

University of Alberta host professor provides to the candidate. 

Candidate (student) uploads to the University of Alberta International Government of Canada Scholarships Research Application Form.

Letter of Support from the Home Institution

Important Notes

  • Maximum one page
  • This letter cannot be a generic support letter. 
  • It must be from the candidate's instructor, professor or international director
  • on official letterhead
  • dated within the last six months
  • explains the nature of study or research to be undertaken in Canada and how the candidate and the home institution will benefit from this scholarship program (maximum one page).

Who Submits Document

Home institution provides to the Candidate. 

Candidate (student) uploads to the University of Alberta International Government of Canada Scholarships Research Application Form.

Letter of Proof of Full-time Enrolment from the Home Institution

Important Notes

  • Maximum one page
  • on official letterhead
  • dated within the last six months
  • confirms that the candidate is currently enrolled in a full-time program
  • must include the phrase ‘full-time’ or it will not be accepted
  • copies of transcripts, a student card or a letter of admission are not acceptable

Who Submits Document

Home institution provides to the Candidate. 

Candidate (student) uploads to the University of Alberta International Government of Canada Scholarships Research Application Form.

Privacy Notice Statement

Important Note

A copy of the Privacy Notice Statement for non-Canadian participants signed by the candidate and dated within the last six months

Who Submits Document

Candidate (student) uploads to the University of Alberta International Government of Canada Scholarships Research Application Form

Memorandum of Understanding or Agreement between the U of A and the Candidate’s Institution

Important Note

For all research-based applications, an agreement is desirable, but not mandatory.
There is no action required by the applicant, their home institution, or the host professor.


If an agreement exists between our institutions, we will submit it with your application. In lieu of an agreement, we will submit a letter confirming that you would not be charged any U of A fees if you are a successful scholarship recipient.

Who Submits Document

University of Alberta International will submit to Global Affairs Canada through the Momentum Portal 

NOTE:

If a document is not in English or French, an official translation by a professional translator must be provided. It does not need to be a certified translation.

Incomplete applications and unsolicited documents emailed outside of the University of Alberta International Government of Canada Scholarships Application Form will NOT be submitted to Global Affairs Canada.

Supporting documents must be uploaded and attached to the online application form in one of the following formats: .pdf, .jpg, .doc, .docx, .txt or .gif. Each document must be smaller than 5 MB in order for the application to upload successfully.