Global Skills Opportunity Program

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Overview

Universities Canada offers a new outbound student mobility pilot, the Global Skills Opportunity (GSO) program. This program focuses on increasing equity to participate in education abroad opportunities for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students and students with financial needs.

GSO's goals are to increase underrepresented students' participation in international learning opportunities, diversify the countries students visit, and reduce study/work abroad barriers.

GSO aims to increase your experiences, skills and connections through work and study abroad opportunities.

The University of Alberta supports First Nations, Métis and Inuit students and students with financial needs through the GSO Awards to participate in education abroad.

We strongly encourage students to review the info session recording below and review this document on preparing an accurate application prior to applying for the award.

Upcoming Information Sessions:

Tuesday, January 16th, 2024, 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm - via Zoom
Monday, January 22nd, 2024, 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm - via Zoom

Please use this registration form to sign up for one of the upcoming sessions. The Zoom link will be shared prior to the meeting with registrants. Participants in both sessions will be entered in a draw for a door prize.


 

GSO Award for First Nations, Métis and Inuit Students

Value: Up to $3,000 - $10,000 Based on program duration and unmet financial need.

Opening soon to students studying abroad in Spring, Summer or Fall 2024. 

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be a full-time undergraduate student participating in a for-credit education abroad experience for at least one week
  • Students must declare their Indigenous status as part of their official record with UAlberta to be eligible for funding
  • Students must meet the minimum GPA required to participate in the program abroad
  • Students must submit a Declaration Form, unofficial transcripts, and FNMI documentation (if necessary) to support their application
  • Students must be citizens of Canada or permanent residents
  • The program abroad must be completed no later than March 31, 2025

GSO - UNSDG Award for Students in Financial Need

Students must identify how the education abroad experience will advance their understanding of the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Value: Up to $3,000 - $10,000 Based on program duration and unmet financial need.

Open to students studying abroad in Spring, Summer and Fall 2024. 

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be a full-time undergraduate student participating in a for-credit education abroad experience for at least one week
  • Students must meet the minimum GPA required to participate in the program abroad
  • Students can demonstrate financial need eligibility if they hold one of the following:
    • Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students
    • Canada Student Grant for Students with Dependents
    • Canada Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities
    • Alberta Student Grant for Full-Time Students
    • Alberta Grant for Students with Disabilities
  • Students must also submit a Declaration Form and unofficial transcripts to support their application.
  • Students must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
  • The program abroad must be completed no later than March 31, 2025

When can I go?

Students can choose to attend an education abroad program during the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters.

How to apply

  1. Find and apply for Education Abroad programs. Eligible Programs for GSO Awards:
    1. Exchange Programs
    2. Summer Study Abroad Programs
    3. Internship Programs
  2. Create an account in the Horizons portal and submit an application (find the GSO awards under the "Search Scholarships" tab)
Questions? Contact an Education Abroad Advisor by submitting an inquiry through our service portal.