Education Abroad Special Award for First Nations, Métis and Inuit Students

About the Award

This Award financially supports undergraduate and graduate Indigenous students undertaking for-credit experiential learning opportunities outside of Canada for at least seven (7) days. The proposed education abroad opportunity may be individual- or group-based, at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It may be offered either by the U of A (centrally, Faculty, other) or by an external organization.

Number of Award: Variable

Award Value: $3,000 - up to $10,000 based on program duration and unmet financial need.

The total value of the award will be based on the program duration, as well as the financial need when applicable. Successful applicants will automatically receive the following amount based on the program duration:  

  • $3,000 for programs 1 - 4 weeks in duration;
  • $6,000 for programs longer than 4 weeks.

If a student has unmet financial needs more than the automatic allocation, they need to submit a budget in the scholarship application to demonstrate the additional financial needs. The total amount of funding will not exceed $10,000.

Please note: As the Global Learning office does not double-fund students through awards administered by us, you are eligible to receive either an Education Abroad Award or an Education Abroad Special Award, not both.

Tips towards a successful application:

  1. Research the institutions you're looking at thoroughly, and see how the programs relate to your degree. Check the Program Finder on our website:
  2. Keep your writing professional and check your spelling (it will be considered); academics will be looking at your application.
  3. Look at the long-term benefits of the program for your degree and your post-University career.
  4. Think about how you are representing the University's vision abroad. Hint: take a look at the University's Strategic Plan.

How to apply

1. Application Instructions

The application will open in May 2025; Deadline to submit your application will be 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time, June 2, 2025.

  • Applications must be completed by individual University of Alberta students in our online application portal, Horizons. A complete application must consist of: 
    • Statement of Academic Motivation, Ambassadorship & Cultural Motivation;
    • Description of Extracurricular Activities;
    • Budget;
    • Unofficial Transcripts;
    • Declaration Form.
  • You can access the Scholarship by clicking the "Search Scholarships" tab at the top of the database once you have created an account. Once you start an application, you will be able to find your application under the "My Scholarships" tab. Please be sure to follow all instructions and upload all documents required in the application form. 
  • Students should apply at the deadline even if their acceptance onto a program is not confirmed yet (e.g. internships), provided the anticipated program starts during the eligible funding period. 

The Education Abroad experience must start between July 1, 2025 and April 30, 2026.

2. Selection Process

Selection Criteria

Acceptance & Conditions

  • Applicants will be notified if they have been nominated for an award and must confirm acceptance of the nomination; failure to do so will result in forfeiting the award;
  • Award payments will be directly deposited into the award recipient's Canadian banking account via Bear Tracks once applicants complete all the required award acceptance steps. Award payments are subject to U of A administrative timelines;
  • Recipients are ineligible to hold other centrally managed awards (e.g., endowed awards such as Edmonton Consular Corps Award, Rod and Judith Fraser Award, etc.) but are eligible for receiving faculty-level awards;
  • Recipients will be required to complete the risk management steps listed here depending on their program type and level of study;
  • Recipients will also be encouraged to participate in promotion and recruitment activities for education abroad programming.

More Resources

More Information

Have a question about Awards and Funding? Contact an Education Abroad Advisor by submitting a general inquiry through our service portal.