The Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship (AGES) offers several benefits to recipients, including ¹ ² ³:
- *Financial Support*: A one-time payment of $12,000 to help cover living expenses, tuition, and research costs. However, the value may vary depending on the institution, with some universities awarding $11,000 for Master's students and $15,000 for Doctoral students.
- *Recognition*: Recipients are recognized for their academic excellence and research potential, enhancing their academic profiles.
- *Interdisciplinary Collaboration*: Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and advanced research funding.
- *Professional Networking*: Access to a vibrant research community in Alberta, providing opportunities for professional networking and career advancement.
- *Flexibility*: Supports both course-based and thesis-based graduate programs.
- *Inclusivity*: Open to both domestic and international students, including those with disabilities, who can apply if registered in at least 40% of a full course load.

These benefits enable AGES scholars to focus on their studies and research without financial stress, while also gaining valuable experience and connections in their field.

To be eligible for the Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship (AGES), applicants must meet the following criteria ¹ ² ³:
- *Citizenship*: Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, protected person, or international student with a valid study permit.
- *Residency*: Live in Alberta while enrolled, even if studying remotely.
- *Program*: Be registered in a full-time master's or doctoral program (years 1-4 for master's, years 1-6 for doctoral) or a graduate certificate that can ladder into a master's program.
- *GPA*: Demonstrate academic excellence with a minimum GPA of 3.3-3.5, depending on the institution's requirements.
- *Academic Standing*: Be in good standing in your program, not on academic probation.
- *Course Load*: Be enrolled in at least 60% of a full course load, or 40% if you're a student with a disability.
- *Nomination*: Be nominated by your faculty, as students cannot apply directly.

Institutions may have additional eligibility criteria, so it's essential to check with your university's graduate studies office for specific requirements.

To apply for the Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship (AGES), follow these steps [2][8]:
- *Step 1: Check Eligibility*: Ensure you meet the requirements, including citizenship, residency, program, GPA, and academic standing.
- *Step 2: Contact Your University*: Reach out to your university's graduate studies office or faculty to confirm their nomination process and internal deadline.
- *Step 3: Prepare Documents*: Gather required documents, such as transcripts, proof of citizenship or residency, and program details.
- *Step 4: Get Nominated*: Your university will nominate you for the scholarship based on their internal selection process.
- *Step 5: Review and Submit*: The Alberta government will review nominated applications and notify successful recipients.

*Important Notes:*
- *Application Deadline*: Varies by university; check with your institution's graduate studies office for specific deadlines.
- *Nomination-Based*: Only nominated students will be considered for the scholarship.
- *Results*: Successful recipients will be notified by the Alberta government.