Study abroad program choices

Explore different ways Alberta students can get a post-secondary education or internship in another country.

Overview

There are many ways Alberta students can get a post-secondary education or internship experience in another country.

Some programs are offered through partnerships between the Government of Alberta and organizations in other countries. These programs offer professional work and study experiences in exciting places around the world.

Students can also choose to take programs available through their post-secondary institution or plan their own study abroad experiences.

Find out how to choose the study abroad experience that’s right for you.

Chinese government scholarships

About the program

Every year, the Government of China provides scholarships for Alberta students and scholars to study in China:

  • 5 full scholarships
  • 10 partial scholarships

Applications are closed for 2024.

The program is open to Alberta residents that are:

  • high school graduates
  • post-secondary students
  • scholars

Study programs

Study programs focus on:

  • Chinese language studies
  • academic study at the undergraduate or graduate level
  • research

The language of instruction is primarily Chinese, but a limited number of programs are offered in English.

The program may also sponsor and recommend remedial Chinese language studies for applicants who are not applying for the Chinese language study program.

Find Chinese institutions accepting students.

Scholarship types

Full scholarships cover:

  • tuition (or research) fees
  • accommodation
  • stipend
  • comprehensive medical insurance

Partial scholarships cover only tuition fees.

Read the Chinese Government Scholarships Program Overview for details about eligibility and how to apply.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • be a Canadian citizen
  • hold a Canadian Passport
  • be in good health
  • be an Alberta resident

Educational background and age limits include:

Table 2. Chinese Government Scholarship program eligibility

CategoryAge limitEducational background
Undergraduate studiesUnder the age of 25Completed senior high school with good grades
Master degreeUnder the age of 35Must have a bachelor’s degree
Doctoral degreeUnder the age of 40Must have a master’s degree
General scholarUnder the age of 45Must have completed 2 years of undergraduate studies (can pursue any major, except Chinese language)
Senior scholarUnder the age of 50

Must have a minimum of either a:

  • graduate degree
  • academic title of associate professor or higher

How to apply

The online application asks for a:

  • agency number (it’s 1242 for Alberta students)
  • guarantor (optional)
  • letter of intent (required)

If your application is accepted, you will be asked to complete a medical assessment form for your Chinese visa application.

Summer school in Czech Republic

About the program

The Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport offers full scholarships for Alberta post-secondary students to take Slavonic Studies in the Czech Republic during the summer.

Application deadline: March 5, 2024

Students will have the opportunity to attend the Summer School of Slavonic Studies at one of the following institutions:

  • Prague
    Charles University
    July 18 to August 15, 2024
  • Brno
    Masaryk University
    July 20 to August 17, 2024
  • Poděbrady (2 scholarships)
    Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies of Charles University
    July 1 to 26, 2024

Students study Czech:

  • language
  • literature
  • culture
  • history

Students also visit important landmarks and attend cultural events.

The scholarships includes:

  • accommodation and meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • enrollment and tuition
  • trips and excursions
  • some Summer Schools may provide public transport tickets

The scholarship does not include:

  • international transport costs
  • insurance costs
  • visa processing costs

Eligibility

Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents and be residents of Alberta.

Recipients are selected based on academic merit, relevance of previous study and letter of intent.

How to apply

Submitted applications must include:

  • completed application form which includes full address and wet signature
  • curriculum vitae in Czech or English
  • letter of intent stating why you are applying for this scholarship, why you should be the successful recipient, how the scholarship will be beneficial to your future studies and/or work and a statement that you can participate in the entire duration of the course
  • post-secondary transcript(s)
  • copy of passport/ID along with passport-sized photo

Mail completed applications to:

Senior Program Officer
International, Research, and Innovation
Alberta Advanced Education
19th Floor Commerce, 10155 102 Street
Edmonton, Alberta  T5J 4G8

Through your institution

Many publicly funded post-secondary institutions in Alberta offer study abroad opportunities for their students, including:

Talk to your post-secondary institution about:

  • the types of study abroad opportunities they offer
  • program requirements
  • costs
  • any funding support that could be available

Federal study abroad programs

The federal government offers several internship and scholarship programs to Canadian students:

Study abroad on your own

Research study abroad opportunities

If you plan to study abroad on your own, you take responsibility for researching all of the information you need to know before, during and after you travel. Many post-secondary institutions in other countries have international student centres that may be able to help. Contact institutions you’re considering for details.

You may also choose to connect with organizations for international students, such as:

What to consider

When researching a program offered in another country, find out as much as you can about the:

  • post-secondary institution you may be attending or organization you could be working with
  • country you’ll be living in
  • embassy or other supports available to you while you’re away
  • availability of student loans or scholarships for the program you want to take

Contact

Connect with the International and Industry Collaboration Unit:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-644-1785
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Fax: 780-427-4185
Email: [email protected]