The U of L Graduate Research Award (ULGRA) is an esteemed accolade offered by the University of Lethbridge, recognizing exceptional research conducted by graduate students. This prestigious award highlights the university’s commitment to fostering innovative and impactful scholarly endeavors. By supporting and acknowledging outstanding graduate research across diverse disciplines, ULGRA not only celebrates academic excellence but also encourages the pursuit of groundbreaking discoveries and advancements. This article cover information about the U of L Graduate Research Award (ULGRA).
About The University Of Lethbridge
The University of Lethbridge is a public research university in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. It was founded in 1967 and has a student body of over 10,000. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various disciplines, including arts, sciences, business, education, and health sciences.
The University of Lethbridge is ranked among the top universities in Canada for its teaching, research, and student experience. It has a strong focus on experiential learning, and students can participate in various co-op programs, internships, and research opportunities.
One of the distinctive features of U of L is its emphasis on liberal education. The university believes in providing students with a well-rounded education beyond their chosen major. This interdisciplinary approach encourages students to explore diverse subjects, develop a broad knowledge base, and cultivate critical thinking skills that are valuable in any field.
The university is also home to several research centers and institutes, including the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Research in Agriculture, the Lethbridge Research Centre, and the Centre for Environmental Studies. These centers research various topics, including agriculture, environmental sustainability, and health.
The University of Lethbridge is a vibrant and welcoming community. It is located in a beautiful setting in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, and there are many opportunities for outdoor recreation and cultural activities in Lethbridge.
Benefit Of The Graduate Research Award
The financial support provided for eligible individuals in the aforementioned program can reach a maximum amount of $21,000. This means that qualified students may receive financial assistance of up to $21,000 to help cover their educational expenses and support their studies.
The financial support available for eligible individuals in the program is distributed in units of $3,000 per year. Each unit represents a portion of the total financial assistance that can be awarded. A maximum of seven units, equivalent to $21,000, can be granted per year.
The financial support is contingent upon the individual confirming their full-time enrollment at the University of L. Once enrollment is confirmed, the awarded amount is disbursed in three equal installments over the course of the academic year. These installments are typically distributed during the three semesters of the academic year, ensuring that students receive consistent financial support throughout their studies.
The purpose of distributing the financial support in installments is to provide students with regular and manageable payments that coincide with the academic calendar. This helps individuals cover their educational expenses, such as tuition fees, textbooks, research materials, and other related costs, ensuring they have the necessary resources to focus on their studies.
Programs For The Graduate Research Award
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Doctor of Philosophy in Education
- Master of Arts
- Master of Fine Arts
- Master of Music
- Master of Nursing
- Master of Science
- Master of Science in Management
Requirements For The Graduate Research Award
- If you are accepted into or already studying in a full-time program for a master’s or doctoral degree, where you focus on a research-based thesis or project, you are eligible for a particular consideration.
- However, please keep in mind that this consideration does not apply to master’s programs in the Faculty of Education or the MSc Management Business Analytics (BANA) concentration.
- The full-time program you are enrolled in or accepted to is designed to help you become an expert in your field of study, and it requires a significant amount of time and effort.
- Instead of taking regular classes, you will primarily be working on a major research project or thesis, which is a long and detailed piece of work that demonstrates your knowledge and skills.
- This program is different from master’s programs in education and the MSc Management Business Analytics (BANA) concentration, which have their own specific requirements and focuses.
Recipient Selection For The Graduate Research Award
The selection of recipients for the financial support is based on several criteria, including departmental, faculty, or program area recommendation. This means that the respective department, faculty, or program area within the university may provide recommendations for eligible candidates who demonstrate exceptional potential in their field of study.
Another important factor in the selection process is academic achievement. Students with a strong academic record, such as high grades and academic honors, are more likely to be considered for the financial support. This criterion emphasizes the importance of maintaining good academic standing and excelling in coursework.
Also, the demonstrated research potential of applicants plays a crucial role in the selection process. The relevant department, faculty, or program area assesses the research potential of candidates based on their previous research experience, research proposals, or other indicators. This evaluation helps identify individuals who have shown promise in conducting meaningful research within their field of study.
How To Apply For The Graduate Research Award
The application process for the financial support does not require a separate application. Instead, all eligible candidates are automatically considered for the support during their application to an eligible graduate program. When applying to the program, individuals are assessed for their eligibility and potential to receive the financial assistance.
The selection of recipients is completed by the Program Committee responsible for admissions. The committee reviews the applications and evaluates the candidates based on their qualifications, academic achievements, research potential, and other relevant factors. The decision regarding the financial support is made concurrently with the admission decision.
You also need to know that the renewal of the financial support is contingent upon the recipient’s satisfactory progress and standing in the graduate program. This means that recipients must maintain a satisfactory academic performance, meet the program’s requirements, and make progress towards their degree. Continuation of the financial support beyond the initial award period depends on the recipient’s ability to meet these criteria.
Important Notice
ULGRA recipients are allowed to hold the ULGRA (University of L Financial Research Graduate Award) simultaneously with a Graduate Assistantship as per the GSA (Graduate Students’ Association) Collective Agreement. They are also permitted to hold the ULGRA alongside any Research Stipend provided by a Faculty Member. This means that students can receive both financial support from the ULGRA and compensation for their assistantship or research work.
However, students cannot hold the ULGRA simultaneously with either the SGS (School of Graduate Studies) Tuition Scholarship or the SGS Dean’s Scholarship. These two scholarships are not compatible with the ULGRA, and students must choose one over the other if they are eligible for multiple scholarships.
In cases where ULGRA recipients receive significant external awards, such as tri-council scholarships or other major awards amounting to more than $10,000, their ULGRA may be adjusted. The adjustment takes the form of an annual top-up amount.
The annual top-up value is determined based on two criteria:
- It will be a minimum of $3,000, ensuring that ULGRA recipients continue to receive additional financial support.
- The combined value of the top-up and the external award should not exceed the initial ULGRA award by more than $3,000 per applicable year.
In other words, if a student receives a substantial external award, their ULGRA will be adjusted by providing a top-up amount to ensure they receive additional financial assistance. The specific value of the top-up will be determined based on the minimum amount of $3,000 and the maximum amount that maintains a reasonable difference between the ULGRA and the external award.
These policies aim to support ULGRA recipients by allowing them to hold certain concurrent positions and provide appropriate adjustments when they receive significant external awards.
Frequently Asked Questions
To apply to the University of Lethbridge, you can visit their official website and navigate to the admissions section. There, you will find detailed instructions on the application process for both undergraduate and graduate programs. Make sure to review the admission requirements, submit the necessary documents, and meet the specified deadlines.
Yes, the University of Lethbridge offers scholarships and financial aid options to eligible students. There are various scholarships, bursaries, and awards available based on academic merit, financial need, and specific criteria. It is recommended to explore the university’s financial aid resources, including scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities, to find out what options are available to you.
Yes, the University of Lethbridge emphasizes research and experiential learning opportunities for students. Undergraduate and graduate students have the chance to collaborate with faculty members on research projects, participate in fieldwork, internships, co-op placements, and engage in hands-on learning experiences. These opportunities allow students to apply their knowledge, gain practical skills, and contribute to advancements in their respective fields.
he student-to-faculty ratio at the University of Lethbridge is relatively low, ensuring students have access to personalized attention and mentorship. This allows for meaningful interactions between students and faculty members, facilitating discussions, research collaborations, and a supportive learning environment
Yes, students are permitted to hold the ULGRA concurrently with a Graduate Assistantship (as per the GSA Collective Agreement) and/or any Research Stipend provided by a Faculty Member.
References
- https://ulethbridge.ca/graduate-studies/awards/u-l-graduate-research-award-ulgra
- https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/scholarships/u-of-l-graduate-research-award-ulgra