Federal Update Makes Graduate Education More Accessible for International Students

The University of Calgary Graduate Students’ Association is happy to see that international graduate students at designated public institutions will no longer be required to submit a provincial attestation letter (PAL), starting January 1st, 2026. “I’m encouraged by IRCC’s decision to exempt international graduate students from PAL requirements,” Irtaza Sohail, UCGSA President, said. “It sends a clear message that Canada …

Where UCalgary Graduate Voices Met Ottawa Decision Makers

Each year, the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) brings student representatives from across the country to Ottawa to meet with federal decision makers. The goal is to ensure that student needs and priorities are clearly communicated at the national level. This year, the GSA participated in a full and productive Advocacy Week alongside partners from Union étudiante du Québec …

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

Advocacy Update Dear fellow graduate students, We’re now halfway through the Fall semester and six months into our term as your elected representatives. Our focus has been clear: to advocate for graduate students and improve the graduate student experience. Your input through conversations, surveys, and ideas continues to drive real progress on and off campus. You’ve asked to see how …

UCGSA’s Joint Provincial Budget Submission: Strengthening Support for Graduate Students

UCGSA joined forces with the University of Calgary Students’ Union and the Students’ Association of Bow Valley College to submit our joint provincial budget submission to the Government of Alberta. This submission is part of the provincial budget cycle, when individuals and organizations can propose spending priorities and regulatory changes before January. After this period, the Treasury Board and Ministry …

Advocating for Graduate Students: UCGSA’s Joint Provincial Budget Submission

Last week, UCGSA and our partners at the University of Calgary Students’ Union and the Students’ Association of Bow Valley College released our joint provincial budget submission. During the provincial budgetary cycle, individuals and organizations can submit spending and regulatory requests to the government up until approximately January, after which the Treasury Board and Ministry of Finance set the spending …

Student Voices in the Municipal Election

The University of Calgary Students’ Union (SU) and Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) are working together to make sure student voices are heard in the upcoming municipal election. We want to ensure both your ballot and your concerns shape this election. Get Out the Vote – October 9th Ward 7 Councillor Debate Come early to scan a QR code and submit …

Two Surveys Published to Support GSA Advocacy Efforts

The GSA has launched two new surveys to help guide how the executive can best support the graduate student community. Last April, over 1,000 graduate students submitted responses to our annual survey. These results helped us identify the key priorities the GSA should advance and highlighted the concerns graduate students are facing. By completing these surveys, you’ll be entered to …

Support for Graduate Students in Times of Global Crisis

The Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) at the University of Calgary recognizes that many of our fellow graduate students are deeply impacted by conflicts occurring around the world. We want you to know: we see you, we care about you, and we stand in solidarity with all those affected. If you are experiencing distress or hardship due to global conflict, please remember …

UCGSA to Federal Leaders: What Graduate Students Can Do for Canada

CALGARY——The University of Calgary Graduate Students’ Association (UCGSA) has released an open letter detailing graduate student priorities for the upcoming federal election. The organization, which represents almost 7,500 graduate students, is calling for the federal parties to work with provinces to increase graduate student funding, exempt graduate students from the caps on international students, and to stop with the culture …

Provincial Priorities Act Exemptions Release 

CALGARY——The University of Calgary Graduate Students’ Association (UCGSA) is grateful to see that the recently announced regulations for the Provincial Priorities Act exempt research funding, student employment, work experience, continuing education, and conferences.   The UCGSA Advocacy Team has been advocating on this issue to the Minister of Advanced Education, and the Government of Alberta more broadly, since it was announced …