The Abdul Majid Bader Graduate Scholarship 2026 is a highly competitive, fully funded graduate scholarship at Dalhousie University in Canada, offering 40,000 CAD per year for up to two years to outstanding thesis-based master’s and doctoral students, with preference for Iranian applicants but open to other international students as well.

Basic information about the scholarship

The Abdul Majid Bader Graduate Scholarship 2026 is a merit-based award administered by the Faculty of Graduate Studies at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. It supports research-focused graduate students by covering a significant portion of tuition and living costs during their program.

Key facts:

• Host institution: Dalhousie University, Canada
• Scholarship value: $40,000 per year
• Duration: Up to 2 years (maximum 24 months)
• Degree level:
  • Thesis-based Master’s
  • Doctoral (PhD)
• Scholarship type:
  • Master’s: Entrance only
  • PhD: Entrance or in-program
• Renewable: Yes (based on annual progress review)
• Number of awards: 1 per year
• Application deadline: February 19, 2026

This graduate scholarship is especially attractive for international students who want strong funding at a top Canadian research university in 2026.

University and program details

Dalhousie University is a public research university located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and is known for its strong graduate research environment and diverse international community. It offers more than 90 master’s and 45+ doctoral programs across faculties such as Science, Engineering, Computer Science, Health, Management, and Arts & Social Sciences.

Important university facts for this scholarship:

• Location: Halifax, a coastal student city in Atlantic Canada with a relatively moderate cost of living compared to larger Canadian cities.​
• Average tuition (postgraduate international): Around 9,800–16,000 USD per year depending on program.
• On-campus housing plus meal plans: Often in the 30,000–34,000 USD per year range, depending on residence type and plan.
• Residence options: Traditional halls (Howe, Shirreff, Risley) and non-traditional residences (Graduate House, apartments).​

The Abdul Majid Bader Graduate Scholarship is administered centrally by the Faculty of Graduate Studies but applies to eligible thesis-based programs across the university.

Study areas and eligible programs

The scholarship is designed for thesis-based graduate degrees rather than coursework-only programs. It is open to a wide range of disciplines, which makes it flexible for many research interests.

Typical eligible programs include:

• Thesis-based Master of Science (MSc) in fields like Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Computer Science.
• Thesis-based Master of Applied Science (MASc) in Engineering disciplines.
• Research-based master’s in areas such as Health, Psychology, and Environmental Studies.
• Doctoral (PhD) programs across science, engineering, health, management, and social science disciplines.

Students from any academic field can normally apply as long as their program is thesis-based and housed within a department that participates in the Harmonized Scholarship process.

Abdul Majid Bader Graduate Scholarship benefits

The Abdul Majid Bader Graduate Scholarship is structured to cover most major study costs for strong research students.

Main benefits:

• $40,000 for one full academic year (12 months)
• Second year possible based on academic performance
• Supports living and study expenses
• Tuition fees are not waived and must be paid from the award
• Can become partially or fully honorary if held with other major scholarships (e.g., CGRS, DRES, NSGS)
• May be held alongside select other Faculty of Graduate Studies–managed awards (e.g., Tri-Agency, Dalhousie Research Excellence Scholarships, Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarships); in such cases, the Bader award may become partially or fully honorary in overlapping terms.
• Available to both new thesis-based master’s students and early-stage PhD students (entrance or in-program for doctoral candidates).
• Recognized as a major, prestigious scholarship that strengthens your academic profile and future funding prospects.

At current fee and living-cost levels, 40,000 CAD per year can substantially offset tuition and day-to-day expenses for international students in Halifax.

What is not included

Although this scholarship is generous, some expenses are not directly covered and must be budgeted carefully.

Common exclusions:

• No automatic tuition waiver: You still pay tuition and fees, but you use the scholarship funds to cover them.
• Health insurance (university and provincial plans) is normally not separately covered and must be paid by the student from their funding.​
• Residence and meal plans are not waived, although the scholarship amount can be used to pay these costs.
• Travel costs to and from Canada, visa application fees, and study permit fees are normally not directly included.
• Personal expenses such as phone, entertainment, clothing, and optional insurance are your responsibility.

Planning a realistic budget is essential so that the scholarship can comfortably cover your academic and living needs throughout the year.

Eligibility criteria for Abdul Majid Bader Graduate Scholarship

To be competitive for the Abdul Majid Bader Graduate Scholarship 2026, you must meet academic and program-related requirements.

Core eligibility points:

• Citizenship:
  • First preference: Iranian students who are residents of Iran
  • Also considered: Other international students (if no Iranian applicants)
• Academic excellence:
  • First-class standing (GPA 3.7/4.3 or higher) in last two years
  • Strong research potential demonstrated through transcripts, references, publications, or research experience.​
• Program status:
  • Open to applicants to thesis-based master’s programs (entrance only).​
  • Open to doctoral students who are applying or in the early stage of their PhD (priority if in first year).
  • Students already enrolled in a master’s program are typically not eligible for this award.​
• Eligible applicants:
  • Students applying for a Master’s program
  • Students applying for or enrolled in a PhD program
• Not eligible:
  • Students already enrolled in a Master’s program
• Enrollment:
  • Must be registered full-time at Dalhousie in an eligible graduate program during the tenure of the award.​

Additional Notes

• Designed especially for thesis-based Master’s and early-stage PhD students
• Highly competitive due to only one award per year
• Current recipients must apply for renewal by August 1 each year

Meeting these criteria does not guarantee selection, because only one new scholarship is usually awarded per year and competition is intense.

Required documents for the application

Applications for the Abdul Majid Bader Graduate Scholarship run through Dalhousie’s Harmonized Scholarship process, which uses a unified online application form. You typically prepare the same documents you would for a strong graduate funding application.

Common required documents include:

• Completed Harmonized Scholarship application form (online).
• Official academic transcripts for all post-secondary studies.
• Curriculum vitae (CV) or academic résumé highlighting education, research experience, publications, presentations, awards, and relevant work.
• Research proposal or statement of intent outlining your thesis topic, objectives, and methodology.
• Two or more academic reference letters from professors or supervisors who can comment on your research potential and academic performance.​
• Proof of citizenship or nationality (especially relevant for Iranian applicants, given the preference).
• English language proof (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) if required for admission by your program.

Your graduate department may also ask for additional documents, so always double-check both program and scholarship requirements before submission.

Abdul Majid Bader Graduate Scholarship Step-by-step application process

Here is a simple step-by-step guide to applying for the Abdul Majid Bader Graduate Scholarship 2026:

1. Choose an eligible thesis-based program at Dalhousie University
   • Identify a master’s or PhD program that matches your research interests and offers a thesis option.
   • Connect with potential supervisors to discuss your proposed research topic and supervision availability.
2. Apply for admission to Dalhousie University
   • Submit your graduate program application via Dalhousie’s online system by the program-specific deadline.
   • Make sure you meet all admission criteria, including GPA, prerequisites, and English-language requirements.
3. Access the Harmonized Scholarship application
   • Once you have a Dalhousie ID and your program application is in progress, access the Harmonized Scholarship portal through the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
4. Prepare your scholarship materials
   • Draft a strong research proposal highlighting originality, feasibility, and alignment with your supervisor’s expertise.
   • Update your CV and request reference letters well in advance.
   • Gather transcripts and any required test scores or proof of citizenship.
5. Submit the Harmonized Scholarship application
   • Select the Abdul Majid Bader Graduate Scholarship as an award you wish to be considered for within the system, if that option is available.
   • Upload all documents and ensure your referees submit their letters before the internal deadline of your department.
6. Respect internal and final deadlines
7. Wait for the selection decision

Tips for a successful application

To improve your chances of winning the Abdul Majid Bader Graduate Scholarship, focus on quality and clarity in every component.

Practical tips:

• Highlight first-class grades and research achievements prominently in your CV and application narrative.
• Develop a clear and focused research proposal that explains your research question, methods, and expected contributions.
• Secure strong academic referees who know your work well and can speak specifically about your research potential and independence.​
• If you are an Iranian student, clearly mention your nationality and context, as this scholarship prioritizes Iranian applicants.
• Demonstrate academic alignment with Dalhousie by referencing faculty members, labs, and research groups you plan to join.
• Submit early and double-check all fields in the Harmonized Scholarship application for accuracy and completeness.

A polished, error-free application with coherent messaging across your CV, proposal, and references stands out in a competitive pool.

Monthly living expenses for international students (USD)

Understanding monthly living costs in Halifax helps you evaluate how far the 40,000 CAD scholarship can go.

Approximate yearly and monthly costs for an international graduate student at Dalhousie:

• Average annual living cost (housing, food, transportation, etc.): Around 9,700–10,000 USD.​
• Typical annual housing cost: About 7,000 USD for shared or student housing.​

Estimated monthly breakdown in USD:

• Housing (shared/apartment or residence average): 580–650 USD.
• Food and groceries: 300–400 USD, depending on whether you eat out or cook at home.​
• Local transportation (bus pass, occasional taxi): 60–90 USD.​
• Utilities and internet (if living off-campus): 60–100 USD.
• Phone plan: 40–60 USD.
• Books and supplies: Around 50 USD averaged per month.​
• Personal expenses (clothing, entertainment, miscellaneous): 100–150 USD.

Total estimated monthly living cost: roughly 1,200–1,500 USD, or about 14,400–18,000 USD per year, which fits within the 40,000 CAD annual scholarship when combined with tuition in many programs.

Why choose the Abdul Majid Bader Graduate Scholarship? (at least 5 reasons)

Here are compelling reasons this scholarship is an excellent choice for 2026:

1. High-value funding
   • With 40,000 CAD per year for up to two years, this scholarship provides one of the strongest funding packages available for thesis-based graduate studies in Canada at the master’s and early PhD level.
2. Prestige and competitiveness
   • Only one new award is normally granted annually, so being selected immediately marks you as a top-tier researcher in your field and strengthens your academic CV.
3. Support for research-focused programs
   • The scholarship targets thesis-based degrees, ensuring that funding is directed toward students engaged in serious, research-intensive work with strong supervision and infrastructure at Dalhousie.
4. Opportunity for Iranian and international students
   • Iranian students receive first preference, but the scholarship remains open to other international students when no eligible Iranian candidate is selected, offering a unique global funding path.
5. Renewable and flexible funding structure
   • The award is renewable for a second year based on progress, and it can sometimes be combined (as honorary) with other major awards, giving you flexibility to build a strong funding package.
6. Study at a reputable Canadian university
7. Stronger career and research trajectory

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. Do I need an offer of admission before applying?
You must apply to an eligible thesis-based graduate program at Dalhousie and use the Harmonized Scholarship portal; in practice, your scholarship application is linked to your program application, so you should apply for admission first or at the same time.

2. Can non-Iranian international students apply?
Yes, international students from any country can be considered if no eligible Iranian candidate is selected, but first preference is always given to Iranian students.

3. Can I hold this scholarship with another award?
In certain cases, you may hold it alongside other Faculty of Graduate Studies–managed scholarships; if funding overlaps, the Bader award may become partially or fully honorary in those terms.

4. Is it available for coursework-only master’s programs?
No, the scholarship is specifically designated for thesis-based master’s and doctoral programs and is not meant for coursework-only degrees.

5. What GPA do I need?
You typically need at least a first-class standing, roughly equivalent to a GPA above 3.7 on a 4.3 scale in your last two years of study to be a competitive applicant.

6. How do I know my department’s deadline?
Each participating department sets its own internal deadline, which can be earlier than the central February date; you must check with your graduate coordinator or department website and submit before that internal cutoff.

Application deadline: February 19, 2026

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By preparing a strong thesis-based graduate application and a focused, well-documented scholarship package, you can position yourself competitively for the Abdul Majid Bader Graduate Scholarship 2026 in Canada.

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