International Student Experience Innovation and Impact Grant
The University of Alberta's International Student Experience Innovation and Impact (ISEII) Grant program funds initiatives that enhance the international student experience. Under the portfolio of the Deputy Provost (Students and Enrollment), this grant supports projects that boost engagement, improve retention, and ensure the success of global learners, aligning with the university's internationalization goals and the Student Experience Action Plan (SEAP).
Purpose and Vision
The ISEII Grant aims to create a supportive environment for international students, which in turn enriches the entire campus community and strengthens the university's global reputation. It encourages units to identify challenges, test new approaches, and develop sustainable, high-impact projects.
Grants 2.0 2026-2027 Program Overview
Impact Grant 2.0 focus exclusively to agile, high-impact $15,000 one-year micro-innovation pilots. This enables faster seed funding deployment across a broader and more diverse array of grassroots campus initiatives led by University of Alberta staff and faculty.
- Micro-Innovation Grant: Up to $15,000 for one year. These grants support small-scale, experimental, or pilot projects focusing on scalability. Proposals are accepted October to November 2026.
Priority Areas of Focus (2026-2027 Proposals)
Projects for 2026-2027 should focus on improving outcomes in these three areas, without duplicating current services:
We invite proposals that build on existing services and drive real impact for students. To qualify for 2025–2027 ISEII funding, your project must directly align with one or more core pillars of the Student Experience Action Plan (SEAP) 2.0. Ensure your proposal clearly maps its goals to these key themes:
- Advising: Elevate student support by delivering clear, holistic advising and equipping staff with the tools to make seamless, accurate referrals.
- Transitions: Empower international undergraduate and graduate students to master academic culture, navigate the hidden curriculum, map critical skills, and access work-integrated learning (WIL) and career pathways.
- Relationships & Belonging: Build lasting connections through intentional intercultural programming for international and domestic students, vibrant community spaces, and strong peer-led networks.
Who Should Apply
The ISEII Grants support initiatives that improve international student experiences, retention, and completion rates. Academic and service units are encouraged to apply, identify challenges, test new approaches, and seek sustainable funding for proven high-impact projects. While students and student associations cannot submit proposals directly, university units are encouraged to involve students in their projects.
Key Dates & Project Timeline
- October 16, 2026: Proposal Submission Deadline
- October 23, 2026: Award Decisions & Selection Committee Adjudication
- November 1, 2026: Earliest Project Start Date
- May 31, 2027: Project Completion Deadline
Grant Evaluation Rubric
Proposals are evaluated on five criteria:
- Project Rationale & Strategic Alignment: Defines specific need, aligns with University goals, identifies measurable outcomes, and demonstrates importance/urgency.
- Addressing Significant Need Through Innovation: Explains specific need/gap, details innovative aspects, and demonstrates transformative improvement.
- Project Feasibility & Sustainability: Provides a detailed timeline, comprehensive resource allocation, robust long-term sustainability plan, and clear success markers.
- Student-centred Approach: Demonstrates exceptional student involvement (planning, execution, accountability), meaningful engagement, robust collaboration, and clear accountability to students.
- Impact Measurement: Defines SMART success criteria (retention, satisfaction, engagement), outlines expected impact and quantifiable indicators, and presents a comprehensive data collection/analysis plan. Benchmarks current data and anticipated changes.
A detailed budget breakdown and justification are required.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
SMART KPIs will be identified, directly linked to SEAP thematic areas and international student needs, using a combination of quantitative and qualitative data:
- Student Satisfaction: Average satisfaction score (surveys, focus groups).
- Engagement & Belonging: Number of international students in extracurricular activities (records, surveys).
- Academic Success: International student retention rate (institutional data).
- Skill Development: Percentage reporting improved intercultural skills, career alignment (assessments, reflections).
- Use of Support Services: Utilization rates of support services (usage data, student reports).
- Program Participation: Number of international students reached.