The Graduate Students’ Association of the University of Alberta
The Graduate Students' Association is a not-for-profit corporation under Alberta's Post-Secondary Learning Act representing over 8,000 graduate students at the University of Alberta through advocacy, governance representation, and member services including health and dental coverage, transit, mental health, grants, and collective bargaining.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1972
- HeadquartersEdmonton, Canada
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What The Graduate Students’ Association of the University of Alberta does
The Graduate Students' Association of the University of Alberta (GSA) is a student-led, not-for-profit corporation established under Alberta's Post-Secondary Learning Act in 1972, representing over 8,000 full-time and part-time graduate students at the University of Alberta. All graduate students become automatic members upon registration, paying $156.02 (full-time) or $117.01 (part-time) annually, plus a $685 Health and Dental Plan fee assessed as a non-instructional fee. The GSA operates from 1-49 Triffo Hall on the UAlberta campus with a small professional staff (one full-time Acting Executive Director plus part-time accountant and financial manager) and a Directly-Elected Officer council.
The organization delivers a portfolio of core products spanning health insurance (Health and Dental Plan via StudyWell as of September 2025, replacing Studentcare/Desjardins), transit (U-Pass using Arc Card across seven Edmonton-area transit systems), mental health (Graduate Student Assistance Program via Homewood Health, with the Homewood Pathfinder interactive tool featuring PulseCheck tracking and validated screeners), insurance (TD Insurance Meloche Monnex), and childcare (Kids & Company partnership). Financial support disburses over $960,000 annually across Child Care Grants (up to $4,000 emergency bursaries), Academic Travel Grants (up to $500), Graduate Student Group Grants, and a Recognition Awards program covering research, teaching, leadership, and service categories.
The GSA's revenue model is membership-fee subscription plus managed services fee on the Health and Dental Plan, with services bundled into a single package accessed at registration. The organization functions as both advocacy body (holding seats on the UAlberta Board of Governors, General Faculties Council, Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research Council, and Senate) and labour bargaining agent for academically-employed graduate students under Section 58.4(1)(c) of the Labour Relations Code, supported by a service agreement with the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC). Distribution leverages University infrastructure (Bear Tracks billing, UAlberta Payroll for grant disbursement), and additional advocacy channels include CASA, CAUS, the Alberta Graduate Advocacy Group, and the Edmonton Student Alliance.
The Graduate Students’ Association of the University of Alberta firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Graduate Students’ Association of the University of Alberta
- Legal name
- Graduate Students' Association of the University of Alberta
- Website
- https://gsa-ualberta.ca
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1972
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- The Graduate Students' Association is a not-for-profit corporation under Alberta's Post-Secondary Learning Act representing over 8,000 graduate students at the University of Alberta through advocacy, governance representation, and member services including health and dental coverage, transit, mental health, grants, and collective bargaining.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Graduate Students’ Association of the University of Alberta industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Student Association Services
- NAICS
- Professional Organizations (81392)
- SIC
- Services-Membership Organizations (8600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Scholarships, Grants & Education Benefits Administration (Financing-adjacent) (FSAKAEAM)
Keywords
Where The Graduate Students’ Association of the University of Alberta is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Edmonton
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
The Graduate Students’ Association of the University of Alberta business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Membership Fees: Annual membership fees collected from graduate students: $156.02 for full-time students and $117.01 for part-time students. These fees support all aspects of GSA infrastructure including services, advocacy work, human resources, and office administration costs.
- Health and Dental Plan Fees: The GSA negotiates and administers a Health and Dental Plan for graduate students. The plan costs $685.00 per year for full-year coverage (September 2025 - August 2026). Cost is automatically assessed as a non-instructional fee for all full-time registered graduate students.
- Graduate Student Support Fund: Over $960,000 in grants, awards, and bursaries distributed annually to support graduate students during their degree programs. This includes Child Care Grants, Academic Travel Grants, Graduate Student Group Grants, Emergency Bursaries, and Recognition Awards.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Full-time graduate student annual membership |
| Subscription | Annual | Part-time graduate student annual membership |
| Subscription | Annual | GSA Health and Dental Plan (2025-26) |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Academic Travel Grant |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Emergency Bursary |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
The Graduate Students’ Association of the University of Alberta product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Graduate Students' Association (GSA) is a student-led, not-for-profit corporation that represents and provides services to over 8,000 graduate students at the University of Alberta. Its core offerings include the Health and Dental Plan, U-Pass universal transit program, Graduate Student Assistance Program (counselling), financial grants and bursaries, insurance programs, and advocacy on University governance bodies. Membership is automatic upon graduate student registration, with services funded through membership fees and Health and Dental Plan fees.
Product overview
The Graduate Students' Association (GSA) of the University of Alberta is a student-led, not-for-profit corporation offering a portfolio of member services and advocacy programs for over 8,000 graduate students. The core service offerings include the Health and Dental Plan (administered by StudyWell™), U-Pass transit pass (via Arc Card), Graduate Student Assistance Program (GSAP via Homewood Health), TD Insurance Meloche Monnex Program, and Graduate Student Parents Program. Financial support programs include Child Care Grants, Academic Travel Grants, Graduate Student Group Grants, Emergency Bursaries, and Recognition Awards. The GSA also provides room booking services, orientation programs, and access to the Graduate Student Ombudsperson service through partnerships with University of Alberta services.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- GSA Health and Dental Plan Comprehensive health and dental insurance coverage administered by StudyWell for graduate students, filling gaps in government health care coverage.
- U-Pass (Universal Transit Pass) Unlimited access to public transit using the Arc Card across Edmonton and surrounding transit systems.
- Graduate Student Assistance Program (GSAP) Confidential counselling and wellness services administered by Homewood Health, offering 24/7 support, legal and financial consultations, and wellness resources.
- TD Insurance Meloche Monnex Program Preferred rates on car, home, condo, and tenant insurance for GSA members through TD Insurance Meloche Monnex.
- Graduate Student Parents Program Services and resources for graduate students who parent, including Feeding and Care Space in Triffo Hall and partnership with Kids & Company for child care.
- GSA Child Care Grant Income-based grant to help offset child care costs for graduate students at the University of Alberta.
- GSA Academic Travel Grant Reimbursement grant of up to $500 for graduate students to offset costs of academic activities such as conferences and research trips.
- GSA Graduate Student Group Grants Start-up funds for new Graduate Student Groups and funding to offset costs of academic events such as seminars, guest lecturers, and colloquia.
- GSA Emergency Bursary Non-repayable bursary of up to $4,000 per fiscal year for graduate students experiencing unanticipated emergencies.
- GSA Recognition Awards Program Annual awards program recognizing graduate students, faculty, staff, and student groups for research, teaching, leadership, and service contributions.
- Room Booking Service Room booking service for graduate students to reserve spaces in Triffo Hall or the PAW Centre for study or registered student group meetings.
- GSA Orientation Programs Orientation services including GSA 101 overview presentation, university orientation resources, and departmental orientations upon request.
- Graduate Student Ombudsperson Service Dedicated Graduate Student Ombudsperson at the Office of the Student Ombuds to assist students with academic concerns outside the Collective Agreement.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over $960,000 disbursed annually in grants, awards, and bursaries to support graduate students
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use The Graduate Students’ Association of the University of Alberta
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
The Graduate Students’ Association of the University of Alberta technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration8 records
Feature3 records
The Graduate Students’ Association of the University of Alberta partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.
- TD Insurance Meloche Monnex ProgramcoreTD Insurance Meloche Monnex Program provides preferred rates on car, home, condo, and tenant insurance to GSA members. TD Insurance is the leading direct response insurance group in Canada offering quality insurance products for over 70 years. Members can access quotes through www.tdinsurance.com/ualbertagsa.
- Homewood HealthcoreHomewood Health administers the Graduate Student Assistance Program (GSAP), providing confidential counselling services on issues including anxiety, stress, depression, conflict management, and multiple life roles. Also offers health promotion programs, nutritional and fitness consultations, legal and financial consultations, and health wellness library. Services accessible 24/7/365.
- StudyWellcoreStudyWell became the new benefits provider for GSA Health and Dental Plan starting September 1, 2025. Administers coverage including increased dental benefits. Platform provides coverage details, claims submission, e-card access, and balance tracking. Contact: [email protected], +1-587-600-8872, Toll-Free: +1-855-845-9690.
- Kids & CompanysupportingGSA has partnered with the Students' Union for a membership with Kids & Company to facilitate limited child care services for students who parent. Contact: 1-866-695-4326. Additional access to Kids & Company Family Resource Centre with healthy recipes and on-demand webinars.
- Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC)coreGSA has a service agreement with PSAC for labour relations support. The AVP Labour works with PSAC representatives in negotiating the Graduate Student Assistantship Collective Agreement and representing academically-employed graduate students.
- Moonlit Horizons Consulting Inc.supportingMoonlit Horizons Consulting Inc. facilitates KAIROS Blanket Exercises for GSA DEO onboarding and governance training. Sessions planned for Augustana campus (November 28) and North Campus (January/April 2026) for DEOs, Council representatives, and staff engaged in governance roles.
- First Peoples' HousesupportingCollaborative partner in developing Indigenous awards including the Indigenous Graduate Student Award and Reconciliation in Action Award. Tri-partite adjudication panel includes VPIR, IGSA representative, and First Peoples' House representative. Connection through miyomahcihowin for Kiyokewin community gatherings.
- Indigenous Graduate Students' Association (IGSA)coreIGSA collaborates with GSA on Indigenous-specific initiatives including award development (Indigenous Graduate Student Award, Reconciliation in Action Award), governance representation (dedicated IGSA Councillor on GSA Council), and Kiyokewin community-building sessions. Joint review of ERC changes to VPIR-related bylaws and policies.
- Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA)coreCASA is the national advocacy coalition for which GSA participates in policy deliberations and Graduate Advisory Committee. Key 2025-26 priorities include Tri-Council grant indexing (NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR), international student support, and graduate affordability. Advocacy Week provides opportunity to push for equitable visa processes.
- Council of Alberta University Students (CAUS)supportingCAUS coordinates provincial advocacy among Alberta university student associations. GSA engages with CAUS on affordability, funding sustainability, and student housing issues at the provincial level.
- Edmonton Student AlliancesupportingVP External serves on the Edmonton Student Alliance, coordinating advocacy efforts among Edmonton post-secondary student associations on shared issues affecting students.
- Alberta Graduate Advocacy Group (AGAG)supportingInformal coordination among five Graduate Student Associations across Alberta re-established to share challenges, priorities, and updates affecting graduate students province-wide. Collaborates on joint campaigns, shared statements, and coordinated advocacy efforts including in-person and virtual meetings with Ministry and stakeholders.
- Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS)coreGPS oversees graduate programs in accordance with GFC regulations. GSA collaborates with GPS on academic policies, supervision guidelines, thesis requirements, and academic fairness initiatives. Joint workshops on academic integrity and supervision.
- Office of the Student OmbudssupportingGSA advocated for a full-time Graduate Student Ombudsperson at the Office of the Student Ombuds to assist students with concerns outside the Collective Agreement. Graduate Student Ombudsperson can be reached at [email protected], located in 2-702 SUB.
- University of Alberta Students' UnioncoreGSA works with the Students' Union on joint initiatives including U-Pass negotiations (along with other Edmonton post-secondary student associations), child care partnerships (Kids & Company), and shared advocacy efforts. Both organizations advocate for student interests at University and government levels.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights4 records
The Graduate Students’ Association of the University of Alberta competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- Alberta Graduate Advocacy Group: Provincial peer and coordination body for graduate student associations across Alberta universities. The GSA actively participates in shared advocacy campaigns on funding and affordability, but the group itself is not a service-delivery organization.
- University of Alberta Students' Union: Institutional peer at the same university (UAlberta) representing undergraduate students. Shares joint initiatives such as U-Pass negotiations and the Kids & Company child care partnership, providing a relevant comparison for service delivery at the same institution.
Direct peers
- Graduate Students' Society of UBC: Direct peer representing graduate students at the University of British Columbia, offering analogous services (health/dental, transit, grants) and advocacy. Larger scale provides useful benchmark for service portfolio expansion.
- Graduate Students' Association of the University of Waterloo: Direct peer representing graduate students at the University of Waterloo with similar services, advocacy, and bargaining roles for academically-employed graduate students.
- University of Toronto Graduate Students' Union: Direct peer representing graduate students at the University of Toronto with similar services and advocacy mandate. Comparable structure with collective bargaining and governance representation on major university bodies.
- Concordia University Graduate Students' Association: Direct peer representing graduate students at Concordia University with similar service offerings, fee structure, and advocacy function within a Canadian university setting.
- Graduate Students' Association of the University of Calgary: Direct peer serving graduate students at the University of Calgary with comparable mandate, services (health/dental, transit, grants), and advocacy function. Most analogous peer given shared Alberta provincial context and similar institutional scale.
- Post-Graduate Students' Society of McGill: Direct peer serving graduate students at McGill University with similar service portfolio (health/dental, transit, grants, advocacy) and fee-based membership model anchored to a research-intensive university.
Broad incumbents
- Canadian Alliance of Student Associations: National advocacy coalition in which the GSA participates in policy deliberations. Comparable in advocacy focus, but broader scope across all post-secondary students rather than graduate-specific service delivery.
- Canadian Federation of Students: National student federation providing advocacy and services across Canadian colleges and universities. Wider scope and membership model provide comparison for national-level student advocacy infrastructure.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The Graduate Students’ Association of the University of Alberta social profiles
Digital presenceThe Graduate Students’ Association of the University of Alberta financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Graduate Students’ Association of the University of Alberta leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
The Graduate Students’ Association of the University of Alberta funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Graduate Students’ Association of the University of Alberta M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Graduate Students’ Association of the University of Alberta
What does The Graduate Students’ Association of the University of Alberta do?
The Graduate Students' Association (GSA) is a student-led, not-for-profit corporation that represents and provides services to over 8,000 graduate students at the University of Alberta. Its core offerings include the Health and Dental Plan, U-Pass universal transit program, Graduate Student Assistance Program (counselling), financial grants and bursaries, insurance programs, and advocacy on University governance bodies. Membership is automatic upon graduate student registration, with services funded through membership fees and Health and Dental Plan fees.
Is The Graduate Students’ Association of the University of Alberta a public or private company?
The Graduate Students’ Association of the University of Alberta is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Graduate Students’ Association of the University of Alberta founded?
The Graduate Students’ Association of the University of Alberta was founded in 1972. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is The Graduate Students’ Association of the University of Alberta based?
The Graduate Students’ Association of the University of Alberta is headquartered in Edmonton, Canada, in the North America region.
How does The Graduate Students’ Association of the University of Alberta make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Membership Fees are the primary driver. The others are health and Dental Plan Fees and graduate Student Support Fund.
Who are The Graduate Students’ Association of the University of Alberta's main competitors?
Regional players on record are Alberta Graduate Advocacy Group and University of Alberta Students' Union. Direct peers are Graduate Students' Society of UBC, Graduate Students' Association of the University of Waterloo, University of Toronto Graduate Students' Union, Concordia University Graduate Students' Association, Graduate Students' Association of the University of Calgary and Post-Graduate Students' Society of McGill. Broad incumbents are Canadian Alliance of Student Associations and Canadian Federation of Students.
Does The Graduate Students’ Association of the University of Alberta have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Graduate Students’ Association of the University of Alberta.
What industry is The Graduate Students’ Association of the University of Alberta in?
The Graduate Students’ Association of the University of Alberta's product category is Student Association Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSAKAEAM, Scholarships, Grants & Education Benefits Administration (Financing-adjacent). Its NAICS code is 81392 and its SIC code is 8600.