Scholarship Opportunities in Canada for International Students

 

 

Canada is one of the top study destinations for international students because of its world-class universities, cultural diversity, and welcoming environment. However, tuition and living expenses can be challenging. Thankfully, there are many scholarships available for international students at undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels.

 

 

1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)

•For PhD students in health, social sciences, natural sciences, or engineering.

•Value: $50,000 per year for 3 years.

•Extremely competitive and prestigious.

 

 

2. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships (University of Toronto)

•For exceptional undergraduate international students.

•Covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for 4 years.

•Focuses on leadership, creativity, and academic excellence.

 

 

3. University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program

•Includes Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award and International Leader of Tomorrow Award.

•Covers tuition and living expenses based on financial need.

•For undergraduates showing outstanding leadership and academic potential.

 

 

4. McGill University Scholarships

•Offers merit-based entrance scholarships for undergraduates.

•Graduate students can apply for funding packages, including fellowships and assistantships.

 

 

 

5. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF)

•For master’s and PhD students.

•Master’s: $14,000 per year (up to 2 years).

•PhD: $18,000 per year (up to 4 years).

 

 

6. Carleton University Entrance Scholarships for International Students

•For strong academic undergraduate applicants.

•Renewable scholarships worth $4,000 – $16,000.

 

 

7. University of Waterloo International Master’s & Doctoral Awards

•Provides financial aid to full-time international graduate students.

•Value: $2,500 per term (Master’s), $2,000 per term (PhD).

 

 

8. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships

•For international PhD students in the social sciences and humanities.

•Value: Up to $40,000 per year for 3 years, plus research and travel allowance.

 

 

9. York University International Student Scholarships

•Global Leader of Tomorrow Award: $20,000/year.

•International Entrance Scholarship of Distinction: $35,000/year.

•Renewable for 4 years.

 

 

10. Government of Canada Scholarships (EduCanada)

•Includes programs like Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP).

•Offers short-term study or research funding.

 

 

Tips for Applying for Scholarships in Canada

1.Start early – Some scholarships require applications a year before admission.

2.Maintain high grades – Merit-based scholarships look at your academic performance.

3.Highlight leadership – Canadian scholarships value community involvement.

4.Check eligibility carefully – Some are only for undergraduates, others for PhDs.

5.Apply directly through the university website – Most scholarships are handled internally.

 

 

Final Thoughts

Canada offers generous funding opportunities for international students at all levels. Whether you want to pursue a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD, universities like Toronto, UBC, McGill, and Waterloo provide excellent scholarship packages to help ease your financial burden.