Top Scholarships in Canada for International Students
Canada is one of the most sought-after destinations for international students, thanks to its world-class universities, multicultural environment, and high quality of life. However, studying abroad can be expensive. To help offset costs, Canadian institutions and organizations offer a wide range of scholarships—some fully funded, others partial—that make education more accessible to talented students from around the world.
This guide highlights the most prestigious and generous scholarships available to international students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degrees in Canada.
Fully Funded Scholarships
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Level: Doctoral Value: $50,000 per year for three years Eligibility: Academic excellence, research potential, and leadership Fields: Health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities Institution: Various Canadian universities
2. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
Level: Doctoral Value: Up to $60,000 per year Eligibility: Leadership, public engagement, and academic excellence Focus: Social sciences and humanities Institution: Select Canadian universities
3. University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
Level: Undergraduate Value: Full tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence support Eligibility: Exceptional academic achievement and leadership Institution: University of Toronto
4. University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program
Level: Undergraduate Value: Full tuition and living expenses Streams: Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award, Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award Eligibility: Academic excellence, financial need, leadership
5. University of Waterloo International Master’s and Doctoral Awards
Level: Graduate Value: $2,045 per term for master’s, $4,090 per term for PhD Eligibility: Full-time international students with strong academic records
Partial Scholarships and Awards
6. York University International Student Scholarships
Level: Undergraduate Value: $20,000–$35,000 per year Eligibility: Academic achievement and community involvement
7. Carleton University Entrance Scholarships
Level: Undergraduate Value: $4,000–$16,000 Eligibility: Automatically considered based on grades
8. Dalhousie University Scholarships
Level: Undergraduate and graduate Value: Varies by program Eligibility: Academic merit and research potential
Application Tips
- Start early—many scholarships have deadlines 8–12 months before the academic year begins
- Prepare strong personal statements and reference letters
- Meet language requirements (IELTS, TOEFL)
- Apply to multiple scholarships to increase your chances
- Research each university’s internal awards and bursaries
Final Thoughts
Scholarships in Canada are designed to attract the brightest minds from around the world. Whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree or a PhD, there are funding opportunities that can make your academic journey more affordable and rewarding. With careful planning and a compelling application, you can turn your dream of studying in Canada into a reality.
