Studying in Canada is a dream for many international students, and scholarships are the key that opens the door. Canada is known for its world-class education, safe environment, and multicultural campuses. But let’s face it, studying abroad can be expensive. That’s why many smart students from around the world are now searching for scholarships in Canada for international students to help pay for tuition, living costs, and more. If you’re one of them, you’re in the right place!
Are you wondering which scholarships in Canada are fully funded? Or which Canadian universities offer the best scholarships for international students? Do you want to know if there are scholarships available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students? Are you worried about how to apply or where to even begin your search? These are some of the most common questions asked by students just like you, and this blog post is here to answer them all.
Our goal is to help students around the world find real, practical opportunities to succeed abroad. That’s why we’ve put together this detailed guide on the Top Scholarships in Canada for International Students. We’ll walk you through each scholarship, what it covers, who can apply, and how to submit your application. So, keep reading, your dream of studying in Canada may be closer than you think!
Also See: The Gates Scholarship 2025 USA
Scholarships in Canada for International Students
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
Type: PhD (Doctoral)
What it Offers: The Vanier Scholarship gives $50,000 per year for three years to international students who want to study for a PhD in Canada.
Who Can Apply:
To win this scholarship, you must show:
- Excellent academic results
- Research potential
- Leadership qualities
You also need to be applying for a PhD program at a Canadian university. The university must recommend you for the scholarship.
Why It’s Great: It’s one of the most generous PhD scholarships in Canada for international students, perfect if you’re serious about research.
Application Link: https://vanier.gc.ca/en/home-accueil.html
2. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto)
Type: Undergraduate
What it Offers: This scholarship covers full tuition, books, housing, and other school fees for four years at the University of Toronto.
Who Can Apply:
You must be:
- An international student
- In your final year of high school or recently graduated
- Nominated by your school (ask your school to become a partner if it isn’t yet)
Why It’s Great: This is one of the best undergraduate scholarships in Canada for international students. It fully pays for your bachelor’s degree at one of the top universities in the world.
Application Link: https://future.utoronto.ca/pearson/about/
3. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
Type: Master’s and PhD
What it Offers: You can receive up to $15,000 per year ($5,000 per term) for full-time graduate studies in Ontario, Canada.
Who Can Apply:
International students can apply if they:
- Are you studying for a Master’s or PhD at a university in Ontario
- Have good academic grades
This scholarship is available at many schools in Ontario, such as the University of Toronto, York University, and Western University.
Why It’s Great: It helps pay for your tuition or living costs while studying at top universities in Ontario. It’s a reliable option among graduate scholarships in Canada for international students.
Application Link: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-graduate-scholarship-ogs
4. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships
Type: PhD (Doctoral, in Social Sciences and Humanities)
What it Offers:
Winners receive up to $60,000 per year for three years. This includes money for:
- Tuition
- Living expenses
- Travel and research
Who Can Apply:
You must:
- Be an international student accepted into or already studying in a PhD program in Canada
- Be focused on human rights, education, public policy, or the environment
- Show leadership and a strong desire to make positive change
Why It’s Great: This scholarship not only gives money but also helps students build leadership skills and network with top scholars. It’s one of the top PhD scholarships in Canada for international students.
Application Link: https://www.trudeaufoundation.ca/become-scholar
5. UBC International Scholars Program (University of British Columbia)
Type: Undergraduate
What it Offers: This program offers fully funded scholarships that cover tuition, fees, and living expenses for international undergraduate students.
There are four types of scholarships under this program:
- Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award
- Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award
- International Impact Award
- Vantage One Excellence Award
Who Can Apply:
To qualify, you must:
- Be an international student
- Be applying for your first undergraduate degree at UBC
- Show academic strength, leadership, and financial need
Why It’s Great: This is one of the most complete scholarships in Canada for international students at the undergraduate level. You can study at a top university without worrying about money.
Application Link: https://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships/international-scholarships/
6. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF)
Type: Master’s and PhD
What it Offers: The University of Manitoba gives out over $2 million in scholarships every year. If you’re selected, you can get:
- $14,000 per year for Master’s students (up to 2 years)
- $18,000 per year for PhD students (up to 4 years)
Who Can Apply:
You must:
- Be a full-time student in a graduate program (Master’s or PhD)
- Have a high GPA (usually at least 3.0)
- Be accepted into or already studying at the University of Manitoba
Why It’s Great: It’s a well-funded program that helps international students focus on their research without financial stress. It’s one of the best graduate scholarships in Canada for international students.
Application Link: https://umanitoba.ca/graduate-studies/funding-awards-and-financial-aid/university-manitoba-graduate-fellowships
7. University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
Type: Undergraduate
What it Offers: This scholarship gives $15,000 per year (renewable for 4 years), adding up to $60,000 for your full undergraduate degree.
Who Can Apply:
You must:
- Be an international student starting your first-year undergraduate program
- Show strong academic performance (usually 3.2 GPA or above)
- Show leadership skills and community service
Why It’s Great: This scholarship rewards both smart students and those who give back to their communities. It helps reduce the financial burden of studying in Canada.
Application Link: https://www.ucalgary.ca/registrar/awards/international-students
8. Carleton University Entrance Scholarships for International Students
Type: Undergraduate
What it Offers: Carleton University offers automatic entrance scholarships between $4,000 and $16,000 for international students. You don’t need to apply separately if you meet the GPA requirements.
Who Can Apply:
You qualify if you:
- Are you applying for a Bachelor’s degree
- Have an admission average of 80% or higher
- Submit your final high school grades by the deadline
Why It’s Great: No extra application is needed! If you apply to Carleton and meet the academic requirements, you’re automatically considered. It’s one of the easiest scholarships in Canada for international students to get.
Application Link: https://admissions.carleton.ca/scholarships/
9. Dalhousie University Scholarships
Type: Undergraduate and Graduate
What it Offers: Dalhousie University offers many scholarships to both undergraduate and graduate international students. The amount varies, but some awards are worth up to $40,000 or more.
Who Can Apply:
You must:
- Be an international student applying to Dalhousie
- Show strong academic performance
- Submit the General Entrance Award application and supporting documents
Why It’s Great: Dalhousie has a wide range of scholarships in Canada for international students, so whether you’re entering as a new student or already studying, you may find support here.
Application Link: https://www.dal.ca/admissions/money_matters/funding/scholarships.html
10. York University International Student Scholarship Program
Type: Undergraduate
What it Offers: York University provides Global Leader of Tomorrow Awards and International Entrance Scholarships of Distinction, valued up to $180,000 over 4 years.
Breakdown:
- Global Leader of Tomorrow Award: $20,000/year
- International Entrance Scholarship of Distinction: $35,000/year
Who Can Apply:
You must:
- Be an international student applying for a Bachelor’s degree at York
- Have excellent academic grades
- Show leadership or community involvement
- Apply for admission and complete the scholarship application
Why It’s Great: These are some of the most valuable undergraduate scholarships in Canada for international students. If you’re a high-achieving student with leadership skills, York is a great choice.
Application Link: https://futurestudents.yorku.ca/funding#intl
Conclusion
There are many scholarships in Canada for international students, and these top 10 show how generous Canadian universities and the government can be. From full tuition to monthly living expenses, these scholarships make studying in Canada much easier for talented students from around the world.
Be sure to check the official websites for each scholarship. Apply early, prepare your documents well, and give it your best shot!
Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarships in Canada for International Students
Can international students get scholarships in Canada?
Yes, international students can apply for many scholarships in Canada. Canadian universities, the government, and private organizations all offer scholarships in Canada for international students at different study levels, undergraduate, master’s, and PhD.
Are there fully funded scholarships in Canada for international students?
Yes, there are several fully funded scholarships in Canada. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and even health insurance. Some popular fully funded options include the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Lester B. Pearson Scholarship, and the University of Toronto Scholarships.
Are Canadian scholarships renewable each year?
Yes, many scholarships are renewable. If you maintain a good GPA and meet the terms, you can receive the scholarship every year until you finish your program.
When is the best time to apply for scholarships in Canada?
The best time to apply is usually between October and March, depending on the school and scholarship. It’s important to start early so you can gather all your documents and meet deadlines.
Can I work while on a scholarship in Canada?
Yes, most scholarships allow you to work part-time while studying in Canada. As an international student, you’re usually allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during breaks.