Can international students get a scholarship in Canada?

Yes, international students are eligible for scholarships in Canada that are specifically targeted toward international students. Popular examples include the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships, Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS), and IDRC Research Awards. However, it's crucial to understand that these scholarships often have specific limitations, such as being available for selected programmes or levels of study only.

Is there a 100% scholarship in Canada?

Yes, 100% scholarships, often known as fully funded scholarships, are available in Canada. These comprehensive scholarships cover the entire tuition fees and living costs (including accommodation, food, personal expenses, books, supplies, and health insurance), and sometimes even travel expenses. These scholarships are highly competitive and are predominantly targeted toward PhD or Master's programmes.

What are some popular scholarships for studying in Canada?

Popular scholarships for international students studying in Canada include the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS), Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships, McCall MacBain Scholarships (McGill University), York University's President's International Scholarship of Excellence (PISE), and the University of Toronto's Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Programme. These combine both government and university-specific funding, each with distinct eligibility criteria and financial aid structures that applicants must thoroughly research before applying.

Are there any government scholarships for studying in Canada?

Yes, several government-sponsored scholarships are available for international students who wish to study in Canada. These initiatives aim to attract talented individuals and foster international ties. Notable examples include the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships, and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Research Awards, all designed to alleviate financial burdens for deserving students.

Is it hard to get a scholarship in Canada?

Yes, scholarships in Canada are highly competitive due to the high quality of higher education and life in the country. Beyond being in high demand, fully funded scholarship options are limited and typically available only for a select range of programmes, requiring outstanding academic performance. Additionally, strict application timelines can cause students to miss opportunities if they are not well-prepared.

Which Canadian university gives 100% scholarships?

Some of the most popular university-based fully funded scholarships include the University of Toronto (U of T) Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program, University of British Columbia (UBC) Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award, York University President's International Scholarship of Excellence (PISE), and McCall MacBain Scholarships. These universities are highly ranked and thus highly competitive, making it challenging for international students to secure these scholarships directly for their education in Canada.

Do all Canadian universities offer scholarships to international students?

No, not all universities in Canada offer scholarships specifically to international students. Scholarship programmes available to international students are often concentrated in a select group of universities, particularly those with larger endowments or specific mandates to attract global talent. Additionally, scholarship opportunities are generally more abundant and comprehensive for graduate-level studies (Master’s and PhD), where international students are often funded through research or teaching assistantships in exchange for their contributions to the university's academic and research output.

Can I get a scholarship to a community college in Canada?

Yes, community colleges in Canada can offer scholarships or financial support to international students, though these are often more akin to bursaries or financial aid rather than fully funded scholarships. Information on these opportunities is usually available on the community college's official website. International students are encouraged to contact the college's international student office for detailed guidance on available scholarship programmes and application procedures.

Can a scholarship be used for any university in Canada?

No, a scholarship awarded to study in Canada cannot be used for just any university across the country. University-specific scholarships are, by definition, only valid for that particular university. Government-funded scholarships, whether federal (like Vanier CGS) or provincial (like the Ontario Graduate Scholarship), require recipients to be enrolled at a participating Canadian university. While they offer a broader choice than a single university, they are not universally applicable to every post-secondary institution in Canada.

How to get a scholarship in Canada for a bachelor's degree?

Indian students looking to get scholarships in Canada for a bachelor’s degree should start by specifically searching for undergraduate scholarship programmes. This focused approach will help students identify suitable, albeit highly competitive, opportunities. While challenging, many international students do benefit from scholarships in Canada for a bachelor’s degree when thorough research is done and eligibility requirements are diligently met.

Can I get a full scholarship in Canada for a master's degree?

Yes, you can get a full scholarship in Canada for a Master's degree. Top universities known for excellent Master's or graduate scholarship programmes include McGill University, University of Toronto, University of British Columbia (UBC), and University of Montreal (Université de Montréal). In addition to university scholarships, government scholarships like the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) and IDRC Research Awards also provide full scholarships for Master's programmes in Canada to international students.

Can international students get scholarships for a PhD in Canada?

Yes, scholarships for PhD or doctoral programmes are predominantly available for international students in Canada. From university department funding to federal and provincial scholarships, there are plenty of options. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS), Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships, and Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships are some of the most popular PhD scholarships in Canada.

How to get a scholarship for MBBS in Canada?

There is no direct MBBS programme in Canada after 12th grade. The Canadian equivalent of an MBBS is the MD (Doctor of Medicine) degree, which is a postgraduate professional degree. To apply for an MD programme in Canada, you must first complete a 4-year bachelor’s degree (pre-med) from a recognised university, typically with a strong focus on science prerequisites (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, etc.). Canadian universities rarely accept international students for MD programmes, which consequently limits scholarship options for them as well.

What are the requirements for scholarships in Canada?

Scholarship requirements in Canada generally involve both academic and specific eligibility criteria. While each scholarship has unique goals, common mandatory requirements include a strong academic record, competitive scores on standardised tests like SAT/ACT or GMAT/GRE, and English language proficiency tests (IELTS Academic/TOEFL). Applicants must also typically submit official academic transcripts, compelling letters of recommendation, a well-crafted statement of purpose, a valid passport, and, for need-based awards, proof of financial need.

Can I get a scholarship without IELTS in Canada?

Yes, it is possible to get scholarships without IELTS in Canada. While IELTS remains a widely accepted language proficiency test for admission to universities, other popular tests include the Duolingo English Test (DET), PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic), CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment), and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Additionally, providing a Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate from your higher education institution can also help you fulfil scholarship requirements in Canada without an IELTS score.

Which exam is best for a scholarship in Canada?

There is no single best exam for a scholarship in Canada. While not mandatory scholarship-specific tests, presenting strong global test scores helps establish your academic merit. For undergraduate programmes, high SAT/ACT scores are beneficial, and for postgraduate programmes, high GRE/GMAT test scores are often crucial. Additionally, a high score in a language proficiency test like IELTS Academic/TOEFL/Duolingo English Test significantly aids the scholarship committee's decision. Some scholarships may also require specific, additional tests that applicants need to take.

When is the best time to apply for scholarships to study in Canada?

The best time to apply for scholarships to study in Canada is as early as possible, typically 12 to 18 months before your intended programme start date. This is because scholarship deadlines are generally earlier than academic session start dates. Applying early also means students receive their scholarship verdicts sooner, allowing ample time for further planning related to studying in Canada.

Can I apply for multiple scholarships to study in Canada?

Yes, international students can and are highly recommended to apply for multiple scholarships to study in Canada. Though student-friendly, the country is expensive and applying for multiple scholarships significantly increases your chances of securing more financial aid while providing a safety net in case of rejection from one.

Scholarships in Canada for International Students

Explore a variety of scholarships to fund your studies in Canada. Get personalised guidance from AECC to secure your financial aid today.

While the common consensus is to choose Toronto or Vancouver as your study destination in Canada, you will have better chances of securing scholarship opportunities if you expand your search radius. Ranging from Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS) to targeted international tuition waivers in provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Atlantic Canada, as an international student, you are more likely to find massive financial incentives for international students at regional universities.

There are different scholarships offered across the country to international students and cover a range of expenses that international students would be expected to pay for, including tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses, study and research expenses, Canada student visa and travel expenses and other costs. Canada has drawn international students due to its excellent educational system, diverse culture, and promising job opportunities after graduation.

Let’s learn a little more about the scholarships in Canada for international students and how they can benefit them as well.

Types of Scholarships in Canada

As an international student, you will find various types of scholarships in Canada, offered either by the government or the university you are enrolled in. Let’s check out the different types of scholarships for international students in the country:

Government Scholarships: As the name suggests, these scholarships are offered by the federal government to attract the best and the brightest from around the world for higher studies and research opportunities. Government scholarships are often either offered by the federal government or in partnership with other countries and organisations to help students with high potential to gain a world-class education without having to worry about the cost of studying and living abroad.
University-Specific: The most common type of scholarship to study in Canada, which is offered to international students, is the university-specific scholarship. These scholarships are offered by the universities to help cover a portion of the overall cost of studying in Canada.

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Top Government Scholarships in Canada

Among the popular scholarships that international students can choose from are government scholarships that cover a large portion of their study abroad expenses. Listed below are some of the government scholarships in Canada for international students.

Scholarship Name	Eligibility Criteria	Amount (in CAD)
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships	PhD students in Canada demonstrating leadership qualities, research and academic excellence in fields like Health, Engineering, Natural Sciences, or Social Sciences.	CA $50,000 per year for 3 years
Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED)	Citizens of ASEAN member countries who are receiving the scholarship for the first time and are enrolled in a full-time post-secondary programme in Canada are eligible.	CA $10,200 for 4 months to one academic term.
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships	All postdoctoral candidates conducting research in the areas of Health, Natural Science or Engineering, or Social Sciences/Humanities in Canada	CA $70,000 for 2 years
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program	All students enrolled in a Master’s or Postdoctoral programme in any one of the select Ontario Universities will be eligible	CA $10,000 (2 terms) CA $15,000 (3 terms) in one academic year
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Master's Program (CGRS M)	Canadian citizens or permanent residents enrolled or enrolling in a graduate programme at the master’s or doctoral level.	CA $27,000 for 12 months

University Specific Scholarships in Canada for International Students

The following scholarships span a variety of academic levels and subjects and are provided by foundations, charities, and private groups.

Scholarship Name	Eligibility Criteria	Amount (in CAD)
University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship	For undergraduate courses; international students currently completing their high school or who have graduated from high school recently and have been nominated by their school for the scholarship.	Fully-funded; covering tuition fees, books, incidental fees and 4 years of residence support.
UBC’s International Major Entrance Scholarship	New undergraduate students entering UBC as international students, demonstrating exceptional academic achievement and intellectual promise, with impressive co-curricular and community involvement, too.	CA $10,000 - $20,000 per year
University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship	For undergraduate courses; offered to international students entering their first year of UG studies at the university for the fall intake in Canada.	CA $20,000; renewable for 4 years
York International Scholarship of Distinction	International students with a final admission average of 85% or equivalent	CA $15,000 for the first year. CA $7,500 for subsequent years.
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships	The University of Manitoba offers this fellowship to graduates who have been recommended by their respective departments.	Master’s: CA $20,000 per year Doctoral: CA $25,000 per year

Note: The specific details for the different scholarships in Canada that have been mentioned here are subject to change at the discretion of the institution offering the scholarships.

Find out the best scholarships and financial aid that you can avail in Canada as an international student to cover the costs of studying and living in Canada with the help of expert counsellors at AECC.

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How to Apply for International Student Scholarships in Canada?

While the application process for the different scholarships in Canada for international students will be dictated by the individual universities, government entities or other organisations offering the financial awards. However, there are certain steps you can take when applying for these scholarships, as highlighted below:

Begin Early: When researching the universities and courses, also research the different scholarships and financial aid available to international students at different institutions. This will further help narrow down the best universities in Canada to study this year.
Know what's needed: Thoroughly read through the individual scholarship requirements as defined by the different institutions offering the scholarship. You must adhere to all the eligibility criteria to qualify for the scholarship.
Get your documents ready: For the scholarships that require you to apply, you will need to gather your school records, language test scores, recommendation letters, and anything else needed for the scholarships.
Highlight your strengths: Many scholarship opportunities are awarded to students who display great leadership qualities and academic merit. Therefore, showcase your good grades, activities, leadership roles, and anything else that makes you a great choice for the scholarship.
Apply to Multiple Scholarships: Applying to multiple scholarships enhances the chances of receiving a scholarship to help you cover the costs of studying and living in Canada.
Keep in touch: After you apply, stay in contact with the organisation offering the scholarships and your school to see how things are going and for any further assistance.

From government to private entities, including universities, there are multiple scholarship opportunities awaiting international students. These scholarships offer a range of financial assistance, from covering the entire cost of study in Canada to only covering the cost of living in Canada. All international students should take advantage of such opportunities, as these can significantly reduce the financial commitment attached to studying abroad. Or, you can connect with AECC Counsellors and get expert guidance to study in Canada and the various benefits you can take advantage of in the upcoming academic years.