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.
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What you'll learn in this article
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.
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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.
Get expert guidance on scholarships, loans and financial planning to ensure a high ROI on your international degree.
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.
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.
Scholarships in Canada FAQs
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.
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.
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.
Trusted Expertise
About the Author
Published and reviewed by AECC counsellors who guide students through every step of their study-abroad journey.
Published by Anuj Gupta
ICEF Canada Certified Education Specialist | 15 Years Advising International Students
Anuj Gupta holds ICEF Canada certification, one of the most widely recognised professional credentials in international student recruitment, and has been advising students on Canadian and European university pathways for 15 years.
Since Canada introduced its study permit cap in 2024, Anuj has spent a significant part of his time helping students work through the implications. Some are proceeding with Canada on adjusted timelines. Others are considering Germany, Ireland or the Netherlands, where English-taught programmes are available and post-study work routes are more predictable. He advises students on both options without steering them towards one by default.
The conversations he has with students tend to be specific: which course gives the best return on a particular budget, which province currently has faster processing times, and whether a diploma-to-degree pathway makes financial sense given the student's long-term goals. That is what his articles are written around. He holds an MBA in Finance and is based at AECC's Ahmedabad office.
