Canada Scholarships for International Students

If you’re dreaming of studying in Canada but are worried about the financial costs, you’re not alone and you’re not out of options. Canada is one of the most welcoming destinations for international students, and the country offers a wealth of scholarships to help turn your academic dreams into reality.

Whether you’re applying for a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD program, there’s a Canadian scholarship out there for you. In this guide, we’ll walk through some of the best government-funded, university-specific, and external scholarships available in 2025 for international students.

Why Choose Canada?

Before we jump into the scholarships, let’s quickly look at why Canada is such a hotspot for international education:

• 🌎 Diverse and inclusive campuses

• 📚 Globally recognized degrees

• 💼 Post-study work opportunities

• 🛡️ High quality of life and safety

• 💸 Affordable tuition compared to other English-speaking countries

Now, let’s get to the good stuff scholarships!

1. 🇨🇦 Government-Funded Scholarships

These scholarships are funded by the federal or provincial government and are usually highly competitive but extremely rewarding.

✅ Study in Canada Scholarships (SiCS)

This Global Affairs Canada initiative provides short-term exchange opportunities for students from over 20 countries. The scholarship can cover tuition, travel, living expenses, and more.

📌 Best for: Undergraduate and graduate exchange students
💰 Value: Up to CAD $10,200
🌍 Eligible countries: Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia & more

✅ Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)

One of Canada’s most prestigious awards for doctoral students. It’s geared toward students showing academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.

📌 Best for: PhD students
💰 Value: CAD $50,000/year for 3 years
🎯 Fields: Humanities, social sciences, engineering, natural sciences, health

✅ Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

A merit-based scholarship that supports students in master’s or doctoral programs at Ontario universities.

📌 Best for: Master’s or PhD students studying in Ontario
💰 Value: CAD $5,000 per term (up to CAD $15,000/year)

2. 🏛️ Provincial Scholarships

Different provinces offer unique scholarships to attract global talent to their universities.

✅ Ontario Trillium Scholarship (OTS)

Awarded to top-tier PhD international students studying in Ontario.

💰 Value: CAD $40,000/year (renewable for 4 years)
📍 Where: Ontario universities
📝 Criteria: Academic excellence, research potential, leadership

✅ Quebec Merit Scholarship Program

Supports international students pursuing vocational training, college, university, or research programs in Quebec.

💰 Value: Varies by study level (up to CAD $25,000+)
📍 Where: Institutions in Quebec
📌 Note: French proficiency can be a bonus

3. 🎓 University-Specific Scholarships

Let’s break down the top Canadian universities that offer scholarships exclusively for international students:

🏅 University of Toronto – Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship

Covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence for four years.

💰 Value: Full ride
🎓 Level: Undergraduate
📝 Requirement: Nomination by your high school

🏅 University of British Columbia (UBC)

• International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES): CAD $10,000–$20,000/year

• Outstanding International Student Award (OIS): One-time entrance award of CAD $10,000–$25,000

📌 Best for: Undergraduate students

🏅 University of Calgary

• International Entrance Scholarships worth up to CAD $60,000 over four years

• Awarded based on academic merit

🏅 McGill University

Offers multiple scholarships for international students including:

• One-time entrance scholarships

• Renewable merit-based scholarships for undergraduates

• Graduate fellowships and assistantships

💰 Value: Up to CAD $8,500+ for undergraduates; varies for grads

🏅 York University

• Global Leader of Tomorrow Award and International Entrance Scholarship of Distinction
  💰 Value: Up to CAD $180,000 over 4 years
  🎯 Best for: Academically exceptional undergrads

🏅 University of Waterloo

• International Master’s Award of Excellence
  💰 Value: CAD $2,500 per term for 5 terms
  🎓 Best for: Research-based master’s programs

4. 🧠 Graduate & Research Scholarships

For master’s and PhD candidates, Canada offers some truly generous funding options.

✅ Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships

Aimed at exceptional doctoral students in humanities and social sciences.

💰 Value: Up to CAD $60,000/year
💼 Extras: Leadership training, mentorship, networking events

✅ Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Offered by SSHRC for students in social sciences and humanities PhD programs.

💰 Value: CAD $35,000/year for up to 3 years

✅ University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF)

💰 Value: CAD $14,000/year for master’s | CAD $18,000/year for PhD
🧾 Eligibility: Based on academic excellence

5. 💡 Other Unique Opportunities

🌍 Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program

Open to students from Commonwealth countries. Covers tuition, travel, and living expenses.

🌍 Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship

Supports graduate studies through 50% grant and 50% loan, for students from developing countries.

🌍 MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program

Full scholarships for Sub-Saharan African students at select Canadian universities like McGill and UofT.

6. 💬 Tips to Boost Your Scholarship Chances

🎯 Apply early – Some deadlines are 12 months before your start date
🎯 Tailor your essays – One size does not fit all!
🎯 Get solid references – Professors, mentors, employers
🎯 Highlight leadership & volunteering – Especially for full-ride and prestigious scholarships
🎯 Double-check eligibility – Especially residency, GPA, and language requirements

7. ✨ Final Thoughts

Canada is more than just maple syrup and snow—it’s a land of opportunity for students who are ready to chase their dreams. With generous scholarships, a world-class education system, and welcoming communities, it’s no wonder international students are flocking to Canadian campuses.

Whether you’re aiming for a fully funded PhD or an undergraduate merit award, the key is to start early, stay organized, and put your best foot forward in every application.

🎓 Your Canadian journey could begin with just one scholarship application. Why not start today?