For overseas students, Canada provides a range of scholarship options, such as institution-specific awards, non-government scholarships, and government-funded scholarships. Tuition, living expenses, and other fees related to studying in Canada may be covered by these scholarships.
Table of Contents
Government Scholarships in Canada for International Students:
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
2. Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program
3. Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED)
4. Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP)
5. Canada-CARICOM Leadership Scholarships Program
6. Canadian Francophonie Scholarship Program (CFSP)
NGO Scholarships:
If you're searching for a fully funded scholarship in Canada, the Canadian government offers several prestigious and competitive scholarship opportunities for international students at undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels. Here are the top government-based scholarships in Canada:
Level: Doctoral (PhD)
Amount: CAD 50,000 annually for 3 years
Eligibility: Academic merit, research ability, and leadership
Fields: Health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities
Note: One of the most competitive fully funded scholarships in Canada for PhD students.
Level: Master's and PhD
Eligibility: Citizens of Commonwealth countries
Funding: Tuition fees, travel allowances, and living allowances
Administered by: Global Affairs Canada
Note: This program enhances international relations as well as offering Canada scholarship awards for outstanding students from Commonwealth nations.
Level: Short-term exchange (bachelor's and master's)
Eligibility: Citizens of ASEAN
Funding: Full tuition, airfare, living allowance, and health insurance
Duration: 4 to 8 months
Note: One of the best options for students looking for fully funded short-term Canada scholarship schemes.
Level: Short-term study exchange (graduate and undergraduate)
Eligibility: Latin American and Caribbean students
Funding: Travel, tuition fees, and living allowance
Note: A government initiative increasing education exchange through scholarship opportunities in Canada for the Americas.
Level: Undergraduate and Graduate (short-term)
Eligibility: CARICOM citizens
Funding: Full funding to study in Canada (4-6 months)
Note: Fosters leadership development through scholarships in Canada for Caribbean students.
Level: Master's and Doctoral
Eligibility: Francophone citizens of developing nations
Funding: Fully funded (tuition, travel, living allowance, health coverage)
Note: Best for French-speaking students looking for a fully funded scholarship to Canada.
Secondly, apart from the government, NGOs have also decided to help scholars study in Canada. Students have multiple ways to fund their abroad dreams. One of these ways is applying for grants. These work like scholarships for students in need. However, the academic record of the student also matters in some cases. There are several sources to get a scholarship in Canada for international students and every scholarship awards a specific amount. They are also degree specific. Read the table below to learn more about such schemes and programs:
| SCHOLARSHIP NAME | INFORMATION |
| Trudeau Scholarship and Fellowships |
|
| Canada Memorial Scholarship |
|
| HEC Montréal Scholarships |
|
Canada’s top universities offer a range of merit-based and fully funded scholarships for international students. Below is a list of the most popular university-specific scholarship opportunities in Canada.
| University | Scholarship Name | Details |
|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship | Fully funded for undergraduate students; covers tuition, books, and residence. For students with academic excellence and leadership. |
| University of British Columbia (UBC) | International Scholars Program | Fully funded scholarships based on merit and financial need. Available for outstanding international undergraduate students. |
| York University | Global Leader of Tomorrow & International Entrance Scholarships | Up to CAD 180,000 over 4 years. For high-achieving international undergraduate students with leadership and community involvement. |
| University of Waterloo | International Student Entrance Scholarships | One-time scholarship of CAD 10,000. Awarded to top international students entering undergraduate programs. |
| McGill University | Entrance Scholarships | Ranges from CAD 3,000 to CAD 12,000. For international undergraduates with exceptional academic records. |
| University of Alberta | International Admission Scholarship | Up to CAD 9,000 for undergraduate and graduate students with high academic performance. |
| University of Calgary | International Entrance Scholarship | Up to CAD 20,000 for outstanding international undergraduate students with strong academic and extracurricular profiles. |
While university-specific scholarships offer excellent funding options, it’s also important to explore scholarships based on your degree level. Let’s take a closer look at undergraduate, master’s, and PhD scholarship opportunities in Canada.
Canada offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities in Canada based on the degree level you’re pursuing whether it’s undergraduate, master’s, or PhD. These scholarships are available through government programs, universities, and private institutions, and many are fully funded scholarships in Canada that can cover tuition, living expenses, and more.
You can find detailed information on how to get a degree-level scholarship in Canada below:
If you wish to study for a bachelor's degree, there are entrance scholarships provided by most Canadian universities and private organizations for high-achieving international students.
Popular Undergraduate Scholarships:
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship – University of Toronto.
UBC International Scholars Program – University of British Columbia,
York University Global Leader of Tomorrow Award -
Note: These Canadian scholarships recognize academic achievement, leadership, and extracurricular activities.
For master's studies, Canada offers scholarships through universities and government schemes, frequently with research-based support.
Top Master's Scholarships:
Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program - Fully funded; for Commonwealth nationals.
University of Calgary Graduate Awards - Different types of funding based on merit.
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) - CAD 15,000 annually for study at the graduate level in Ontario.
Most of the fully funded master's scholarships in Canada also fund international research collaborations.
PhD students in Canada receive very generous research grants and government-funded programs to promote innovation and academic excellence.
Popular PhD Scholarships:
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) - CAD 50,000 annually for 3 years; one of the most distinguished government scholarships in Canada.
Ontario Trillium Scholarship (OTS) - CAD 40,000 per year; for outstanding overseas PhD students in Ontario.
NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships - Support for PhD students in natural sciences and engineering.
Now, you are aware of how degree level scholarships work. Further in the blog, you will learn more about the eligibility criteria of these scholarships.
Every scholarship opportunity targets a group of students. There is a possibility for a scholar to not qualify for a scholarship but gets approval for another, Check below the general passing criteria to get a Canadian scholarship:
1. Academic Report Cards
2. Bank Account Details
3. Medical Reports
4. National ID - Adhaar Card.
5. Domicile Certificate
6. Letter of Recommendation
7. Statement of Purpose
8. Passport Copy
9. Resume
These pointers describe the requirements which an international student must have. However, the specific criteria of eligibility might differ for every award. The next section of this blog will discuss the application process of these scholarships.
Do you know how to enter the application process to avail of these scholarships? This section answers this question in steps. Moreover, It is advisable to start from the official government or university websites to proceed with the application form. Here’s how you can apply for a scholarship that suits you.
1. Firstly, research well before deciding. There are many options to apply for. You can apply for more than one scholarship. There are many types of awards, you must know which type you need.
2. Secondly, the scholarship you want to apply for must have a passing criteria. Make sure you meet that! The application process for scholarship can't move forward if you don't pass it.
3. Thirdly, try to apply the earliest. There is a lot of competition among capable students. So, the first come first serve rule applies.
4. Fourthly, apply for the scholarship with all the relevant documents. Do not forget to fill in any vital details on the form.
5. Furthermore, keep track of your application status. Keep mailing and calling regularly, but don't overthink. It is good to check every week or two.
These were the steps to apply for scholarships in Canada. These apply to all UG, PhD, and PG scholarships. Canada is a popular choice for studying abroad. Be prepared to apply for winter intake,
Check the process for the same here: How to Prepare for Winter Intake in Canada in 2024?
Lastly, we hope now you know what applying for a scholarship in Canada looks like. It is a long process, indeed. However, it is not a good enough reason to hold back. Scholarships play a great role in fulfilling the dreams of many students. Thus, you must apply for one with sincerity. Therefore, Gradding.com is here to guide you which scholarship is the best for you. It requires research and expert experience. So, scholarships for international students in Canada are just a call away! Book your free session on Gradding.com now.
No Canadian university offers completely free education to all. However, many provide scholarships that can cover full tuition and living expenses for exceptional candidates. Research specific university scholarship programs.
To be eligible for scholarships in Canada, you generally need to be accepted into a degree or diploma program at a Canadian post-secondary institution and have a valid study permit. Some scholarships may also require a minimum GPA or English proficiency test score, and some may have specific requirements based on the type of study (e.g., undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral).
You would need a percentage above 80. Canadian universities generally offer merit-based awards for international students.
A general guideline is that you need at least a 6.5 overall IELTS score to be considered for most IELTS scholarships.
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