Best Scholarships for International Students in Canada

Q: Can I get a full scholarship to study in Canada?

Canada Memorial Scholarship - Full scholarships available for British postgraduate students to study at any approved Canadian higher education provider, covering tuition, airfare, and housing, among other expenses. .

Scholarships for International Students in Canada

Canada is one of the most sought-after study abroad destinations, with over 642,000 international students enrolling in a wide range of programmes. Regardless of its popularity, studying in Canada is not cheap. Students who want to study in Canada but do not have the financial means to do so might apply for one of Canada's various scholarships.

Scholarships in Canada are very competitive because they are quite limited in quantity as compared to scholarships granted by other nations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Scholarships for international students wishing to study in Canada are awarded based on superior academic performance and English proficiency scores. Scholarships are typically awarded by colleges without the need for a specific application based on eligibility criteria, although at other institutions, students must apply for the same. Scholarships are typically awarded at the entry level, but for some scholarships, students must demonstrate academic achievement in following years of study as well.

As international students studying in Canada, you can apply for many types of support provided by the government, universities, or non-governmental organisations. The information for international students seeking scholarships in Canada is provided below.

Canadian Government Scholarships: These are government awards given to students to encourage them to study in Canada.

Non-Government Scholarships: These are awards given by various trusts, foundations, and organisations to students studying a certain course stream in order to stimulate involvement and progress in that sector.

Institutional Scholarships: Scholarships provided by universities or colleges in Canada to students enrolled in their programmes.

How Can International Students Find Scholarships in Canada?

Generally, you can check for financial possibilities granted by your home country to students wanting to study abroad. In this instance, you should contact your home country's immigration, home affairs, or external affairs departments.

To study in Canada, you can also apply for government, non-government, or institutional scholarships. You might look into the Government of Canada International Scholarships or the International Council for Canadian Studies for the first two types of scholarships. Here's a step-by-step guide to discovering the best Canadian scholarship for you:

Begin your search as soon as you apply. Look into all of the available choices, including government, non-government, and university-specific options.
Inform your university/college about all scholarships that are currently open for applications.
Conduct extra research, if necessary, contact counsellors, and so on.
Make scholarship applications as soon as possible.
Ensure that your test scores for studying in Canada are competitive and good.

What are the Criteria for International Students Applying for Scholarships in Canada?

To be eligible for a scholarship in Canada as an international student, one must meet specific conditions. Though the overall eligibility for any specific scholarship that you desire to apply for will vary, some common requirements that overseas students must keep in mind are:

Academic excellence: Candidates for scholarships to study in Canada must have strong academic credentials. The majority of the scholarships are merit-based, which implies that financial assistance will be provided to deserving students.

Language Proficiency: Because the majority of international students do not speak English as their first language, having stronger language skills or proficiency scores on exams such as IELTS/TOEFL increases your chances of receiving a scholarship to study in Canada.

Extracurricular Activities: Some international student scholarships in Canada consider students' involvement in volunteering and extracurricular activities. This is typically the case with field-specific scholarships, such as those for social work colleges. Work experience in the field is a plus and is consequently one of the key eligibility criteria.

Government Scholarships in Canada for International Students

Some of the most well-known government scholarships for study in Canada are mentioned below, along with award and eligibility information:

Scholarship Name	Award	No. of Scholarships and Duration	Eligibility	Deadline
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship	70,000 CAD	70 Fellowships 2 years (non-renewable)	Applicants Enrolled in natural & social science or health research PG programs	September 22 (Closed
IDRC Research Awards	Travel and research support of up to 15,000 CAD	-	Applicants enrolling in master's or doctorate programmes from underdeveloped countries	September 16
Vanier Graduate Scholarships	50,000 CAD	166 scholarships/year 3 years non-renewable	Meritorious applicants, have research potential and leadership skills	November 3
Canada-ASEAN SEED	10,000 CAD for programme costs 5,000 for airfare, visa, and health insurance Weekly wage of $1600	non-renewable	Mid-career professional from ASEAN countries	March 3
Canadian Studies Post-Doctoral Fellowship	2500 CAD/month & airfare up to 10,000 CAD	non-renewable	Finished thesis within the last 5 years, is unemployed, and will be staying for 1-3 months	November 24
Partnership Grants by Social Science and Humanities Research Council in Canada	20,000 CAD	4-7 years	Pursuing PhD at eligible Canadian Universities in specific subject	Feburary 10
Ontario Trillium Scholarship	40,000 CAD	75 scholarships Renewable for 4 years	PhD students in Ontario	-

Aside from the scholarships mentioned here, there are very definitely other scholarships or financial aid programmes financed by the Canadian government. These are some examples:

Ontario Graduate Scholarships: OGS are delivered in partnership with the Canadian government and partnering universities. International students pursuing master's or doctorate degrees at specified institutions. The overall scholarship grant is 15,000 Canadian dollars per year.

Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship: Available to deserving students from Commonwealth countries pursuing master's and doctoral degrees at Canadian institutions. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, and a travel allowance.

Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship: Financial assistance is provided to master's students enrolled in Canadian universities in Quebec. Awards are given based on merit. Doctoral students are paid 25,000 CAD per year, whereas postdoctoral students are paid 35,000 CAD per year.

Shastri-Indo Canadian Institute: Several grants are available to students studying graduate and postgraduate studies in Canada.

Scholarships for International Students from Non-Governmental Organizations in Canada

Scholarships are available to international students in Canada through a variety of organisations, funds, and trusts. Some of the most well-known are as follows:

Anne Vallee Ecological Fund: The Anne Vallee Ecological Fund is available to students pursuing doctoral studies in animal research at universities in British Columbia or Quebec. The award is worth $1,500 CAD.

Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships: These are given to international students seeking doctorates in Canada. Under this scheme, around 15 scholarship awards of 60,000 CAD are available.

Canada Memorial Scholarship: Available to UK students doing postgraduate studies in Canada. The prize covers tuition, airfare, and lodging costs.

Institutional Scholarships For International Students in Canada

Many of Canada's best colleges provide scholarships to international students in order to alleviate the financial load. From prominent universities like UToronto, UBC, and McGill to lesser-known institutions like Fairleigh Dickinson, Quest University, and others, all offer financial aid to international students.

The following are some of the most popular institutional scholarships in Canada for overseas students:

Scholarship	Eligibility	Institute	Award
UBC International Leader for Tomorrow Award	Offered to international students seeking their first undergraduate degree at UBC. You will be required to submit proof of financial need as well as meet UBC admission requirements.	UBC	Varies
Lester B. Peterson Scholarship	Offered to international UG students at UToronto	University of Toronto	covers the tuition fees
Western University International President’s Entrance Scholarship	Choice is made based on academic performance, and a holistic approach is used in which students' overall growth and extracurricular activities are also considered when making decisions.	Western University	Three scholarships for 50,000 CAD
University of Waterloo International Funding	Multiple award options are available to international students at the master's and doctoral levels.	University of Waterloo	$2,045 per term for two years (Master's) or $4,090 per term for three years (PhD)
York University Automatic Entrance Scholarship	Students with an overall score of 80-95% are considered.	York University	1000 to 4,000 CAD
SFU Financial Aids and Awards	Offered to international students at Simon Fraser University	Simon Fraser University	Varies
University of Manitoba Scholarships	Various international scholarships for masters students	University of Manitoba	5,000 CAD to 14,000 CAD
University of Alberta International Scholarships	Scholarships for overseas students that are country-specific as well as other types of scholarships	UAlberta	Varies
University of Calgary International Scholarships	Offered to international graduate students	UCalgary	500 to 60,000 CAD
Quest University International Scholarships	Enrolled in BASc or BSc programs	Quest University	2000-8000 CAD

If you are unable to obtain one of the scholarships, you can work while studying in Canada. The Canadian study permit allows you to work up to 15 hours each week, or 100 hours for the entire summer term. The daily minimum salary is CAD 14 per hour, with a 4% vacation pay. To work, international students must get a Social Insurance Number (SIN).

International students have access to excellent educational opportunities at more than 100 public and private Canadian universities. Scholarships in Canada are an excellent choice if you are unable to afford your education. Please delve harder and locate as many options as you can to ensure that you receive at least one scholarship in Canada for overseas students.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a full scholarship to study in Canada ?

Canada Memorial Scholarship - Full scholarships available for British postgraduate students to study at any approved Canadian higher education provider, covering tuition, airfare, and housing, among other expenses.

How can an international student study in Canada for free ?

If you wish to study for free in Canada, you can either attend an institution with low tuition prices or work part-time. Obtaining a scholarship is another option to minimise your expenses. Several organisations and institutes provide various types of scholarships to overseas students.

Does Canada provide scholarship to international students ?

Every year, there are a number of Canadian scholarship options that provide full undergraduate scholarships for undergraduate studies. These scholarships, which cover both tuition and living expenses, are available to international undergraduate students each year.

What grades do you need to get a scholarship in Canada ?

If you have a high school grade point average of 80 percent or more, you will be eligible for an SSU admission scholarship. SSU computes an average from your top five university preparation courses in grade 12. See the various tiers you can achieve here.

Which Canadian University gives the most scholarship ?

Every year, Simon Fraser University, one of Canada's most well-known public universities, awards a number of scholarships to students. SFU offers 42 scholarship programmes, and students can earn a scholarship in practically any topic they want to study.

How much Ielts score is required for scholarship in Canada ?

To apply for a Canadian study permit, you must have a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 in each band and an overall score of 6.0.

How Can International Students Find Scholarships in Canada ?

Begin your search as soon as you apply. Look into all of the available choices, including government, non-government, and university-specific options.
Inform your university/college about all scholarships that are currently open for applications.
Ensure that your test scores for studying in Canada are competitive and good.
Conduct extra research, if necessary, contact counsellors, and so on.
Make scholarship applications as soon as possible.

What are the Eligibility Requirements for Overseas Students Seeking Scholarships in Canada ?

Some common requirements that overseas students must keep in mind are:

Candidates for scholarships to study in Canada must have strong academic credentials.
Having stronger language skills or proficiency scores on exams such as IELTS/TOEFL.
Work experience in some field is a plus and is consequently one of the key eligibility criteria.

Does the Canadian government give scholarships ?

Government of Canada scholarships are available to help International Students to study or research in Canada. For international students, the Government of Canada offers a variety of scholarships and internships. Aside from university-based scholarships, there are numerous additional institutions such as foundations, trusts, and corporations.

Is it easy to get a scholarship in Canada ?

How many Government Scholarships are available in Canada for International Students ?

There are numerous scholarships available for international students, including the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship, IDRC Research Awards, Vanier Graduate Scholarships, Canada-ASEAN SEED, Canadian Studies Post-Doctoral Fellowship, and Ontario Trillium Scholarship.

How many Non-Government Scholarships are available in Canada for International Students ?

Scholarships are available to international students in Canada through a variety of organisations, funds, and trusts. Some of the most well-known are as follows:

Anne Vallee Ecological Fund
Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships
Canada Memorial Scholarship

Is University of Toronto give scholarships to international students ?

At the University of Toronto, offer to international UG students the Lester B. Peterson Scholarship which covers the tuition fees.

What is Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan ?

Available to deserving students from Commonwealth countries pursuing master's and doctoral degrees at Canadian institutions. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, and a travel allowance.

What is Ontario Trillium scholarship ?

The Ontario Trillium Scholarship (OTS) programme is a provincially financed effort designed to bring top international students to Ontario to pursue PhD studies at Ontario universities.

Is Canada affordable for international students ?

Studying in Canada is a good option for overseas students seeking for a low-cost degree. International and domestic students can benefit from reduced tuition prices in Canada. You'll also be studying in English (or French!).

How can I get a scholarship in Quebec ?

Contact the CEGEP or private college of your choice to submit an application. It should be noted that the scholarship has a maximum duration of three years and that you must reapply for it each year.

What is Canada Memorial scholarship ?

Canada Memorial Scholarship: Available to UK students doing postgraduate studies in Canada. The prize covers tuition, airfare, and lodging costs.

How can I get a scholarship in York University ?

York University offers an automatic entrance scholarship to students with an overall score of 80-95 percent, with awards ranging from $1,000 to 4,000 CAD. This grant is available to any international student studying at York University.