Canada welcomes over 800,000 international students yearly, and many of them study completely free through the best scholarship programs in Canada for international students!
If you have an interest in studying in Canada, then the scholarships in this post are definitely what you need. Keep reading!
What Makes Canadian Scholarships Special?
The best scholarship programs in Canada for international students offer more than just money for school. Canada is famous for being welcoming, safe, and diverse. Plus, after you finish studying, you can often stay and work, which makes these scholarships even more valuable.
Canadian universities are world-class too. Many rank in the top 100 globally, and employers everywhere recognize Canadian degrees. The country’s “study-work-stay” pathway makes it one of the smartest places to get your education.
Read also: 30+ Highest Paid Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship in 2025: Your Complete Guide
Best Scholarship Programs in Canada for International Students by the Government
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
This is Canada’s biggest doctoral scholarship program, and it’s one of the best scholarship programs in Canada for international students who want to do a PhD.
Money You Get:
- $50,000 per year for three years
- Total value: $150,000
Who Can Apply:
- PhD students (Canadian and international)
- Must be nominated by a Canadian university
- Outstanding academic achievement
- Leadership skills
- Research potential in health, natural sciences, engineering, or social sciences
When to Apply:
- Universities nominate students by early November
- Students apply to universities by October 2025
Important Note: Starting summer 2025, this program will be part of the new Canada Research Training Awards Suite (CRTAS).
Read: Best Scholarship Programs in Canada for International Students in 2025/2026
2. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
The banting postdoctoral fellowship is perfect for international students who’ve just finished their PhD and want to do postdoctoral research in Canada.
What You Get:
- $70,000 per year for two years
- Total value: $140,000
- Research funding included
Requirements:
- Completed PhD recently
- Want to do research at Canadian university
- Excellent research record
- Leadership potential
Read: 100% Study Grants and Global Scholarships in Canada: Apply Online Now!
3. Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS)
These scholarships support master’s and doctoral students across all fields.
Master’s Level:
- $17,500 for one year
- Available to Canadian and international students
Doctoral Level:
- $35,000 per year for up to three years
- Based on academic excellence and research potential
Read: Study Abroad: Universities That Accept PhD Applications Without a Master’s Degree
4. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
These scholarships give up to $60,000 per year (including $20,000 for travel) for up to three years to PhD students studying social sciences and humanities.
Coverage:
- Up to $40,000 per year for living costs
- $20,000 per year for travel and research
- Three years maximum
- Mentorship and networking opportunities
Focus Areas:
- Human rights and dignity
- Responsible citizenship
- Canada and the world
- People and their environment
Application Period: Usually opens in December, with its deadline in January
Read: DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS 2023/2024 | FULLY FUNDED
5. NSERC Scholarships
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council supports students in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Types Available:
- Undergraduate Student Research Awards
- Canada Graduate Scholarships (Master’s and PhD)
- Alexander Graham Bell Graduate Scholarships
- Postdoctoral Fellowships
Value: From $4,500 to $45,000 depending on the program
Read: UBC Four-Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF) 2025 | Fully Funded
6. SSHRC Scholarships
Programs Include:
- Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Doctoral Fellowships
- Postdoctoral Fellowships
- International opportunities
7. CIHR Scholarships
Canadian Institutes of Health Research supports health and medical research students.
Available Programs:
- Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Doctoral Research Awards
- Fellowship programs
- International collaboration awards
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Best Scholarship Programs in Canada for International Students- University-Specific Scholarship Programs
8. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships (University of Toronto)
This is the largest scholarship program for international students in Canada, these full 4-year scholarships recognize students who show exceptional academic achievement and leadership.
Full Package Includes:
- All tuition fees for four years
- Books and supplies
- Living expenses
- Health insurance
Who Can Apply:
- International students applying for undergraduate programs
- Must be nominated by their school
- Outstanding grades and leadership
- Financial need considered
Application Process:
- Deadline to complete the Pearson International Scholarship application is November 7, 2025
- You must apply for admission first
- Your school nomination is required
Read: Canada Visitor Visa Application Guidelines in 2025
9. University of British Columbia (UBC) Scholarships
UBC offers several fully funded scholarships based on academic merit, research potential, and diversity.
Major Programs:
- Outstanding International Student (OIS) Awards
- President’s Entrance Scholarships
- Four Year Doctoral Fellowships
- Graduate Research Assistantships
OIS Award Details:
- One-time, merit-based entrance scholarship for students who show academic strength and involvement outside classroom
- Up to $10,000 renewable
- Automatic consideration with admission
Four Year Doctoral Fellowship:
- Minimum $18,200 per year plus tuition
- Four years of guaranteed funding
- Research and teaching opportunities
Read: Different Ways to Immigrate to Canada Without a Job Offer in 2025
10. University of Waterloo International Scholarships
Waterloo is famous for engineering and computer science, offering great funding for international students.
Available Awards:
- President’s Scholarship of Distinction ($2,000)
- International Student Entrance Scholarships (up to $5,000)
- Merit-based awards for continuing students.
Read: Fully Funded Said Foundation Scholarship 2026 in UK | Study in Britain for Free
11. McGill University Scholarships
One of Canada’s most prestigious universities with strong international programs.
Major Programs:
- McGill Entrance Scholarship Program
- Graduate Excellence Awards
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (for African students)
Graduate Funding:
- Research assistantships
- Teaching assistantships
- Merit-based scholarships
Read: Fully Funded Female Scholars Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship 2025 | Apply Now
12. University of Alberta Scholarships
Alberta offers generous funding packages for international students.
Best Programs:
- International Student Scholarship ($5,000)
- Graduate Student Funding packages
- Research assistantships
- International Country Scholarships
Read: 20+ Jobs for South Africans in Canada: Your Ultimate Guide
13. Simon Fraser University Awards
SFU provides various scholarships for undergraduate and graduate international students.
Options Include:
- Entrance scholarships up to $5,000
- Graduate fellowships
- Research assistantships
- International Summit Scholarships
14. University of Calgary Scholarships
Calgary offers competitive funding packages, especially for research students.
Available Programs:
- International Entrance Scholarship ($15,000 renewable)
- Graduate Research Scholarships
- Eyes High International Doctoral Scholarships
15. Queen’s University Scholarships
Queen’s provides strong support for international students across all programs.
Major Awards:
- Chancellor Scholarships
- Principal’s Scholarships
- International admission scholarships
- Graduate funding packages
16. University of Manitoba Scholarships
Manitoba offers affordable education with good scholarship opportunities.
Programs:
- International Undergraduate Student Scholarships
- Graduate Research Scholarships
- Province-specific awards
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17. Dalhousie University Scholarships
Halifax-based Dalhousie offers scholarships for students from around the world.
Types Available:
- Entrance scholarships
- In-course awards
- Graduate funding
- International specific programs
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Provincial Government Scholarships
18. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
Ontario province offers these to graduate students at Ontario universities.
What You Get:
- $15,000 per academic year
- Available to master’s and PhD students
- Merit-based selection
19. Quebec Merit Scholarships
Quebec has special programs for international students.
Programs:
- Excellence scholarships for foreign students
- Funding for French-speaking international students
- Research-focused awards
Read: AOR Canada Immigration: Your Complete Guide
20. British Columbia Scholarships
BC offers provincial funding for international students.
Available Options:
- International Education funding
- Regional scholarships
- Sector-specific awards
21. Alberta Scholarships
Alberta provides various provincial awards.
Types:
- International Education Awards
- Sector-specific funding
- Regional development scholarships
Read: Study in Belgium with ARES Scholarship 2026-27 | Fully Funded for International Students
Subject-Specific Scholarship Programs
22. Engineering Scholarships
Canada needs engineers, so there are many engineering-focused scholarships.
Major Programs:
- NSERC Engineering scholarships
- University-specific engineering awards
- Industry-sponsored programs
- Professional association scholarships
23. Business and MBA Scholarships
Canadian business schools offer competitive scholarships.
Top Programs:
- Rotman School of Management (University of Toronto)
- Sauder School of Business (UBC)
- Schulich School of Business (York University)
- Ivey Business School (Western University)
24. Medical and Health Sciences Scholarships
Health programs have dedicated funding sources.
Available Through:
- CIHR funding programs
- Provincial health ministries
- Hospital-based research awards
- Medical professional associations
25. Agriculture and Food Sciences
Canada’s strong agriculture sector offers specific scholarships.
Programs:
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada scholarships
- University of Guelph agriculture awards
- University of Saskatchewan agriculture funding
Read: High Paying Companies Offering Job Sponsorship in UK: Your Complete 2025 Guide
26. Environmental Sciences
Environmental research is a priority, with dedicated funding.
Sources:
- NSERC environmental programs
- Provincial environmental ministries
- Conservation organizations
- University research centers
Best Scholarship Programs in Canada for International Students- Regional and Country-Specific Programs
27. Commonwealth Scholarships in Canada
For students from Commonwealth countries.
Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage
- Living allowances
- Travel costs
- Available at multiple universities
28. Organization of American States (OAS) Scholarships
Scholarships available to students from other OAS member states to pursue graduate studies or research in Canada.
Coverage:
- Tuition fees
- Monthly allowances
- Available for graduate programs
Read: Canada Express Entry: Immigration Eligibility: How to Get a Canadian Passport
29. Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP)
For students from Latin America and the Caribbean.
What’s Included:
- Tuition fees
- Health insurance
- Monthly allowance
- Available for short-term exchanges and full degrees
30. Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program
This scholarship offers scholarships to Chinese students for study, research or language training at participating Canadian institutions.
31. Flight PS752 Commemorative Scholarship
Global Affairs Canada’s Flight PS752 Commemorative Scholarship is accepting applications for the 2025-2026 academic year.
For: Students from affected countries Coverage: Varies by program level
Read: Moving to Canada from Ireland: Your Complete Guide in 2025
How to Apply for the Best Scholarship Programs in Canada for International Students: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Research Early
Start looking at the best scholarship programs in Canada for international students at least 12-18 months before you want to start studying. Many have early deadlines.
Step 2: Meet Basic Requirements
Most scholarships need:
- Strong academic record (usually 85%+ average)
- English language proficiency (IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+)
- Statement of purpose or personal essay
- Letters of recommendation (2-3 usually)
- Resume or CV
Make sure you have these ready before you start your application process.
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Step 3: University Application First
You usually need to apply for admission to a Canadian university before applying for scholarships. Some scholarships are automatic with admission, others need separate applications.
Step 4: Prepare Strong Documents
Personal Statement Tips:
- Show your passion for your field
- Explain how studying in Canada helps your goals
- Highlight leadership and community involvement
- Be specific about why you chose that university/program
Reference Letters:
- Choose people who know your work well
- Give them plenty of time (at least 6 weeks)
- Provide them with your resume and program details
You should read: Top 10 Remote Jobs That Pay $30 an Hour Without Degree
Step 5: Apply for Multiple Scholarships
Don’t put all your hopes on one scholarship. Apply to several of the best scholarship programs in Canada for international students to increase your chances.
Application Timeline
| Scholarship Type | Research Phase | Application Deadline | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government Programs | 12+ months before | October-December | March-May |
| University Scholarships | 10-12 months before | November-February | March-June |
| External Programs | 8-10 months before | Various | Various |
Check out: Canada Express Entry: Immigration Eligibility: How to Get a Canadian Passport
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Do Canadian scholarships require me to return to my home country after completion?
Most Canadian scholarships don’t require you to return home, unlike some other countries’ programs.
Q2: Can I work while holding a Canadian scholarship as an international student?
Yes, most scholarships allow part-time work during studies and full-time work during scheduled breaks. Look out for this requirement when applying.
Q3: Are there specific scholarships for undergraduate international students versus graduate students in Canada?
Yes, programs like Pearson target undergraduates while Vanier and Trudeau focus on graduate students.
Q4: Do I need to speak French to apply for scholarships at Quebec universities?
Not always, but French proficiency can improve your chances for Quebec-specific scholarship programs significantly.
Q5: Can I apply for Canadian scholarships if I’m already studying in another country?
Yes, most scholarships accept applications from students worldwide, regardless of current study location.
Q6: What happens if my scholarship doesn’t cover all my expenses in Canada?
You can work part-time, apply for additional smaller scholarships, or seek financial assistance from universities.
Q7: Are there scholarships specifically for students wanting to study in smaller Canadian cities?
Yes, many regional universities offer generous scholarships to attract international students to smaller communities.
Conclusion
The best scholarship programs in Canada for international students open doors to world-class education, incredible opportunities, and a bright future. Canada’s welcoming attitude, excellent universities, and post-graduation work opportunities make these scholarships incredibly valuable investments in your future. Do your research and plan towards applying soon.
Before you go, read: Best Scholarship Programs in the UK for International Students 2025
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