Best Scholarship Programs in Canada for International Students in 2025/2026

If you must study in Canada without breaking the bank, you’re in luck. The Scholarship Programs in Canada for International Students are many and diverse. They pay tuition. They slash living costs. They pay you for talent. They also open doors to mentors, laboratories, and jobs.

These scholarships based on merit provide a wonderful opportunity to study at top Canadian universities renowned for exceptional teaching, advanced research, and extensive industry linkages.

Regardless of whether you are seeking a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D., Canada has an enormous number of choices in engineering, computer science, business, medicine, natural sciences, and humanities. Many of the courses are taught in English and therefore available to international students worldwide.

Here, you will learn the top choices for 2025/2026. You will know how to qualify, when to apply, and how to get noticed.

Why International Students Should Consider Scholarship Programs in Canada

A Canadian education comes with its price tag — tuition, residence, living costs, textbooks, and health insurance. These can be a burden for most international students. Canadian scholarship schemes for international students provide financial aid that can cover part or all of these.

• Financial Assistance: Scholarships cover tuition, room, health insurance, and even travel expenses, at times.

• Attention and Guidance: A scholarship award is not just cash. It also includes recognition, guidance, and contacts.

• Access to Top Colleges: The majority of the scholarships are from top-class colleges, which will increase your possibilities of admission and offer a path to success.

• Motivation: Scholarships encourage students to excel in their education and participate actively on campus.

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Types of Scholarship Programs in Canada for International Students

There are excellent types of scholarship programs in Canada for local and international students. The scholarships support studies at different levels and in different fields, which indicates Canada’s concern for building excellence in education.

With these options, students have the ability to pursue financing that is applicable to their own needs and objectives. Scholarships at Canadian universities come in all shapes and sizes. They can be divided into the following categories:

• Government-Funded Scholarships: Scholarships are funded by the government of Canada to promote international education cooperation. Scholarships generally fund a significant portion of tuition and living expenses.

• Non-Government Funded Scholarships: Scholarships are offered by private institutions, organisations, or NGOs in Canada with the aim of promoting international education.

• University-Funded Scholarships: Independent universities in Canada award scholarships for attracting and retaining high-quality international talent.

• Course-Specific Scholarships: Scholarships are available for specific courses or faculties.

• Merit-Based Scholarships: Academic performance, extracurricular activities, and other such achievements all contribute to one’s eligibility for merit-based scholarships.

• Need-Based Scholarships: There exist scholarships for students based on financial needs as well

Also Read – Apply Now: 2026 ACU Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Excellence Scholarship | Study in Australia

Best Scholarship Programs in Canada for International Students

Canada boasts some of the most comprehensive scholarship programs for foreign students. Some of the best programs are outlined below:

1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship – University of Toronto

If you are a high school student with very good academic achievement as well as a good attitude towards leadership and community service, Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is one of the very competitive Canadian undergraduate scholarships that you can attempt to apply for. Here are some of the key facts about Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship – University of Toronto:

• Coverage: Four-year full-tuition, book, incidental fees, residence, and living costs
• Eligibility: Be an international student in your second last year of high school and must be nominated by your high school.

Process to Apply:

• Become nominated by your school
• Apply for an undergraduate program at the University of Toronto
• Submit the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship application through U of T’s portal

Seats Available: Only 37 students are selected worldwide each year—competition is fierce, but the experience is transformative

Why It’s Special: You’ll be studying at Canada’s #1 university (Times Higher Education, 2024) with complete financial support 

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2. UBC International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award – University of British Columbia

UBC’s International Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship is for students who exhibit both scholarly merit, school or community-based extracurricular activities, and a commitment to helping others change the world. The award can be awarded on either the Vancouver campus or the Okanagan campus. There are very few school nominations through UBC, so see your counselor right away.

The most crucial aspects of UBC’s International Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship are the following:

• Coverage: Your scholarship amount is determined based on your proven need for funds—UBC covers the remaining amount between your costs and what you can afford to pay

Eligibility:

• Be an international student applying for admission to UBC for your first undergraduate degree
• Show academic merit
• Show potential for leadership and extracurricular activity

Through this scholarship, you are able to attend one of the world’s best 40 universities—debt-free.

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3. Calgary International Entrance Scholarship – University of Calgary

It’s a competitive scholarship at the international level for high academic achievers entering the University of Calgary as a first-year student. It is suitable for a student who has a combination of academic excellence and leadership qualities. Calgary offers vibrant student life and ranks among Canada’s most affordable cities to study.

In this you’ll get a generous scholarship plus access to internships, research, and career services through one of Alberta’s top universities. Below are the key details of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship: 

Value: CAD 15,000 per year, renewable for up to 4 years (total value up to CAD 60,000) 

Eligibility: 

• Must be an international student entering an undergraduate program 
• Must meet the university’s English language proficiency requirements
• Maintain a minimum GPA annually to re-award

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4. International Student Excellence Award – University of Saskatchewan

International Excellence Awards in the University of Saskatchewan are for exceptional international students with high dedication to studying and self-enhancement. It’s a research university having over 25,000 international students representing 130+ countries with a welcoming campus atmosphere and low living cost within the city of Saskatoon.

These scholars are also given career counseling and academic guidance to help them adjust to Canadian university life.  The following are the key facts of International Excellence Awards:

Value: CAD 10,000–CAD 20,000 as an entrance award once only

Eligibility:

• New international students applying for admission to undergraduate degree studies
• Must have an outstanding academic record

Application Process: No separate application—students are automatically considered at the time of admission

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5. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (VCGS)

Vanier CGS is one of the most competitive entirely funded PhD scholarships in Canada for international students. It is designed to assist and retain excellent PhD students at a world class in health research, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities. The following are the salient features of Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (VCGS):

• Value: CAD 50,000 per year for a maximum of 3 years
• Eligibility: Open to international PhD students with a history of scholarly excellence and leadership
• Includes: Tuition, research funds, and living allowance
• Unique Selling Point: The award is made on the basis of three equally important selection factors—scholarly excellence, research talent, and leadership talent
• Tip: You must be nominated by an eligible Vanier quota-holding Canadian university, so approach your potential department in advance!

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6. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships

If you’re finishing your PhD and looking to continue your research at a Canadian institution, the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship is a golden opportunity. It’s one of the highest-paying fellowships in Canada and is open to both Canadian and international researchers. Below are the key details of Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship: 

• Value: CAD 70,000 per year for 2 years 
• Eligibility: Postdoctoral researchers in health, science, engineering, and social sciences
• Covers: Stipend to cover living expenses and research
• Why It Stands Out: Given only 70 fellowships a year, winners get one-on-one attention and connections
• Insider Tip: You need a supervisor and institutional support in place before you can apply—plan ahead!

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7. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships

It is a fully funded Canada scholarship for global PhD students in social sciences and humanities. It is most suitable for scholars whose research translates into public engagement and social good-driven change. The most important aspects of Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships are as under:

• Value: Up to CAD 60,000 for 3 years (including a CAD 20,000 annual travel and research stipend)
• Eligibility: PhD students globally who are passionate about social innovation, leadership, and community work
• What’s Covered: Tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and field research
• Bonus Benefits: Mentorship from experienced leaders and participation in leadership institutes
• Why Apply: It’s not about the funds—the program is a leadership incubator for emerging change-makers

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8. IDRC Research Awards

Offered by the International Development Research Centre, this award is open to master’s and PhD students of developing countries who would like to pursue global development issues. It suits Students who would like to tackle practical issues from a global point of view. The attractions of IDRC Research Awards are:

• Value: Up to CAD 20,000
• Eligibility: Foreign students of developing countries undertaking studies in Canadian institutions
• Fields of Research: Climate change, global health, education, food security, digital development, and more 
• Cool Fact: You’ll also gain hands-on experience working directly with the IDRC as part of the award! 

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9. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

The OGS is a very competitive merit-based scholarship offered to domestic and foreign graduate students who are undertaking studies in Ontario. It is funded through a partnership between the Ontario government and participating universities. 

When applying for this scholarship, remember that there is a quota and deadline for each university, so apply through your university’s internal application system. Here are the key highlights of the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS):

• Value: CAD 5,000 per term (up to CAD 15,000/year maximum)
• Eligibility: Highly qualified master’s and doctoral students doing study on a full-time basis in Ontario
• Coverage: Tuition cost and living stipend are paid

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Eligibility Criteria for Scholarship Programs in Canada for International Students

The beauty of the Canadian education system cannot be overstated. Being a melting pot that nurtures diversity and encourages innovation, it’s paradise on earth for students from all over the world. Foreign students must be careful to note the terms of scholarships here. 

• Nationality: Must have non-Canadian citizenship and ordinarily reside outside Canada.
• Academic Merit: At least a GPA of 3.5 or its equivalent from earlier studies is normally a requirement.
• Language Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 92, individual scholarships possibly more.
• Course Specificity: Some scholarships are course-specific. Check if it is for your study goal.
• Age Factors: There could be a few scholarships which are age-bound. It would be a good idea to check.
• Recommendation Letters: Typically required, written by earlier teachers or professionals in the field.
• Personal Narrative: An articulate account of your aspirations, motivations, and reasons for choosing Canada.
• Economic Documentation: For scholarships assessing economic need, furnish requisite financial attestations.

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How to Apply for Scholarships to Study in Canada?

Securing a scholarship requires meticulous preparation:

• Research: Identify scholarships you’re eligible for.
• Prepare Documentation: This typically includes Academic transcripts, Reference letters, a Statement of Purpose, and a CV.
• Proof of Proficiency: IELTS/TOEFL scores, if applicable.
• Submit Application: Always submit before deadlines.
• Interview: Some scholarships may even entail an interview or other tests.

Also Read – Apply Now: 2026 Swansea University International Excellence Scholarship (SUIPRES) | Study in the UK

How to Enhance Your Chance of Being Chosen for Canada Scholarships

Canada scholarships to pursue studies in Canada require preparation and planning. To enhance your prospects, keep the following tips in mind:

• Customize Applications: Customize each application to the scholarship requirements and not follow a one-size-fits-all solution.

• Strong Academic Record: Continue to maintain a good grade point average, conduct research, and seek relevant internships to be recognized.

• Diversification of Skills: Balance coursework with extracurricular activities, including volunteering, to reflect a balanced personality.

• Interview Preparation: Be prepared to answer your goals, motivation, and how the scholarship aligns within your path.

• Networking: Take lessons from former recipients or alumni to gain insights that can make your application more piercing.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Highlight where you’ve spearheaded projects or helped in a good way.

• Write Compelling Essays: Write your own story with passion and belief to catch reviewers.

• Submit Early: Timely application demonstrates organization and gravitas.

• Seek Guidance: Request constructive feedback from mentors, teachers, or experts.

Canada provides several scholarship schemes for foreign students. Through hard work, serious research, and persistence, you can get yourself in consideration for a scholarship as much as academic excellence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

It is competitive but very likely to win a Canadian scholarship as an international student if you do things the right way. If you maintain good grades, are a leader, plan in advance, and market yourself through well-written essays, you can stand out from the crowd.

Remember, every application is a chance to show your potential. With determination and preparation, Canadian Scholarship Programs for International Students can bring exceptional education and life-altering opportunities.

References

• Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for International Students
• Canada Scholarships for International Students 2025-2026

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