If you’re an international student planning to study in Canada, don’t forget to explore the scholarships offered by universities and organizations
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Scholarships in Canada for International Students
With its stunning mountains, crisp air, sparkling lakes, diverse wildlife, and top-tier universities, Canada draws thousands of international students every year—and for good reason.
But there’s one downside: the cost. Tuition fees can be steep, and in major cities, living expenses aren’t cheap either. For many students, the high costs can be a major hurdle when considering studying abroad.
That’s where this guide comes in. There are plenty of government-funded scholarships available, along with financial aid options from universities.
Some universities even offer scholarships for high-demand fields like nursing or healthcare. So if you’re still deciding what to study, it might be worth checking which subjects come with funding opportunities and letting that guide your choice.
Since there are so many scholarships out there, use this article as a starting point to find the right one for you.
Below is a wide-ranging list of scholarships available to international students heading to Canada.
Types of Scholarships
University scholarships – Most universities provide some form of financial aid for international students, so your chosen institution should be the first place you look for funding.
Financial scholarships – These are awarded based on students’ financial needs. While many are reserved for U.S. residents, some universities extend need-based scholarships to international students.
Merit scholarships – For high-achieving students, whether academically gifted, standout athletes, or those who excelled in community service or entrepreneurial work.
Country-based scholarships – Specifically aimed at students from developing countries.
Government-funded scholarships – The Canadian government offers numerous scholarship programs for international students (some are listed below).
Privately funded scholarships – Sometimes businesses or individual donors fund scholarships, often targeting students from developing countries, minority groups, or specific fields of study.
Part scholarships – These can be a one-time payment toward tuition or a larger, staggered amount to help cover university expenses.
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Government and Private Scholarships
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships – Designed to attract top-tier doctoral students, this scholarship provides CAD$50,000 (£31,000) per year for three years toward a PhD or combined master’s and PhD program.
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships – For international postgrad students in natural/social sciences or health sciences.
IDRC Doctoral Research Awards – Available to students from developing countries already enrolled at a Canadian university.
NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships – Government-funded scholarships for students in natural sciences or engineering.
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships – Open to international students applying for a PhD in social sciences or humanities, offering up to $60,000 per year for three years.
Everything You Need to Know About Studying in Canada
University Scholarships
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships (University of Toronto) – Rewards exceptional academic achievement, covering tuition, books, fees, and full residence support for four years.
Humber College International Entrance Scholarships – For graduate certificate, diploma, or advanced diploma students starting in May, September, or January. Offers CAD$2,000 off first-year tuition.
York University International Student Scholarship Program – Awards CAD60,000–60,000–100,000 over four years for high-achieving international students. Also provides Covid-19 relief bursaries for unexpected expenses.
University of British Columbia Scholarships – Allocates over $10 million yearly for international undergrads through awards and financial aid.
Carleton University Entrance Scholarships – Partial scholarships (4,000–4,000–16,000) for students with an admission average of 80% or higher.
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships – Open to full-time grad students of any nationality. PhD students receive 18,000/year;master’sstudentsget18,000/year;master’sstudentsget14,000/year.
University of Waterloo Master’s Awards of Excellence – For international master’s students in research-based programs, offering $2,500 per term (max. five months).
University of Calgary Graduate Awards – Multiple funding options, up to $40,000 for international students.
University of Winnipeg President’s Scholarships – Partial tuition waivers ($3,500) for undergrad to PhD-level international students.
If Canada is your study destination, check out our Canada university rankings here.
Note: All costs and exchange rates were accurate at the time of publication and may change over time.