Top scholarships for international students in Canada

Scholarships not only reduce financial stress but also recognise academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement. Many Canadian scholarships are highly competitive and prestigious, which can significantly boost your academic profile and future career prospects.

There are multiple government-funded scholarships in Canada to promote international education and global collaboration.

1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are among the most prestigious awards for doctoral students in Canada.

• Level of study: PhD

• Scholarship value: $50,000 per year

• Duration: Up to 3 years

• Eligibility: Academic excellence, research potential, and leadership skills

• Fields of study: Health sciences, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities.

This scholarship is designed to attract and retain top-tier doctoral students from around the world and support them in research-intensive programs.

2. Postdoctoral Research Award Program

A partially funded postdoctoral program offered by the government of Canada to international students.

• Level of study: Post-doctorate

• Scholarship value: $70,000 per year

• Focus areas: Health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities, including interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research.

This program supports the next generation of outstanding innovators, knowledge workers, creative thinkers and researchers to develop the skills required to build world-class research and drive Canadian prosperity and competitiveness.

3. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

The OGS is a merit-based scholarship for graduate students, funded jointly by the government of Ontario and the participating universities.

• Level of study: Master’s and PhD

• Scholarship value: Based on consecutive study terms within an academic year, offering $10,000 for 2 terms and $15,000 for 3 terms, with funding provided for a minimum of one year (2–3 terms) and a maximum of two years (up to 6 terms).

• Eligibility: Studying or planning to study in a participating Ontario university

It is available at several universities across Ontario, including top-ranked institutions such as Brock University, Carleton University, University of Guelph, Lakehead University, Laurentian University, McMaster University, University of Toronto, Trent University, and the University of Waterloo.

Many Canadian universities offer generous scholarships exclusively for international students.

1. Lester B Pearson International Scholarship

Offered by the University of Toronto, this is one of the most sought-after undergraduate scholarships.

• Level of study: Undergraduate

• Scholarship value: Covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for up to four years of undergraduate study.

• Duration: 4 years

• Eligibility: Exceptional academic achievement and leadership

This scholarship recognises students who demonstrate strong academic performance and a commitment to making a positive impact globally.

2. UBC International Scholars Program

Offered by the University of British Columbia, this program includes several need-and-merit-based awards to support international students.

• Level of study: Undergraduate

• Major awards: International Scholars Program includes four prestigious awards: Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award, Donald A Wehrung International Student Award, International Impact Award, and Vantage One Excellence Award. In addition, there are other merit-based awards like the Outstanding International Student Award and the International Major Entrance Scholarship.

• Scholarship value: Mostly full tuition + living costs (based on financial need) for the awards under the International Scholars Program. Merit-based awards: $10,000 – $25,000 per year (may vary yearly).

• Eligibility: Academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement

These scholarships are highly competitive and target students who demonstrate both academic and personal achievements.

3. University of Waterloo International Scholarships

The University of Waterloo offers multiple scholarships for international students.

• Major awards: $10,000 International Student Entrance Scholarship, Waterloo's President's and Merit scholarships

• Level of study: Undergraduate and postgraduate

• Scholarship value: Varies (merit-based and program-specific awards available)

• Eligibility: Academic performance

Students are automatically considered for many of these scholarships at the time of admission. However, some postgraduate scholarships may require separate applications.

4. President's International Scholarship of Excellence (PISE) by York University

PISE is a high-value award recognising outstanding academic achievement and leadership skills.

• Scholarship value: $180,000 ($45,000 x 4 years)

• Level of study: Undergraduate

• Eligibility: A minimum "A" average ( 3.7 on a 4.0 scale) or equivalent is required. To renew the scholarship, students must maintain a minimum B GPA and complete at least 24 credits (80% course load) each year.

5. Dalhousie University scholarships

a. Dalhousie General Entrance Awards/Scholarships program

More than 2,000 entrance awards are available through the General Entrance Award application.

• Scholarship value: Ranging from $1,000 to $48,000

• Level of study: Undergraduate students entering directly from high school

• Focus: Merit-based awards, considering academic achievement, leadership, extracurriculars, community service, and financial need.

b. Dalhousie Research Excellence Scholarship

Established in 2024 to support new Dalhousie PhD students with exceptional leadership and research potential.

• Scholarship value: Approximately $35,000 per year for up to four years

• Study level: Doctorate

6. FDU International Scholarship International

Undergraduate Freshmen Scholarships are merit-based and awarded upon admission to the FDU application.

• Scholarship value: Up to $24,000 per year, renewable up to four years.

• Availability: Fall and Spring semesters

• Eligibility: International undergraduate freshmen

7. McCall MacBain Scholarship

The McCall MacBain Scholarship is a full scholarship for master’s or professional studies that also provides mentorship, interdisciplinary learning, and a global community.

• Scholarship value: Full

• Eligibility: Master’s or professional studies

• Focus: Exceptional character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength and intellectual curiosity.

In addition, there are several other entrance scholarships for future undergraduates.

Apart from government and university-funded scholarships, you can also aim for scholarships offered by independent organisations. For example,

1. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships

This scholarship supports doctoral students in social sciences and humanities.

• Level of study: PhD

• Scholarship value: $50,000 per year for three years to cover tuition and living expenses + up to $20,000 per year for research, networking, and travel.

• Focus areas: Social sciences, humanities

It is ideal for students who are interested in leadership, public engagement, and impactful research.

In addition to the major scholarships listed above, there are several other funding opportunities available:

• Carleton University Entrance Scholarships – Automatically awarded based on grades. There are also five International Students’ Tuition Prizes, valued at CAD 10,000.

• University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarships – Award $20,000 to two undergraduate students entering their first year in any undergraduate degree. Renewable, subject to academic performance and enrolment criteria.

• Queen’s University International Scholarships: Select merit-based awards and partial tuition scholarships for new international students.

• University of Saskatchewan International Student Awards: Includes the University of Saskatchewan International Excellence Award ($10,000) and the International Student from Saskatchewan Awards ($15,000).

These scholarships may not always be fully funded, but can significantly reduce tuition costs.

Getting a scholarship in Canada can be competitive, but these tips can help:

• Maintain strong academic performance

• Show leadership and community involvement

• Write a compelling personal statement

• Apply to multiple scholarships

• Always meet deadlines

Canada offers a wide range of scholarships for international students across all levels of study. Whether you’re applying for undergraduate or postgraduate programs, there are numerous opportunities to make your education more affordable.

The key is to start early, stay organised, and apply strategically.

Talk to an IDP expert for free guidance. Through personalised counselling sessions, our experts can support you with university selection, scholarship applications, and planning your study journey to Canada with confidence.