Canada offers a wide range of scholarships to international students pursuing both undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the country. UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award is a popular UG scholarship, while Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships and IRDC Research Awards are preferred for PG programs. The Canadian government, various universities, and some other organisations offer these scholarships to international students. Learn all about the top UG and PG scholarships to avail of for studying in Canada.

Types of UG and PG Scholarships for International Students to Study in Canada

The major types of scholarships for international students in Canada are divided into government-funded, university-specific, merit-based, and need-based. These are offered to students applying to both UG and PG programs in Canada. 

  • Government Scholarships: The government of Canada, as well as the various provincial governments, offer funding to support the study programs of international students. These are generally provided as postgraduate scholarships for international students. A few examples include Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships, Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS), and Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS).

  • University Scholarships: Several university-specific scholarships are available in Canada to help international students ease the financial burden of higher education in the country. Some of the most popular undergraduate scholarships for international students in this category include the University of British Columbia International Leader of Tomorrow Award, Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, and Calgary International Entrance Scholarship. 

  • Need-based Scholarships: International students demonstrating proof of a genuine need for finances to support their higher education in Canada are offered these scholarship programs. 

  • Merit-based Scholarships: These are specifically awarded to select students who demonstrate academic brilliance, achievement milestones, or leadership abilities in their respective field of study or work. 

  • Private/Non-Government Scholarships: These are offered mainly through private organisations, trusts, and foundations to international students aspiring to pursue a specific line of study in Canada. 

  • Institutional Scholarships: These refer to scholarship programs offered by different colleges and universities in Canada directly to eligible international students. 

Top Undergraduate Scholarships to Study in Canada 

Some of the most popular scholarships for undergraduate students coming to Canada are the International Leader of Tomorrow Award at UBC and the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship at the University of Toronto.         

The following are the popular scholarships applied for in Canada:

  • Government scholarships for undergraduate students: The Canadian government offers a variety of undergraduate scholarships for international students to study in the country. The most popular ones include Study in Canada scholarships, Canada-ASEAN Scholarships, Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED), and Ontario Trillium Scholarships. 

  • University scholarships for international students for undergraduate courses: Several Canadian universities allow students to apply for undergraduate programs. A few examples include the UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship (IME) by the University of British Columbia, the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto, and the University of Alberta International Country Scholarship. 

Top Postgraduate Scholarships to Study in Canada

Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships, Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, and the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) are some of the best-known scholarships for postgraduate students in Canada. These scholarships are generally available for specific fields of study and nationalities; hence, it’s best to check with the particular institution before applying for one. 

The top postgraduate scholarships for international students can be categorised into:

  • Government-funded postgraduate scholarships in Canada: These are funded by the Canadian government to encourage international students to pursue doctoral studies in the country. A few examples include Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships, Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, and the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program. The IDRC Research Awards and Ontario Trillium Scholarship are also popular federal scholarships for PG students in Canada.

  • University scholarships for postgraduate students: Some of the top Canadian universities offering PG scholarships include McGill University (McGill Entrance Scholarship Program), the University of British Columbia (UBC)’s International Leader of Tomorrow Award, and the University of Manitoba (Postgraduate Fellowships for International Students).

  • Scholarships for specific applicants: In addition to the above, a few other postgraduate scholarships are offered to particular applicants. For instance, the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program is available to international students applying to the University of Toronto. At the same time, the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute offers scholarships to Indian applicants to PG courses in Canada.

Eligibility Criteria for Applying for Scholarships to Study in Canada for International Students   

Some of the top criteria for a scholarship in Canada are a genuine financial need of the applicant, involvement in extracurricular activities (as required by specific universities), a particular discipline of study, and documents like Letters of Recommendation (LORs) and Statement of Purpose (SOP).

Additionally, all applicants must meet the specific criteria for eligibility for scholarships in Canada, such as individual regional or national requirements (as the case may be). While each institution (federal or university) may have varying eligibility criteria, some of the commonly accepted scholarship requirements in Canada for international students are:

  • Proof of admission and acceptance to a recognised Canadian university 

  • Proof of residency or nationality, as some scholarships are restricted to students belonging to specific regions or nationalities only

  • Demonstration of genuine financial need, especially for need-based scholarships

  • Proof of a strong academic record, with the desired GPA score

  • Proof of English language proficiency through the required score in tests like IELTS

Best Tips to Apply for UG and PG Scholarships in Canada

When applying for scholarships for undergraduate or postgraduate scholarship programs in Canada, make sure to work on preparing strong application documents. These include letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, and a Statement of Purpose. Also, ensure to submit your application well in time to boost your chances of acceptance. 

Listed below are some helpful tips on how to get a scholarship to study in Canada:

  • Start your research early: It is best to research well in advance the specific scholarship programs available by the Canadian government, as well as universities for both undergraduate and graduate programs. Starting early research allows sufficient time to explore more options, check the eligibility criteria, and prepare the required documents for application.

  • Set your priorities right: One of the best ways to apply for scholarships is to prioritise university applications, particularly those at the postgraduate level. Make sure to first receive a letter of acceptance for the chosen program that you have applied to. 

  • Prepare strong documents: Work on crafting a compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP) and receiving impressive letters of recommendation (LORs) to increase your chances of receiving the scholarship.

How IDP Can Guide You for PG Scholarships in Canada 

Applying for scholarships in Canada can be somewhat overwhelming, but the good news is that you don’t have to do it alone. You have the expert guidance of professionals like IDP Education to help you in the process. 

IDP consultants will assist you with researching the best options for funding from both the government and various Canadian universities - merit-based or need-based. We will also guide you through the entire application procedure, verify your eligibility, and gather documents to submit along with the application. 

We also ensure that your application is submitted on time and update the tracking status regularly.

FAQs on Undergraduate (UG) and Post Graduate (PG) Scholarships to Study in Canada

1. Do postgraduate scholarships in Canada cover full tuition fees?

Yes, many postgraduate scholarship programs in Canada provide coverage for the full tuition fee for international students. IDP Education can help research the best options among these for you.

2. Is IELTS mandatory for Canadian scholarship programs?

While IELTS is not necessarily mandatory for applying for a Canadian scholarship program, most scholarships require international applicants to demonstrate proof of English proficiency through a test. IELTS is generally the most commonly accepted test score by most governments and universities worldwide.

3. Do Canadian universities offer entrance scholarships for undergraduate students?

Absolutely! Many universities in Canada offer undergraduate students entrance scholarships, which are both merit- and need-based. The University of Waterloo provides entrance scholarship programs for international students applying for undergraduate programs in Canada.

4. Are there field-specific scholarships available for postgraduate students in Canada?

Yes, you are likely to find scholarship programs specific to your field of study for postgraduate courses in Canada. Scholarships are available for natural sciences, health, and humanities, among other disciplines.

5. Can UG and PG scholarships in Canada be renewed every year?

Of course! Several Canadian scholarships are renewed every year; however, it may depend on the institution offering the program as well as its specific conditions for renewal. It is recommended that you check when you apply for the scholarship.

6. What is the success rate of receiving scholarships in Canada?

There is generally no fixed rate of success for scholarship acceptance in Canada. It may considerably vary according to the institution offering the program, the type of scholarship offered, and the profile of the applicant.

Updated on Sep 22, 2025