Canada is one of the prime destinations for international students seeking to pursue their academic dreams. Their institutions and organizations offer a range of scholarships specifically designed to attract and support international students. These Canada scholarships for international students provide financial assistance and offer a chance to immerse in Canada’s rich cultural tapestry, innovative research facilities, and diverse academic programs.
These scholarships cover various academic disciplines, from undergraduate to doctoral studies. This ensures that students from various backgrounds find a program suited to their interests. Whether you aspire to explore British Columbia’s breathtaking landscapes, experience Toronto’s multiculturalism, or engage in cutting-edge research in Quebec, scholarships are available to help make your dreams a reality.
Best 10 Canada Scholarships for international students
Table of Contents
- 1 Best 10 Canada Scholarships for international students
- 1.1 1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
- 1.2 2. Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
- 1.3 3. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
- 1.4 4. Ontario Trillium Scholarship
- 1.5 5. Québec Merit Scholarship
- 1.6 6. UBC International Leaders of Tomorrow (ILOT)
- 1.7 7. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships
- 1.8 8. Humber College International Entrance Scholarships
- 1.9 9. Centennial College Entrance Scholarships
- 1.10 10. Canada Graduate Scholarships
- 2 Conclusion
There are many scholarships available for international students looking to study in Canada. Here are some of the scholarships below.
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) are highly prestigious and sought-after scholarships the Canadian government offers to attract and retain exceptional doctoral students worldwide.
To be eligible for the Vanier CGS, a Canadian institution with a designated quota for Vanier scholarships must nominate candidates. They must also have a Bsc and should not have completed more than 20 months of doctoral studies as of May 1 of the application year. Applicants must also exhibit outstanding academic records and demonstrate potential for innovative and impactful research. In addition, they must demonstrate leadership skills within their academic field and in the broader community. The nomination deadline is November 1, 2023.
To apply for this scholarship, interested candidates must secure a nomination from the Canadian institution where they intend to pursue their doctoral studies. Once nominated, applicants need to compile a comprehensive application package. This typically includes a research proposal, curriculum vitae (CV), academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a leadership statement. Candidates must submit their applications electronically through the Canadian Common CV (CCV) platform.
Each Vanier CGS winner will receive a total scholarship of CAD 50,000 per year for up to three years of doctoral studies. Scholarship funds cover various expenses, such as tuition fees, living costs, and research-related expenditures. During their scholarship, winners may also receive a one-time research allowance of CAD 5,000.
International students will also enjoy connections and collaborations among Vanier scholars through various events and activities. This will enable them to engage with peers from diverse academic backgrounds and build a strong network.
2. Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
The Trudeau Foundation Scholarships are highly rated scholarship programs offered by the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation in Canada. These scholarships aim to support outstanding doctoral candidates pursuing social sciences and humanities research. It is open to both Canadian and foreign students.
To qualify, applicants must pursue a full-time doctoral degree or Ph.D. program in the social sciences or humanities. Candidates must demonstrate academic excellence and an interest in addressing critical societal issues through research. Depending on the subject of choice, proficiency in English or French is also required. The 2023 scholarship deadline closed in December 2022. Scholarship applications for 2024 will open soon and close in December 2023.
The application process involves interested candidates completing an online application form. This includes personal information, an academic history, a research proposal, and references. Applicants must also submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. A proposal outlining the proposed research’s objectives, methodology, and potential impact is also essential to the application. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview in person or via video conference.
Each Trudeau Foundation Scholar receives an annual stipend of up to CAD 60,000, which covers living expenses, research costs, and conference attendance. They also enjoy the opportunity to participate in a four-year leadership development program that includes mentorship, workshops, and retreats.
3. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) is a merit-based scholarship program offered by the government of Ontario, Canada. The program aims to attract exceptional international students and provide financial assistance. To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must pursue a master’s or doctoral degree program at an eligible Ontario university. They must also be enrolled full-time during the OGS period. Academic achievement is a key criterion, and applicants must have high academic standing, as demonstrated by their previous school records.
Candidates interested in the OGS should check the specific application procedures and deadlines of the participating universities in Ontario. Depending on the institution, applicants must submit an online application through the university’s application portal or a centralized application system. The application generally requires providing personal information, academic history, research interests (if applicable), letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
The OGS provides financial support through a scholarship, usually awarded for one academic year (two or three terms). The scholarship amount varies depending on the study level. For master’s students, the OGS provides $5,000 per term, while doctoral students receive $10,000 per term. The scholarship can offset tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational costs.
Scholars benefit from engaging with renowned faculty members, access to cutting-edge research facilities, and potential collaborations with leading experts in their field. The OGS also provides recipients networking opportunities, allowing them to connect with fellow scholars and professionals in various disciplines.
4. Ontario Trillium Scholarship
The Ontario Trillium Scholarship (OTS) is a highly competitive scholarship program to attract top-tier international students to pursue doctoral studies in Ontario, Canada. It is open to international students pursuing a Ph.D. at an eligible Ontario university.
Applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic excellence and research potential to qualify for this scholarship. Candidates must secure admission to a participating Ontario university and be nominated by the institution for the OTS. Students who have already started their Ph.D. studies can also be eligible but must meet specific criteria outlined by the participating institution.
To apply, interested candidates should review the eligibility requirements and application procedures provided by the participating Ontario universities, as each criterion varies from university to university. The application process typically involves submitting an online application through the university’s scholarship portal or a centralized application system. Applicants must also provide personal information, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a research proposal, and a statement of purpose. The deadline for this scholarship varies from university to university.
This scholarship provides significant financial support to successful recipients throughout their Ph.D. studies. The scholarship award amount varies but covers full tuition fees and provides a generous stipend to support living expenses.
Recipients benefit from being part of a vibrant research community in Ontario, where they can collaborate with renowned faculty members and access state-of-the-art research facilities. OTS scholars can engage in cutting-edge research projects, contribute to knowledge creation in their respective fields, and significantly contribute to their academic disciplines.
5. Québec Merit Scholarship
The Québec Merit Scholarship Program for Foreign Students is offered by the Québec government in Canada. The program aims to attract exceptional international students to pursue studies and research in Québec. It is open to international students from all countries.
Applicants must pursue full-time doctoral, postdoctoral, or short-term research studies in Québec to be eligible.
They must have prior admission to a recognized educational institution in Québec. Academic excellence is a key criterion; applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic records in their previous studies. The deadline for this scholarship for the 2024 session is March 21, 2023.
The Québec Merit Scholarship Program requires applicants to check the eligibility criteria and application guidelines. This application guideline process typically involves submitting an online application through the scholarship program’s official website or portal. Applicants must also provide personal information, academic transcripts, a research proposal (if applicable), letters of recommendation, and other supporting documents specified by the scholarship program.
This Scholarship Program provides financial support to successful recipients to cover various expenses associated with their studies and research. The scholarship amount and duration vary depending on the level of study and the specific scholarship program. Recipients can receive financial assistance to cover tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and research-related costs.
The program offers a supportive and enriching environment for recipients to conduct their studies and research in Québec, known for its vibrant academic community and research opportunities. Scholars also benefit from access to world-class educational institutions, state-of-the-art research facilities, and collaboration opportunities with renowned researchers.
6. UBC International Leaders of Tomorrow (ILOT)
The UBC International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award is a scholarship program offered by the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada. The program aims to recognize and support exceptional international students who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to positively impacting their communities. It is open to international students applying for their first undergraduate degree at UBC.
The eligibility criteria involve applicants demonstrating strong academic achievement, leadership skills, and involvement in extracurricular activities. Financial need is a significant consideration, as candidates must prove their financial circumstances. Applicants must also meet UBC’s general admission requirements, including language proficiency. Interested candidates must complete the UBC admission application before November 15.
As part of the admission application, applicants must indicate their interest in being considered for the International Leader of Tomorrow Award. Candidates must submit supporting documents, including academic transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal profile highlighting their leadership experiences and community involvement.
The UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award provides substantial financial support to successful recipients throughout their undergraduate studies. The scholarship covers a portion of the recipient’s tuition fees for up to four years of study, depending on their financial need. Recipients also receive a renewable award to assist with living expenses, educational materials, and other educational costs.
The program offers recipients access to UBC’s academic resources, mentorship opportunities, and a supportive community of scholars and leaders. Recipients will be invited to participate in special events, leadership development programs, and networking opportunities organized by UBC.
7. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships are highly competitive scholarships offered by the University of Toronto. These scholarships aim to recognize and support outstanding international students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership skills, and community engagement. It is open to international students applying for undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto.
In terms of eligibility, applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, usually among the top students in their secondary school or college. Candidates should also have demonstrated leadership skills and a commitment to positively impacting their communities. Financial need is also considered, as candidates must provide evidence of their circumstances.
Interested candidates must first apply for admission to the University of Toronto and be nominated by their secondary school or college. As part of the admission application, applicants must indicate their interest in being considered for the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship. Along with the admission application, candidates must submit a separate scholarship application, including essays and a letter of recommendation. The 2024 deadline for this scholarship is December 15, 2023.
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships provide recipients with significant financial support throughout their four years of undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto. The scholarship covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for the duration of the recipient’s program. Scholars also receive a living allowance for their studies.
8. Humber College International Entrance Scholarships
The Humber College International Entrance Scholarships are merit-based scholarships to support exceptional international students who wish to pursue their studies at Humber College in Toronto, Canada. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence and financially assist deserving students. It is open to international students applying for full-time undergraduate programs at Humber College.
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance in their previous studies, typically with a minimum GPA requirement specified by the program. Candidates should also have a record of community involvement, leadership, and extracurricular activities. The scholarships have specific eligibility criteria based on the program of study. The deadline for scholarships for the 2023 session was January 3rd, 2023.
Interested candidates must first apply for admission to a full-time undergraduate program at Humber College. Applicants are automatically considered for scholarships based on their admission application and academic achievements. You must ensure that all required documents, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose, are submitted by the specified deadline. Humber College’s scholarship committee reviews applications and selects recipients based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and community involvement.
Humber College International Entrance Scholarships provide financial support to successful recipients throughout their Humber College studies. The scholarship amount varies depending on the program and the recipient’s academic achievement. Scholarships range from partial tuition fee waivers to full tuition fee waivers.
Recipients of the scholarships benefit from reduced tuition fees, which significantly alleviate the financial burden of their studies. Additionally, recipients can be part of a diverse and vibrant community at Humber College. This offers a supportive environment for learning and growth.
9. Centennial College Entrance Scholarships
Centennial College Entrance Scholarships are merit-based scholarships that support exceptional international students who wish to pursue their studies at Centennial College in Toronto, Canada. These scholarships recognize academic excellence and provide financial assistance to deserving students. It is open to international students applying for full-time diploma or degree programs at Centennial College.
Regarding eligibility, applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic performance in their previous studies, typically with a minimum GPA requirement specified by the program. Candidates should also have a record of community involvement, leadership, and extracurricular activities. The deadline for the 2023 scholarship is June 2023.
Interested candidates must first apply for admission to a full-time diploma or degree program at Centennial College. Applicants are automatically considered for scholarships based on their admission application and academic achievements. Applicants must also submit the required documents, including school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose, before the specified deadline. Centennial College’s scholarship committee reviews applications and selects recipients based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and community involvement.
Centennial College Entrance Scholarships provide financial support to successful recipients throughout their Centennial College studies. The scholarship amount varies depending on the program and the recipient’s academic achievement. Scholarships often range from partial tuition fee waivers to full tuition fee waivers.
Centennial College Entrance Scholarships are an excellent opportunity for exceptional international students to pursue diploma or degree programs at Centennial College. Through financial support, recognition, and access to a diverse educational community, recipients of these scholarships can excel academically, develop leadership skills, and make the most of their educational experience at Centennial College.
10. Canada Graduate Scholarships
Canada Graduate Scholarships for international students are prestigious funding opportunities offered by the Government of Canada. These scholarships aim to attract and support outstanding international students who wish to pursue graduate studies in Canada. It is open to international students at the master’s or doctoral level.
To qualify, applicants must study at a Canadian university participating in the scholarship program. Candidates should demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and commitment to their chosen field.
Specific eligibility criteria vary based on the scholarship program and the host institution.
Interested candidates must first apply for admission to a participating Canadian university for their desired graduate program. Applicants can then apply for Canada Graduate Scholarships through the relevant scholarship program offered by the Canadian federal funding agency, such as the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), or the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).
The application process involves submitting an online application form and supporting documents such as academic transcripts, a research proposal, letters of recommendation, and a statement of intent. Scholarship applications for 2023 are open until February 2023.
Canada Graduate Scholarships support winners throughout their graduate studies in Canada. The scholarship amount and duration vary depending on the specific scholarship program and the level of study (master’s or doctoral). Recipients receive financial assistance to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and research-related costs.
This one of the best Canada scholarships for international students that offer valuable networking opportunities. Also, it gives access to top-quality educational institutions, cutting-edge research facilities, and mentorship from renowned experts in Canada.
Conclusion
Canada scholarships for international students stand as a beacon of opportunity for seeking higher education. The country’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity is evident in its generous scholarship programs for international students. These scholarships alleviate the financial burden of studying abroad and recognize and reward academic excellence and talent worldwide.
Through the various scholarship programs offered by the Canadian government, universities, and other institutions, international students have access to a wide range of funding options. There is something for everyone: the prestigious Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program, or university-specific scholarships.