Imagine this: You’re a student from a faraway land, dreaming of studying in a great and innovative country north.
However, everyone knows that studying abroad can be quite expensive. But never to worry because there are affordable choices you can make.
Canada is known for its high-quality education, diverse culture, and welcoming environment, making it a popular destination for international students.
From the prestigious Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships to the Ontario Trillium Scholarship Program, there are countless opportunities for international students to finance their studies in Canada.
To help ease the financial burden, various scholarships are available specifically for international students.
In this blog post, we’ll be taking you through the list of available scholarships available in Canada for undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Top Scholarships for International Students in Canada
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
If you’re a high-achieving graduate student from around the world, the Vanier Canada
Graduate Scholarship is the golden ticket to funding your studies.
This prestigious scholarship is awarded to just 166 international students annually and provides CAD $50,000 per year for three years of study.
Award Amount: $50,000 per year
Eligibility: Doctoral students
This scholarship supports Canadian and international doctoral students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership skills, and a commitment to research.
2. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program is a prestigious, highly competitive, and reserved for international students.
Named after Canada’s 14th Prime Minister, this scholarship provides exceptional undergraduate students from around the world with full tuition, books, incidental fees, and housing support for four years of study at the University of Toronto.
Award Amount:Tuition, books, and living expenses for four years
Eligibility: Undergraduate students
3. Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Programme
If you’re a Commonwealth citizen who dreams of studying in Canada, the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Programme is the best for you.
The CCSP awards two types of scholarships:
The Canada-CARICOM Faculty Leadership Programme, which provides short-term professional development opportunities for faculty from the Caribbean Community; and
The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), which offers postgraduate scholarships to citizens of Commonwealth countries to study at a Canadian university.
Award Amount: Varies by institution
Eligibility: Master’s and doctoral students from Commonwealth countries.
The scholarship is fully funded by Global Affairs Canada, this program aims to promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Canada and Commonwealth countries.
4. University of Alberta International Scholarships
The University of Alberta, one of Canada’s top research universities, is known for its generosity in awarding scholarships to international students.
Award Amount: Up to $29,000
Eligibility: Undergraduate international students
5. UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award
The UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award is an international student who shows outstanding leadership potential, academic achievement, and financial need.
This award covers the full cost of your tuition and living expenses for up to four years of study at UBC.
Award Amount: Varies based on financial need
Eligibility:Undergraduate students
6. McGill University Scholarships and Student Aid
McGill University, known for its academic excellence and beautiful campus in Montreal, Quebec, offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students.
Award Amount: Varies
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate international students.
7. York University International Student Scholarships
York University in Toronto, Ontario, welcomes international students with open arms and a handful of scholarships.
They offer several types of scholarships for international students, including the Global Leader of Tomorrow Scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students, the York University Entrance Scholarships for international students, and the York University Automatic Entrance Scholarships.
Award Amount: Up to $140,000 over four years
Eligibility: Undergraduate international students
8. Simon Fraser University (SFU) International Entrance Scholarship
Simon Fraser University, nestled among the majestic mountains of Burnaby, British Columbia, is a beacon of academic excellence and financial support for international students.
This scholarship is open to undergraduate students beginning their studies at SFU directly from a secondary school (high school) or college/university.
The selection process is based on academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, community involvement, and extracurricular activities.
Award Amount: $10,000-$20,000
Eligibility: Undergraduate international students
9. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
If you’re a brilliant postdoctoral researcher from anywhere in the world, Canada’s Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships should be your top option.
These fellowships provide funding for two years of postdoctoral research in any field, at any research institution in Canada.
With funding of CAD $70,000 per year, this award is designed to attract and retain top-tier postdoctoral researchers, and to position Canada as a global leader in research and innovation.
Award Amount: $70,000 per year for two years
Eligibility: Postdoctoral researchers
10. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship helps internal and domestic students in Ontario.
With over 3,000 awards given annually, this scholarship provides up to CAD $5,000 per term for Masters students, and up to CAD $15,000 per year for PhD students.
Fortunately, these awards are available to international students as well!
Eligibility: Graduate students (master’s and doctoral)
Tips for Applying
1. Start Early: Scholarship deadlines can be several months before the academic year begins.
2.Research Thoroughly: Each scholarship has different eligibility criteria and application processes. Make sure to read the requirements carefully.
3. Prepare Your Documents: Commonly required documents include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.
4. Stay Organized: Keep track of deadlines and required materials for each scholarship you apply to.
5. Tailor Your Application: Customise your application to highlight how you meet the specific criteria for each scholarship.
Conclusion
Scholarships are a great way to support your education in making it more affordable and accessible and Canada is a land of opportunity for international students, offering a wide range of scholarships and financial aid to support their studies.
With a variety of options available for international students, there’s a good chance you’ll find a scholarship that fits your needs.
So whether you’re a high-achieving graduate student, a postdoctoral researcher, or a first-year undergraduate, Canada’s academic institutions are opening their doors and their wallets to support your educational journey.
So why not take a leap of faith and apply today?