Canada is one of the top destinations for international students, renowned for its high-quality education, multicultural environment, and opportunities for research and innovation. The country attracts students from all corners of the globe who are seeking to further their education and improve their career prospects. However, pursuing higher education in Canada can be expensive, especially for international students. To alleviate some of these financial burdens, numerous scholarship programs are available to international students in Canada. These scholarships are offered by the Canadian government, universities, private organizations, and other institutions. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore some of the best scholarship programs available for international students in Canada.
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) program is one of the most prestigious scholarship programs in Canada. It was launched by the Canadian government to attract and retain world-class doctoral students. The Vanier CGS program is available to both Canadian and international students who are pursuing a PhD at a Canadian university.
- Value: $50,000 per year for up to three years.
- Eligibility: The scholarship is open to doctoral students in the fields of social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, engineering, and health sciences. Candidates must demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership qualities.
- Application Process: Students must be nominated by the Canadian institution where they intend to study. The nomination process is highly competitive, and the application must include academic transcripts, a research proposal, and letters of reference.
2. Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program (CGS-M)
The Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program (CGS-M) is another highly regarded scholarship program in Canada. It is designed to support students who are pursuing a master’s degree in various fields of study.
- Value: $17,500 for 12 months.
- Eligibility: The scholarship is available to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and international students who are enrolled in a master’s program at a Canadian university. Applicants must have a strong academic record and demonstrate research potential.
- Application Process: The application is submitted through the Research Portal, and students must include academic transcripts, a research proposal, and letters of reference.
3. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation offers a unique scholarship program for doctoral students in Canada. The foundation supports students who are engaged in research related to the social sciences and humanities, particularly in areas that align with the foundation’s four themes: Human Rights and Dignity, Responsible Citizenship, Canada in the World, and People and their Natural Environment.
- Value: Up to $40,000 per year for three years, plus a $20,000 travel and research allowance.
- Eligibility: The scholarship is open to international students who are enrolled in a doctoral program at a Canadian university. Candidates must demonstrate academic excellence, a commitment to public engagement, and leadership qualities.
- Application Process: Students must be nominated by their university, and the application process includes a research proposal, academic transcripts, and letters of reference.
4. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) program is funded by the government of Ontario and is available to both Canadian and international students. The scholarship supports graduate studies at the master’s and doctoral levels at participating Ontario universities.
- Value: $5,000 per session, with a maximum of $15,000 per year.
- Eligibility: The OGS is open to students who are enrolled in or planning to enroll in a graduate program at a participating Ontario university. Applicants must have a strong academic record and demonstrate research potential.
- Application Process: Students must apply directly to the graduate school at the Ontario university where they intend to study. The application typically includes academic transcripts, a research proposal, and letters of reference.
5. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships program is designed to attract and retain top-tier postdoctoral talent in Canada. It is open to both Canadian and international researchers who have recently completed a PhD or equivalent degree.
- Value: $70,000 per year for two years.
- Eligibility: The fellowship is open to postdoctoral researchers in the fields of social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, engineering, and health sciences. Candidates must demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership qualities.
- Application Process: Applicants must submit a detailed research proposal, academic transcripts, and letters of reference. The application process is highly competitive, and candidates are encouraged to collaborate with their proposed host institution in Canada.
6. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program at the University of Toronto is one of the most prestigious undergraduate scholarship programs in Canada. It is designed to recognize international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential.
- Value: The scholarship covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.
- Eligibility: The scholarship is open to international students who are applying to an undergraduate program at the University of Toronto. Candidates must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to their community.
- Application Process: Students must be nominated by their high school, and the application includes academic transcripts, letters of reference, and a personal statement.
7. University of British Columbia International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award
The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers the International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award to outstanding international undergraduate students. The award is designed to recognize students who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership skills, and involvement in extracurricular activities.
- Value: The award is proportional to the student’s financial need, covering tuition, fees, and living expenses.
- Eligibility: The ILOT Award is open to international students who are applying to an undergraduate program at UBC. Candidates must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need.
- Application Process: Students must be nominated by their school, and the application includes academic transcripts, letters of reference, and a personal statement.
8. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF)
The University of Manitoba offers the Graduate Fellowships (UMGF) to support both Canadian and international students pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree at the university. The fellowships are awarded based on academic excellence.
- Value: $14,000 per year for master’s students and $18,000 per year for doctoral students.
- Eligibility: The fellowship is open to students in any field of study offered at the University of Manitoba. Applicants must have a strong academic record and demonstrate research potential.
- Application Process: Students must apply through their academic department at the University of Manitoba. The application typically includes academic transcripts, a research proposal, and letters of reference.
9. York University International Student Scholarships
York University in Toronto offers a range of scholarships for international students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
- Value: Scholarships range from $2,000 to $35,000 per year.
- Eligibility: The scholarships are open to international students who are applying to or currently enrolled in a program at York University. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.
- Application Process: The application process varies depending on the scholarship, but typically includes academic transcripts, letters of reference, and a personal statement.
10. University of Alberta International Scholarships
The University of Alberta offers a variety of scholarships for international students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. These scholarships are designed to attract top talent from around the world to the university.
- Value: Scholarships range from $5,000 to $20,000.
- Eligibility: The scholarships are open to international students who are applying to or currently enrolled in a program at the University of Alberta. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.
- Application Process: The application process varies depending on the scholarship, but typically includes academic transcripts, letters of reference, and a personal statement.
11. Carleton University Entrance Scholarships for International Students
Carleton University in Ottawa offers a range of entrance scholarships for international students who are applying to an undergraduate program. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence.
- Value: Scholarships range from $4,000 to $16,000, spread over four years.
- Eligibility: The scholarships are open to international students who are applying to an undergraduate program at Carleton University. Applicants must have a strong academic record.
- Application Process: Students are automatically considered for these scholarships when they apply to Carleton University. No separate application is required.
12. University of Ottawa Scholarships for International Students
The University of Ottawa offers a variety of scholarships for international students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. These scholarships are designed to support students who have demonstrated academic excellence.
- Value: Scholarships range from $1,000 to $30,000 per year.
- Eligibility: The scholarships are open to international students who are applying to or currently enrolled in a program at the University of Ottawa. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.
- Application Process: The application process varies depending on the scholarship, but typically includes academic transcripts, letters of reference, and a personal statement.