24 Best scholarships for international students in Canada

Canada is a popular destination for international students who want to pursue higher education in a diverse, multicultural, and welcoming country. Canada offers many opportunities for academic excellence, research innovation, and career development. However, studying in Canada can also be expensive, especially for international students who have to pay higher tuition fees and living costs than domestic students. That's why applying for scholarships can be a great way to reduce the financial burden and achieve your educational goals.

In this blog post, we will provide you with a list of some of the most prestigious and generous scholarships available for international students in Canada. We will also explain the benefits of studying in Canada and why you should apply for scholarships. Whether you are interested in undergraduate, graduate, or postdoctoral studies, you will find a scholarship that suits your needs and interests. Read on to learn more and get ready to apply!

Why study in Canada?

Canada is a country that values education and innovation. It has some of the best universities in the world, ranking among the top 200 in various global rankings. Canadian universities offer a wide range of programs in all disciplines, from arts and humanities to science and engineering. You can choose from over 15,000 programs at more than 90 universities across the country.

Studying in Canada also means experiencing a rich and diverse culture, with people from different backgrounds, languages, and religions. Canada is home to over 250 ethnic groups and 200 languages, including English and French as the official languages. You can also enjoy the natural beauty of Canada, with its vast landscapes, mountains, lakes, forests, and wildlife.

Another benefit of studying in Canada is the opportunity to gain valuable work experience through co-op programs, internships, or part-time jobs. Many Canadian universities offer co-op programs, which allow you to alternate between academic terms and paid work terms in your field of study. This way, you can earn money, build your resume, and network with potential employers. You can also work up to 20 hours per week off-campus during your studies, and up to three years after graduation with a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

Why apply for scholarships?

Applying for scholarships can help you finance your education and achieve your academic and career goals. Scholarships are awards that do not need to be repaid, unlike loans or grants. They are usually based on merit, such as academic achievement, research potential, leadership skills, or community involvement. Some scholarships may also consider financial need, personal circumstances, or specific criteria related to the scholarship program.

By applying for scholarships, you can:

• Reduce your tuition fees and living expenses, and avoid taking on debt or working too much while studying
• Enhance your academic performance and motivation, as scholarships recognize and reward your hard work and excellence
• Boost your confidence and self-esteem, as scholarships show that you are a valuable and deserving student
• Expand your network and opportunities, as scholarships connect you with other scholars, mentors, and organizations that can support your personal and professional development
• Make a positive impact on society, as scholarships enable you to pursue your passions and interests, and contribute to your field and community

Available scholarships for international students in Canada

There are many scholarships available for international students in Canada, offered by various sources, such as the federal and provincial governments, universities, foundations, and organizations. Here are some of the most prominent and competitive scholarships that you can apply for, depending on your level and field of study. Note that each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria, application process, and deadlines, so make sure to check the official websites for more information and updates.

UBC undergraduate Scholarships

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is one of the top-ranked universities in Canada and the world, with campuses in Vancouver and Okanagan. UBC offers several scholarships for international students who want to pursue an undergraduate degree at UBC, such as:

• International Major Entrance Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to exceptional international students entering undergraduate programs at UBC. Students receive their scholarship when they enter their first year at UBC, and the scholarships are renewable for up to three additional years of study. The number and level of these scholarships vary, depending on available funding.
• Outstanding International Student Award: This is a one-time, merit-based entrance scholarship awarded to qualified students when they are offered admission to UBC. Students selected for this award show strength academically and display involvement outside of the classroom.
• UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award: This award recognizes international students who demonstrate superior academic achievement, leadership skills, involvement in student affairs and community service, and recognized achievement in other key areas. The award is proportional to the student's financial need and covers the costs of tuition, fees, and living expenses.

University of Alberta Scholarships

The University of Alberta (U of A) is a public research university located in Edmonton, Alberta. It is one of the top universities in Canada and the world, offering over 200 undergraduate and 500 graduate programs. U of A provides various scholarships for international students who want to study at U of A, such as:

• International Student Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to students with superior academic achievement who are studying in Canada on a study permit. The scholarship is valued at $9,000 and is renewable for up to four years.
• University of Alberta Gold Standard Scholarship: This scholarship is given to the top 5% of students in each faculty. The scholarship is valued at up to $6,000 and is renewable for up to four years.
• University of Alberta Doctoral Recruitment Scholarship: This scholarship is offered to attract the best and brightest graduates from around the world to pursue doctoral studies at U of A. The scholarship is valued at $5,000 per year for up to four years.

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) program is a prestigious scholarship program that helps Canadian institutions attract highly qualified doctoral students from across the country and abroad. The program is jointly administered by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). The program considers three equally weighted selection criteria: academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.

The Vanier CGS is valued at $50,000 per year for three years during doctoral studies. The scholarship is open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada, and foreign citizens who are pursuing a doctoral degree in health research, natural sciences and/or engineering, or social sciences and humanities at a Canadian institution.

Ontario Graduate Scholarships

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) program is a merit-based scholarship program that encourages excellence in graduate studies at publicly-assisted universities in Ontario. The program is jointly funded by the Province of Ontario and the participating universities. The program awards scholarships to students in all disciplines of academic study.

The OGS is valued at $5,000 per session, for two or three consecutive sessions. The scholarship is tenable for one or two years, depending on the program. The scholarship is open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada, and foreign citizens who are registered or intend to register in an eligible full-time master's or doctoral program at an Ontario university.

Trudeau Foundation Scholarships

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation is a charitable organization that supports outstanding doctoral students who are engaged in research and action on issues related to the Foundation's four themes: human rights and dignity, responsible citizenship, Canada and the world, and people and their natural environment. The Foundation offers scholarships, fellowships, and mentorships to foster a community of leaders and change-makers in their respective fields.

The Trudeau Foundation Scholarships provide $40,000 per year for three years, plus up to $20,000 per year for three years as a research and travel allowance. The scholarship also includes membership in a community of scholars, mentors, and fellows, and leadership training from mentors and fellows. The scholarship is open to Canadian citizens and foreign nationals who are enrolled or accepted in a doctoral program in the humanities or social sciences at a Canadian institution.

Other prestigious scholarships available for international students in Canada

Here is a list of other prestigious scholarships available for international students in Canada. Visit official websites of official university or scholarship website for detailed and up to date informations.

1. Dalhousie University Scholarships: Dalhousie University offers a range of scholarships for international students, including the International Baccalaureate Scholarship and the International Student Scholarship.
2. University of Waterloo Scholarships: The University of Waterloo offers a range of scholarships for international students, including the President’s Scholarship for International Students and the International Master’s Award of Excellence.
3. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship: This fellowship is awarded to postdoctoral researchers who are doing research in the natural sciences, health sciences, engineering, social sciences, or humanities. The fellowship is valued at $70,000 per year for two years.
4. Canadian Francophonie Scholarship Program: This scholarship is awarded to students from developing countries who are pursuing postsecondary studies in French in Canada. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
5. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships: The University of Manitoba offers a range of scholarships for international students, including the Graduate Fellowship for International Students and the International Graduate Student Entrance Scholarship.
6. University of Toronto Scholarships: The University of Toronto offers a range of scholarships for international students, including the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship and the President’s Scholars of Excellence Program.
7. African Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to students from sub-Saharan Africa who are pursuing a master’s degree in public administration, public policy, or public finance in Canada. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel costs, and living expenses.
8. UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award: This scholarship is awarded to international students who are applying for undergraduate programs at UBC. The scholarship amount varies depending on the program and the student’s academic achievements.
9. University of Saskatchewan Scholarships: The University of Saskatchewan offers a range of scholarships for international students, including the International Excellence Awards and the International Baccalaureate Scholarship.
10. York University Scholarships: York University offers a range of scholarships for international students, including the Global Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship and the International Entrance Scholarship.
11. Allan Backman Memorial Entrance Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to international students who are entering their first year of undergraduate studies at the University of British Columbia. The scholarship amount varies depending on the student’s academic achievements.
12. Loran Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to high school students who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential, academic excellence, and a commitment to community service. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
13. McGill University Scholarships: McGill University offers a range of scholarships for international students, including the McGill Entrance Scholarship Program and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
14. National Essay Contest: This contest is open to Canadian and international students who are in high school or college. The contest requires students to write an essay on a specific topic, and the winners receive a scholarship.
15. Athletic Scholarships: Many Canadian universities offer athletic scholarships to international students who excel in sports. The scholarship amount varies depending on the sport and the student’s athletic achievements.
16. Canadian Citizenship Celebration Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to international students who have become Canadian citizens within the past year. The scholarship amount varies depending on the student’s academic achievements.
17. Canadian Curriculum Schools Awards: These awards are available to international students who are studying at Canadian curriculum schools outside of Canada. The scholarship amount varies depending on the student’s academic achievements.
18. Entrance Scholarships: Many Canadian universities offer entrance scholarships to international students who are entering their first year of undergraduate studies. The scholarship amount varies depending on the university and the student’s academic achievements.
19. H.W. Wilson Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to international students who are pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in library and information science in the United States or Canada. The scholarship amount varies depending on the student’s academic achievements.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many scholarships available for international students who want to study in Canada. These scholarships can help you achieve your academic and career aspirations, while also enriching your personal and professional development. However, applying for scholarships can be a competitive and challenging process, so you need to prepare well and start early.

If you are interested in applying for any of the scholarships mentioned in this blog post, we recommend that you visit the official websites of the scholarship programs and the universities for more information and updates. You should also check the eligibility criteria, application process, and deadlines for each scholarship, and gather all the required documents and materials. 

You may also need to write a personal statement, a research proposal, or a letter of motivation, depending on the scholarship. Make sure to highlight your academic achievements, research potential, leadership skills, and community involvement, and explain how the scholarship will benefit you and your field of study.

We hope that this blog post has given you a clear idea about the scholarships available in Canada and how to apply for them. We wish you all the best in your scholarship search and application. If you want to receive more tips and updates about scholarships, please subscribe to our email newsletter and follow us on social media. good luck!