Canada is one of the best study destinations for international students, offering world-class education, cultural diversity, and excellent career opportunities. However, studying abroad can be expensive, which is why scholarships are a great way to ease the financial burden.
If you’re planning to study in Canada in 2025, this article lists the top 50 scholarships available for international students. Whether you’re pursuing an undergraduate, master’s, PhD, or diploma program, there’s likely a scholarship for you.
Why Study in Canada?
Before diving into the scholarships, here’s why Canada is a top choice:
- High-quality education with globally recognized degrees.
- Affordable tuition compared to the US and UK.
- Post-study work opportunities and pathways to permanent residency.
- Safe and welcoming environment for international students.
Now, let’s explore the best scholarships available in 2025.
Fully Funded Scholarships
These scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, and sometimes travel costs.
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships – For PhD students, offering $50,000 per year.
- Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships – Supports doctoral researchers in social sciences and humanities.
- University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson Scholarship – Covers tuition, books, and accommodation for undergraduate students.
- University of British Columbia (UBC) International Leader of Tomorrow Award – Need and merit-based for undergraduates.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Awarded based on academic excellence, leadership, or extracurricular achievements.
- University of Alberta International Entrance Scholarship – Up to $40,000 for high-achieving undergrads.
- York University International Student Scholarship Program – Awards range from $80,000 to $180,000 over four years.
- HEC Montréal Scholarships – For MBA and other business programs.
- University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship – $20,000 for first-year students.
Country-Specific Scholarships
Some scholarships are exclusively for students from certain regions.
- Commonwealth Scholarships – For students from Commonwealth countries.
- Organization of American States (OAS) Scholarships – For students from Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Canadian-CARICOM Leadership Scholarships – For Caribbean students.
Government-Funded Scholarships
The Canadian government offers several scholarships for international students.
- Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) – For master’s and PhD students.
- Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships – Supports postdoctoral researchers.
- Global Affairs Canada Scholarships – Includes the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP).
University-Specific Scholarships
Many Canadian universities offer their own scholarships.
- McGill University Scholarships – Need-based and merit-based awards.
- University of Waterloo International Funding – For undergraduate and graduate students.
- Western University International President’s Entrance Scholarships – Up to $50,000.
Scholarships for Graduate Students
If you’re pursuing a master’s or PhD, check these out:
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) – $10,000 to $15,000 per year.
- University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships – Up to $18,000 for master’s students.
- University of Saskatchewan Dean’s Scholarship – For PhD and master’s candidates.
Tips for Winning a Scholarship
- Start early – Many deadlines are a year before the program starts.
- Check eligibility – Ensure you meet all requirements before applying.
- Write a strong essay – Personal statements matter.
- Get good references – Professors or employers can strengthen your application.
Final Thoughts
With so many scholarships available, funding your education in Canada is possible. Whether you need a fully funded award or a partial scholarship, there’s an option for you. Start researching early, prepare a strong application, and take the first step toward studying in Canada in 2025!
Did we miss any great scholarships? Let us know in the comments!