Canada is a top destination for international students, offering world-class education and diverse cultural experiences. For high school graduates looking to study in Canada, scholarships can ease the financial burden and make their academic dreams a reality. This article highlights some of the best scholarships available, eligibility criteria, and tips to secure them.
Why Study in Canada?
Canada is known for its high-quality education, affordable tuition (compared to the US and UK), and welcoming environment for international students. Additionally, many Canadian universities and organizations offer scholarships to attract bright minds from around the world.
Top Canada Scholarships for High School Graduates
1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto)
One of Canada’s most prestigious scholarships, the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship covers:
- Tuition fees
- Books
- Incidental fees
- Full residence support for four years
Eligibility:
- Must be an international student
- Demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and leadership
How to Apply:
- Nomination by your high school is required
- Submit a personal statement and recommendation letters
2. University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program
UBC offers several merit-based scholarships for outstanding international students:
- Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award – Covers tuition and living costs based on financial need.
- Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award – For students from war-torn or impoverished regions.
Eligibility:
- Strong academic record
- Leadership and involvement in extracurricular activities
Application Process:
- Apply to UBC first
- Submit a separate scholarship application with references
3. Humber College International Entrance Scholarships
Humber College offers partial scholarships to high-achieving international students:
- Amount: Up to $5,000 CAD
- Eligibility: Minimum 75% GPA in high school
How to Apply:
- Apply for admission to Humber
- Submit a 500-word essay or video explaining why you deserve the scholarship
4. York University International Student Scholarship Program
York University provides automatic entrance scholarships for high-achieving students:
- Amount: $1,000 to $20,000 CAD per year
- Eligibility: Based on academic excellence (no separate application needed)
5. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
For students pursuing doctoral studies, the Vanier Scholarship offers:
- Funding: $50,000 per year for three years
- Eligibility: Academic excellence, research potential, and leadership
Tips to Win a Canada Scholarship
- Start Early – Many scholarships have early deadlines.
- Maintain High Grades – Most scholarships are merit-based.
- Show Leadership – Highlight extracurricular activities and volunteer work.
- Write a Strong Essay – Personal statements should reflect your goals and passion.
- Apply to Multiple Scholarships – Increase your chances by casting a wide net.
Exclusive Scholarships for STEM, Arts & Business Students in Canada
Canada is a top study destination, offering world-class education and generous scholarships for international and domestic students. If you’re a high school graduate pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), Arts, or Business, there are specialized scholarships just for you.
This guide covers exclusive funding opportunities, eligibility criteria, and tips to boost your chances of winning.
Why Study STEM, Arts, or Business in Canada?
Canada is home to leading universities with strong programs in:
- STEM: University of Toronto, UBC, Waterloo (ranked for engineering & AI)
- Arts & Design: OCAD University, Emily Carr, Concordia (known for creativity)
- Business: Rotman (UofT), Ivey (Western), Schulich (York) (top-ranked MBAs)
Many Canadian scholarships target these fields to attract top talent.
Top STEM Scholarships in Canada
1. Schulich Leader Scholarships
- For: STEM undergraduates (Engineering, Computer Science, Biology, etc.)
- Amount: Up to $120,000 (for engineering) or $100,000 (for science/math)
- Eligibility: Academic excellence + leadership in STEM
- How to Apply: Nomination by your high school
2. NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA)
- For: STEM students interested in research
- Amount: $6,000+ (varies by university)
- Eligibility: Enrolled in a Canadian university, strong academic record
3. University of Waterloo President’s Scholarships
- For: STEM students at Waterloo (especially Engineering & CS)
- Amount: $2,000–$10,000 (merit-based)
- Eligibility: 90%+ average in high school
Best Scholarships for Arts & Design Students
1. OCAD University Entrance Scholarships
- For: Fine Arts, Design, Digital Media students
- Amount: $1,000–$4,000
- Eligibility: Portfolio review + academic merit
2. Emily Carr University Awards
- For: Animation, Film, Visual Arts students
- Amount: $1,000–$5,000
- How to Apply: Submit a portfolio + personal statement
3. Canada Council for the Arts Grants
- For: Emerging artists (visual arts, music, writing)
- Amount: $5,000–$20,000
- Eligibility: Must demonstrate artistic potential
Top Business Scholarships in Canada
1. Rotman School of Management Scholarships (UofT)
- For: Business/Commerce undergraduates
- Amount: $5,000–$40,000
- Eligibility: High grades + leadership in business/entrepreneurship
2. Ivey Business School AEO (Advanced Entry Opportunity)
- For: Future Ivey HBA students
- Amount: $5,000–$25,000
- How to Apply: Early application in high school
3. TD Scholarships for Community Leadership
- For: Business & social impact students
- Amount: $70,000 (over 4 years)
- Eligibility: Leadership + community service
How to Win These Scholarships
- Start early – Many deadlines are 6–12 months before enrollment.
- Maintain high grades – Most require 85%+ averages.
- Showcase your passion – STEM? Highlight research/competitions. Arts? Build a strong portfolio.
- Get strong references – Teachers, mentors, or employers can boost your application.
- Apply to multiple awards – Don’t rely on just one!
Deadlines & Eligibility Criteria for Canada’s Top Scholarships
Planning to study in Canada? Missing scholarship deadlines can cost you thousands! This guide covers key dates and eligibility requirements for Canada’s most prestigious scholarships—so you can apply on time and maximize your funding.
1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto)
Deadline:
- School nomination deadline: November 30, 2024
- Student application deadline: January 15, 2025
Eligibility:
- International student
- Graduating high school in 2025
- Exceptional academic record (top 5% of class)
- Strong leadership in school/community
2. Schulich Leader Scholarships (STEM)
Deadline:
- High school nomination deadline: January 26, 2025
- Final application deadline: February 9, 2025
Eligibility:
- Canadian citizen/permanent resident
- Pursuing STEM (Engineering, CS, Biology, etc.)
- Minimum 90% average
- Demonstrated leadership in STEM (competitions, research, etc.)
Top Merit-Based Scholarships for High School Students in Canada (2025 Guide)
If you’re a high-achieving student looking to fund your Canadian education, these prestigious merit-based scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and community impact.
Why Merit Scholarships Matter
- Cover 25-100% of tuition at top universities
- Recognize hard work beyond grades (leadership, innovation)
- Open doors to exclusive networks and opportunities
Canada’s Most Competitive Merit Scholarships
1. Loran Award ($100,000)
Deadline: October 11, 2024
Eligibility:
- 85%+ average
- Demonstrated character, service, and leadership
- Canadian citizen/permanent resident
Unique Feature: Includes mentorship + summer internships
2. Schulich Leader Scholarships (Up to $120,000)
Deadline: January 2025 (varies by school)
For: STEM students
Selection Criteria:
- 90%+ average
- STEM competition wins (Science Fair, Olympiads)
- Entrepreneurial projects
3. University of Toronto National Scholarship ($10,000-$100,000)
Deadline: December 15, 2024
What They Want:
- Top 1% of applicants
- Exceptional intellectual curiosity
- Creative problem-solving skills
Final Thoughts
Securing a scholarship in Canada as a high school graduate is competitive but possible with the right preparation. Research thoroughly, meet deadlines, and present a strong application to maximize your chances.
By taking advantage of these opportunities, you can reduce financial stress and focus on achieving academic success in one of the world’s best education systems.
Would you like help finding more niche scholarships? Let us know in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Canada Scholarships for High School Graduates
1. Can international high school graduates apply for Canadian scholarships?
Yes! Many Canadian scholarships are open to international students. Some are merit-based, while others consider financial need or leadership qualities. Examples include the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship and UBC International Scholars Program.
2. Do I need to apply separately for scholarships in Canada?
It depends on the scholarship:
- Automatic consideration: Some (like York University’s entrance awards) require no separate application—just apply for admission.
- Separate application: Prestigious scholarships (e.g., Lester B. Pearson) often need essays, references, or school nominations.