Every year Canadian-based academic institutions record millions of applicants from around the globe. The country is ranked third amongst countries who have the largest number of normal or scholarship-based applicants every year.
The reason for the surge has to do with the flexible and high-quality education options available for all students. The serene and peaceful environment also makes a strong point.
There are lots of scholarship options for foreign students, but we will be going for the most accessed by both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Scholarship Scheme In Canada For International Students
Canada attracts both local & international students who are looking to explore new horizons meanwhile, students can also find highly ranked schools in Canada making it a top choice for the wide populace.
The only setback in this context is that some students find most schools of their choice expensive or may struggle with the standard of living in the country after paying their tuition fees, and other additional fees.
The good news is that you can still apply for any school of your choice, and enjoy scholarship benefits for international students where you’ll have to pay a fraction of the total amount of tuition fee, or may be exempted from paying a cent.
The type of scholarship international students benefit from the Canadian government may vary. For example, Mike from York city university gets to enjoy a fully funded scholarship scheme where he’s not required to pay for accommodation, travel expenses, tuition fees, etc. Meanwhile, some people in other universities may only have their full or partial tuition fees paid by the government or other non governmental parastatals.
All of these benefits can be attributed to the fact that the Canadian government has a vision of supporting developing countries to raise their educational standards by equipping them with the knowledge that’ll make them self-sustainable even when they return to their respective countries.
It is up to the student to carefully understand how each scholarship program will benefit them before choosing to apply. This publication is focused on making you understand the best suitable scholarship program for you.
30+ Best Scholarship In Canada For International Students
UdeM Exemption Scholarship for International Students
- Scholarship Website
- Scholarship Amount: CAD 20,000
- Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral level
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
This scholarship initiative is meant for students with potential leadership traits and has shown these characteristics in diverse ways such as via their academic records. Only people who are not a citizen of Canada are eligible for this program and stand the chance of receiving up to CAD 20,000 with this program.
Applicants must also be exempted from any type of grant recorded by the Canadian government in order to enjoy the benefits attached to this scholarship scheme. The funds received are meant for the tuition fees, and to help students ease their financial burden.
Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship
- Scholarship Website
- Scholarship Amount: CAD 15,000
- Eligible Degree: Bachelor
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
Immigrant students are often attracted to the city of Toronto because of its socio-economic development and are known for prioritizing improving educational standards among local and international students.
One of the universities in charge of offering high-quality education is Lester B. Pearson University, which also offers international students a chance at receiving up to CAD 15,000 every year. The program seeks to only give 37 scholars who have displayed high proficiency in their academics and has the potential of becoming great leaders in the years to come.
Interested students can register anytime from November, while the form closes by mid-January.
Carleton Prestige Scholarships
- Scholarship Website
- Scholarship Amount: CAD 5,000
- Eligible Degree: Bachelor
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
Next on the list is a scholarship program offered by Carleton University, and it’s often considered a top choice among both local and international students. Successful applicants are often selected based on their level of academic performance for a chance at receiving a minimum of CAD 5,000 every year.
The funds are expected to help students or guardians lessen the burden of having to pay off their tuition fees amidst other costs or expenses. However, it is only students who score up to 90% in the entrance exam conducted by the university that stand a higher chance of being selected for this scholarship award.
Global Affairs Canada International Scholarships Program
- Scholarship Website
- Scholarship Amount: $10,000
- Eligible Degree: Doctoral studies
- Eligible Countries: Countries in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa
This is one of the most popular scholarship schemes for international students since it allows students from different parts of the world to apply for a chance at receiving educational benefits in any Canada-based university, and it hopes to support students who are keen on carrying out relevant research and expanding their knowledge.
This does not imply that all international students can apply since it only offers scholarship benefits to students from European, Asian, and some parts of African countries. You can always check the official website to see if your country qualifies to enjoy these benefits.
Beneficiaries of this scholarship scheme get to enjoy over $10,000 every year which is enough to cover their tuition fees, feeding and accommodation expenses, visa, books, and other forms of supplies.
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF)
- Scholarship Website
- Scholarship Amount: CAD 14,000
- Eligible Degree: Doctoral studies
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
This scholarship scheme is often targeted at students who have completed their bachelor’s degree program and are looking to boost their academic profile. Applicants must however possess up to a 3.0 CGPA in order to qualify for a chance at being awarded CAD 14,000 for master’s programme meanwhile, doctorate students are expected to receive up to CAD 18,000.
The students are also expected to be of good character in order to be considered worthy of being recommended by their previous school to which they’re planning to transfer.
Students who have benefited from the master’s scholarship program also have the chance of applying for the doctorate scholarship scheme and may even have a higher chance of being selected than transfer students from other universities.
York International Scholarships and Awards
- Scholarship Website
- Scholarship Amount: Not Stated
- Eligible Degree: Undergraduate
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
If you’re looking for a fully funded scholarship scheme for students in Canada, then the York international scholarship and Awards is your best choice as it offers a fully funded system for undergraduates.
This fund is expected to cover all the student’s expenses throughout their stay in the university, where students with high academic profiles stand a higher chance of being selected when compared with average students, etc. Students who are versatile with sports also possess a higher chance of being selected for this scholarship program.
Canadian Japanese Mennonite Scholarship
- Scholarship Website
- Scholarship Amount: $3,000
- Eligible Degree: Undergraduate/for research purposes
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
It is important to note that it’s not all scholarship programs that are sponsored by the government since some scholarship schemes are powered by NGOs. An example of this type of scholarship scheme is the one offered by the Mennonite central committee (MCC) – an organization geared at promoting the interest of people while also giving international students a chance at receiving money for their research projects.
Eligible students stand a chance of receiving up to $3,000 for research purposes. However, your research projects must be based on exploring the cultural and human values in the state.
P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund (IPS)
- Scholarship Website
- Scholarship Amount: Up to $12,500
- Eligible Degree: Undergraduate and Doctoral studies women
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
This scholarship program offers eligible international students a chance to receive more than $12,500 yearly to support their cost of living and tuition. The only downside is that the scholarship scheme focuses on helping only female students with potential leadership skills or prolificacy in their academics.
The purpose of this scholarship scheme is to raise independent women who can contribute positively to whatever society or industry they find themselves in.
Beneficiaries of this scholarship scheme are not often given a short stay in the country and are expected to return to their country to impact positively.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Scholarship Website
- Scholarship Amount: $50,000 per year for three years
- Eligible Degree: Postgraduate
- Eligible Countries: All Countries including Canada
Another on the list is a scholarship scheme that’s sponsored by the government, and Its beneficiaries are students seeking to pursue a Ph.D. degree in diverse academic fields of study such as pure and applied sciences, social sciences, engineering, etc.
This scholarship has helped millions of students from different parts of the world, and the process is often rigorous because of a long list of potential applicants waiting in line to be selected. People with a good academic background, and high intellect have a higher chance of being selected.
Ontario Trillium Scholarship
- Scholarship Website
- Scholarship Amount: CAD 40,000
- Eligible Degree: Postgraduate
- Eligible Countries: Students of any Ontario-based universities at large or its affiliates
This scholarship scheme is for students who are students of any Ontario-based universities at large. The founders of this scholarship program are often looking to offer distinctive students schooling in any Ontario university up to CAD 40,000 every year.
The fund is sufficient enough to cover all student’s costs or expenses, and can only be received by students looking to pursue a PhD degree.
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
- Scholarship Website
- Scholarship Amount: $70,000
- Eligible Degree: Postdoctoral
- Eligible Countries: Canadian citizens, Permanent residents of Canada, and Foreign citizens.
This scholarship program is of the Canadian government initiative, and it is especially for students who have shown distinctive features in their academics. That is beneficiaries of this scholarship are often students with a high CGPA.
This scholarship scheme is restricted to the best students from around the world, and it only accommodates up to 70 students to receive up to 70,000 Dollars every year. However, these students can be selected from diverse academic fields of study such as health, social science, etc.
Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP)
- Scholarship Website
- Scholarship Amount: Up to $11,100
- Eligible Degree: Undergraduate, Masters and Doctoral studies
- Eligible Countries: Caribbean and Latinos from North America
Every scholarship program out there comes with its aims and objectives, and ELAP seeks to unify or build an international relationship between international students and the state at large. Exchange students can enjoy up to $11,100 while aiming to acquire a bachelor’s -Ph.D. degree program.
The only eligible students for this scholarship program are people from the Caribbean and Latinos who are passionate about becoming leaders.
Canada-CARICOM Skills Training for the Green Economy Scholarships
- Scholarship Website
- Scholarship Amount: CAD 15,000
- Eligible Degree: Non Degree/Training
- Eligible Countries: CARICOM countries
Next on the list is a newly launched scholarship program that offers vocational skills to international students in Canada. The purpose of these is to improve these students’ self-dependence while also raising potential entrepreneurs and world leaders.
Aside from getting vocational training, beneficiaries will also receive up to 15,000 CAD in monetary funding that’s expected to cover their tuition, student permit, etc.
Douglas College International Student Scholarships
- Scholarship Website
- Scholarship Amount: CAD 1,000 to CAD 2,000
- Eligible Degree: Undergraduate
- Eligible Countries: Available to students from: CIS countries including Africa
Scholars and great minds are often invited from around the globe to have a chance at receiving grants for their tuition fees every year. Although this is not a fully funded scholarship scheme, it can help make life easier for the students or guardians making them focus more on their studies rather than trying to find menial jobs for support.
Only people who are yet to be offered admission by the institution are worthy of applying for this scholarship program.
Applicants further stand a chance of receiving CAD 1,000 to 2,000 as long as they meet the educational requirements, have passed the IELTS test, and are actively involved in impacting their community positively.
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program
- Scholarship Website
- Scholarship Amount: $5,000 per session ($15,000 in 3 consecutive sessions)
- Eligible Degree: Postgraduate
- Eligible Countries: Canada and foreign graduate students who are Indigenous to Canada
This is yet another Ontario-based scholarship program that looks at improving the lives of international students studying within the region.
The monetary value of this scholarship program may vary based on the student’s academic program. For example, a person yearning for a master’s degree will receive up to CAD 10,000, while someone aiming for a doctorate will receive up to CAD 15,000.
UBC International Scholars Program awards
- Scholarship Website
- Scholarship Amount: Awards range in value and are up to $25,000 per year
- Eligible Degree: Undergraduate
- Eligible Countries: All countries
Judging from the scholarship program name, a layman can tell that this scholarship initiative is geared at raising potential leaders within and outside the country. Applicants are not expected to be a student of any privately or government-owned institution in Canada before applying. All you need is to be a student from Non-EU or EU to get a chance of getting financial support.
Students must have also contributed positively to their community at large and must have shown good leadership examples. These examples can be cited while at school, church, doing community services, etc. Applicants of these scholarships are often offered the best befitting scholarships that match their profile.
The University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
- Scholarship Website
- Scholarship Amount: $20,000
- Eligible Degree: Undergraduate
- Eligible Countries: All countries
This scholarship program is often awarded to well-deserving students from different parts of the world. The only downside is that the scholarship is often awarded to 2 lucky students who have demonstrated all rounds of excellence in their academics.
Successful applicants are also expected to be fluent in English and must maintain their academic excellence throughout their duration in the school in order to enjoy the full benefits that come with the scholarship initiative.
University Of British Columbia MasterCard Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship
- Scholarship Website
- Scholarship Amount: Not Stated
- Eligible Degree: Undergraduate
- Eligible Countries: Africa
This scholarship program is majorly designed for international students from some parts of Africa who are vast in their academics and can fit into the social economy of the state. The initiative only accepts a maximum number of 87 students every year.
This fund is expected to cover the student’s full expenses from tuition to accommodation to the smallest fees that may pop up in a student’s life such as transportation costs. The Mastercard Foundation is therefore promoting educational development amongst Africans while ensuring beneficiaries of this scheme do not lack a thing during their time in the university.
Aspiring applicants have until mid-November before submitting their application to register their interest in the program.
Algonquin College Undergraduate Scholarship For International Students
- Scholarship Website
- Scholarship Amount: $3000
- Eligible Degree: Undergraduate
- Eligible Countries: All countries
This scholarship program invites international students from different parts of the world who are performing excellently in their academics, and it seeks to only award 30 applicants with $3000.
Awardees are often students who have gone through a rigorous process and have proven to be better than their fellows. If you feel you’ve got what it takes, the application tends to benefit from this scholarship program, you can test your luck by applying today. However, do note that the application closes on the 30th of November.
Humber College Scholarships For International Students
- Scholarship Website
- Scholarship Amount: Up to $4,000 and renewable
- Eligible Degree: Undergraduate
- Eligible Countries: All countries
All international students currently studying at Humber College are eligible to receive grants that’ll help facilitate their education process. Scholarship grants often vary since some students tend to receive full reimbursement for tuition fees paid and successful applicants will receive the money spent on their tuition fees.
The school also offers an international subdivision of scholarship schemes for people looking to gain admission where they can have their fees covered, Application form is usually available from mid-November and closes before March 30th.
The University of Winnipeg international students awards
- Scholarship Website
- Scholarship Amount: CAD 10,000
- Eligible Degree: Bachelor & Postgraduate
- Eligible Countries: All countries
This scholarship initiative is not only focused on students with an amazing academic profile but also caters to students who are actively involved in sports, arts, and other activities that deserve recognition.
Beneficiaries of this scholarship initiative are often students seeking to pursue a bachelor’s degree program, and it only accommodates a maximum of 50 students from around the globe where they can receive up to CAD 10,000 yearly as long as they keep meeting the academic criteria required by the university.
University of British Columbia (UBC) Public Scholars Award
- Scholarship Website
- Scholarship Amount: CAD 20,000
- Eligible Degree: Doctoral studies
- Eligible Countries: All countries
This scholarship scheme is eligible for students who have completed their master’s degree program and have performed beautifully in any school of their choice. The award is however limited to 35 students which means the competition is tough, and only the best of the best students often get selected for this scholarship award.
Successful applicants will therefore receive up to CAD 20,000 for a two-year period which can be used for research purposes and other student expenses.
President’s Scholarship for World Leaders
- Scholarship Website
- Scholarship Amount: Up to USD5000
- Eligible Degree: Undergraduate, Graduate, Collegiate, PACE or ELP
- Eligible Countries: All countries
This scholarship initiative helps build up future world leaders from international countries who can provide real-life solutions to the society or industry in which they find themselves after graduating from their choice of institution.
It seeks to instill good leadership traits in undergraduates who are seeking to obtain a bachelor’s degree, amongst others. The initiative further grants them the appropriate funding that’s fit to help them reduce the costs of payment of fees such as student permits, tuition fees, etc.
Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation Scholarship
- Scholarship Website
- Scholarship Amount: CAD 40,000 + $20,000 (research & Travel) per year for a duration of three years.
- Eligible Degree: Doctorate
- Eligible Countries: All countries
This scholarship scheme is targeted at people who are looking to kickstart their Ph.D. programs. However, it is not for every doctoral student out there but for selected individuals who match the eligibility criteria.
Beneficiaries of this scholarship scheme get to enjoy over CAD 40,000 every year which is enough to pay off their tuition fee, transport expenses, accommodation expenses, etc. The only downside of this scholarship program is social science students are the only ones eligible enough to enjoy all of these benefits. This means students in other academic fields of study can not apply.
The University of Alberta International Undergraduate Scholarships
- Scholarship Website
- Scholarship Amount: CAD 5,000. For some, it could go up to CAD120,000 (payable over 4 years) depending on the scholarship type.
- Eligible Degree: Undergraduate
- Eligible Countries: All countries
When we talk about the best of the best schools in Canada, the University of Alberta comes to mind and has attracted myriads of international students who are seeking to change their environment, and further explore new boundaries.
It further gives its students grants that are meant to support them before they’re given admission. An international student may choose to pick up the normal admission form or the scholarship form as long as they meet the requirements speculated. However, just like most scholarship programs, only the ones with a high academic profile are considered a top priority.
Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award
- Scholarship Website
- Scholarship Amount: Not Stated
- Eligible Degree: Undergraduate
- Eligible Countries: All countries
If you’re looking to be exempted from paying a cent for your tuition fee, then Donald A. Wehrung should be considered among your list of options. This is because they have a system outlined for international students who are seeking admission from the school, and it’s part of the University of Columbia initiative.
In case you do not know, the University of Columbia award program for distinctive students can be categorized into four (4), and it’s only the admission board members who have the right to select the best befitting scholarship scheme for transfer students.
However, students from underdeveloped countries or students who come from a disaster or war-stricken country are often advised to apply as a means of providing social welfare to them.
University Canada West (UCW) Scholarship Scheme
- Scholarship Website
- Scholarship Amount: Up to $28,800 depending on the degree & program
- Eligible Degree: Undergraduate & Master
- Eligible Countries: All countries
This scholarship program is dedicated to students who are distinctive in their academics and possess leadership traits. There are several readily made grants for each degree program, therefore, attracting students from different socioeconomic backgrounds to come to enjoy the benefits attached.
However, the school admission board only allows international students to enjoy the grants, or scholarships once. This means nobody is entitled to this scholarship scheme more than once, and successful applicants are often selected from thousands of worthy applicants every year, and they only select the best amongst great intellects.
The University of Waterloo Undergraduate Entrance Awards
- Scholarship Website
- Scholarship Amount: $10,000
- Eligible Degree: Undergraduate
- Eligible Countries: All countries
The University of Waterloo attracts millions of applicants every year to apply for grants that will help them during their course of studying at the university. They stand a chance of receiving up to $10,000 which will help suppress the costs incurred during their course of study.
Students who chose this university stand a chance of receiving grants from multiple sources such as through bursaries, scholarship programs, etc. However, terms and conditions are applied in receiving this grant every academic session.
University of Saskatchewan Graduate Scholarship
- Scholarship Website
- Scholarship Amount: Up to $24,000/year
- Eligible Degree: Master’s & Doctoral
- Eligible Countries: All countries
Every international student seeking to do research about credible universities in Canada must have come across the University of Saskatchewan. The institution also welcomes international students with mouth-watering momentary benefits for developmental purposes however it is only restricted to some academic fields of study.
There’s also a misconception that the scholarship grants are meant for students studying professional courses like medicine and engineering, but the founders also welcome students from departments such as Art, education, etc. You have to check the website to know if your course of study is eligible for receiving the funds made available.
Because of the rates at which people apply for the scholarship scheme, only people who score above 80% are often considered to receive up to CAD 20,000 in grants for either the master’s or doctorate programs.
Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship (NSGS)
- Scholarship Website
- Scholarship Amount: $10,000 (Up to two years)
- Eligible Degree: Postgraduate
- Eligible Countries: All countries
This university stands as one of the oldest universities in Canada since it was founded in the 80s. The university has been dedicated to raising experts and professionals in diverse fields of study. The school maintains its high credibility and also attracts international students who require financial assistance to help them scale through their academic phase.
However, only students who are currently admitted for a master’s degree program are eligible to apply for this funding which is expected to ease the financial burden on the student while they also use the funds for research and developmental purposes.
Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED)
- Scholarship Website
- Scholarship Amount: Up to $15,900 CAD
- Eligible Degree: Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD
- Eligible Countries: All countries
This scholarship program was introduced by the Canadian government less than a decade ago. The ASEAN member states further joined hands with the government in effective scholarship delivery to students who meet the eligibility criteria and are keen to offer research works in the state.
The scholarship program mainly targets people from underdeveloped countries with the hope of helping them eradicate poverty. Students who meet the scholarship criteria will receive up to CAD 16,000 to cover their tuition and other petty expenses.
RRU Royal Scholarship
- Scholarship Website
- Scholarship Amount: $3,000
- Eligible Degree: Undergraduate or Master’s
- Eligible Countries: China and Taiwan
Next on the list is a scholarship scheme designed for residents of Asian countries such as Taiwan and China. Anyone from these countries can enjoy the benefits of receiving up to $3,000 during their course of studying in Canada.
Selected applicants get the chance to receive other forms of support for their development. It also yearns to build a connection between Asian and Canadian citizens at large while promoting peace, and socio-economic development.
In conclusion, there are numerous scholarship programs offered by the Canadian government, private institutions, NGOs, etc for international students to boost their academic development and to also boost their intellects through offering awards to students who have shown distinctive features in their academics, community, etc.
Everyone is welcome to apply and check from the above list of 30+ scholarship programs to see if they’re eligible enough. You can also share this publication with your friends and family who may find this article helpful enough.