Best Scholarships for International Students in Canada (2025 Update)
Canada is a top destination for international students due to its world-class education, welcoming culture, and attractive post-graduate work opportunities. However, studying in Canada can also be expensive. This is why scholarships can play a key role in helping international students finance their studies in Canada. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to the best scholarships for international students in Canada in 2025.
Why Study in Canada?
Before delving into the scholarships, it’s important to understand why Canada is such an attractive destination for international students. Firstly, Canada offers a high standard of education, with institutions like the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. Secondly, Canada is a multicultural country that welcomes diversity, making it an ideal place for international students to study and live. Thirdly, the country offers attractive post-graduate work opportunities, which can potentially lead to permanent residency. Finally, Canada is known for its stunning landscapes and high quality of life, making it an enjoyable place to study.
What are Scholarships and Why are They Important?
Scholarships are financial aids granted to students to help cover their study costs. Unlike loans, scholarships do not need to be repaid. Scholarships may cover tuition fees, accommodation costs, book expenses, and sometimes even living expenses. They are usually awarded based on different criteria, such as academic excellence, community service, leadership skills, or financial need.
Scholarships are crucial for international students for several reasons. Firstly, they alleviate the financial burden of studying abroad. The cost of tuition, accommodation, travel, and living expenses can quickly add up, making it difficult for many students to afford without financial aid. Secondly, scholarships enable students from low-income backgrounds to access quality education that they might not have been able to afford otherwise. Thirdly, scholarships can also be a recognition of students’ hard work and achievements, providing an incentive for them to strive for excellence.
Types of Scholarships in Canada
There are several types of scholarships available for international students in Canada. Understanding these types can help you identify which scholarships you might be eligible for and where to look for them.
Merit-based Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on a student’s academic or extracurricular achievements. These scholarships aim to reward and encourage excellence. They can be offered by universities, government bodies, or private organizations. The selection criteria for merit-based scholarships usually involve high academic scores, leadership experience, community service, or exceptional talent in sports or arts.
Need-based Scholarships
Need-based scholarships are designed to help students who are in financial need. These scholarships consider the student’s financial situation in addition to their academic performance. Need-based scholarships can be particularly helpful for students from low-income families or developing countries.
Subject-specific Scholarships
Subject-specific scholarships are awarded to students who plan to study in a particular field or subject. These scholarships are usually funded by companies or organizations that are interested in promoting and supporting education in that field. For instance, there may be scholarships specifically for students studying engineering, business, medicine, etc.
Student-specific Scholarships
Student-specific scholarships are designed for students who belong to a particular group. This could be based on nationality, gender, religion, medical history, or other specific criteria. For example, there may be scholarships for students from a certain country, scholarships for female students in STEM fields, or scholarships for students with disabilities.
In the next sections, we will delve into the specifics of some of the best scholarships available for international students in Canada in 2025. Each scholarship will be discussed in detail, including eligibility criteria, application process, and the amount of financial aid provided. This list is not exhaustive, but it should give you a good start in your search for scholarships in Canada.
University Scholarships for International Students
Many Canadian universities offer scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships can be merit-based, need-based, or subject-specific. They are typically awarded at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Here are some of the most prestigious university scholarships for international students in Canada:
University of Toronto Scholarships for International Students
The University of Toronto offers a wide range of scholarships for international students. Among them, the most notable is the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship. This scholarship is intended to recognize international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and creativity and who are recognized as leaders within their school. It covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.
McGill University Scholarships for International Students
McGill University also offers numerous scholarships for international students. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill is one of them, aimed at academically talented, economically disadvantaged young people in Sub-Saharan Africa. It provides full scholarships encompassing tuition, accommodation, books, and travel costs.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) is one of the most prestigious scholarships in Canada, aimed at attracting and retaining world-class doctoral students. The scholarship, valued at $50,000 per year for three years, is available to both Canadian and international students studying at Canadian universities. The scholarship targets students who demonstrate both leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and/or engineering, and health-related fields.
University of British Columbia International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Scholarships
University of British Columbia (UBC) offers the ILOT Scholarships to international students who demonstrate superior academic achievement, leadership skills, involvement in student affairs and community service, recognized achievement in fields of endeavour such as the performing arts, sports, debating or creative writing, or external academic competitions and examinations. The scholarship value varies and is sufficient to cover tuition costs and living expenses. The scholarship is renewable for three additional years of study.
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation offers up to 15 scholarships every year to support doctoral students pursuing research in one or more of the Foundation’s four themes: Human Rights and Dignity, Responsible Citizenship, Canada in the World, and People and their Natural Environment. The scholarship provides $40,000 per year for three years, plus up to $20,000 per year for three years as a research and travel allowance.
Ontario Graduate Scholarship
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) is a provincial scholarship available to students in a wide range of disciplines. As a merit-based scholarship, OGS represents a significant recognition of a student’s academic achievements. The scholarship is valued at $5,000 per term, so you could receive $10,000 for two terms or $15,000 for three terms. Both Canadian and international students are eligible to apply for this scholarship, provided they plan to enroll in a graduate program at an Ontario university.
University of Waterloo International Master’s and Doctoral Awards
The University of Waterloo in Ontario provides a number of scholarships for international students to help fund their studies. The scholarships are available to students who have enrolled in a research-based graduate program and who are studying in full-time capacity. The value of the awards varies from $2,045 to $4,090 per term for 2 years (Master’s) or $4,090 per term for 3 years (PhD).
Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarships
The Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarships program is aimed at encouraging students to undertake graduate education in areas of research that are aligned with Alberta Innovates’ priority research areas (Bio, Health, Clean Energy, AI, etc.). The scholarship is valued at up to $30,000 per year and is renewable for a second year.
Quebec Merit Scholarship for Foreign Students
The Quebec Merit Scholarship Program aims to support international students from all disciplines who wish to pursue studies in Quebec. The scholarship value varies depending on the level of studies – up to $25,000 per year for doctoral studies, $15,000 for postdoctoral fellowships, and $3,000 for a short research or professional development stay.
In Conclusion
Canada is a wonderful destination for international students, offering a vibrant cultural experience and high-quality education. Scholarships are an excellent way to help defray the cost of your studies, so make sure to start your search early, be thorough, and of course, apply. Remember, every bit of financial aid helps, so aim for as many scholarships as you qualify for. Good luck!
Part Three: More Scholarships in Canada for International Students
As we continue our exploration of the best scholarships for international students in Canada, it is important to note that these opportunities are not limited to just a few prestigious universities. Many institutions across the country offer generous financial aid packages to help attract the brightest minds from around the globe. In this section, we will delve into more scholarships that you should consider in your quest for quality education in Canada.
1. University of British Columbia International Leader of Tomorrow Award
As one of the most renowned universities in the world, the University of British Columbia (UBC) offers the International Leader of Tomorrow Award to high-performing international students. This award recognizes students who demonstrate superior academic achievement, leadership skills, involvement in student affairs and community service, recognized achievement in fields of endeavor such as the performing arts, sports, debating or creative writing, or external academic competitions and examinations.
The value of the award varies depending on the individual’s financial need and covers the costs for tuition, fees, and living expenses, after the financial contribution the student and their family can make each year. To be eligible, students must be applying for their first undergraduate degree at UBC.
2. Carleton University Entrance Scholarships for International Students
Carleton University offers a range of scholarships to international students who are beginning their undergraduate studies. The value of these scholarships ranges from $4,000 to $16,000 and are renewable with an annual GPA of 10.0 or higher.
The scholarships are awarded based on academic performance and are available to students of all nationalities. Applicants must be entering Carleton University directly from high school and must be paying the International Tuition Fee.
3. York University International Student Scholarship Program
York University’s International Student Scholarship Program is designed to recognize international students who demonstrate superior academic performance and leadership skills. The scholarships are available to international students accepted to the university’s undergraduate programs.
The value of the scholarship ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 for a four-year degree program. To be considered, students must be applying to the university directly from high school and must have an outstanding academic record (“A” average or equivalent).
4. Humber College International Entrance Scholarships
Humber College offers renewable full and partial scholarships to new international students beginning classes in September and January of each year. The scholarships are divided throughout three academic semesters namely: Fall, Winter, and Summer. The scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement and may include other criteria such as community involvement, leadership skills, and creativity.
The scholarships range in value from $1,000 to $5,000 and are available to international students of all nationalities. To be eligible, students must have a minimum GPA of 75% and must meet all the other admission requirements.
5. University of Waterloo International Master’s and Doctoral Student Awards
The University of Waterloo offers a number of Master’s and Doctoral awards to international students. These awards are intended to support international students in their pursuit of research-based graduate studies.
The value of the awards varies, but all successful applicants will receive a minimum of $2,045 per term for up to three terms. To be eligible, students must be enrolled full-time in a research-intensive graduate program at the university, and hold a valid Canadian study permit.
In conclusion, studying in Canada as an international student is a rewarding experience, both academically and personally. The country’s investment in education and its diverse range of scholarships for international students make it an attractive destination for students from around the globe. So, start your application today and be one step closer to experiencing world-class education in the beautiful and welcoming country of Canada.
4. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) program is among the most lucrative scholarships for international students in Canada. This program was launched by the Canadian government to attract and retain top-tier doctoral students, both domestically and internationally. The program provides $50,000 per year for three years to the selected candidates.
Vanier CGS is open to students pursuing their doctoral degree or combined MA/PhD or MD/PhD at participating Canadian universities. The scholarship is based on three equally weighted selection criteria: academic excellence, research potential, and leadership. Therefore, applicants should demonstrate strong skills and potential in all three areas to increase their chances of selection.
5. University of Alberta International Scholarships
The University of Alberta offers a range of scholarships for international students to help cover tuition and living expenses. These scholarships are available for undergraduate and graduate students and vary in their value.
Some of the significant scholarships offered by the University of Alberta include the International Entrance Leadership Scholarship, the University of Alberta Centenary Scholarship, and the University of Alberta Doctoral Recruitment Scholarship. The eligibility criteria for each of these scholarships vary, so students are advised to visit the university’s official website to get detailed information.
6. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships are awarded to international students in the social sciences and humanities fields. This scholarship is one of the most prestigious in Canada, offering up to $60,000 per year for a maximum of three years. The scholarship is not just about financial support. It also provides a platform for vibrant exchange and debate on societal issues and leadership development.
Applicants should be enrolled in or applying to a full-time doctoral program in the social sciences or humanities and must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership skills, and a commitment to public engagement.
7. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) scheme is a provincial initiative operated by Ontario’s publicly-assisted universities. The OGS program offers scholarships of $15,000 per academic year to eligible candidates. The scholarship is open to graduate students in all disciplines of academic study.
While an OGS is tenable only at the university that has awarded it, it is important to note that students must submit a separate application to each university for which they are seeking admission. OGS awards are based on merit, demonstrating academic excellence, research ability and potential, and communication and leadership skills.
8. University of Toronto Scholarships
The University of Toronto ranks among the top universities in the world and is another excellent choice for international students seeking scholarships. The university offers a range of scholarships for international students, including the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program, which covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.
The scholarship is awarded based on academic excellence and leadership. Applicants must be nominated by their school and then apply to the undergraduate program at the University of Toronto.
9. University of British Columbia Scholarships for International Students
The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers a range of scholarships for international students, including the International Major Entrance Scholarship and Outstanding International Student Award. The scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and are open to students entering the first year of an undergraduate program at UBC.
These scholarships provide a great opportunity for international students to study at one of the top-ranking universities in the world and experience the vibrant cultural and social life of British Columbia.
10. Carleton University Entrance Scholarships for International Students
Carleton University offers numerous scholarships for international students starting their studies. These scholarships are known as the Entrance Scholarships and they reward students’ academic achievements and are purely merit-based. The value of the scholarships ranges from $4,000 to $16,000 and is renewable provided the student maintains high academic standing each year.
Carleton University is recognized for its innovative programs, research, and teaching methods. Therefore, getting a scholarship here can be a stepping stone to a successful future.
These are just some of the top scholarships available for international students in Canada for the year 2025. Remember, each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria and application process, so it’s important to research and apply early. We wish you all the best in your scholarship search and future studies in Canada!
