Worried about the cost of studying abroad and unsure where to start with funding in Canada? You’re not alone. Tuition, housing, health insurance, and living costs can add up quickly, and each university seems to have different rules, forms, and deadlines.
Here’s the fix: this guide pulls together the best scholarships for international students in Canada, explains who’s eligible, when to apply, what each award covers, and how to submit a winning application online. Follow along and you’ll know which fully funded and high‑value scholarships to target, what documents to prepare, and how to avoid missing key deadlines.
What you’ll learn:
- Fully funded and top‑value undergraduate and graduate scholarships in Canada
- Eligibility, benefits, typical deadlines, and how to apply online
- Long‑tail tips (e.g., fully funded PhD scholarships in Canada, MBA awards, provincial funding)
- Time‑saving comparison tables, checklists, and FAQs
- Clear CTAs: Apply Now, Check Eligibility, See Deadline
Note: Details can change every year. Always verify coverage, eligibility, and dates on official pages before submitting.
Quick picks: Best scholarships for international students in Canada (fully funded + high value)
If you’re pressed for time, start with these flagship awards. Availability varies by level and program.
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto) — Full tuition, books, fees, residence. Apply Now
- UBC International Scholars Program (UBC) — KMILOT, International Impact Award, Vantage One Excellence (full cost coverage available). Apply Now
- McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill — Fully funded master’s/professional degrees with stipend and leadership program. Apply Now
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (PhD) — $50,000/year for 3 years; open to international students. Apply Now
- Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships — Leadership development + generous stipend for social sciences/humanities PhDs. Apply Now
- Ontario Trillium Scholarship (PhD) — $40,000/year for 4 years for top international PhD recruits to Ontario universities. Apply Now
- Concordia Presidential Scholarship (Undergraduate) — Full tuition, fees, and living for exceptional international undergrads. Apply Now
Then add strong, renewable entrance awards:
- York University President’s International Scholarship of Excellence; Global Leader of Tomorrow. Check Eligibility
- University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship. Check Eligibility
- University of Ottawa International Excellence and President’s Scholarships. Check Eligibility
- University of Saskatchewan International Excellence Awards. Check Eligibility
- UBC Outstanding International Student (OIS) & International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES). Check Eligibility
Scholarship comparison table (2025)
| Scholarship | Level | Typical Funding | Deadline Window (verify) | Where to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lester B. Pearson (U of T) | UG | Full tuition, books, fees, residence | School nomination by Nov; student by Jan | future.utoronto.ca/pearson |
| UBC International Scholars (UBC) | UG | Full or major funding (tuition + living) | Nov–Jan | you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships/international-scholars |
| McCall MacBain (McGill) | Master’s/Prof | Full tuition + stipend + leadership | Aug–Sept registration; apps due Sep–Oct | mccallmacbainscholars.org |
| Vanier CGS (Tri‑Council PhD) | PhD | $50,000/year x 3 | June–Nov (internal nominations vary) | vanier.gc.ca |
| Trudeau Foundation | PhD (SSH) | Leadership program + stipend/travel | Oct–Dec (varies annually) | trudeaufoundation.ca |
| Ontario Trillium Scholarship | PhD (ON) | $40,000/year x 4 | University-specific (fall–winter) | via participating ON universities |
| Concordia Presidential | UG | Full tuition, fees, living | Dec–Feb | concordia.ca |
| York Int’l Excellence/GLT | UG | Up to $45,000/year | Jan–Feb | futurestudents.yorku.ca/financialsupport |
| UCalgary International Entrance | UG | $20,000 (renewable) | Dec–Mar | ucalgary.ca/registrar/awards |
| UOttawa Int’l Excellence | UG | $7,000–$20,000/year | Rolling/seasonal | uottawa.ca/study/scholarships |
| USask Int’l Excellence | UG | Up to $10,000 | Jan–Feb | admissions.usask.ca |
| UBC 4YF (Four Year Doctoral Fellowship) | PhD | Stipend + tuition for up to 4 years | Departmental nominations (fall–spring) | grad.ubc.ca |
| Waterloo IMAE/IDSA | Master’s/PhD | Partial tuition/stipend support | Program deadlines (fall–winter) | uwaterloo.ca |
| UAlberta Grad Entrance/Recruitment | Master’s/PhD | Entrance awards; funding packages | Program deadlines | ualberta.ca |
| Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF) | Master’s/PhD | $14k–$18k/year (typical) | Dept. cycles (winter–spring) | umanitoba.ca |
| Mitacs Globalink (research mobility) | UG/Grad | Research stipends for internships | Varies by stream | mitacs.ca |
Apply Now: Target 3–5 of the most competitive awards plus 5–8 university entrance/departmental scholarships to maximize outcomes.
Fully funded scholarships in Canada for international students (2025)
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship — University of Toronto
- What it covers: Full tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence for 4 years.
- Who it’s for: Exceptional international undergraduates with outstanding academic achievement and creativity; strong school nomination required.
- Deadlines: School nomination typically in November; OUAC application by December; Pearson application by mid‑January.
- How to apply:
- Get nominated by your high school.
- Apply to the University of Toronto via OUAC.
- Complete the Pearson online application after nomination.
- Link + CTA: https://future.utoronto.ca/pearson — Apply Now | See Deadline
UBC International Scholars Program — University of British Columbia
Includes: Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow (KMILOT), International Impact Award, and Vantage One Excellence Awards.
- What it covers: Can include full tuition and living support, based on demonstrated need and merit.
- Who it’s for: High‑achieving international students showing leadership and community service.
- Deadlines: Typically late November to mid‑January (varies by year).
- How to apply:
- Apply to UBC and submit the International Scholars application (separate form).
- Provide financial documentation if requested.
- Link + CTA: https://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships/international-scholars/ — Apply Now | Check Eligibility
McCall MacBain Scholarships — McGill University
- What it covers: Tuition and fees for eligible master’s or professional programs + living stipend; leadership training and mentorship.
- Who it’s for: Graduates with strong leadership, community impact, and academic excellence (all nationalities).
- Deadlines: Registration opens Aug; applications due Sep–Oct; interviews Nov–Mar.
- How to apply:
- Apply to McCall MacBain and to an eligible McGill program separately.
- Submit references, essays, and video responses.
- Link + CTA: https://mccallmacbainscholars.org — Apply Now | See Deadline
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (PhD)
- What it covers: $50,000 per year for three years during doctoral studies.
- Who it’s for: Top doctoral students (Canadian and international) in health research, natural sciences/engineering, or social sciences/humanities.
- Deadlines: Institutional nomination required; internal university deadlines often Sept–Oct; federal deadline typically in November.
- How to apply:
- Contact your target department early to seek nomination.
- Prepare research CV, proposal, referees, and transcripts.
- Link + CTA: https://vanier.gc.ca/en/home-accueil.html — Check Eligibility | See Deadline
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships
- What it covers: Leadership program, generous stipend, and research travel for social sciences/humanities PhDs.
- Who it’s for: Scholars committed to public engagement and leadership on pressing societal issues; all nationalities.
- Deadlines: Typically Oct–Dec; timelines may shift annually.
- How to apply:
- Apply online to the Foundation and coordinate with your Canadian university.
- Focus on leadership trajectory and impact.
- Link + CTA: https://www.trudeaufoundation.ca/scholarship — Apply Now
Ontario Trillium Scholarship (OTS) — PhD in Ontario
- What it covers: $40,000 per year up to 4 years.
- Who it’s for: Outstanding international PhD candidates recruited by Ontario universities.
- Deadlines: University‑managed; many run in fall/winter prior to the academic year.
- How to apply:
- Express interest to your Ontario department; many auto‑nominate top applicants.
- Provide evidence of excellence and supervisor support.
- Link + CTA: Search “Ontario Trillium Scholarship + [your university]” — Check Eligibility
Concordia Presidential Scholarship — Concordia University
- What it covers: Full tuition, fees, and living stipend for exceptional international undergraduates (up to 3 scholarships/year).
- Who it’s for: Students with outstanding academic performance, leadership, and community service.
- Deadlines: Typically December–February.
- How to apply:
- Apply to Concordia + submit the Presidential Scholarship application (essay, references).
- Link + CTA: https://www.concordia.ca/admissions/undergraduate/tuition-and-fees/scholarships-awards/concordia-presidential-scholarship.html — Apply Now
Best undergraduate scholarships in Canada for international students
York University — President’s International Scholarship of Excellence; Global Leader of Tomorrow
- Funding: Up to $45,000/year for the President’s award; GLT typically $20,000/year; both renewable for up to 4 years.
- Who it’s for: High‑achieving international students entering York.
- Deadline: Usually January–February.
- Link + CTA: https://futurestudents.yorku.ca/financialsupport — Apply Now | See Deadline
University of Calgary — International Entrance Scholarship
- Funding: $20,000 (renewable).
- Who it’s for: Exceptional international first‑year undergraduates.
- Deadline: Application windows often Dec–Mar.
- Link + CTA: https://www.ucalgary.ca/registrar/awards/international-entrance — Apply Now
University of Ottawa — International Excellence & President’s Scholarships
- Funding: $7,000–$20,000 per year (varies by faculty and average); additional faculty‑specific awards.
- Who it’s for: High‑achieving international undergrads.
- Link + CTA: https://www.uottawa.ca/study/scholarships-and-bursaries/international — Check Eligibility
University of Saskatchewan — International Excellence Awards
- Funding: Up to $10,000; additional awards by college.
- Who it’s for: Strong international entrants at USask.
- Link + CTA: https://admissions.usask.ca/money/scholarships.php — Apply Now
UBC — OIS & IMES (Undergraduate)
- Funding: Outstanding International Student (OIS) and International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES) provide significant entrance funding.
- Deadline: Aligns with UBC admission deadlines (Dec–Jan).
- Link + CTA: https://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships/ — Check Eligibility
Western University — International Admission Scholarships
- Funding: Competitive, renewable entrance awards for international students (amounts vary by average).
- Link + CTA: https://registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/awards_and_bursaries/international.html — See Deadline
Simon Fraser University (SFU) — International Entrance Scholarships
- Funding: Renewable awards for top international applicants; additional entrance bursaries available.
- Link + CTA: https://www.sfu.ca/students/financialaid/entrance/international.html — Apply Now
Pro tip: Many universities auto‑consider you for entrance awards when you apply for admission—others require a separate scholarship form. Always confirm.
Best graduate scholarships in Canada for international students (Master’s & PhD)
UBC Four Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF)
- Funding: Tuition coverage plus annual stipend for up to 4 years.
- Who it’s for: Top doctoral candidates across disciplines (all nationalities).
- How: Department nominates high‑ranking applicants; many packages combine with supervisor grants.
- Link + CTA: https://www.grad.ubc.ca/awards/four-year-doctoral-fellowship-4yf — Check Eligibility
University of Waterloo — IMAE & IDSA
- IMAE (International Master’s Award of Excellence): Partial funding for research‑based master’s students.
- IDSA (International Doctoral Student Award): Tuition offset for international PhD students.
- Link + CTA: https://uwaterloo.ca/graduate-studies-postdoctoral-affairs/awards/ — Apply Now
University of Alberta — Graduate Entrance/Recruitment Scholarships
- Funding: Entrance awards and doctoral recruitment packages; many departments guarantee minimum funding.
- Link + CTA: https://www.ualberta.ca/graduate-studies/awards-and-funding/index.html — Check Eligibility
University of Manitoba — Graduate Fellowships (UMGF)
- Funding: Competitive fellowships for master’s and PhD (amounts vary by year and unit; commonly $14k–$18k/year).
- Link + CTA: https://umanitoba.ca/graduate-studies/funding-awards-and-financial-aid/university-manitoba-graduate-fellowship-umgf — Apply Now
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
- Funding: $10,000 (2 terms) or $15,000 (3 terms). A limited number are allocated to international students at participating Ontario universities.
- How: Apply through your Ontario university; departmental ranking and GPA thresholds apply.
- Link + CTA: Search “OGS + [university name]” — See Deadline
McGill — Departmental & Entrance Fellowships
- Funding: Many departments guarantee minimum PhD funding; additional fellowships (e.g., Tomlinson for new PhDs).
- Link + CTA: https://www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/funding/funding — Check Eligibility
Mitacs Globalink (Mobility & Graduate Fellowship)
- Globalink Research Internship: Summer research in Canada for international undergrads from partner countries.
- Globalink Graduate Fellowship: For Globalink alumni returning to Canada for grad school.
- Link + CTA: https://www.mitacs.ca/our-programs/globalink/ — Apply Now
Note: Some national scholarships (e.g., CGS‑M) are limited to Canadian citizens/PR. Always verify eligibility before spending time on an application.
Exchange and short‑term funding you shouldn’t ignore
- Canada‑ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED): Short-term exchange funding for ASEAN countries.
Link: https://www.educanada.ca/scholarships-bourses/can/institutions/seeds-seed.aspx - Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP): For students from Latin America and the Caribbean for study/research exchanges in Canada.
Link: https://www.educanada.ca/scholarships-bourses/can/institutions/elap-pfla.aspx
These are great for building Canadian research experience and connections that strengthen future master’s/PhD scholarship applications.
Eligibility checklist for international students
Most of the best scholarships for international students in Canada evaluate the following:
- Academic excellence
- Strong grades (top 5–10% of class), rigorous coursework, and awards
- For graduate funding: research output, publications, or significant projects
- English or French proficiency
- IELTS/TOEFL for English programs; TEF/TCF/DELF for French (as required by institution)
- Leadership and community impact
- Volunteer work, startups, student government, competitions, or initiatives with measurable outcomes
- Program fit and supervisor endorsement (for graduate awards)
- Alignment with department strengths; clear research proposal; supervisor support email/letter
- Citizenship/residency
- Some awards are open to all nationalities; others are province‑specific or program‑specific
- Study permit readiness
- Proof of funds (beyond scholarships), valid passport, and visa timelines
Documents you’ll likely need:
- Passport; transcripts and degree certificates; GPA scale explanation
- English/French test scores (if required)
- CV/resume; statement of purpose/personal statements
- Research proposal (for thesis‑based grad programs)
- Two to three recommendation letters
- Proof of extracurriculars/awards
- Financial documents (for need‑based or need‑informed awards)
Deadlines: When to apply for Canadian scholarships (2025)
Always verify current dates, but plan by this general calendar:
| Scholarship/Category | Typical Deadline Window |
|---|---|
| U of T Lester B. Pearson | Nov (school nomination) + Dec/Jan (student app) |
| UBC International Scholars | Nov–Jan |
| Concordia Presidential | Dec–Feb |
| York International Entrance | Jan–Feb |
| UCalgary International Entrance | Dec–Mar |
| USask International Excellence | Jan–Feb |
| McCall MacBain (McGill) | Sep–Oct (app), interviews Nov–Mar |
| Vanier CGS (PhD) | Univ. nomination Sep–Oct; federal Nov |
| Trudeau Foundation | Oct–Dec |
| Ontario Trillium | Univ. nomination windows fall–winter |
| OGS (International) | University windows Nov–Feb |
| UBC 4YF | Department nomination (rolling by cycle) |
| Waterloo/UAlberta/UMGF | Program deadlines Nov–Mar |
See Deadline: Add reminders 30–45 days before each posted date; allow time for referees and translations.
How to apply: Step‑by‑step (and win)
Use this proven workflow to apply online for the best scholarships for international students in Canada.
- Shortlist target awards
- Mix 3–5 fully funded/high‑value scholarships + 5–8 university/department awards.
- Ensure program fit (discipline, research area, leadership values).
- Map eligibility and requirements
- Create a spreadsheet for GPA thresholds, test scores, documents, and essay prompts.
- Note if nomination is required (e.g., Lester B. Pearson, Vanier).
- Prepare tests and transcripts
- Book IELTS/TOEFL early; allow time for retakes.
- Request official transcripts and arrange certified translations if needed.
- Draft compelling statements
- Undergraduate: Focus on leadership, service, impact, and academic curiosity.
- Graduate: Emphasize research plan, methodology, faculty fit, and expected contributions; cite labs/professors.
- Secure strong references
- Choose referees who know your work well and can cite specific outcomes.
- Give them your CV, drafts, and bullet points with deadlines (2–4 weeks’ notice minimum).
- Submit clean, on‑time applications
- Align admission and scholarship timelines—many entrance awards require an admission application first.
- Upload scans that are legible; follow file naming rules.
- Interview prep (if required)
- Review your essays and research proposal.
- Practice leadership stories using STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
- Follow up and plan finances
- Track portals and emails after submission.
- Build a budget and backup funding plan (assistantships, part‑time campus work, external awards).
Apply Now: Start your admission and scholarship applications at least 8–12 months before your intended start term.
Benefits: What these Canadian scholarships typically cover
- Tuition: Full or partial coverage for program duration
- Living stipend: Monthly allowance for housing, food, and transport (varies)
- Books and fees: Many fully funded UG awards include these
- Health insurance: Often covered for grad students through university plans
- Research/Travel: Conference and research allowances (Vanier, Trudeau, McCall MacBain)
- Mentoring/Leadership: Coaching, networking, and cohort communities
Tip: For departmental grad funding, combine scholarships with research/teaching assistantships for a robust package.
Money‑saving tips to increase your chances
- Apply broadly and early: Early applicants meet more internal nomination windows.
- Optimize GPA and test scores: A small increase can unlock larger awards.
- Quantify impact: “Led a 12‑member team to build a solar cart that reduced costs 18%” beats “participated in a project.”
- Target fit: Name specific labs, faculty, and program modules.
- Bring external funding: Outside awards can strengthen your package and signal momentum.
- Keep a “scholarship file”: Templates for statements, activity lists, and budget proof to reuse/modify.
Common mistakes that cost applicants offers
- Missing nomination steps (e.g., Pearson school nomination; Vanier university nomination)
- Submitting generic statements across different awards
- Inconsistent transcripts/GPAs or untranslated documents
- Weak or late references
- Ignoring program fit (e.g., proposing non‑aligned research topics)
- Underestimating visa timelines and proof‑of‑funds requirements
Official links (Apply Now | Check Eligibility | See Deadline):
- U of T Pearson: https://future.utoronto.ca/pearson
- UBC International Scholars: https://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships/international-scholars/
- McCall MacBain: https://mccallmacbainscholars.org
- Vanier CGS: https://vanier.gc.ca/en/home-accueil.html
- Trudeau Foundation: https://www.trudeaufoundation.ca/scholarship
- Concordia Presidential: https://www.concordia.ca/admissions/undergraduate/tuition-and-fees/scholarships-awards/concordia-presidential-scholarship.html
- UBC 4YF: https://www.grad.ubc.ca/awards/four-year-doctoral-fellowship-4yf
- Waterloo Awards: https://uwaterloo.ca/graduate-studies-postdoctoral-affairs/awards/
- UAlberta Funding: https://www.ualberta.ca/graduate-studies/awards-and-funding/index.html
- UManitoba UMGF: https://umanitoba.ca/graduate-studies/funding-awards-and-financial-aid/university-manitoba-graduate-fellowship-umgf
- York Funding: https://futurestudents.yorku.ca/financialsupport
- UCalgary Awards: https://www.ucalgary.ca/registrar/awards
- USask Awards: https://admissions.usask.ca/money/scholarships.php
- UOttawa International: https://www.uottawa.ca/study/scholarships-and-bursaries/international
- Mitacs Globalink: https://www.mitacs.ca/our-programs/globalink/
Always verify current eligibility, coverage, and deadlines.
FAQs: Best Scholarships for International Students in Canada
Q1: What are the best fully funded scholarships for international students in Canada?
A1: Top fully funded options include the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (U of T), UBC International Scholars Program (select streams), McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill, Ontario Trillium Scholarship (PhD), and Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (PhD funding). Concordia also offers a fully funded Presidential Scholarship for exceptional undergraduates.Q2: Are international students eligible for Canadian government scholarships?
A2: Some, yes. Vanier CGS (PhD) is open to international applicants nominated by a Canadian institution. The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation funds international PhD students in SSH fields at Canadian universities. Many federal master’s awards (e.g., CGS‑M) are restricted to Canadians/PR, so check eligibility carefully.Q3: When should I apply for scholarships in Canada?
A3: Start 8–12 months before your program begins. Key windows: September–January for most entrance and flagship scholarships; university nominations (e.g., Vanier, Pearson) often happen in the fall. Always See Deadline on each official page and set reminders.Q4: What GPA and test scores do I need?
A4: Competitive applicants typically rank in the top 5–10% with strong coursework. IELTS/TOEFL (or French proficiency) are required by many programs; higher scores improve competitiveness. For graduate awards, research output and supervisor fit matter as much as GPA.Q5: Can I combine multiple scholarships?
A5: Often yes, but stacking rules vary. Some fully funded awards restrict holding additional major funding; many allow smaller external awards. Departments may adjust assistantship levels when you win large scholarships. Read each award’s stacking policy.Q6: Do Canadian universities offer guaranteed funding for PhD students?
A6: Many research universities (e.g., UBC, McGill, Waterloo, U of T, UAlberta) offer minimum PhD funding packages through a mix of scholarships, fellowships, and RAs/TAs. Amounts vary by discipline. Always ask the department about its guaranteed funding policy.Q7: I’m an MBA applicant. What scholarships are available?
A7: MBA funding is mostly merit‑based via the business school (e.g., Rotman, Schulich, Ivey, Sauder, Desautels). Awards can be substantial for top profiles (GMAT/GRE, work leadership, and interview performance). Check each school’s scholarship page and apply early for the best consideration.Q8: What documents do I need to apply for Canadian scholarships?
A8: Common requirements: transcripts and degree certificates, English/French scores, CV, personal statement/essays, recommendation letters, passport, and financial documents for need‑based or need‑informed awards. Research proposals and supervisor interest are crucial for grad scholarships.Your action plan for winning scholarships in Canada
Canada offers some of the world’s best scholarships for international students—spanning fully funded undergraduate awards, generous graduate fellowships, and prestigious doctoral programs. With a smart shortlist, early preparation, and tailored applications, you can reduce your cost dramatically and gain access to top labs, mentors, and networks.
Next steps:
- Shortlist 3–5 flagship scholarships plus 5–8 university/department awards.
- Check Eligibility and map documents (transcripts, tests, references).
- See Deadline and set calendar reminders 4–6 weeks in advance.
- Apply Now—submit polished, on‑time applications and follow up with departments.