Top Scholarships to apply for in Canada: A Guide to Study in Canada
International students looking to study in Canada should research top scholarships available. Canada is one of the most attractive destinations in the world for educational purposes. However, studying abroad can be costly. The average student will need some financial assistance to study abroad. There are, however, some funding opportunities for international students who wish to study in Canada. Scholarships may be fully funded or discounted. Scholarships are provided by the following entities:.
- Canadian government,
- Individual Canadian universities and other organizations.
- non-governmental organizations
- International organizations.
Canadian Government Top Scholarships
In a bid to foster international exchange and build a diverse and multicultural country, the Canadian government offers scholarships to international students.
See here for a comprehensive info on the guide to study in Canada
| Name of Scholarship | Eligibility | Average scholarship amount in CAD | Programs it covers |
| Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships | ● Canadian students undertaking postgraduate study ● international students undertaking postgraduate study | $70,000 per year (taxable) for 2 years (non-renewable) | ● Natural and Social Sciences ● Health research. |
| Canada Graduate Scholarships—Master’s Program | ● Canadian students pursuing a master’s degree or PhD. ● Students should be enrolled at a (CGS-M allocated) university in Canada. | $27,000 for 12 months, not renewable | All disciplines |
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships Program
| ● International students pursuing PhD at a participating university in Canada | $50,000 per year for 3 years (non-renewable) | ● Social Sciences and Humanities, ● Natural Sciences and/or Engineering ● Health.
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| Ontario Trillium Scholarships | Ph.D. students | 40,000 per year | All disciplines |
| Canada-CARICOM Leadership Scholarships program | Students from CARICOM countries
| Varies based on program | All disciplines |
| ● NSERC Postgraduate scholarships | ● Outstanding students studying at an accredited Canadian university. | ● Various Canadian government scholarships, grants and awards are available ● Funded by the NSERC. | ● Natural Sciences or Engineering |
| Organization of American States (OAS) Academic Scholarship Program | ● Master’s Degrees, ● Doctoral Degrees, ● Graduate Research leading to a graduate degree; ● Undergraduate studies ● Entirely for citizens and residents of the English-speaking Caribbean and Suriname.
| up to US $10,000 per academic year | All disciplines |
For more information on Canadian government scholarships as well as external funding opportunities, visit:
- Government of Canada’s scholarship homepage
- Canadian Ministry of Education in your home country
Non-Governmental Top Scholarships to Apply For In Canada
| Name of Organization | Eligibility | Average Funding Amount | Courses |
| ● Canada Memorial Scholarship | ● British postgraduate students | ● Covers tuition, airfares, accommodation and other allowances for one year. | All disciplines |
| ●Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships | ● International students at PhD level | ● Offers several scholarships |
University-Specific Top Scholarships to Apply For In Canada
| Name of university | Name of scholarship | Eligibility | Average scholarship amount (in CAD) |
| University of Toronto | Lester B. Pearson Scholarship | Undergraduate Students | Full tuition + living expenses |
| University of Waterloo | University of Waterloo Scholarship | International students studying at Undergraduate, Masters and PhD levels | Up to $10,000. |
| McGill University | Master’s and PhD Entrance Scholarships | Graduate Students | Varies based on the program |
| University of British Columbia | UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award | Undergraduate Students | Up to full tuition |
| Université de Montréal | Université de Montréal Scholarships | International students at undergraduate, master’s and PhD levels | Tuition fee exemption Up to $27,300 per year.
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| University of Saskatchewan | University of Saskatchewan Graduate Scholarship | International students at master’s and PhD levels. | Fully funded Up to $20,000 for PhDs and $16,000 for masters.
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| Dalhousie University | Dalhousie University Scholarship | International students at master’s and PhD levels. | Fully funded Valued at $30,000 and covers fee waiver, accommodation cost, health insurance, and monthly stipend. |
| University of Calgary | Calgary International Entrance Scholarship | Undergraduate Students | 15,000 |
| University of Alberta | University of Alberta International Scholarships | International students studying at undergraduate and Graduate level | Depends on the program of study. |
| Carleton University | Carleton University Awards for International Students | All graduate students are automatically considered for the awards upon application.
| Depends on funding type. |
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Eligibility Requirements for Top Scholarships in Canada for International Students
International students should be abreast of the requirements for scholarships.
- Must hold non-Canadian citizenship and should reside outside of Canada.
- Must have excellent academic results. Often, a minimum GPA of 3.5 or equivalent is expected.
- IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score above 80. Some scholarships demand more.
- Some scholarships are age-restricted. Do some research about the details.
- You may need recommendation letters from past educators.
- A personal statement detailing your motivations and reasons for choosing Canada.
- Financial attestations may also be required for scholarships assessing economic need.
How to Apply for Scholarships to Study in Canada?
Securing a top scholarship requires thorough preparation.
- Research and identify scholarships you’re eligible for.
- Prepare the necessary documentation: This typically includes academic transcripts, a Statement of Purpose, recommendation letters, and a CV.
- Proof of Proficiency: IELTS/TOEFL scores, if applicable.
- Submit the application early.
- Prepare for interviews if it is required.