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Key facts: scholarships in Canada for international students (2027 entry)
- Closing soon: UBC International Scholars Program (undergraduate), scholarship and UBC applications due 15 November 2026
- Master’s: the federal CGRS M is for Canadians only. International master’s students rely on university funding, assistantships and the Ontario Graduate Scholarship ($15,000).
- PhD: the federal CGRS D ($40,000 a year) is open to international students already registered in a Canadian PhD
- Undergraduate: Lester B. Pearson (Toronto) and UBC International Scholars cover tuition and living costs
- Postdoc: the Banting Fellowship is now the CPRA
Last checked: November 2026
Canada is one of the most popular study destinations for international students, but its biggest national scholarships are often limited to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. The good news is that there are still strong options at every level if you know where to look.
This guide lists the main scholarships you can apply for in Canada as an international student, grouped by level of study, with current values and deadlines.
Scholarships for Master’s Students in Canada
Most searches for “masters scholarships in Canada” lead to the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship Master’s (CGRS M). That award is worth $27,000 but is only open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents and protected persons. International master’s students are funded in other ways.
1. University funding packages and assistantships
Research based master’s programmes (thesis master’s) often come with a funding package made up of a teaching or research assistantship, a department award and sometimes an entrance scholarship. Ask each department what its standard funding is for international students before you accept an offer. Course based (taught) master’s programmes usually come with little or no funding.
2. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
- Value: up to $15,000 for one year ($5,000 per term for up to three terms)
- Who: master’s and doctoral students at Ontario universities. Each university has a limited quota of awards for international students on a study permit.
- How to apply: through the Ontario university where you will study. Deadlines are usually between January and early February for the following academic year.
- Note: some universities, such as Waterloo, do not let prospective international students apply because of the small quota. Check your university’s rules.
Read our full Ontario Graduate Scholarship guide.
3. University entrance and merit awards
Many Canadian universities automatically consider admitted international graduate students for entrance scholarships. Check the graduate funding pages of each university on your list, including McGill and the University of Saskatchewan.
See also our guide to a master’s degree in Canada.
Scholarships for PhD Students in Canada
4. Canada Graduate Research Scholarship Doctoral (CGRS D)
- Value: $40,000 a year
- Who: doctoral students at Canadian universities. Unlike the old CGS D, it is open to international PhD students, with a share of awards set aside for them.
- Catch: you must already be admitted to and registered in a Canadian PhD. You cannot use it to fund your first year from abroad.
- Background: the CGRS D replaced the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship in the 2025 restructure of the federal awards.
Read more: Vanier replaced: the CGRS D and NSERC scholarships and fellowships.
5. Ontario Trillium Scholarship
Ontario universities award Trillium Scholarships to top international PhD students. You do not apply directly. Your university nominates you when you apply for admission. Read our Ontario Trillium Scholarship guide.
6. Trudeau Foundation doctoral scholarships
The Trudeau Foundation funds doctoral students in the social sciences and humanities. See our Trudeau Foundation guide for eligibility and how the nomination works.
For a wider view, see our guide to a PhD in Canada.
Scholarships for Undergraduate Students in Canada
7. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto)
- Value: tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years
- Awards: about 37 a year
- Who: international students in their final year of secondary school, nominated by their school
- 2027 cycle: school nominations closed on 9 October 2026 and scholarship applications on 6 November 2026. The next cycle is expected to open to schools in July 2027.
Read our Lester B. Pearson Scholarship guide.
8. UBC International Scholars Program
- Awards: includes the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award and the Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award
- Value: based on financial need, and can cover tuition and living costs. Renewable for up to three more years.
- Who: international students starting a first undergraduate degree at UBC who show strong academics and leadership
- Deadline for September 2027 entry: UBC application and award application both due 15 November 2026
Students nominated for these awards are not considered for UBC’s merit based international entrance awards. Apply through UBC International Scholars.
9. Other university entrance scholarships
Many universities automatically consider international undergraduates for entrance awards when they apply. See the international scholarship pages for Waterloo, Université de Montréal and Dalhousie.
Postdoctoral Fellowships in Canada
The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship has been replaced by the Canadian Postdoctoral Research Award (CPRA), worth $70,000 a year. Read our Banting and CPRA guide and the postdoctoral fellowships in Canada guide.
Eligibility Requirements You Will Usually Need
- An offer of admission (or an application in progress) from the Canadian university
- Strong academic results, often a first class or high second class average
- Proof of English or French proficiency. See our language requirements guide.
- For many undergraduate awards, a school nomination and evidence of leadership
- A valid Canadian study permit before you start
How to Apply for Scholarships in Canada
- Start a year ahead. Many deadlines fall between October and February for a September start.
- Apply for admission early. Most scholarships need an admission application first, and some close before the normal admission deadline.
- Ask about funding. For graduate study, email departments and potential supervisors about funding for international students.
- Prepare strong documents. Transcripts, references, a CV and a personal statement are common to most applications.
- Budget for costs not covered. Check our guide to tuition fees in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students get master’s scholarships in Canada?
Yes, but mostly from universities and provinces rather than the federal government. Thesis based master’s programmes usually offer the best funding.
Which Canadian scholarship is fully funded for international students?
For undergraduates, the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship at Toronto and the UBC International Scholars Program can cover tuition and living costs. For PhD students, university funding packages combined with the CGRS D or Ontario Trillium Scholarship can fully fund study.
Is the Vanier Scholarship still available?
No. It was replaced by the CGRS D, worth $40,000 a year.
Can I study in Canada for free?
It is possible with a full scholarship or a funded graduate position. See our guide on ways to study in Canada for free.
Related Guides
- Guide to study in Canada
- Canada Graduate Research Scholarship Master’s (CGRS M)
- University of Ottawa international exchange
- Fully funded scholarships