More than 25 ways to pay for your education in Canada
People all over the world know Canada for its beautiful scenery, kind people, and top-notch schools. Every year, hundreds of students from other countries come to Canada to follow their academic goals. But the cost of going to school in another country can be a big worry. The good news is? There are a lot of scholarships in Canada that can help kids pay for school and focus on what really matters: studying, growing, and building a future.
This complete guide will tell you about more than 25 scholarships that are open to overseas students in Canada. We will talk about scholarships based on merit, financial need, or topic of study, as well as programs that are paid for by the government and awards that are exclusive to a certain university. There is something here for you, whether you want to get a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD.
Let’s talk about how you can make your education in Canada cheaper, or even free.
National and government-funded scholarships
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
The Vanier CGS is for doctorate students and helps those who show leadership and a high level of academic success in graduate school.
Eligibility: Canadian and international students who are working on a PhD in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, health, or engineering.
Amount: CAD 50,000 each year for a maximum of three years.
You need to be recommended by a Canadian school that has a Vanier CGS quota in order to apply. The institution submits the application.
Requirements: Good grades, the ability to lead, and a well-written research proposal.
2. Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) between Canada and ASEAN
By helping people study in Canada for a short time, this scholarship helps ASEAN countries grow in a way that is good for the environment.
Students from ASEAN countries can apply.
For college or undergraduate students, the amount is CAD 10,200; for graduate students, it can be as much as CAD 12,700.
How to Apply: Canadian schools take care of applications.
Focus: Studies relating to development.
3. The Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP)
Global Affairs Canada pays for ELAP, which helps students from Latin America and the Caribbean exchange ideas for a short time.
Who can apply: Students from Latin America and the Caribbean who meet the requirements.
Amount: Depending on the degree and length of the study, it might be anywhere from CAD 7,200 to CAD 14,700.
How to Apply: Schools in Canada send in applications for students.
4. Scholarships from the Trudeau Foundation
These very competitive fellowships help PhD candidates who want to solve important societal problems in Canada and around the world.
To be eligible, you must be a doctoral student in the humanities or social sciences.
Amount: CAD 40,000 per year for three years, additional CAD 20,000 for research and travel.
How to Apply: Through the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation.
Requirements: good grades, being a leader, and being involved in the community.
Scholarships for certain universities
5. The University of Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
One of the most coveted scholarships for undergraduates in Canada.
Who can apply: outstanding overseas students who are good leaders and students.
Amount: Four years’ worth of full tuition, books, living expenses, and other costs.
To apply, you must be nominated by your high school and then apply to the University of Toronto.
Tip: Apply early because this award is quite competitive.
6. The International Scholars Program at the University of British Columbia (UBC)
The International Leader of Tomorrow Award and the Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award are two of the several entrance honours that UBC gives.
Who can apply: International students in college.
Amount: Based on financial need, it pays for tuition and living costs.
Application: You need to fill out a separate application after applying to UBC.
Please note that awards can be renewed for up to four years.
7. Scholarships and financial aid for McGill University students
McGill offers financing based on both need and merit.
Who can apply: International students in college or graduate school.
Amount: Entrance scholarships range from CAD 3,000 to CAD 12,000, and there are also need-based grants available.
Application: You don’t need to fill out a separate application for admission scholarships, but you do need to apply for financial aid.
Important: Good grades and a strong personal profile are important.
8. The International Entrance Scholarship at the University of Calgary
This is a merit-based scholarship that can be renewed for new overseas students who do well in school.
Who can apply: International students who are just starting their first year.
Amount: CAD 15,000, which can be renewed every year.
Application: Apply after getting in.
Requirement: Good grades and participation in activities outside of school.
9. Scholarships for international students at York University
The Global Leader of Tomorrow Award is one of many ways that York helps overseas undergraduates pay for school.
Who can apply: International students with at least an 80% average and some experience leading.
Amount: CAD 20,000 to CAD 35,000 each year, with the option to renew.
Application: You have to apply to both the university and the scholarship.
Tip: Write a powerful personal statement.
10. Concordia University International Excellence Tuition Award: Full tuition subsidies for undergraduates who do well in school.
New international students with great grades are eligible.
Total: Full tuition.
Application: Automatically taken into account when you are accepted.
Requirements: Good grades and being involved in the community.
11. International Admission Scholarships from the University of Alberta
There are many admission scholarships for overseas students of various levels.
Who can apply: New overseas students with excellent grades.
The amount varies from CAD 5,000 to CAD 29,000, depending on the scholarship.
Application: Some people automatically get considered, while others need to fill out a separate application.
12. Financial Aid and Awards at Simon Fraser University (SFU)
SFU gives out scholarships for entry and financial aid based on need.
Who can apply: international students in college or graduate school.
The amount depends on the reward.
Application: After being accepted, you can apply for a scholarship online.
13. Carleton University Entrance Awards for International Students: Automatic scholarships for students with outstanding grades.
Requirements: International students that are in college.
Amount: CAD 4,000 to CAD 16,000 over four years.
Application: You don’t need to fill out a separate application.
14. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF) for master’s and PhD students from other countries.
Eligibility: You must be a full-time graduate student.
The amount is CAD 14,000 for a master’s degree and CAD 18,000 for a PhD.
How to apply: Apply through your department.
15. University of Waterloo International Master’s and Doctoral Awards: Money for full-time graduate students.
Who can apply: International students in research-based programs.
The cost is CAD 2,045 per term for a Master’s degree and CAD 4,090 per term for a PhD.
Automatic consideration with admission is the application.
Scholarships from Other Groups
16. The Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program is for students from Commonwealth countries and is run by Global Affairs Canada.
Eligible: Graduate students from Commonwealth countries.
Amount: varies; includes travel, tuition, and living costs.
Application: Canadian schools send forward nominations.
17. The FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship
Help for women who want to get a master’s degree in finance.
Women who are in a master’s or PhD program in finance are eligible.
Twenty thousand dollars.
How to Apply: Go to the FINCAD website to apply.
18. Canada Memorial Foundation Scholarship (for UK Citizens) For British students who want to study for a master’s degree in Canada.
UK nationals can apply.
Amount: All of your living and tuition costs.
Application: Via the Canada Memorial Foundation.
19. Mitacs Globalink Research Award: This award helps researchers from Canada and other countries work together.
Who can apply: college and university students.
Amount: 6,000 CAD.
How to apply: Through Mitacs and the schools that are involved.
20. Global Grants from the Rotary Foundation
Funds research or coursework at the graduate level.
Eligibility: Students who are sponsored by a local Rotary Club.
Starts at $30,000.
Application: Must fit with one of Rotary’s main goals.
Other Important Scholarships
21. Humber International Entrance Scholarships
New overseas students at Humber College might get scholarships that can be renewed.
Who can apply: Undergraduate students.
The amount is CAD 1,000 to cover full tuition.
Application: Based on how well you do in school and how involved you are.
22. Scholarships for International Students at Douglas College
Gives money to new students who have good grades.
Who can apply: International undergraduates.
Amount: Up to CAD 7,000.
Application: Needs a separate application.
23. Scholarships and Bursaries from Centennial College
Provides several scholarships for students from other countries.
Eligibility: Based on need and merit.
Amount: Changes.
Application: Apply after being accepted.
How to Get Scholarships in Canada
To get a scholarship, you need more than just outstanding grades. Follow these steps to improve your chances:
Get going early
Most scholarship deadlines are a few months before the start of the school year. If you can, start looking into it a year in advance.
Shortlist of Scholarships
You can filter alternatives based on your level of education, field of study, and whether or not you qualify. Make a spreadsheet with all the deadlines and requirements.
Get Ready Important Papers
Some common requirements are:
Academic records
Personal essay or statement of purpose
Letters of recommendation
Proof that you know English (IELTS/TOEFL)
Resume/CV
Make Your Applications Personal
Don’t send the same essay to every application. Show how your background and objectives fit with the mission of each scholarship.
Apply for Admission
In a lot of circumstances, getting a scholarship means getting into college. First, you need to get a place.
Send in your scholarship applications
Some scholarships are automatic, while others require a separate application. Pay attention to how things are done.
Follow Up
After you send in your application, check your email often and respond quickly to any requests for more information or interviews.
Last Thoughts
Many individuals don’t realise how easy it is to study in Canada with scholarships. It can change your life. There are choices for you whether you want to pay for all of your tuition or only need some aid with your living costs. The most important thing is to get started early, keep organised, and do your best on each application.
Canada not only welcomes international students with open arms, but also with significant financial aid. Now it’s your turn to take the next step.
