Canadian University Scholarships

Scholarships for international students in Canada are available at various levels of study, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programmes. These scholarships are offered by government bodies, institutions, private organisations, and foundations, each with its unique criteria and requirements.

StudyIn can help international students interested in studying in Canada secure scholarships, bursaries and funding. Our close relationship with Canadian universities, combined with our online resources, means all deserving applicants can find the right scholarship to benefit their future.

Types of Scholarships in Canada

There are over 800 scholarships available to students who are studying in Canada, providing significant discounts on tuition fees, accommodation, and research expenses. For the 2026 intake, many awards have shifted focus toward sustainability, leadership, and STEM innovation.

Government Scholarships

Government-funded awards are prestigious and often cover full costs. Key programmes for 2026 include:

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: Worth $50,000 per year for three years, these support highly qualified doctoral students.
• SEED-2 (Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development): Newly expanded for 2026, this program offers short-term exchange opportunities for students from the Indo-Pacific region (including ASEAN and Mongolia).
• Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships: Designed for top-tier postgraduate researchers looking to contribute to Canada’s research ecosystem.

Institutional Scholarships

Institutional scholarships offered by Canadian universities are another major avenue for financial support. Prominent examples for 2026 include:

• Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (U of T): A fully-funded four-year undergraduate award covering tuition, books, and residence.
• International Scholars Program (UBC): Includes the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award, which offers need-based and merit-based funding for undergraduate leaders.
• International Entrance Scholarships (Calgary/York): Many universities offer automatic or application-based awards for incoming 2026 students with high academic standing.

Privately-funded & Regional Scholarships

Private organisations and regional governments also contribute to the scholarship landscape:

• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS): A merit-based award for high-achieving master’s and doctoral students studying in Ontario.
• Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships: Supports PhD research focused on leadership and public engagement with multi-year funding.

Discipline-Specific Scholarships

Discipline-specific scholarships are available to international students based on their chosen field of study. Programmes like the Mitacs Globalink Research Internship provide funding for research placements across various disciplines, including STEM fields and social sciences.

Scholarship Application Process and Tips

• Start Early: Many scholarships have deadlines as early as November or January of the preceding year.
• Check PAL Requirements: Remember that for undergraduate scholarships, you must still secure a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) for your visa.
• Prepare a Strong Package: Include a well-crafted personal statement, recommendation letters, and evidence of community leadership.
• Highlight Specificity: Tailor your application to show how your goals align with the specific values of the award (e.g., sustainability or social impact).

Canada Scholarship Search

Are you looking for a scholarship, grant or bursary to help fund your studies in Canada? Arrange a free consultation with StudyIn’s scholarship experts today for expert guidance on the latest funding opportunities. You’re in good hands.

FAQs

Are there fully-funded scholarships in Canada?

Yes, though they are highly competitive. Awards like the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship and the Vanier CGS can cover 100% of your tuition and living costs. Most students, however, receive partial scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $20,000.

Can I apply for a scholarship before getting a visa?

Most scholarship applications require you to have an offer of admission from a Canadian university first. Once you have your scholarship offer, it can be used as part of your “Proof of Funds” for your Study Permit application.

Do I need a high GPA for a Canadian scholarship?

Most merit-based scholarships require at least an A- or equivalent (80%+) in your last two years of study. However, some bursaries focus more on financial need or extracurricular leadership than pure grades.

Can I hold more than one scholarship at a time?

This depends on the “stacking” rules of the specific awards. Usually, you can hold a small entrance scholarship alongside a larger external award, but major government scholarships (like the Vanier) often prohibit holding other significant provincial awards simultaneously.