List of Scholarships in Canada for Foreign Students
Canada has become one of the most attractive destinations for international students. With world-class universities, a multicultural society, and post-graduate work opportunities, thousands of students aspire to pursue higher education in Canada every year. However, one major challenge for foreign students is the cost of studying abroad. Tuition fees for international students in Canada can range from CAD $15,000 to $40,000 per year, depending on the program and university.
The good news is that Canada offers numerous scholarships—both government-funded and university-specific—that can help reduce or completely cover the costs of studying. These scholarships are available for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs, and they can be based on academic merit, leadership qualities, financial need, or country of origin.
This article provides a comprehensive list of scholarships in Canada for foreign students, including government programs, university awards, and external/private scholarships.
1. Government-Funded Scholarships in Canada
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
The Vanier CGS is one of the most prestigious scholarship programs in Canada. It is designed to attract and retain world-class doctoral students.
- Level of study: PhD (Doctoral)
- Value: CAD $50,000 per year for three years
- Eligibility: Open to international students with excellent academic records and leadership skills. Applicants must be nominated by a Canadian university.
- Fields of study: Health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities
2. Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program
Funded by Global Affairs Canada, this program targets students from Commonwealth countries.
- Level of study: Master’s and PhD
- Value: Covers tuition fees, travel costs, living expenses, and health insurance
- Eligibility: Must be from a Commonwealth nation; students must apply through their home country’s scholarship agency
3. Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED)
This program strengthens educational ties between Canada and ASEAN member states.
- Level of study: Undergraduate and graduate (short-term exchanges)
- Value: CAD $10,200 for undergraduate/graduate students for one semester; CAD $12,700 for graduate students for up to 8 months
- Eligibility: Open to citizens of ASEAN countries
4. IDRC Research Awards
The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) supports students from developing countries conducting research in Canada.
- Level of study: Master’s and PhD
- Value: Research support + salary of CAD $42,000 to $48,000 annually
- Eligibility: Open to students from developing countries with research interests in global development
5. Canadian Francophonie Scholarship Program (CFSP)
Designed to build institutional capacities by training nationals of developing Francophone countries.
- Level of study: Master’s, PhD, post-doctoral
- Value: Fully funded (tuition, living expenses, travel, and health coverage)
- Eligibility: Must be nominated by their government and demonstrate strong academic performance
2. University-Specific Scholarships for Foreign Students
Many Canadian universities offer fully funded or partially funded scholarships for international students. Here are some of the most notable ones:
6. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto)
This is one of the most competitive scholarships in Canada, awarded to exceptional international students.
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Value: Covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years
- Eligibility: Open to international students with outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and creativity
7. UBC International Scholars Program (University of British Columbia)
UBC offers four major need-and-merit-based scholarships under this program.
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Value: Full tuition coverage + living expenses
- Eligibility: Awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and financial need
8. McGill University Scholarships and Financial Aid
McGill offers both need-based and merit-based financial aid to foreign students.
- Level of study: Undergraduate and Graduate
- Value: Variable; can cover partial to full tuition fees
- Eligibility: International students with strong academic records
9. University of Alberta International Scholarships
The University of Alberta provides a range of scholarships for foreign students.
- Level of study: Undergraduate and Graduate
- Value: Up to CAD $29,000 per year (varies by program)
- Eligibility: High-achieving international students applying for full-time studies
10. York University Global Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship
York University supports international students through competitive awards.
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Value: CAD $20,000 annually, renewable for 4 years (total CAD $80,000)
- Eligibility: International students with exceptional academic performance and leadership skills
11. Carleton University Entrance Scholarships
Carleton offers entrance awards to international students with strong academic backgrounds.
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Value: CAD $4,000 to $16,000 per year (renewable)
- Eligibility: Students with admission averages of 80% or above
12. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF)
The University of Manitoba provides research-based awards to graduate students.
- Level of study: Master’s and PhD
- Value: CAD $14,000 per year (Master’s), CAD $18,000 per year (PhD)
- Eligibility: International students with excellent academic records
13. University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarships
The University of Calgary awards competitive scholarships to outstanding international students.
- Level of study: Undergraduate
- Value: CAD $15,000 annually, renewable for four years (total CAD $60,000)
- Eligibility: Academic merit and leadership potential
14. Dalhousie University Scholarships
Dalhousie offers both merit-based and research-based scholarships for international students.
- Level of study: Undergraduate and Graduate
- Value: Varies (some cover full tuition and living expenses)
- Eligibility: International students with outstanding performance
15. University of Waterloo International Master’s and Doctoral Student Awards
Waterloo offers financial support to its international graduate students.
- Level of study: Master’s and PhD
- Value: CAD $2,045 per term (Master’s), CAD $4,090 per term (PhD)
- Eligibility: Awarded automatically to eligible full-time students
3. External and Private Scholarships
Apart from government and university scholarships, several external organizations offer funding for foreign students in Canada.
16. Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
One of Canada’s most prestigious awards for doctoral students in social sciences and humanities.
- Level of study: PhD
- Value: Up to CAD $40,000 per year for 3 years + CAD $20,000 annually for research/travel
- Eligibility: Outstanding doctoral candidates with leadership potential
17. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
This program supports talented but economically disadvantaged students from Africa.
- Level of study: Undergraduate and Graduate
- Value: Full tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and travel costs
- Eligibility: African students committed to giving back to their communities
18. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships
Supports innovative PhD research in social sciences and humanities.
- Level of study: PhD
- Value: CAD $40,000 per year for 3 years
- Eligibility: Open to Canadian and international students
19. Organization of American States (OAS) Academic Scholarships
Funded by OAS member states to support international education.
- Level of study: Undergraduate and Graduate
- Value: Partial tuition support and living allowance
- Eligibility: Open to students from OAS member countries
20. Anne Vallée Ecological Fund
Provides scholarships to students conducting animal ecology research in Canada.
- Level of study: Master’s and PhD
- Value: CAD $1,500 annually
- Eligibility: Research students in Quebec or British Columbia
Tips for Applying for Scholarships in Canada
- Start early – Many scholarships have deadlines up to a year before admission.
- Prepare strong documents – Maintain an excellent academic record, recommendation letters, and a compelling statement of purpose.
- Tailor applications – Customize your essays and research proposals for each scholarship.
- Apply broadly – Don’t rely on just one scholarship; apply to multiple opportunities.
- Check eligibility carefully – Ensure you meet all requirements before applying.
Conclusion
Studying in Canada as a foreign student can be expensive, but scholarships open the door to world-class education without overwhelming financial stress. From prestigious government-funded programs like the Vanier CGS to university-specific awards like the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, opportunities are abundant.
Whether you’re aiming for an undergraduate degree, a master’s, or a PhD, there are scholarships tailored to your academic goals and background. By researching thoroughly, preparing strong applications, and applying early, you can maximize your chances of winning financial support to study in Canada for free—or at least at a significantly reduced cost.
