Surrounded by skyscrapers and buildings, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is the country’s largest city. With its large population and diverse cultures, many international students value the quality of life and way of living in the city. Toronto is also a leading tourism destination in Canada, welcoming millions of visitors annually. With its high-rise buildings, attractions, and academic institutions, the city offers innovative education to local and international students. It has high standards for education and research and provides many learning opportunities.
There are many universities and study programs available for aspiring international students. As a result, these students get the most out of their higher education while living in a dynamic city. Today, higher education institutions and colleges in Toronto welcome and assist international students. They have support available for them, and they offer Toronto scholarships made especially for international students as they continue their chosen programs.
That’s why this article will list some scholarships you can get or apply for if you want to pursue a degree at a university in Toronto, so make sure to read the information below carefully!
Top Scholarships in Toronto
1. University of Toronto – The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: Full coverage of tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years
- Eligible Degrees: Bachelor’s
- Meet the Pearson Scholars: Explore scholarship journeys, including Ngoc Anh Thu Huynh from Vietnam and Sai Nikam from India
The University of Toronto has an excellent standing among universities in Canada and worldwide. It is a globally top-ranked public research university and offers many programs for local and international students. Moreover, it has continued to attract students from around the world by providing strong research and learning opportunities.
As a way of supporting international students, the university offers various scholarships. The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships are among the most competitive scholarships at the university. This scholarship program aims to recognize high-performing incoming international undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, creativity, and leadership within their school. Each year, approximately 37 students are named Pearson Scholars.
To begin the scholarship process, your high school must nominate you. You must also apply to an undergraduate program at the University of Toronto and begin your studies in the eligible September intake. If you are nominated, you will receive a private link to complete the Pearson Scholarship application online.
Here is what Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Scholars Say:
“It’s valued at approximately CAD 350,000 over four years and covers full tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence.”
Karolina
“With an acceptance rate of less than 1.5%, the Lester B. Pearson scholarship is awarded to 37 international students across the world who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and creativity and who are recognized as leaders within their school.”
Hassan
“When it came to scholarships that required school nominations (like UofT and UBC), I was well-prepared.”
Alina Zholaman
2. York University – International Entrance Scholarship of Distinction
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: Up to CAD 37,500 total
- Eligible Degrees: Bachelor’s
York University is a public higher education institution located in Toronto, Canada, and is one of the country’s largest universities. It is considered a leading international teaching and research university. Today, it provides education to local and international students and fosters learning opportunities for everyone.
The York International Scholarship of Distinction is one of the best scholarships in Toronto for incoming international undergraduate students. For Fall 2026 admission, eligible international high school applicants are automatically considered for this award based on their final admission average. The scholarship is renewable and regainable if students continue to meet York’s renewal requirements.
No separate scholarship application or school nomination is required for the York International Scholarship of Distinction. For Fall 2026 admission, the award is generally available to eligible international high school applicants with a final average of 90% or higher, although some programs have restrictions. Applicants should review York’s current scholarship page before applying.
3. Humber’s International Entrance Scholarships
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: CAD 2,000 bursary
- Eligible Programs: Eligible full-time programs
Established in 1967, Humber Polytechnic, formerly widely known as Humber College, is a public college in Toronto. This institution is known for hands-on, career-focused polytechnic education and offers programs across areas such as technology, business, creative fields, social innovation, and health and wellness. It also provides awards and bursaries to support international students with their studies.
Humber’s current international scholarship page lists the 2026 President’s International Entrance Award, which provides a CAD 2,000 bursary for eligible international students starting their studies at Humber. The award applies to eligible full-time programs in specified intakes, and eligibility depends on the intake and deadlines listed by Humber.
To be considered, applicants should review Humber’s current scholarship and bursary page, follow the eligibility instructions for their intake, and complete the required admission and study permit steps by the listed deadlines.
4. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount for Master’s or PhD: CAD 10,000 for two consecutive terms or CAD 15,000 for three consecutive terms
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program is a merit-based award jointly funded by the Government of Ontario and participating universities to support graduate students at the master’s and doctoral levels. OGS awards are based on the number of consecutive study terms within an academic year: CAD 10,000 for two terms or CAD 15,000 for three terms. Applications are submitted through each eligible Ontario university, including universities in Toronto like the University of Toronto and York University, and selection emphasizes academic excellence and each university’s application criteria.
5. University of Toronto International Scholars Award
The University of Toronto International Scholar Award provides merit-based funding to outstanding international students entering undergraduate studies. At U of T Mississauga, international students applying from secondary school are automatically considered for the University of Toronto International Scholar Award – UTM. Recipients are selected by committee based on academic achievement and overall academic competitiveness. Award levels include up to CAD 180,000 over four years, and renewal depends on continued full-time registration and the award conditions.
Here is what International Scholars Award (Toronto) Scholars Say:
“Lastly, for studies in Co-op Statistics, I received an International Scholars Award with a total value of $100,000, and the President’s Scholar of Excellence Scholarship valued at $10,000.”
Nadya Heryanto
“For your information, I didn’t apply for any scholarships; these offers were awarded upon admission and are merit-based.”
Nadya Heryanto
“I should say that the grades I submitted were pretty good, with a final IB score of 44/45, and both the first and second predicted scores were 45/45. I’ve consistently worked hard to maintain good grades since primary school, and I believe these academic achievements played a significant role in securing the scholarship at the University of Toronto.”
Nadya Heryanto
“Although the UofT portal does not ask for standardized test scores, I feel that having a standardized test score was able to provide the credibility required for a merit scholarship, so I would suggest taking the SAT or the ACT for any prospective applicants.”
Seemal Sheikh
Studying and living costs in Canada can be relatively costly, especially if you decide to study in a popular area like Toronto. That’s why scholarships can help reduce expenses and financially support you while you study. If you’re interested in the scholarships above, click on the links to learn more!
We hope this article on the best Toronto scholarships for international students was helpful. If you are interested, check out the Canada Page and Available Programs for International Students!
