Numerous Canadian universities, institutions, external organizations, and government bodies offer scholarships and awards for international students. The Canadian federal government and several provincial governments also offer short-term exchange scholarships and graduate research awards.
In this article, we will go over some of the best scholarships in Canada for international students. We have also included scholarship recipient stories where available.
Top Scholarships in Canada
| Scholarship Name | Scholarship Type | Eligible Degrees | Scholarship Value |
|---|
| Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation Scholarship | External | Ph.D. | Up to CA$50,000 stipend plus up to CA$20,000 allowance annually for three years |
| Study in Canada Scholarships | Government-sponsored | Short-term college/undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. exchange | CA$10,200 – CA$14,000 |
| FRQNT Doctoral Training Scholarships | Quebec Government | Ph.D. | CA$25,000 per year, up to CA$100,000 |
| Hellenic Scholarship | External | Undergraduate and graduate programs | Varies by award |
| P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund | External | Graduate study | Up to US$12,500 for one year |
| Graduate Research Assistantship Fellowship | University of Alberta | Master’s, Ph.D. | Variable fellowship stipend; terms vary by appointment and department |
| Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program | Government-sponsored | Short-term college/undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. exchange | CA$8,600 – CA$12,400 |
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program | Ontario Government | Master’s, Ph.D. | CA$10,000 – CA$15,000 per academic year |
| Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship | University of Toronto | Bachelor’s | Tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years |
| International Scholars Program | University of British Columbia | Bachelor’s | Up to the full cost of the academic program and living expenses |
| University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship | University of Calgary | Bachelor’s | CA$20,000, renewable |
| University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship | University of Manitoba | Master’s, Ph.D. | Master’s: CA$20,000 per year; Ph.D.: CA$25,000 per year |
| Mastercard Foundation Scholarship | External Organization | Master’s at selected Canadian partner universities | Comprehensive funding, depending on partner university |
| Carleton Prestige Scholarships | Carleton University | Bachelor’s | CA$20,000 to full tuition; some awards are renewable for four years |
| Humber Bachelor’s Degree Scholarships | Humber Polytechnic | Bachelor’s | CA$1,500 – CA$4,000 |
| University of Waterloo Undergraduate Entrance Awards | University of Waterloo | Bachelor’s | CA$1,000 – CA$80,000, depending on award and program |
| The University of Montreal Exemption Scholarship for International Students | University of Montreal | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D. | Tuition-fee exemption up to CA$23,367.15 per year |
| Douglas College International Student Scholarships | Douglas College | Undergraduate programs | CA$1,000 – CA$2,500 |
| Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship | Dalhousie University | Master’s | CA$10,000 a year for up to two years |
| McGill’s Entrance Scholarship Program | McGill University | Bachelor’s | One-year scholarships of CA$3,000 and major entrance scholarships of CA$12,000 – CA$48,000 total |
| International Scholar Award | University of Toronto | Bachelor’s | Up to CA$100,000 over four years |
| Trent International Scholarships and Awards | Trent University | Bachelor’s | Up to CA$40,000 per academic year |
Here is a guide on finding scholarships in Canada in case you are interested.
1. Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: Up to CA$50,000 stipend plus up to CA$20,000 allowance annually for three years
- Eligible Degree: Ph.D.
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship is one of the best external doctoral scholarships in Canada. This prestigious scholarship is aimed at doctoral students with outstanding academic profiles, leadership potential, and research connected to the foundation’s themes.
These themes include Canada and the World, Responsible Citizenship, Human Rights and Dignity, and People and their Natural Environment. Scholars may receive an annual stipend of up to CA$50,000 for tuition and living expenses, plus an annual allowance of up to CA$20,000 for research, networking, travel, and Foundation programming for three years.
2. Study in Canada Scholarships
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: CA$10,200 – CA$14,000
- Eligible Degree Levels: Short-term college/undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. exchange
The Study in Canada Scholarships program supports short-term study or research exchanges at Canadian post-secondary institutions. Under the current model, Canadian institutions select eligible students and submit applications; direct applications from individual students are not accepted.
Scholarship funds may support eligible short-term mobility costs. Canadian institutions must waive tuition for scholarship recipients, and students must remain enrolled full-time and paying tuition at their home institution during the exchange.
3. FRQNT Doctoral Training Scholarships
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount for Ph.D.: CA$25,000 per year, up to CA$100,000
- Eligible Degree/s: Ph.D. (Doctoral Research Programs in Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering)
The FRQNT Doctoral Training Scholarships support doctoral researchers in natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering in Québec. The award is CA$25,000 per year, with a maximum value of CA$100,000 over up to 12 semesters. Selection emphasizes research excellence, academic strength, and the quality of the proposed training environment.
A recipient’s path: Yeganeh Habibi, a chemistry graduate from the University of Tehran, secured the FRQNT Doctoral Training Scholarship while pursuing her Ph.D. in Chemistry at McGill University. She explained that the scholarship required institutional nomination and an application demonstrating academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement; her preparation included multidisciplinary research experience, a carefully developed statement of purpose, and strong recommendations. Her doctoral research at McGill investigates enzyme dynamics in natural-product biosynthesis, with interests extending to challenges such as antibiotic resistance. View More FRQNT Doctoral Training Scholarships recipients →
Here is what FRQNT Doctoral Training Scholarships Scholars Say:
“Notably, both scholarships require institutional nomination (from McGill University, in my case) and also allow for pursuing academic roles abroad under specific conditions.”
Yeganeh Habibi
4. P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: Up to US$12,500 for one year
- Eligible Degree Level: Graduate study
The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund supports women from outside the United States and Canada who are pursuing graduate study at an accredited institution in the United States or Canada. Applicants must plan to return to their home country and use their education to make a positive impact.
The scholarship is need-based and is not intended to cover all academic or personal expenses. The maximum award is US$12,500 for one year, and lesser amounts may be awarded based on need.
5. Graduate Research Assistantship Fellowship (University of Alberta)
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount for Master’s and Ph.D.: Variable fellowship stipend; terms vary by appointment, department, and funding source
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s and Doctoral (research-based graduate programs).
The Graduate Research Assistantship Fellowship (GRAF) at the University of Alberta is a form of financial support for graduate students that allows them to focus on education and training related to their thesis or directed research project. It is not a universal full-tuition scholarship, and the value can vary by discipline, department, and funding source.
One scholar’s journey: Felix Ayiera, a Kenyan food scientist, secured a Graduate Research Assistantship Fellowship at the University of Alberta after sending hundreds of personalized emails to professors whose funded research matched his interests. Building on his master’s degree in Food Safety and Quality Engineering, he compared research opportunities, contacted potential supervisors, and ultimately chose Alberta over another fully funded PhD offer from the University of Arkansas. He is now researching plasma nanobubble technology for biofilm inactivation, while fellow recipient Anparasy secured doctoral funding in medical imaging after developing a clinically relevant AI research proposal.
View More Graduate Research Assistantship Fellowship recipients →
Here is what Graduate Research Assistantship Fellowship (University of Alberta) Scholars Say:
“This fellowship fully funds my PhD in Food Science and Technology, covering tuition fees and a monthly stipend.”
Felix Ayiera
6. Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: CA$8,600 – CA$12,400
- Eligible Degree Levels: Short-term college/undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. exchange
The Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) enables eligible Canadian post-secondary institutions to award scholarships to students from Latin America and the Caribbean for short-term study or research in Canada.
Under the current model, Canadian institutions select eligible students and apply on their behalf. Scholarship values range from CA$8,600 for a four-month exchange to CA$12,400 for a five- to six-month graduate-level exchange.
7. Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: Tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years
- Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is intended for international students seeking a first-entry undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto. The scholarship recognizes academic excellence, creativity, and leadership within the student’s school and community.
Each year, approximately 37 students are named Pearson Scholars. The scholarship covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.
Recent recipient outcomes include: Karen, who became a summer research student working in university laboratories; Karolina, who completed a year-long academic exchange at University College London; and Sai Nikam, who went on to complete a Master of Information in User Experience Design at the University of Toronto.
Here is what Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Scholars Say:
“The Pearson Scholarship covers full tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence support for four years, making it one of the most comprehensive scholarships available to international students in Canada.”
Aisha Adamu
8. UBC International Scholars Award
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: Up to the full cost of the academic program and living expenses
- Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s
UBC International Scholars Program at the University of British Columbia is a need-and-merit-based award program for international undergraduate students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, community impact, and significant financial need. The program includes four award categories: the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award, the Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award, the International Impact Award, and the Vantage One Excellence Award.
A recipient’s path: Tareq AlSourani, a Palestinian student from Gaza, earned the UBC International Scholars Award through its Donald Wehrung International Student Award pathway by emphasizing leadership, community advocacy, and his published memoir in his application. He spent months preparing personal statements with his counseling team and highlighted how his writing reached readers in more than ten countries, demonstrating the impact he hoped to build on at university. After graduating from King’s Academy in Jordan, he accepted UBC’s offer to study Political Science over another full-ride offer from the University of Notre Dame; fellow awardee Alina Zholaman instead chose the University of Toronto‘s Co-op Management program after receiving full funding offers from both universities. View More UBC International Scholars Award recipients →
9. University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: CA$20,000, renewable
- Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s
Every year, the University of Calgary attracts many international students. The University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship is offered annually to undergraduate international students entering their first year in any undergraduate degree program.
The award value is CA$20,000 and two awards are listed. It is renewable in the second, third, and fourth years if recipients meet the GPA and enrollment requirements and continue to pay international tuition fees.
10. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: Master’s: CA$20,000 per year; Ph.D.: CA$25,000 per year
- Eligible Degrees: Master’s, Ph.D.
University of Manitoba‘s Graduate Fellowship (UMGF) is a scholarship award for eligible graduate students who demonstrate superior intellectual ability and academic accomplishment. Departments and units determine award values and durations within the university’s stated limits.
UMGF master’s awards are valued at CA$20,000 per year for 12 or 24 months. UMGF doctoral awards are valued at CA$25,000 per year for 12, 24, 36, or 48 months.
11. Mastercard Foundation Scholarships
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: Comprehensive funding, depending on partner university
- Eligible Degree: Master’s at selected Canadian partner universities
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a major scholarship and leadership initiative that supports talented young people, especially from Africa, through partner institutions. In Canada, partner universities such as McGill and UBC offer graduate-level opportunities under their specific program rules.
One scholar’s journey: Beatrice Somuah, a geography graduate from Ghana, earned the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship to pursue a Master of Geomatics for Environmental Management at the University of British Columbia. She connected with previous scholars, attended webinars, sought feedback from mentors, and revised her essays multiple times, emphasizing her leadership as a radio host discussing sustainable development and her TrashCash campaign against plastic pollution. With an English-language testing waiver, she focused on showing how her academic preparation and community initiatives aligned with her goal of building climate-resilient African communities. View More Mastercard Foundation Scholarship recipients in Canada →
Here is what Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Scholars Say:
“This scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, and other associated costs, enabling me to fully focus on my academic and professional development without financial constraints.”
Samuel Osaretin Buraimoh
12. Carleton Prestige Scholarships
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: CA$20,000 to full tuition; some awards are renewable for four years
- Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s
Carleton University offers Prestige Scholarships to high-achieving incoming undergraduate students. These awards include several scholarship categories, with values ranging from CA$20,000 total to full tuition for four years, depending on the award.
Applicants must generally have an admission average of 90% or better, demonstrate leadership through extracurricular activities, and be pursuing post-secondary studies for the first time.
13. Humber Bachelor’s Degree Scholarships
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: CA$1,500 – CA$4,000
- Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s
Humber Polytechnic offers scholarships and awards for international students. Its bachelor’s degree scholarships are intended for high-achieving students entering directly from secondary school into eligible bachelor’s degree programs.
Scholarship values can range from CA$1,500 to CA$4,000 depending on admission average, and renewal may depend on maintaining the required academic standing.
14. University of Waterloo Undergraduate Entrance Awards
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: CA$1,000 – CA$80,000, depending on award and program
- Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s
The University of Waterloo offers many undergraduate entrance awards. Some scholarships are automatically considered based on admission averages, while others require separate applications.
International students may qualify for a CA$10,000 International Student Entrance Scholarship, as well as additional faculty-based awards. Some Waterloo international awards in Engineering, Mathematics, and Science can reach up to CA$80,000.
15. University of Montreal Exemption Scholarship for International Students
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: Tuition-fee exemption up to CA$23,367.15 per year
- Eligible Degrees: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
Université de Montréal offers the UdeM Exemption Scholarship program to help international students reduce the tuition fees normally charged to international students.
Eligible international students must have an offer of admission, hold valid study authorizations, be continuously enrolled full time, and not receive another tuition-fee exemption. Scholarship amounts vary by degree level and are deducted from tuition fees.
16. Douglas College International Student Scholarships
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: CA$1,000 – CA$2,500
- Eligible Programs: Undergraduate programs
Douglas College offers entrance scholarships to new international students who have demonstrated success in previous academic studies. Its international entrance awards include the Douglas International Education Regional Entrance Award and the Dr. Guangwei Ouyang International Education Entrance Scholarship.
The Douglas International Education Regional Entrance Award is valued at CA$1,000 to CA$2,000. The Dr. Guangwei Ouyang International Education Entrance Scholarship is valued at CA$2,500 and requires a separate application.
18. Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: CA$10,000 a year for up to two years
- Eligible Degree: Master’s
Dalhousie University lists the Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship – Master’s as an entrance scholarship for thesis-based master’s students. The award is available to Canadian and international students.
The scholarship is valued at CA$10,000 per year for up to two years and is tied to research connected to Nova Scotia’s priority areas. Eligible applicants should review the university’s specific research requirements and application procedures to determine their eligibility for the award.
18. McGill’s Entrance Scholarship Program
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: One-year scholarships of CA$3,000 and major entrance scholarships of CA$12,000 – CA$48,000 total
- Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s
McGill University offers merit-based entrance scholarships for first-time undergraduate students. Centrally administered awards include one-year scholarships valued at CA$3,000 and major entrance scholarships valued between CA$12,000 and CA$48,000 total.
Major entrance scholarships are renewable for up to four years if renewal criteria are met and require a separate application.
19. International Scholar Award (University of Toronto)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount for Bachelor’s: Up to CA$100,000 over four years
- Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s
The International Scholar Award at the University of Toronto is a merit-based admission award for international undergraduates. Students are automatically considered during admission review, and some award values total up to CA$100,000 over four years.
The International Scholar Award recognizes academically outstanding international students who demonstrate strong achievements throughout their secondary education. The award helps reduce the financial burden of studying at the University of Toronto, allowing recipients to focus on their academic goals. Since selection is based on admission assessments, applicants do not need to submit a separate scholarship application.
20. Trent International Scholarships and Awards
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: Up to CA$40,000 per academic year
- Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s
International Scholarships and Awards at Trent University support entering international undergraduate students who demonstrate strong academic achievement, community service, leadership potential, and, for some awards, financial need.
Trent International Prestigious Scholarships and Awards may fund tuition and mandatory ancillary fees in amounts up to CA$40,000 per academic year and up to CA$160,000 over a four-year degree.
An international student’s scholarship value can vary depending on the chosen program, department, degree level, and funding sponsor. Before applying, always review the official scholarship page for the latest eligibility rules, deadlines, award amounts, and required documents.
We hope this article on the best Canada scholarships for international students was helpful. If you are interested, explore Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees for International Students!
