5 Top Scholarships for International Students to Study in Canada
Of top priority when a student applies to a university is the scholarships they offer. While most Canadian universities do not give 100% scholarships, some come close to covering tuition costs if not cost of living in Canada.
Here are 5 universities that give top scholarship money to international students.
University of Toronto – the L B Pearson International Student Scholarship.
The most coveted scholarship for international students is the L. B. Pearson International Student Scholarship. This is a scholarship based on merit and extracurricular activities and covers tuition, books, and full residence support over the four years of a student’s bachelor’s degree. This scholarship is for first entry, undergraduate programs.
St Francis Xavier University - Schwartz School of Business International Scholars
If you have not heard of St Francis Xavier before, you should give them your full consideration. They are one of the finest undergraduate universities in Canada. They have been ranked as #1 in Canada in teaching critical thinking, helping students gain employment experience and where professors know their students by name.
It also has some of the best scholarships which includes the Schwartz School of Business International Scholars scholarship. It is worth $80,000 CAD and covers four years of university. St Francis Xavier University has some of the lowest tuition fees in Canada, averaging around $22,000 CAD. So you can’t go wrong when you make this your study abroad in Canada destination.
University of Alberta – University of Alberta International Entrance Citation
The University of Alberta has several merit-based and three extracurricular based scholarships. Their top award, the University of Alberta International Entrance Citation one is worth $40,000 CAD and is allotted over 4 years. Students are not limited to one scholarship so a student could earn more scholarship money on top of this one.
Trent University – Trent International Program Tuition Levy Scholarship
Trent is the #1 undergraduate university in Ontario. It is consistently recognized for leadership in teaching and student satisfaction which makes it an attractive study abroad in Canada destination. They have some of the best scholarships available and one of their top ones is the Trent International Program Tuition Levy Scholarship which is valued at $25,000 CAD per year. Bear in mind tuition hovers around the same amount. So again, another great university to attend.
Western University – International President’s Entrance Scholarship
Western University in London Ontario is one of Canada’s best research-intensive universities and offers excellent programs. They offer international student scholarships, including the International President’s Entrance Scholarship at $50,000 CAD spread over 4 years of university.
How to Qualify for these Scholarships?
Universities are looking for high-achieving students, not only in academic achievement, but in extra-curricular activities, interests, and leadership qualities. It is important to check out what a university is looking for when applying for these scholarships. An essay and recommendation letters may be required to apply. What is important is to apply early for admission. I cannot stress enough how important it is to apply in plenty of time. For example, the University of Alberta’s deadline for application-based scholarships is mid-December each year. Some may be as late as January or February well before the admission deadline. My recommendation is to apply between October through the end of November so you can max on scholarships a Canadian university offers international students.
The adage, “The early bird catches the worm” is true here. The early applicant catches the most scholarships.