Can International Students Get Scholarships to Study in Canada?
The answer is yes! International students can get scholarships to study in Canada. Many universities, government programs, and private organizations offer scholarships based on merit, financial need, or specific criteria like leadership or research potential. Here are some common types of scholarships available:
Government-Funded Scholarships
These scholarships are for graduate students in research (thesis-based master’s and PhD programs at Canadian universities. They are open to both national and international students and require the endorsement of a student’s supervisor. These are not entrance scholarships. For information on these scholarships and how to apply, check out the EduCanada site here.
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) – For PhD students with strong academic and leadership potential.
• Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) – For students from ASEAN countries.
• Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships – For postdoctoral researchers.
University-Specific Scholarships
Most Canadian universities offer scholarships for international students. While the best-known one is the fully funded Lester B Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto, there are also other good scholarships. These are only an example of what is available to international students.
• University of Alberta President’s International Distinction Scholarship – up to $120,000 CAD which covers the major portion of an international student’s tuition – payable over 4 years. For details on this scholarship and other international scholarships at the University of Alberta, click here.
• Trent University International Program Tuition Levy Scholarship – for $136,000 CAD and covers almost 100% of tuition. For details on all of Trent’s scholarships for international students, click here.
• Western University International President's Entrance Scholarships – 3 scholarships up to $100,000 CAD. For information on all of Western University’s scholarship and funding options for international students, click here.
• University of New Brunswick Lady Vi Aitken Scholarship - $40,000 CAD over 4 years covers almost 50% of tuition. For additional details on international student scholarships at UNB, click here.
Private and Non-Governmental Scholarships
• Trudeau Foundation Scholarships – For doctoral students in social sciences and humanities.
• MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program – Supports African students at certain Canadian universities.
Are you interested in studying in Canada? Would you like help finding a scholarship that fits your profile? Let me know your intended field of study, your education background and your extracurricular activities and I can recommend opportunities from the partner universities at Go 2 Canada Education Services. Make sure to contact us today! 😊