Dreaming of studying in Canada but worried about tuition fees? You’re not alone. The good news is that Canada offers a wide range of scholarships and financial aid programs to help international and domestic students achieve their academic goals without breaking the bank.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the most popular and prestigious scholarship opportunities available across Canadian universities and institutions—so you can focus on your studies, not your student debt.
Why Choose Canada
Before diving into the scholarships, here’s why Canada remains one of the top study destinations:
- World-Class Education: Home to some of the best universities globally.
- Affordable Compared to the US & UK: Lower tuition fees and cost of living.
- Safe and Inclusive: Welcoming to international students from all backgrounds.
- Post-Graduation Opportunities: Access to work permits and permanent residency pathways.
Types of Scholarships Available
| Type | Description |
|---|
| Merit-Based | Awarded for academic excellence, leadership, or community involvement |
| Need-Based | Based on financial need |
| Government-Funded | Offered by the Canadian or provincial governments |
| University-Specific | Offered by individual universities |
| Program-Specific | Tied to certain fields of study like STEM, health, or arts |
Top Scholarships to Consider in 2025
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Amount: $50,000/year for 3 years
- For: Doctoral students (PhD)
- Who Can Apply: Canadian and international students
- Website: vanier.gc.ca
2. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto)
- Covers: Tuition, books, incidental fees, full residence support
- For: Undergraduate students
- Extremely competitive; must be nominated by your high school
- Website: future.utoronto.ca
3. University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program
- Covers: Full tuition + living expenses based on need
- Four award types: Karen McKellin, Donald A. Wehrung, and more
- Website: you.ubc.ca
4. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
- Amount: $15,000/year
- For: Master’s and PhD students
- Must apply through participating universities in Ontario
5. Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program
- Funded by Global Affairs Canada
- For: Students from Commonwealth countries pursuing master’s/PhD
- Website: scholarships-bourses.gc.ca
6. York University International Student Scholarship
- Amount: Up to $180,000 over 4 years
- Based on academic performance and leadership
- Website: futurestudents.yorku.ca
How to Apply for Scholarships in Canada
- Start Early – Some deadlines are 6–12 months before the school year begins.
- Meet Admission Requirements – Most require admission into a degree program first.
- Prepare Documents – Transcripts, statement of purpose, resume/CV, references.
- Highlight Extracurriculars – Leadership and community involvement matter.
- Apply Directly – Some scholarships are automatic, others require separate applications.
