Amazing Scholarships for International Students in Canada 2026
Scholarship for international students in Canada opens the door to a world of possibilities! Did you know that Canada offers hundreds of scholarships, bursaries, and grants through federal and provincial programs, top-ranked universities, and private organizations?
These opportunities allow talented students from around the globe to study in one of the most innovative, inclusive, and high-quality education systems in the world. Imagine earning your degree in a country known for its safety, cultural diversity, and exceptional quality of life for youth, all while receiving full academic and personal support along the way.
Whether you dream of studying at a world-class university, conducting research, or building a successful career abroad, Canada makes it possible.
Beyond academic excellence, studying in Canada is also one of the most rewarding and reliable paths to Permanent Residency (PR).
So, are you ready to start your Canadian education journey toward a brighter future with amazing scholarship opportunities?
Types of Scholarships Available in Canada
International students in Canada can access merit-based scholarships, need-based bursaries, and student loans (though loans require repayment):
Merit-based Awards
These scholarships are offered by Canadian governments and institutions to exceptional, high-achieving, or leadership-oriented students:
- Federal programs:
Prestigious awards such as the Tri-Council Scholarships (NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR), Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, and Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships.
- Provincial awards:
Merit-based programs like the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS).
- University scholarships:
Entrance and merit-based awards available at most Canadian universities.
- Prestigious examples:
The UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award, which recognizes students with superior academic achievement and exceptional leadership potential.
Need-based Aid
This program will granted based on financial need and do not require repayment:
- University support:
Most Canadian universities assess family income to determine eligibility.
- Government approach:
Bursaries are treated as need-based grants by both universities and the Canadian government.
- Combined awards:
Some programs, like UBC’s Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award, recognize both academic excellence and financial need.
Entrance Scholarships
This scholarship is awarded to new students entering university. Many are automatic (based on admissions grades) and merit-based.
For example:
- University of Waterloo automatically considers all entrants for multiple entrance awards.
- McGill offers one-year scholarships ($3,000) and major awards ($3,000–$12,000/year for internationals) for incoming undergraduates.
In-course Awards
Scholarships for continuing students who maintain high grades or show leadership. These are often administered by faculties or dedicated scholarship offices.
International Exchange/External Programs
Canada also takes part in international programs like the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) for Latin American students, the Canada–ASEAN Scholarships for Southeast Asian students.
Canada University Scholarships for International Students
Most Canadian universities offer dedicated scholarships and financial aid for international students. Key examples include:
University of British Columbia (UBC)
- International Scholars Program: 560+ students from 108+ countries supported with merit/need-based funding.
- Vantage One Excellence Award: Covers full tuition and living costs for eligible students.
MacEwan University
This university offers a diverse range of scholarships:
1. Entrance (Chancellor’s Scholarship Series):
Automatic merit-based awards for new international students (Fall/Winter entry) are given based on admission averages:
- Chancellor’s: 95–100% ($10–14K)
- President’s: 90–94.99% ($8–12K)
- Provost’s: 85–89.99% ($6–10K)
- Dean’s: 80–84.99% ($4–8K)
2. Continuing Scholarships:
International students who earn a Chancellor’s, President’s, or Provost’s Entrance Award can renew it yearly by maintaining the required GPA and full-time status.
3. Bursaries & Other Awards:
MacEwan’s Awards Database lists many merit, and need-based bursaries for international students, such as:
- The Global Education Bursary (~$2,000 for full-time degree students on a study permit).
Royal Roads University
- Royal Roads Entrance Award/Bursary:
Competitive awards for new students (including internationals) range from $2,000–$10,000 in tuition credit.
- Doctoral Entrance Award:
Up to CAD $10,000 for incoming PhD students. Awarded based on academic merit and research potential.
Alexander College
- Entrance/Merit Awards for Internationals (Burnaby):
Alexander College offers a few targeted scholarships for international admits (primarily for South/Southeast Asian students):
- Entrance Scholarship (Intl, South/Southeast Asia
- Merit Scholarship (Intl, South/Southeast Asia)
- Academic Scholarships (All students)
$1,200 discipline-specific scholarships are awarded each term for top performance in major subjects.
How to Apply for Scholarships in Canada
Applying successfully to a scholarship in Canada for international students involves careful planning and preparation. You need to be cautious about deadlines, and high standards of visa and admission process. Key steps include:
- Write Strong Essays/Personal Statements,
- Review Eligibility and Requirements,
- Follow Instructions and Deadlines,
- Research Opportunities,
- Gather Documents,
Applying for scholarships in Canada can be quite challenging due to the country’s high standards and detailed selective process. It can feel especially overwhelming for students who are already navigating the complexities of visa applications.
At Apply Market, we’re here to simplify every step of this journey for you. From expert, experience-backed guidance on your visa process to securing top scholarships from your dream universities, our mission is to make your path to studying in Canada smoother, smarter, and more successful.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship
ETo improve odds of winning competitive and full scholarships for international students in Canada, consider these best practices:
- Obtain Strong Recommendations
- Highlight Specific Achievements
- Stay Informed and Organized
- Tailor Each Application
- Apply to Many Awards
- Proofread Carefully
- Start Early
While these tips can take you a long way, nothing compares to the guidance of an experienced mentor, someone who’s already walked this path and knows exactly how to help you secure a fully funded scholarship in Canada.
If you’re unsure where to start or how to take your first step toward studying in Canada, don’t miss our limited free consultation offer!
It’s your chance to get personalized advice and move closer to your dream of studying abroad.
Applying for Financial Aid through Apply Market
At Apply Market, we understand the financial hardships foreign students face when planning to study in Canada. Indeed, our mission is to map your profile to the right scholarships, bursaries, and loan options to get financial aid for permanent residents in Canada.
Then, we navigate you step-by-step through applications. From choosing awards to refining forms and exploring financial aid resources, we are putting students first and making every step clear for them. So you can concentrate on your studies comfortably. Reach out to us to find out more about our offers.
Your journey is quite unique, and making informed decisions is the first step toward success.
We’d love to hear what you think!
Share your thoughts, questions, or experiences in the comments below.
How Apply Market Can Help
Getting a scholarship might sound exciting, and it is, but it’s definitely not easy. From choosing the right university and figuring out which scholarship fits you best, to collecting the required documents, writing a compelling statement of purpose, and securing strong recommendation letters, the process can feel very challenging.
That’s where Apply Market comes in. We’re here to make every step smoother, from helping you choose the perfect university based on your goals and profile, to guiding you through visa applications and securing the best scholarship opportunities.
We’ll be with you all the way, right up to the moment you land in Canada and start your academic journey with ease.
Conclusion
We’ve covered a comprehensive list of universities offering scholarships in Canada for international students and different pathways such as merit-based scholarships, need-based bursaries, and entry scholarships, providing you with all the details you need to make informed decisions about your academic journey. We hope this guide has made your path to studying in Canada clearer and more achievable.
Have any questions, experiences, or tips to share? Leave a comment below, we’d love to hear your thoughts and help you further on your journey to studying in Canada!
FAQs on Scholarships for International Students in Canada
To get a PhD scholarship in Canada as an international student:
- Contact potential supervisors: Email professors with your CV and research proposal.
- Meet requirements: Strong academic record, research experience, English/French proficiency, and publications help.
- Choose a university & program
- Apply for scholarships
Apply early: Submit applications 8–12 months before admission deadlines.
Top Undergraduate Scholarships in Canada for international students include:
- Carleton Prestige Scholarships
- Concordia Presidential Scholarship
- Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
- York University International Entrance Scholarships
- Waterloo International Student Entrance Scholarships
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
- UBC International Scholars Program
- Dalhousie Entrance Awards
Sport scholarships are awarded by Canadian universities (and sometimes colleges) to international students who demonstrate strong athletic performance and meet academic requirements. One example:
- Thompson Rivers University (TRU) offers “International Athletic Scholarships” to full-time international students who qualify for varsity teams in sports like basketball, soccer, swimming or volleyball.
The scholarships require the student to already be or become a member of the institution’s varsity or competitive team, and maintain academic standing.
They cover tuition fee waiver (full or partial).
