Studying in Canada can become significantly more affordable when international students secure the right scholarship. Canada scholarships for international students include fully funded awards, renewable entrance scholarships, university-based merit awards, financial-need programs, research funding, and short-term government-supported opportunities.
We recommend that international applicants search for funding at the same time they research universities because many competitive scholarships have deadlines that fall before, or shortly after, regular admission deadlines. Some scholarships require a separate application, while others automatically consider eligible students after they apply for admission.
Canadian universities currently offer international students opportunities ranging from automatic entrance awards worth several thousand Canadian dollars to prestigious scholarships covering most or all major educational expenses.
Types of Scholarships Available for International Students in Canada
Before applying, we should understand the major categories of scholarships in Canada for international students. Funding opportunities generally differ according to academic level, financial need, academic performance, leadership experience, citizenship, and university.
International students may find:
- Fully funded undergraduate scholarships
- Merit-based entrance scholarships
- Need-based financial assistance
- Renewable undergraduate scholarships
- Graduate and research scholarships
- Government-funded exchange scholarships
- University-specific international student awards
Some awards require a separate scholarship application, whereas universities such as UBC, Waterloo, McGill, and Manitoba also operate scholarships for which eligible students may receive automatic consideration.
Best Canada Scholarships for International Students
The following opportunities are among the most notable options international students can consider when planning to study in Canada.
1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship – University of Toronto
The Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship is one of Canada’s most competitive undergraduate scholarships for international students.
The award covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years at the University of Toronto. Approximately 37 students are selected as Pearson Scholars each year.
Applicants must be international students entering a first-entry undergraduate program. A student’s secondary school must nominate them before they can complete the scholarship application.
For students planning to begin studies in September 2027, the University of Toronto lists the following 2026 deadlines:
- School nomination: October 9, 2026
- University admission application: October 16, 2026
- Pearson scholarship application and supporting documents: November 6, 2026
Applicants with exceptional academic achievement, creativity, leadership and strong potential to contribute to society are particularly suited to this highly selective award.
2. UBC International Scholars Program
The University of British Columbia International Scholars Program is designed for high-achieving international undergraduate students who demonstrate leadership, meaningful community involvement and significant financial need.
Unlike scholarships based exclusively on grades, the program considers both academic excellence and an applicant’s ability to demonstrate meaningful involvement beyond the classroom.
UBC states that applications for the 2026 school year are closed, meaning prospective applicants should monitor the university’s official admissions information for the next available application cycle.
3. UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship
Another valuable option at the University of British Columbia is the International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES).
For the 2026/2027 academic year, IMES awards are valued at CAD $10,000 to $25,000 per year and may be renewed for up to three additional years of undergraduate study.
Eligible students must be new international students entering UBC directly from secondary school and must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, intellectual promise, extracurricular participation and community involvement.
One major advantage is that eligible students who apply to UBC by the relevant admission deadline are automatically considered for the scholarship.
4. York University President’s International Scholarship of Excellence
The President’s International Scholarship of Excellence at York University is another substantial Canadian scholarship for international undergraduate students.
The scholarship is valued at CAD $180,000 over four years, equivalent to CAD $45,000 per year.
The award targets outstanding international high-school applicants who demonstrate:
- Excellent academic performance
- Strong leadership skills
- Volunteer experience
- Meaningful extracurricular involvement
York describes recipients as international students of exceptional academic calibre.
Because scholarship cycles and deadlines change by admission year, we recommend checking the current York University funding page before beginning an application.
5. University of Waterloo International Student Entrance Scholarship
The University of Waterloo provides a particularly straightforward scholarship opportunity for eligible international undergraduate students.
International fee-paying students admitted to eligible full-time, first-year degree programs beginning in September 2026 receive a CAD $10,000 International Student Entrance Scholarship, and no separate scholarship application is required.
The award is applied during the student’s first year, with CAD $5,000 toward first-term tuition and CAD $5,000 toward second-term tuition. It can also be received alongside other qualifying Waterloo entrance scholarships.
Certain programs, transfer applicants and specific academic arrangements are excluded, so applicants should confirm their individual program’s eligibility.
6. McGill University Entrance Scholarships
McGill University offers centrally administered entrance scholarships to first-time students entering full-time undergraduate degree programs.
There are two primary categories:
- One-year entrance scholarship: CAD $3,000
- Major entrance scholarships: generally CAD $3,000 to $12,000 per year, with qualifying awards renewable for multiple years.
Eligible undergraduate applicants are automatically considered for the one-year scholarship based on academic achievement, while the Major Entrance Scholarship requires a separate application.
Major scholarships consider academic excellence as well as outstanding leadership in school or community activities.
International applicants should note that McGill specifies that its CAD $12,000 major entrance scholarship level is reserved for Canadian citizens or permanent residents, so international students should carefully review which award values apply to their status.
7. University of Manitoba International Undergraduate Student Entrance Scholarship
The University of Manitoba International Undergraduate Student Entrance Scholarship rewards international applicants with strong academic records.
Students generally need to apply for admission by the specified March 1 deadline, pay international tuition rates, and achieve at least an 85% high-school average, based on the university’s assessment requirements.
The university determines scholarship values annually according to academic performance. It also provides scholarships for continuing international undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement.
This makes the University of Manitoba worth considering not only for entrance funding but also for scholarship opportunities after students have begun their degrees.
8. Study in Canada Scholarships
International students should also consider scholarship programs supported by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada.
The Study in Canada Scholarships (SICS) support eligible international students undertaking short-term study or research exchanges at participating Canadian post-secondary institutions. The program is not a traditional full-degree scholarship.
For the 2026–2027 cycle, eligible countries include several nations across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda and Ethiopia, among others.
Importantly, students cannot apply directly to Global Affairs Canada under this program. Participating Canadian post-secondary institutions identify eligible candidates and submit applications. The application period for the 2026–2027 cycle is already closed.
9. University of Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence
Graduate students should not limit their search to undergraduate scholarship programs.
The University of Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence supports eligible international students normally entering research-based master’s programs.
The award is valued at CAD $2,500 per term for up to five terms, providing potential support of up to CAD $12,500 over the award period. Eligible students are generally nominated by their faculties rather than submitting a conventional independent scholarship application.
Eligibility Requirements for Canada Scholarships
Requirements vary considerably between universities and scholarship programs. However, applicants should expect competitive awards to assess several areas of their profile.
We should prepare evidence of strong academic performance, leadership experience, extracurricular participation, community involvement or financial need where applicable. Some awards are available only to first-time undergraduate applicants, while others target graduate researchers, continuing students or students from specific countries.
Applicants may also need academic transcripts, references, personal statements, essays, proof of financial circumstances or evidence of leadership and community impact depending on the scholarship.
How to Apply for Scholarships in Canada Successfully
A successful scholarship application begins with matching the applicant’s profile to the correct funding opportunity.
We recommend first selecting Canadian universities and programs that align with academic goals. We can then check whether the university offers automatic entrance scholarships, application-based awards, need-based funding or external scholarships.
Applicants should pay close attention to scholarship deadlines because they may differ significantly from general admission deadlines. The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship, for example, requires both a school nomination and separate scholarship process, while Waterloo’s 2026 International Student Entrance Scholarship requires no separate scholarship application for eligible students.
Where leadership is part of the selection criteria, we should provide specific evidence of impact rather than simply listing clubs or extracurricular activities. Academic achievements should also be documented accurately, and essays should connect past accomplishments with future academic and professional goals.
How to Improve Your Chances of Winning a Canadian Scholarship
Competition for major fully funded scholarships in Canada for international students can be intense. A strong academic record is important, but several prestigious programs evaluate more than grades.
UBC’s International Scholars Program considers leadership, community contribution and financial need, while York University’s President’s International Scholarship of Excellence emphasizes academics, volunteering, extracurricular activities and leadership. McGill’s major entrance awards similarly prioritize academic excellence alongside meaningful leadership.
We should therefore build scholarship applications around measurable achievements. Instead of simply stating that we participated in community service, we should explain the problem addressed, our responsibility, the number or type of people affected, and the results achieved.
We should also apply for multiple suitable awards rather than depending on one highly competitive scholarship.
Scholarships in Canada for Undergraduate and Graduate International Students
International students can find funding at different stages of higher education.
At undergraduate level, programs such as the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, UBC International Scholars Program, UBC IMES, York President’s International Scholarship of Excellence, Waterloo International Student Entrance Scholarship and McGill Entrance Scholarships provide significant funding possibilities.
Graduate students should investigate funding through individual universities, academic departments, research supervisors and graduate-school award programs. For example, UBC provides an International Tuition Award of up to CAD $3,200 per year for qualifying full-time international students in research-oriented master’s and doctoral programs at its Vancouver campus.
Important Scholarship Application Tips
Before submitting applications, we should confirm that each scholarship is open for the intended admission year. Scholarship amounts, eligibility requirements and deadlines can change between academic cycles.
Applicants should also use official university and Government of Canada websites when confirming scholarship requirements. The University of Toronto specifically warns applicants about fraudulent organizations claiming to provide assistance or scholarship offers for the Pearson program and states that recipients are nominated through their secondary schools.
Creating a scholarship calendar can help us track university admission deadlines, nomination dates, recommendation letters, scholarship essays and supporting documents without missing important opportunities.
Choosing the Right Canada Scholarship
The best scholarship depends on the applicant’s academic level, financial situation and achievements.
Students who need extensive financial assistance should prioritize programs that consider financial need or provide comprehensive funding. Students with exceptional academic and leadership profiles can target competitive awards such as the Pearson Scholarship, UBC International Scholars Program and York President’s International Scholarship of Excellence.
Applicants who prefer simpler funding opportunities can also prioritize universities offering automatic entrance awards, including qualifying scholarships at UBC, Waterloo, McGill and Manitoba.
FAQs about Canada Scholarships for International Students
1. Can international students get scholarships in Canada?
Yes. Many Canadian universities, colleges, government agencies, and private organizations offer scholarships for international students at undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels.
2. Are there fully funded scholarships in Canada?
Yes. Some fully funded scholarships in Canada may cover tuition fees, living expenses, research costs, accommodation, and other educational expenses. Coverage varies by scholarship.
3. What are the requirements for Canada scholarships?
Requirements usually include strong academic performance, proof of admission or an application to an eligible institution, academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a personal statement. Some scholarships also consider leadership, research experience, and extracurricular achievements.
4. Can I get a scholarship in Canada without IELTS?
In some cases, yes. Certain Canadian institutions may accept alternative proof of English proficiency, such as previous education completed in English. Applicants should check the specific university and scholarship requirements.
5. Which Canadian universities offer scholarships for international students?
Many leading institutions provide international student funding, including the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill University, University of Alberta, and University of Waterloo.
6. How do I apply for scholarships in Canada?
Applicants should identify eligible scholarships, review the requirements carefully, prepare supporting documents, and submit applications before the stated deadlines. Some university scholarships automatically consider students during admission.
7. Can undergraduate students receive scholarships in Canada?
Yes. International undergraduate students can qualify for merit-based, entrance, need-based, and university-specific scholarships.
8. When should I apply for Canada scholarships?
We recommend beginning scholarship research several months before the intended academic intake because application deadlines vary between institutions and scholarship programmes.
Conclusion
Canada scholarships for international students can reduce the financial burden of undergraduate, master’s, doctoral and short-term study opportunities. From the fully comprehensive Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship to renewable UBC awards, York University’s high-value President’s International Scholarship of Excellence, Waterloo entrance funding, McGill merit scholarships and Government of Canada exchange programs, international applicants have several strong funding routes to explore.
We should begin early, identify scholarships matching our qualifications, prepare strong academic and leadership evidence, and carefully follow every nomination, admission and scholarship deadline. Most importantly, we should verify current requirements directly with the university or Government of Canada scholarship provider before submitting an application, since funding amounts, eligibility rules and application cycles may change.
