Canada’s welcoming nature and diverse, multicultural communities attract thousands of international students each year to its excellent post-secondary institutions. A major draw is an accessible education for all, including financial assistance through generous scholarships, bursaries, and awards.

This guide details leading scholarship programs in Canada open to students globally. Discover funding possibilities for undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, and specific field programs. With diligent research and strong applications, pursuing your dreams in Canada becomes more financially achievable.

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

A prestigious national program supporting PhD students who demonstrate leadership, innovation, and community engagement.

Eligibility:

• Be nominated by your Canadian university
• Pursuing doctoral research in social sciences/humanities fields
• Show high academic achievement

Award: Up to $50,000 per year for 3 years of PhD study

Deadline: Mid-October (institutional deadline may vary)

Federal Government Awards

Canada awards several scholarships encouraging study in priority areas through various federal agencies.

Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS)

• For masters and PhD students in all domains
• Up to $17,500/year for masters, $35,000/year for PhD

Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships

• Funding top postdoctoral researchers worldwide
• $70,000/year for up to 2 years

Deadlines: Mid-October to Mid-November (check specific program deadlines)

Mitacs Globalink Research Award

Supports international undergrads undertaking research internships at Canadian universities in STEM fields.

Eligibility:

• Be a foreign student enrolled at a partner university outside Canada
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 scale
• Accepted into a 4-6 month Mitacs research project in Canada

Award: Covers travel/settling costs up to CAD $7,000

Deadline: Rolling intake, apply at least 6 months before the intended start

Schulich Leader Scholarships

Valued at over $100 million, this program funds top global students in science, technology, engineering or mathematics annually.

Eligibility:

• Nominated by partner high schools worldwide
• Demonstrate academic excellence and leadership qualities
• Pursuing undergraduate STEM degrees at selected Canadian universities

Award: Covers up to 100% of tuition and living expenses

Deadline: Early each year, check school deadlines

Canadian Student Loans & Bursaries

Federal and provincial support helps international students through need-based financial aid like loans and non-repayable bursaries at participating institutions.

Eligibility and Awards: Vary by province and depend on financial need, usually a combination of loans/grants up to $10,000/year.

Application: Through online profile shared among financial aid offices across Canada.

Canada Book Grant

This program aids international students with the cost of books/supplies up to CAD $3000 for a certificate/diploma, up to $6000 for undergraduate degrees, and higher amounts for graduate studies. Tuition fee discounts further sweeten the deal.

Major Field-Specific Scholarships

Funding options focus on subject areas in high demand, including:

• Medical/Healthcare: CIHR Doctoral Research Awards
• Engineering: Autodesk Award
• Agriculture: Provincial programs
• Robotics/AI: Vector Institute Scholarships
• Environment: OceanCanada Scholarship
• Fine Arts: TD Canada Trust Scholarships

With early research and strong profiles, international applicants gain access to a generously funded education in Canada. Reach out if you need counselling on the ideal funding matches for your goals and qualifications. Let the opportunities begin!