Canada’s top-ranked universities welcome international students with open arms each year. A major draw is world-class education combined with financial assistance through generous scholarships, bursaries, and awards. With diligent research and well-crafted applications, these funding options make your studies more achievable.
This comprehensive guide outlines leading scholarship programs open globally to study at undergraduate through to doctoral levels in Canada. Commit your energy to explore these life-changing opportunities and let your journey begin!
Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS)
Offered by Canada’s three federal research granting agencies, the CGS supports outstanding researchers pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees across all disciplines.
Eligibility:
- Admitted to an eligible Canadian university
- Demonstrate excellence in proposed research & academics
- No recent CGS/equivalent funding received
Awards: Up to $17,500/year for masters, $35,000/year for PhD study.
Deadline: Late October/November annually.
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Awards
Offers scholarship support at graduate levels aligning with SSHRC’s mandate areas in business, law, social sciences, humanities, health, education, and more.
Eligibility:
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Admitted to an eligible Canadian institution
- Show academic excellence and research potential
Awards: Vary but generally provide $20,000-50,000 annually.
Deadline: Varies by program, usually late October to December.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
This prestigious national award supports top PhD students conducting research strengthening Canada’s role as a global leader.
Eligibility:
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Admitted to eligible Canadian university PhD program
- Demonstrate exceptional leadership and research ability
Award: Up to $50,000 per year for 3 years of doctoral study.
Deadline: Institutions usually mid-October, check with your school.
University-Specific Scholarships
Major Canadian universities like McGill, UofT, and UBC offer a wide range of named and general entry scholarships for excellence at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Eligibility and awards vary but generally value grades, research proposals, extracurriculars, and diversity. Automated considerations based on your application or supplementary applications are required.
Deadlines align with university admission timelines that can be as early as late fall for the following fall term enrollment.
Mitacs Globalink Research Awards
Supports outstanding international undergrads to conduct funded research projects with Canadian university professors in STEM.
Eligibility:
-Nominated by partner university abroad
- Admitted to 4-6 month Mitacs Globalink research project
Award: up to $7,000 to cover travel, accommodation and living expenses.
Deadline: Rolling basis, projects typically run May-October and Nov-April.
In summary, with diligent research Canadian funding options await at every academic level. Apply early, network actively and let your passion shine through – making the most of these opportunities awaits!
