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Scholarships to Study in Canada
Funding for international students in Canada — from partial awards to fully-funded scholarships. Free to browse, with eligibility and deadlines.
▶ Open the free scholarship finder⚡ Quick answer: There are 3 well-known scholarships below for studying in Canada as an international student. Some are fully funded (tuition plus living costs); others cover part of your tuition. Apply early — most close 6–12 months before the intake and often need a university offer first. Always confirm amounts and deadlines on each official page.
3 scholarships for Canada
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship — PhD · Government · CAD 50,000/yr (3 yrs) — closed
Doctoral students; leadership + research · Deadline: Closed — final competition fall 2024
Canada's former flagship doctoral scholarship, discontinued after the fall 2024 competition and replaced by the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral.
Doctoral students; leadership + research · Deadline: Closed — final competition fall 2024
Canada's former flagship doctoral scholarship, discontinued after the fall 2024 competition and replaced by the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral.
Lester B. Pearson Scholarship — Undergraduate · University · Fully funded — tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence for 4 years
International students starting UG at U of T, still in/just out of secondary school — your SCHOOL must nominate you (one per school) · Deadline: Early November (separate U of T admission application due mid-October)
U of Toronto's premier international UG award — ~37 scholars a year.
International students starting UG at U of T, still in/just out of secondary school — your SCHOOL must nominate you (one per school) · Deadline: Early November (separate U of T admission application due mid-October)
U of Toronto's premier international UG award — ~37 scholars a year.
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship (CGRS) — Master's & PhD · Government · CAD 27,000 (Master's) · CAD 40,000/yr (Doctoral)
Canadian citizens, permanent residents and Protected Persons ONLY — international students are not eligible · Deadline: 1 December (20:00 ET)
Canada's harmonised federal graduate award, replacing CGS-M/CGS-D and the Vanier CGS. Not open to international students.
Canadian citizens, permanent residents and Protected Persons ONLY — international students are not eligible · Deadline: 1 December (20:00 ET)
Canada's harmonised federal graduate award, replacing CGS-M/CGS-D and the Vanier CGS. Not open to international students.
Types of funding you'll find in Canada
- Government scholarships — national schemes (often the most generous and competitive), usually fully or largely funded.
- University awards — merit-based tuition discounts or scholarships offered directly by the institution, sometimes automatic with your application.
- Need-based grants — aimed at students who demonstrate financial need.
- Course or department awards — tied to a specific subject, faculty or research area.
- External / private scholarships — from foundations, companies and trusts, often for specific nationalities or fields.
How to find and win a scholarship in Canada
- Shortlist early. Begin at least 12 months before your intake — the best awards close first.
- Check eligibility precisely. Nationality, level of study, subject and minimum grades all matter; don't waste effort on awards you can't qualify for.
- Secure your admission or nomination where the scholarship requires it — many do.
- Write a specific, story-led statement of purpose that ties your goals to what the scholarship values — build and refine yours free with our SOP guide.
- Line up strong recommendation letters early — referees usually need 2–3 weeks.
- Apply to several. Scholarships are competitive; a portfolio of applications improves your odds.
- Track every deadline and submit well before the closing date. Never pay a third party to apply on your behalf.
Frequently asked questions
- Are there scholarships to study in Canada?
- Yes — this page lists 3 notable scholarships for international students heading to Canada, ranging from partial tuition waivers to fully-funded awards that cover tuition and living costs.
- When should I apply for Canada scholarships?
- Most major scholarships close 6–12 months before the course starts, and many require you to have a university offer first. Start at least a year ahead: shortlist awards, prepare your statement of purpose and recommendation letters early, and note each deadline.
- Are these scholarships free to apply for?
- Yes — browsing this list and our scholarship finder is 100% free, and reputable scholarships never charge an application fee. Each award links to its official page — never pay a third party to "apply" for you.
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