10+ Scholarships in Canada for International Students
International Undergraduate Scholarships in Canada »
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program at the University of Toronto is intended to recognize international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and creativity and who are recognized as leaders within their school. The scholarship will cover tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.
York University International Student Scholarship Program
International students who have an excellent academic record and admitted to York University are eligible for scholarships worth $60,000 – $100,000 for a four-year degree program.
University of British Columbia Scholarships for International Students
UBC recognizes the academic achievement of outstanding students from around the world by devoting more than $10 million CAD annually to awards, scholarships and other forms of financial assistance for international undergraduate students.
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Carleton Prestige Scholarships
Carleton University offers the following Prestige scholarships to outstanding incoming undergraduate students with an admission average of 90% better. The Chancellor’s Scholarship, the Richard Lewar Entrance Scholarship, the Carleton University Scholarship of Excellence, the Carleton University SHAD Scholarship have a value of CAD 20,000-30,000 while the Riordon Scholarship, and the Collins Prestige Scholarship covers full tuition fees for 4 years.
Calgary International Entrance Scholarships
The University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship is a prestigious award that recognizes outstanding accomplishments of an international student beginning their undergraduate studies at the University. The total amount over 4 years of undergraduate program is $60,000.
Winnipeg President’s Scholarships for World Leaders
The University of Winnipeg President’s Scholarship for World Leaders is awarded to international students entering any of the University’s divisions for the first time. The scholarships ranges from $3,500 – $5,000.
Humber College International Entrance Scholarships
Humber offers renewable full and partial tuition scholarships to NEW international students beginning classes in September and January of each year.
International Graduate Scholarships in Canada »
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) was created to attract and retain world-class doctoral students and to establish Canada as a global centre of excellence in research and higher learning. The scholarships are towards a doctoral degree (or combined MA/PhD or MD/PhD) at participating Canadian Universities. The scholarship is worth $50,000 per year for three years.
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF) are merit-based awards that are open to students of any nationality who will be registered as full-time graduate students (Masters or Ph.D.) at the University of Manitoba. The fellowships are valued at $18,000 for PhD students, or $14,000 for Master’s students for a 12-month period.
Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships
The scholarships are open to foreign nationals (with a preference for candidates from the developing world) who are applying to a doctoral program in the social sciences and humanities or registered full-time in the first or second year of such a program at a Canadian university. Its annual value is up to $60,000 per scholar for a maximum of three years.
University of Waterloo Master’s Awards of Excellence
The International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE) will be awarded to eligible international master’s students normally entering a research-based graduate program at the University of Waterloo. The award will be valued at $2,500 per term for a maximum of five terms.
University of Calgary Graduate Awards
University of Calgary offers a wide range of full and partial scholarships for international students. Scholarship value range from $1,000 to $40,000 and covers different fields of study.
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Scholarships in Canada for International Students (Undergraduate): The Ultimate Guide
Canada stands as one of the most attractive destinations for undergraduate studies globally, boasting world-renowned academic institutions, vibrant multicultural cities, and progressive post-study work opportunities. However, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Canada as an international student comes with a significant price tag—with average annual tuition fees ranging anywhere from $35,000 to over $65,000 CAD depending on the university and program.
Fortunately, Canadian universities, corporate partners, and regional organizations offer a substantial array of undergraduate scholarships. This comprehensive guide breaks down the highest-paying undergraduate scholarships in Canada, eligibility requirements, and an actionable timeline to optimize your funding potential.
Types of Undergraduate Scholarships in Canada
Funding opportunities for international undergraduates generally fall into three distinct categories:
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Major Institutional Entrance Awards (Full Funding): These are prestigious, competitive awards offered directly by specific universities. They often cover full tuition, compulsory student fees, and living stipends. They heavily weigh exceptional academic achievement and community leadership.
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Automatic Entrance Scholarships (Partial Funding): Awarded by universities based strictly on your high school admission average. You do not need a separate application for these; your profile is automatically evaluated upon submission of your standard admission application.
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External and Government Scholarships: Funded by non-university entities, independent foundations, or bilateral international treaties between Canada and foreign governments.
Top University Scholarships for International Undergraduates
If your objective is to eliminate or deeply offset the cost of your degree, these institutional awards represent the gold standard of undergraduate funding in Canada.
1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program (University of Toronto)
This is arguably Canada’s most competitive and prestigious scholarship for international students. It targets exceptional leaders who demonstrate profound academic achievement, creative intellect, and a strong commitment to global citizenship.
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Value: Covers full tuition, mandatory textbooks, incidental student fees, and full residence support for four years.
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Coverage Availability: Approximately 37 students are named Pearson Scholars annually.
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Application Catch: You cannot apply independently at first. You must be formally nominated by your high school guidance counselor before you can access the online application platform.
2. Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award (University of British Columbia)
UBC recognizes international students who show superior academic achievement, exceptional leadership, active community service, and recognized talent in fields like performing arts, sports, or creative writing.
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Value: Need-proportional financial aid. The award matches your calculated financial need to fully cover tuition, living costs, and student fees minus what your family can contribute.
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Renewal: Renewable for up to three additional years of undergraduate study, provided you maintain strong academic standing in your faculty.
3. President’s International Scholarship of Excellence (York University)
York University actively seeks high-achieving international high school graduates who show global perspective and academic drive.
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Value: Valued at $180,000 CAD distributed evenly over four years ($45,000 CAD per year).
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Requirement: Must maintain full-time enrollment status and a stellar cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) to lock in funding for subsequent academic blocks.
Strategic Step-by-Step Application Roadmap
Securing an undergraduate scholarship in Canada requires alignment between your high school completion timeline and university financial deadlines. Because undergraduate applications close early, your planning must start nearly a year in advance.
Crucial Tips for a Competitive Profile
1. Master Your Essay Writing
Major scholarships place immense weight on your personal statement or supplemental leadership essays. The review board looks for specific impact, self-awareness, and clear goals. If you need a structured strategy to organize your thoughts and craft a compelling narrative, consult this comprehensive guide on how to write winning scholarship essays and statement of purpose formatting to elevate your drafting process.
2. Streamline Your Immigration Planning
Receiving a scholarship letter does not grant automatic entry into Canada. You must convert your academic offer into a formal entry permit. Understanding exactly what documents are mandatory prevents processing rejections or unforeseen administrative stress. Review this practical framework on how to process your student visa smoothly to keep your immigration paperwork secure and finalized before your semester begins.
3. Maintain High Standard Grades
While leadership matters, it rarely overrides weak academic transcripts. Ensure your final high school semester grades match or exceed your predicted interim grade statements to safeguard conditional scholarship packages.
Final Insight: Full funding in Canada is highly competitive, but entirely achievable for structured applicants. By matching early institutional application submissions with robust community profiles and well-refined personal essays, you can access life-changing financial launchpads.
