How to get scholarship in Canada for International Students

Canada is a dream country for most International students around the globe. 

Isn’t it? 

But, many of us often face financial challenges while planning to pursue further education in Canada due to higher tuition fees, preventing us from pursuing our dreams.

Well, Don’t worry! 

This article will help you to know, how to get scholarship in Canada for International Students.

So, Let’s get started.

Types of Scholarship in Canada

Canada offers various scholarships for International students to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies to lessen your financial burden. 

These are the types of scholarships available in Canada for students.

• Canadian Government Scholarship
• Non-Government Scholarship
• Institutional Scholarship

1. Canadian Government Scholarship

Canadian government scholarships are offered by the Government of Canada to exceptional students. 

These scholarships are highly competitive and fully funded for both local and international students.

Examples:

• IDRC Research Awards: Research grants provided by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC).
• Canada Graduate Scholarships: Scholarships awarded by the Canadian government to graduate students.
• NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships: Funding opportunities offered by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) for postgraduate studies.
• Organization of American States (OAS) Academic Scholarship Program:  Scholarships administered by the Organization of American States for academic pursuits.
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships Program: Prestigious scholarships for graduate studies in Canada, administered by the Canadian government.

2. Non-Government Scholarship

Non-government scholarships are provided by private organizations, corporations, foundations, or individuals rather than governmental entities or universities.

Examples:

• Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships
• Anne Vallee Ecological Fund
• Canada Memorial Scholarship
• Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship

3. Institutional Scholarship

These scholarships are offered by colleges and universities in Canada to ease the financial burden for both local and international students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, or PhD degrees.

Examples:

• HEC Montréal Scholarships
• Fairleigh Dickinson Scholarships 
• International Student Scholarships at Humber College Canada
• McGill University Scholarships and Student Aid
• UBC Graduate Scholarships

What Scholarships Offer Beyond Tuition

Here’s your chance!

As an international student to experience the top class education offered by Canadian colleges and universities, all on a scholarship!

Forget about the higher tuition fees and living expenses.

Scholarships and Grants are similar.

However, 

Grants are given based on financial need. WHILE

Scholarships are awarded to you on merit based (academic excellence), language test, chosen field of study, academic achievements, extracurricular activities, etc.

Scholarship and grants both are non-repayable financial aids which means you don’t have to pay back.

Depending upon the scholarship you applied for, some scholarships cover only partial or full tuition fees and other fully funded scholarships in Canada included following cost:

• Visa or study/work permit fees
• Health insurance
• Living expense like accommodation, utilities and food
• Public transportation pass
• Airfare to canada 
• Book and other supplies required during studies 

Documents Required for Scholarship Application in Canada

These are the following document are required for scholarship application process in Canada for International students:

1. Application Form/ Offer Letter

You’ll need to have completed a college or university application form for your chosen field of study or have received an offer letter at the time of the scholarship application process.

2. Copy of Passport

You’ll need a valid copy of your passport. Valid for at least six months before you planned for departure. 

Required copy of the main page, which includes your photo and your personal information.

3. Transcripts/Marksheet

Submit your photocopy of academic transcripts or diplomas.

Showing your grades (GPA), and earned credits with the official signature and stamp from your school or faculty.

4. Language Proficiency Proof

Depending upon the course you applied, you’ll need to show proficiency through specific tests:

• IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge
• French (DELF or DALF)

5. Statement of Purpose

Write a one pager personal statement explaining why you chose the specific course, how it aligns with your future goals, and what is your motivation for applying.

6. Letter of Recommendation

Submit a copy of two letters of recommendation from teachers, principal or employers that showcase your skills and capabilities.

7. CV/ Resume

A CV or resume is required for a scholarship application. 

It should include your personal details, educational qualification, work experience (if applicable), skills, extracurricular activities, honors/awards, and references.

Keep it concise, organized, and professional.

8. Standardized Test Scores

Common standardized tests are requested.

Includes; 

• SAT
• ACT
• GRE
• GMAT

These test scores help scholarship committees evaluate your academic abilities and potential for success in your chosen field of study.

Additional Documents 

Aside from the above-listed documents, the following additional documents may required in the scholarship application in Canada:

• Portfolio:

If you’re applying to programs like art, design, or related fields, you’ll need a portfolio that showcases your creative projects that help you in strengthening your application. 

• Essay:

Many Canadian universities might ask you to write an essay about something related to the scholarship. 

Essay is pretty important, it helps them decide who gets the scholarship. So, crafting a well written essay is very important to you to get a scholarship.

• Parent’s Financial Information:

Scholarship providers often request details regarding your parents’ financial status.

This information will help them to be sure that you genuinely require financial assistance or not to pursue your education. 

• Medical Report:

Some universities in Canada are asked to provide medical reports to ensure that you’re in good health to pursue your further studies in canada.

These are the basic requirements of the scholarship as requested by the scholarship providers. 

When applying for a scholarship in Canada, make sure to fulfill the application form truthfully and honestly, without missing the deadline or requirements.

Scholarships in Canada for International Students

Canadian Government Scholarships

Scholarship Name	Overview	Eligibility	Scholarship Value
Banting  Postdoctoral Fellowship	Awarded  to top postdoctoral researchers contributing to Canada’s economic, social,  and research-based growth.	Canadian  citizens, Permanent residents, Foreign citizens	$70,000  per year (taxable)
Ontario  Trillium Scholarship	A  provincially-funded program attracting top international Ph.D. students to  Ontario universities.	Ph.D.  students	$40,000  CAD
Canada-ASEAN  SEED	Offers  exchange opportunities for study or research in Canadian post-secondary  institutions to students from ASEAN member states.	Post-secondary,  undergraduate, graduate levels, ASEAN member state citizens	$10,200  – $15,900 CAD
Vanier  Graduate Scholarships	Designed  to attract world-class doctoral students to Canada and establish it as a  global center of excellence in research and higher learning.	Ph.D.  students; Academic Excellence, Research Potential, Leadership	$50,000  CAD
Canadian  Studies Post-Doctoral Fellowship	Enables  Canadian and foreign scholars to visit Canadian or foreign universities for a  teaching or research fellowship, related to Canada.	Ph.D.  students	$2500  CAD/month & airfare up to $10,000 CAD
IDRC  Research Awards	Supports  research and innovation in developing regions to drive global change.	Master  or Doctoral Students	CAD  $42,033 to $48,659
Canada Graduate Scholarships	Aids  in the development of research skills and training of highly qualified  personnel in Master’s studies.	Masters	$17,500

Non-governmental Scholarship in Canada

Scholarship  Name	Overview	Eligibility	Scholarship  Value
Anne  Vallée Ecological Fund	Offers  two $1,500 scholarships to support students registered in animal research at  the masters or doctoral level in a Québec or British Columbia University.	Masters,  Doctoral, Canadians, Permanent Residents, International Students	$1,500  CAD
Trudeau  Scholarships and Fellowships	Provides  leadership training and generous sponsorship for about 16 scholars annually.	Doctoral	Academics  + Leadership Training
Canada  Memorial Scholarship	Full  scholarships available to British students applying for any year-long  postgraduate (Masters-level) course with an accredited Canadian further  education provider annually.	Post-graduate	Fully  funded Scholarship
Surfshark Privacy and Security  Scholarship	A  $2,000 prize available to a student currently enrolled in Canada or another  study destination as a high school, undergraduate, or graduate student.	Everyone  is eligible	$2,000

Institutional Scholarships offered by College/Universities

Scholarship  Name	Overview	University	Eligibility	Scholarship Value
Lester  B. Peterson Scholarship	Provides  an unparalleled opportunity for outstanding international students to study  at the University of Toronto.	University  of Toronto	Undergraduate	Tuition,  living expenses, etc.
Concordia  University International Undergraduate Awards	Various  scholarships for international students at Concordia University in Montréal,  open to international students at the undergraduate level.	Concordia  University	Undergraduate	Varies  according to the scholarship
Dalhousie  University Scholarships	Millions  of dollars in scholarships, awards, bursaries, and prizes are distributed  through the Registrar’s Office to promising Dalhousie students. Available to  all levels of students.	Dalhousie  University	All  levels of student	Varies  according to the level and course of choice
Fairleigh  Dickinson Scholarships for International Students	Merit  scholarships for international undergraduate students at Fairleigh Dickinson  University. Grants are also available for other levels of study in FDU.	Fairleigh  Dickinson University	Undergraduate	Up  to $24,000
HEC  Montréal Scholarships	Close  to $1.6 million in scholarships and other forms of awards are awarded to  M.Sc. students at HEC Montréal every year.	HEC  Montréal University	Master’s  Degree, International Business	Varies  according to the scholarship applied for in the link
UBC  International Leader for Tomorrow Award	Awards,  scholarships, and financial support for international undergraduate students  at the University of British Columbia.	UBC	Undergraduate	Varies
International  Student Scholarships at Humber College Canada	Entrance  scholarship for Graduate Certificate, Diploma, and Advanced Diploma students  joining Humber College in May, September, and January.	Humber  College	Graduate,  Undergraduate	$2000  off tuition fees
McGill  University Scholarships and Student Aid	Financial  support for qualified students from any geographic region to enter and  complete academic programs at McGill University.	McGill  University	Undergraduate,  Graduate, Postdoctoral studies	Depends  on the scholarship applied for
Quest  University International Scholarships	Various  scholarships available to international students at Quest University.  Scholarships are offered to students whose applications show they could make  extraordinary contributions to Quest and beyond.	Quest  University	All  Levels	CAD2,000  to a full scholarship
Queen’s  University International Scholarships	Variety  of scholarships available to assist international students and U.S. students  at Queen’s University.	Queen’s  University	International  students; Undergraduates, Graduates	Varies
UBC  Graduate Scholarships	Various  scholarships available for both International and local students intending to  pursue a graduate degree at the University of British Colombia.	University  of British Colombia	Graduate	Program-specific
University  of Alberta International Scholarships	Various  scholarships, awards, and financial support to undergraduate students at the  University of Alberta.	University  of Alberta	Undergraduate	Up  to $120,000
University  of Calgary International Scholarships	Range  of scholarships available for international graduate scholars at the  University of Calgary.	University  of Calgary	Graduate	CAD500  to CAD60,000
University  of Manitoba	Scholarships  for international undergraduates at the University of Manitoba.	University  of Manitoba	Undergraduate	$1000  to $3000
University  of Saskatchewan International Student Awards	Awards  in the form of scholarships to international students based on academic  excellence at the University of Saskatchewan.	University  of Saskatchewan	Various  levels	$10,000  to $20,000
Ontario  Graduate Scholarship	Scholarships  awarded to various international scholars seeking to pursue a graduate degree  at the University of Toronto.	University  of Toronto	Graduate	$5,000  per session
University  of Waterloo International Funding	Funding  opportunities available at the University of Waterloo for international  students.	University  of Waterloo	Graduate,  etc.	Program-specific
Simon  Fraser University Financial Aid and Awards	Range  of scholarships available at Simon Fraser University open to international  students.	Simon  Fraser University	Undergraduate,  Graduate	Varies
York  University International Student Program	Variety  of supports, academic, financial, and otherwise, available to international  students at York University.	York  University	Undergraduates	$1000-$45,000
Aga  Khan Academy Renewable Scholarship	Scholarship  for an undergraduate student to pursue a UG degree program at the University  of Victoria.	University  of Victoria	Undergraduate	$22,500
University  of Alberta – India First Year Excellence Scholarship	Scholarship  offered annually to Indian Students taking an undergraduate course at the  University of Alberta.	University  of Alberta	Undergraduates	$5,000
CorpFinance  International Limited India Bursary	Financial  aid provided to Indian students admitted to the Bachelor of Commerce program  and Bachelor of commerce in market management at Dalhousie University,  Canada.	Dalhousie  University	Undergraduate	T$15,000
Arthur  J.E. Child Scholarship in Business	Scholarship  awarded annually to a continuing undergraduate student entering their second  year in the Haskayne School of Business on the basis of academic achievement.	Haskayne  School of Business	Undergraduate	$2,600
Arthur  F. Church Entrance Scholarship	Two  scholarships, valued at $10,000 each, awarded annually to outstanding  students entering their first year in the Faculty of Engineering at the  University of Waterloo.	University  of Waterloo	Undergraduate	$10,000
Hira  and Kamal Ahuja Graduate Engineering Award	Award  valued up to $6,000 awarded annually to a graduate student registered  full-time in a Master’s or Doctoral program in the Faculty of Engineering at  the University of Waterloo.	University  of Waterloo	Graduate	$6,000
Abdul  Majid Bader Graduate Scholarship	Financial  aid of $40,000 provided annually to International Students taking admissions  at Dalhousie University in Master’s or Doctoral Programs.	Dalhousie  University	Master  or Doctoral Programs	$40,000
B.J.  Seaman Scholarship	Scholarship  provided annually to meritorious undergraduate students at the University of  Calgary for their academic performance.	University  of Calgary	Undergraduate	$2,000
Sandford  Fleming Foundation (SFF) Award for Academic Excellence	Awards  established for graduating students in various Engineering programs at the  University of Waterloo.	University  of Waterloo	Graduate	Varies
Brian  Le Lievre Scholarship	Two  scholarships, valued at $2,500 each, awarded annually to full-time  undergraduate students who have completed Year Two in specific programs at  the University of Waterloo based on academic achievement.	University  of Waterloo	Undergraduate	$2,500
A.S.  MOWAT PRIZE	Prize  of $1500 provided annually to recognize outstanding achievement by a graduate  student in their first year of a master’s program in any discipline at  Dalhousie University.	Dalhousie  University	Graduates	$1,500
Accenture  Award	Two  awards, valued up to $2,000 each, available annually; one to a full-time  undergraduate student entering the fourth year in the Faculty of Engineering  and one to a full-time undergraduate student entering the fourth year of a  Co-op Mathematics program at the University of Waterloo.	University  of Waterloo	Undergraduate	$2,000
BP  Canada Energy Group ULC Bursary	Scholarship  offered annually to continuing undergraduate students enrolled in specific  programs at the University of Calgary.	University  of Calgary	Undergraduate	$2,400
University  of Toronto Scholars Program	Program  to recognize and reward incoming undergraduate students at the University of  Toronto.	University  of Toronto	Undergraduates	$5,407
Buchanan  Family Scholarship in Business	Merit-based  scholarship program for undergraduate students of the Haskayne School of  Business at the University of Calgary.	University  of Calgary	Undergraduates	$3,000
Cecil  and Edna Cotton Scholarship	Scholarship  awarded annually to an undergraduate student entering the second, third, or  fourth year of specific programs at the University of Waterloo based on  academic achievement.	University  of Waterloo	Undergraduate	$1,500
Calgary  Board of Governors Bursary	Bursary  offered annually to continuing undergraduate students in any faculty at the  University of Calgary.	University  of Calgary	Undergraduate	$3,500
UCalgary  International Entrance Scholarship	Scholarship  offered annually to undergraduate international students entering their first  year in any undergraduate degree in the upcoming fall term at the University  of Calgary.	University  of Calgary	Undergraduates	$15,000
Robbert  Hartog Graduate Scholarship	Two  or more scholarships valued at $5,000 awarded annually to full-time graduate  students in specific programs at the University of Toronto conducting  research in materials or material shaping.	University  of Toronto	Masters,  Doctoral	$5,000
Marjorie Young Bell Scholarships	Scholarships  recognizing well-rounded and involved undergraduate students, as well as  academic achievement, at Mount Allison University.	Mount  Allison university	Undergraduate	Up  to $48,000

How to get scholarship in Canada for International Students

Here’s guide on how to get scholarship in Canada for International Students:

Step 1: Be on time

If you’re applying for a scholarship, you should start preparing early so that you have enough time to improve your chances of success.

Step 2: Do Research Thoroughly

Canada offers a number of scholarships to students. You’ll need to find the scholarships that align with your goals and needs. Check out the official scholarship websites and helpful videos on YouTube for more detailed information.

Step 3: Understand the Requirements

Each scholarship program has its own set of criteria, so make sure you understand requirements and start preparing accordingly.

Step 4: Be Yourself

Honesty is key for a successful scholarship application. 

Always stay true to yourself in your scholarship application by providing genuine and authentic details and documents for success.

Step 5: Provide Valid Documents

When you apply for a scholarship, make sure all documents you provide are genuine and properly signed or stamped by authorized officials. 

This helps build trust and credibility with the scholarship provider.

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FAQ: How to get scholarship in Canada