Explore Scholarships

Find scholarships that fit your profile, understand the requirements, and plan a stronger application.

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Types of Scholarships in Canada

Scholarships for international students in Canada vary widely. Some are offered directly by universities and colleges, while others come from government programs, private organizations, or foundations. Each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria, application processes, and deadlines.

Scholarships offered by Canadian Institutions

From institutions

These awards come directly from Canadian universities and colleges. Many are considered after you submit your admission application, and if you meet the criteria an award may be included with your Letter of Acceptance.

Many entrance awards are automatic
A stronger program application improves your chances
Some awards require nomination by your current high school
No school can guarantee exclusive admissions or awards

Scholarships offered by Government and Organizations

Government & organizations

These awards are offered by government programs, private organizations, and foundations. They are competitive and often have strict deadlines and separate document requirements.

Review eligibility criteria carefully
Track scholarship and financial-aid deadlines
Prepare required documents early
Apply only for awards that match your profile

How do I apply for a scholarship?

Scholarship processes differ by institution and award. Research funding opportunities and deadlines alongside your program choices: some awards are automatic, while others require a separate application, a school nomination, or additional documents.

You may need to submit an admission application before applying for an award, but you do not always need to wait for an admission decision. Follow the exact order and deadlines published for each scholarship.

1. Check awards and deadlines

Review eligibility, automatic consideration, separate applications, and school nomination requirements before applying.

2. Apply for admission

Submit your program application and pay the institution’s application fee, if required. Some awards require this application first.

3. Complete award requirements

Submit any separate scholarship application and arrange required nominations or references by their deadlines, which may be before an admission decision.

4. Track documents and updates

Follow both admission and scholarship checklists. Provide any requested transcripts, references, or financial information on time.

5. Review your funding decision

Awards may be confirmed with admission, separately, or after enrolment. Read the amount, duration, and renewal conditions before budgeting.

Check scholarship deadlines before your admission decision. Some awards require a separate application or school nomination while your admission application is still being reviewed. Other awards are automatic or become available after admission or enrolment.

See the official processes for UBC International Scholars and the University of Toronto’s Pearson Scholarship.

How a scholarship reaches you

Awards are considered at different stages. Check each scholarship’s application, nomination, and decision dates alongside your admission timeline, and review later opportunities after you enrol.

During admission

Entrance awards and separate scholarship decisions

Automatic entrance awards may be assessed with your admission application. Awards requiring a separate application or nomination have their own deadlines and decisions; check them before waiting for an offer.

After admission

Awards with later application deadlines

Some awards require an offer of admission or registration before you can apply. Check the institution’s award portal for eligibility and deadlines; not every opportunity is listed in your Letter of Acceptance.

Once you are studying

Scholarships and bursaries while enrolled

Further awards may depend on academic results, financial need, or involvement at your institution. Check continuing-student opportunities and renewal conditions each year.

Can a scholarship pay for my studies?

Almost never, except for fully funded scholarships. Most scholarships lower your tuition — sometimes substantially — but do not cover the rest of the cost of studying in Canada.

One year of study, with a $4,000 award

Tuition you are billed: $18,000
Scholarship credit: − $4,000
Tuition you still pay: $14,000
Living expenses — housing, food, transport: + $15,000
Other costs — insurance, books, fees, travel: + $3,000
What you still need for one year: $32,000

The award is real money, and worth competing for. But it moved the year from $36,000 to $32,000 — it reduced the tuition line and nothing else. A scholarship lowers your tuition; it does not fund your studies in Canada. Figures shown are an illustrative example; actual tuition and living costs vary by institution and city.

Most awards cover a portion of tuition. You remain responsible for the balance and for living expenses, which frequently exceed tuition itself.
Fully funded scholarships are rare and highly competitive. They generally require exceptional academic results, significant achievement outside the classroom, and in many cases a nomination from your school.
No one can tell you whether you will receive an award until the institution has reviewed your complete application. Any agency that guarantees you a scholarship is not being honest with you.
If a scholarship is the only way you could afford to study in Canada, the plan is not realistic. Prepare funds for tuition, living expenses, and other costs first, and treat any award as a reduction to that total.

This is also a study-permit requirement. IRCC asks you to prove you have enough money for tuition, living expenses, and return travel — and holding a scholarship does not remove that requirement. See the study-permit requirements.

Top Scholarship Programs

The following are scholarships offered by Canadian universities. This is not a complete list of the opportunities available for international students; we encourage you to also conduct your own search for external funding.

See notable scholarships and awards

We keep a dedicated page of well-known scholarships for international students — grouped by institutional awards, awards that need a separate application, and external funding from governments and organizations.

Research scholarships & awards

How to Apply?

Complete Your Application. Understand every step, from applying to accepting your offer

Applying to Canadian institutions is an adventure that requires thorough research and careful planning!

From choosing the perfect program and understanding admission requirements to tracking deadlines and submitting documents correctly, it can feel like a lot to handle.

The goal is not to apply everywhere. The goal is to apply well.

Apply on Your Own

Applying to Canadian colleges and universities can initially feel overwhelming. With programs to compare, admission rules to review, deadlines to track, documents to prepare, scholarships to research, and study permit steps to understand, it may seem like a maze. The good news is that the process becomes much more manageable when broken down into clear stages.

Take First Steps to Study in Canada

Apply With Support of Canadian Education Counsellors

Canadian education counsellors with over 20 years of experience in the Canadian education system are here to assist you. They can help you compare programs, understand admission expectations, explore scholarship options, and guide you in selecting a path that aligns with your goals and meets IRCC requirements.

Get Started Now!

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