Top 10 Scholarships for International Students in Canada in 2025

Top 10 Scholarships for International Students in Canada in 2025

Studying in Canada is a dream for many students across the globe. But let’s be honest—tuition fees and living expenses can quickly become overwhelming. That’s why finding the right scholarship opportunities can be a total game-changer. Whether you’re eyeing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD program, Canada offers a generous array of scholarships that make world-class education more accessible.

In this guide, we’ll break down the top 10 scholarships for international students in Canada in 2025, with everything you need to know: eligibility, benefits, how to apply, and pro tips to stand out. Let’s dive in!

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1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) program is one of Canada’s most prestigious doctoral awards, designed to attract and retain world-class doctoral students and establish Canada as a global center of excellence in research and higher learning. Valued at $50,000 per year for three years, the scholarship supports students who demonstrate both leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in graduate studies in the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and engineering, or health-related fields. nserc-crsng.gc.ca+3scholars4dev.com+3ualberta.ca+3vanier.gc.ca+5nserc-crsng.gc.ca+5en.wikipedia.org+5

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Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for a Vanier CGS, applicants must:

• Citizenship: Be Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada, or foreign citizens.nserc-crsng.gc.ca+4nserc-crsng.gc.ca+4vanier.gc.ca+4

• Nomination: Be nominated by only one Canadian institution, which must have received a Vanier CGS quota.vanier.gc.ca+3vanier.gc.ca+3scholars4dev.com+3

• Doctoral Program: Be pursuing their first doctoral degree (including joint programs such as MD/PhD, DVM/PhD, or JD/PhD, if it has a demonstrated and significant research component).nserc-crsng.gc.ca+3vanier.gc.ca+3scholars4dev.com+3

• Enrollment: Intend to pursue full-time doctoral (or a joint graduate research program) studies and research at the nominating institution in the summer semester or the academic year following the announcement of results.vanier.gc.ca+1scholars4dev.com+1

• Duration of Study:

  • Have completed no more than 20 months of full-time study in their doctoral program as of May 1, 2025.

  • Alternatively, have completed no more than 32 months of full-time study in their doctoral program by May 1, 2025, if enrolled in a joint graduate research program, enrolled directly from a bachelor’s to a PhD program, or previously enrolled in a master’s program without obtaining the degree.nserc-crsng.gc.ca+3vanier.gc.ca+3scholars4dev.com+3

• Academic Excellence: Have achieved a first-class average, as determined by their institution, in each of the last two years of full-time study or equivalent.nserc-crsng.gc.ca+3vanier.gc.ca+3opportunityportal.info+3

• Previous Funding: Not have already received a doctoral-level scholarship or fellowship from CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC to undertake or complete a doctoral program. nserc-crsng.gc.ca+7vanier.gc.ca+7scholars4dev.com+7

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Application Process

1. Nomination: Candidates must be nominated by a Canadian institution with a Vanier CGS quota.vanier.gc.ca+4scholars4dev.com+4vanier.gc.ca+4

2. Application Submission: Applications are prepared by the student and submitted to the nominating institution by their internal deadline using the ResearchNet application system.vanier.gc.ca+5vanier.gc.ca+5new.expo.uw.edu+5

3. Institutional Review: The nominating institution performs an internal candidate selection process.vanier.gc.ca

4. National Submission: The institution forwards recommended nominations to the Vanier-Banting Secretariat by October 30, 2024 (20:00 Eastern Time).grad.ubc.ca+6vanier.gc.ca+6nserc-crsng.gc.ca+6

5. Review and Selection: The Secretariat coordinates the review process, and the Tri-agency Programs (TAP) Steering Committee endorses and approves final decisions.vanier.gc.ca+2vanier.gc.ca+2nserc-crsng.gc.ca+2

6. Notification: Nominated candidates are notified of the competition results in April 2025. vanier.gc.ca

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Evaluation Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on three equally weighted selection criteria:vanier.gc.ca

• Academic Excellence: Demonstrated by transcripts, awards, and distinctions.

• Research Potential: Assessed through research history, proposed research, and its potential contribution to the advancement of knowledge.vanier.gc.ca

• Leadership (Potential and Demonstrated Ability): Evaluated based on personal achievements, involvement in academic life, and community engagement.

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How to Apply

Interested applicants should:

1. Confirm Eligibility: Ensure they meet all eligibility criteria.ualberta.ca

2. Contact Institution: Reach out to the faculty of graduate studies at the selected institution to express intent to apply.nserc-crsng.gc.ca+2vanier.gc.ca+2scholars4dev.com+2

3. Prepare Application: Gather all required documents, including:

   • ResearchNet application form

   • Canadian Common CV (CCV)

   • Research contributions

   • Personal leadership statement

   • Two leadership letters of reference

   • Research proposal

   • Project references

   • Academic transcriptsvanier.gc.ca+6vanier.gc.ca+6new.expo.uw.edu+6vanier.gc.ca+6globalscholarships.com+6vanier.gc.ca+6

4. Submit Application: Complete and submit the application through ResearchNet by the institution’s internal deadline. grad.ubc.ca+2vanier.gc.ca+2ualberta.ca+2

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For more detailed information and to access the application portal, visit the official Vanier CGS website: https://vanier.gc.ca/en/home-accueil.html

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2. University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship

If you’re a high school student with outstanding academic records and leadership qualities, this one’s for you.

What it covers:

• Full tuition

• Books

• Incidental fees

• Full residence support for four years

Eligibility:

• International student (non-Canadian)

• Final year of secondary school

• Nominated by your high school

Deadline: November (nomination) & January (application)
Official Link: U of T Lester B. Pearson

3. University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program

UBC offers four main awards under this program—each one a golden ticket.

Awards include:

• International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES)

• Outstanding International Student Awards (OIS)

• Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award

• Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award

What it covers:
From partial to full tuition and living expenses

Eligibility:

• Strong academic performance

• Financial need

• Leadership potential and involvement in school/community activities

Deadline: January
Official Link: UBC Scholarships

4. University of Waterloo International Master’s and Doctoral Awards

Planning to do research or advanced studies in Canada? This could be your best shot.

What it offers:

• Master’s: $2,045/term

• PhD: $4,090/year

Eligibility:

• Full-time international graduate students

• Strong academic record

How to apply:
You’re automatically considered upon admission.

Official Link: Waterloo Graduate Awards

5. McGill University Scholarships and Student Aid

Located in the heart of Montreal, McGill welcomes international talent with various merit-based and need-based scholarships.

What it covers:

• Entrance Scholarships (one-time and renewable)

• In-course financial aid

Eligibility:

• International students entering undergraduate or graduate programs

• Academic excellence and leadership qualities

Deadline: January (major entrance scholarships)
Official Link: McGill Scholarships

6. York University International Students Scholarships

Got big dreams and a unique profile? York is big on rewarding international students.

Scholarships include:

• Global Leader of Tomorrow Award ($80,000 over 4 years)

• International Entrance Scholarship of Distinction ($140,000 over 4 years)

Eligibility:

• High academic achievement

• Leadership skills

• Community service

Deadline: February
Official Link: York International Scholarships

7. University of Alberta International Scholarships

UAlberta is one of Canada’s top research universities and offers several funding options.

Types of awards:

• International Admission Scholarships

• Regional Excellence Scholarships

• Gold Standard Scholarships

What it covers:
Up to $9,000 depending on academic merit

How to apply:
Automatically considered upon admission.

Deadline: Depends on intake (fall, winter, spring)
Official Link: UAlberta Awards

8. Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program for International Students

Funded by Global Affairs Canada, this scholarship helps students from Commonwealth countries.

What it offers:

• Tuition and living expenses

• Travel and health insurance

Eligibility:

• Citizens of Commonwealth countries

• Enrolled in Master’s or PhD programs in Canada

Application process:
Apply through your home country’s nomination agency.

Official Link: Commonwealth Scholarship Canada

9. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships for International Students

Already have a PhD and want to push boundaries in research? This fellowship is designed just for that.

What it covers:

• $70,000 per year for two years

Eligibility:

• PhD holders (Canadian or international)

• Research-intensive disciplines

Deadline: September
Official Link: Banting Fellowships

10. Canadian Government Scholarships for International Students – EduCanada

EduCanada offers a range of scholarships for students from various regions including ASEAN, Africa, and Latin America.

Programs include:

• Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP)

• Canada-Africa Research Exchange Grants

• Study in Canada Scholarships

What it offers:

• Tuition and fees

• Living expenses

• Health insurance

Eligibility:
Varies by program and country. Check the official website.

Official Link: EduCanada Scholarships

Conclusion: Ready to Study in Canada for Free?

 

Canada isn’t just known for its breathtaking landscapes and friendly people—it’s also one of the most generous countries when it comes to supporting international students. These scholarships can open doors to world-class education, cutting-edge research, and global career opportunities.

Don’t just dream about studying in Canada—plan it, apply, and secure your future. Start early, research deeply, and craft compelling applications. Your 2025 could be the year everything changes.

FAQs

 

1. Can I apply for more than one scholarship in Canada?
Yes, absolutely! You can apply to multiple scholarships as long as you meet each one’s criteria. Just keep track of deadlines and required documents.

2. Do I need IELTS or TOEFL to get these scholarships?
Most Canadian universities require proof of English proficiency. IELTS or TOEFL are the most accepted, though some schools waive it if you’ve studied in English previously.

3. Are there scholarships available for diploma programs in Canada?
Yes. Colleges like Humber and Centennial offer scholarships for diploma students. Check their international student pages.

4. Can I work while studying in Canada with a scholarship?
Yes, most study permits allow international students to work up to 20 hours/week during semesters and full-time during breaks.

5. What’s the best strategy to win a Canadian scholarship?
Start early, focus on leadership and community involvement, maintain a strong academic record, and write authentic, impactful application essays.