6 Best Government of Canada Scholarships For International Students in Canada For 2025
Canada, known for its high-quality education system and diversified cultural landscape, draws students worldwide looking for exceptional academic possibilities. Scholarships are important for international students studying in Canada because they make education more affordable.
Discover the 6 best Government of Canada scholarships for international students in Canada for 2025!
6 Best Government of Canada Scholarships For International Students in Canada For 2024
The Canadian government provides scholarships to international students who want to pursue their academic goals in Canada. Here’s a detailed list of the 6 best Government of Canada scholarships for international students in Canada for 2024:
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) are designed to attract and maintain world-class doctoral candidates by offering substantial financial support during their studies in Canada. This scholarship, administered by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), provides up to CAD 50,000 each year for a maximum of three years.
● Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate academic distinction, research potential, and leadership abilities in their fields of study. They must have been nominated by their Canadian institution.
2. Canada Graduate Scholarships-Master’s Program
The Canada Graduate Scholarships-Master’s (CGS M) Program offers financial assistance to exceptional overseas students pursuing master’s degrees in Canada. This scholarship, administered by the same three federal granting bodies as the Vanier CGS, offers CAD 17,500 for one year and is non-renewable.
● Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must be enrolled in a master’s degree at a Canadian university, have demonstrated academic achievement, and be nominated by their institution.
3. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships program supports international postdoctoral researchers conducting research in health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities at Canadian universities. The fellowship is worth CAD 70,000 each year for up to two years.
● Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must have finished their PhD within the last five years, exhibit excellence in research, and find a host university in Canada prepared to fund their research.
4. Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED)
The Canada-ASEAN SEED program seeks to develop institutional ties between Canadian institutions and those in Southeast Asia. It provides scholarships to ASEAN students for short-term exchange programs or full-time study at Canadian postsecondary institutions.
● Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be nationals of an ASEAN member state, have demonstrated academic achievement, and meet certain criteria established by partnering Canadian institutions.
5. Canada-CARICOM Leadership Scholarships Program
The Canada-CARICOM Leadership Scholarships Program enables students from Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member countries to pursue studies in Canada. Scholarships are granted for programs that benefit the growth of CARICOM member states.
● Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be citizens of a CARICOM member state, have a strong academic record, and be nominated by their government.
6. Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP)
The Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) provides scholarships to students from Latin America and the Caribbean to study or undertake research at Canadian postsecondary institutions. This program is intended to strengthen intellectual relations between Canada and the Americas.
● Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be citizens of an eligible Latin American or Caribbean country, enrolled in a post-secondary institution in their native country, and be able to get a position at a Canadian institution.
Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for international students 2024
1. University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo is a public research university ranked ninth in US News and World Report’s ranking of the finest global universities in Canada. It gives Canada scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD studies.
The University of Waterloo International Student Entrance Scholarship is offered for all programs. Twenty scholarships (worth 10,000 Canadian dollars) are awarded annually to outstanding international students entering their first year of an undergraduate degree.
Recipients will be chosen based on academic performance and faculty-specific admission scholarship criteria. The University of Waterloo Graduate Scholarship provides full coverage and is worth up to CA$10,000. The honorees will receive the International Master’s Award of Excellence, which is worth CA$ 2,500 per term for up to six periods.
The application deadline for these scholarships varies depending on the program you’re enrolled in.
2. University of Saskatchewan.
The University of Saskatchewan leads Canada in water research. It provides several international student awards based on academic achievement, including the University of Saskatchewan International Excellence Awards (worth CA$10,000), the International Baccalaureate (IB) Excellence Awards (worth CA$20,000), and more.
Postgraduate students can apply for the University of Saskatchewan Graduate Scholarship, which is open to all international students pursuing a master’s or PhD program.
What’s the best part? This fully funded scholarship provides up to CA$20,000 to PhD applicants over 36 months. Once enrolled, you will be instantly eligible for the scholarship, based on your academic performance and financial status.
3. McGill University
McGill University, ranked #31 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2023, is attempting to make its premium programs more accessible to students facing financial difficulties.
To that end, it offers scholarships to international students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, and doctorate degrees.
McGill University offers merit-based admission scholarships to first-time university students enrolled in full-time undergraduate degree programs.
PhD candidates are also provided some financial aid. Scholarship deadlines at McGill are determined by your admissions status.
4. University of Montreal.
The University of Montreal (UdeM) is Canada’s second-largest university, with an enrollment of 36,000 students.
UdeM’s exemption scholarship program was created to ensure that students from all over the world have access to one of Canada’s premier research universities.
This scholarship initiative is open to all international students studying undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degrees.
Montreal University scholarships will be worth up to CA$ 21,593.35 per year. For further information about various scholarships, see the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website.
5. University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is the world’s fifth-best institution, according to the most current National Taiwan University Ranking.
NTU assesses universities based on their total number of scientific papers as well as their performance in certain sectors and disciplines.
The institution provides a range of scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students. These scholarships are offered to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and international students.
The university also offers various scholarships based on a range of factors, such as merit, leadership, and financial need.
The University of Toronto Scholars Programme, valued at CA$7,500, is a significant undergraduate admissions grant.
Meanwhile, PhD candidates will get a basic stipend for up to five years of study. If chosen, international beneficiaries will get CA$28,970, which includes a University Health Insurance Plan (required health care coverage for registered international students) at CA$756.00.
To remain eligible for financing throughout five years, applicants must maintain their academic performance in their program.
6. University of Ottawa.
The University of Ottawa offers scholarships to all undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students. Undergraduate students pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in French or the French Immersion Stream qualify for the Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship.
This scholarship is automatically provided to all qualified students who enroll. Those pursuing a PhD can apply for the International Doctoral Scholarship, which is open to full-time international students and worth CA$45,000 over five years.
7. Concordia University
Concordia University, one of the top public universities in French-speaking Montreal, offers undergraduate and graduate scholarships.
Full-time students entering university for the first time may apply for admission scholarships. Students are automatically reviewed and may be eligible for scholarships based on their academic performance and other criteria.
8. University of Lethbridge
The University of Lethbridge is one of Canada’s top three research universities, and its research performance ranks in the top 6% of all universities worldwide.
The college offers up to $10,000 in external scholarships for undergraduate and graduate studies. Graduate students seeking financial assistance at the university may apply for the Graduate Research Award. This financial help is available to all students, save those enrolled in the Faculty of Education.
Applicants will be considered for admission and could receive up to CA$ 21,000.
9. University of British Columbia.
The University of British Columbia is regarded as one of the world’s best universities, placing #40 in the 2023 Times Higher Education rankings.
UBC automatically examines all international students for the merit-based International Major Entrance Scholarships and Outstanding International Student Awards, which have a maximum annual value of CA$35,000.
If this amount does not cover your tuition and basic living expenses, you can apply for the International Scholars Programme.
The Four-Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF) is a good choice for students earning their PhD. This program ensures that students with a track record of academic success will receive annual financial support of at least CA$18,200.
This grant is available to all overseas students and is renewable dependent on admittance.
10. University of Alberta.
The University of Alberta, established in 1908, is a prestigious academic and research institution.
The university is routinely recognized as one of Canada’s top choices for overseas students, owing to the numerous financial alternatives it provides.
When international students apply for admission, they are automatically eligible for admission-based scholarships such as the International Admission Scholarship (valued up to CA$5,000), Regional Excellence Scholarship (priced up to CA$5,000), and Gold Standard Scholarship (valued up to CA$6,000).
The Graduate Entrance Scholarship is available to students pursuing a master’s or doctoral program. PhD recipients will receive a stipend of CA$ 21,000, while international students will receive an additional $10,000 to cover their fees. The scholarship deadline varies depending on the admission period.
How to Apply for Scholarship in Canada
1. Ensure that you understand the requirements.
Before applying for any scholarship or program, be sure you understand the conditions and confirm your eligibility. The same is true for Canadian scholarships; some standards must be satisfied to prevent rejection. Make sure to check out it.
2. Research available scholarships and pick your choice of school.
There are numerous scholarships available for international students, with varying funding levels. Do your study and apply for as many positions as possible.
3. Early application is required.
Late applications are one factor that makes it harder to obtain a scholarship abroad, as early birds will be given preference. So begin your planning on time.
4. Reference letter
This is significant and must be treated carefully. Allow it to be written by someone who knows you well and is not a relative or family member. The letter should have letterhead and be signed.
5. Think about creativity, not just academics.
Scholarships are not solely dependent on academic performance. Some scholarships are based on sportsmanship or any other ability you may have, such as music or dance.
FAQS
Which university in Canada gives full scholarships for international students in 2024?
The University of British Columbia is noted for offering one of the best fully supported scholarships in Canada, the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award, which is given to international students pursuing undergraduate studies at the university.
How to get a full scholarship in Canada for international students?
● Have good grades.
● Take the language proficiency test.
● Extracurricular activities.
Which Canadian university gives the most scholarships to international students?
● Queen’s University.
● University of British Columbia.
● University of Toronto.
● McGill University.
● Simon Fraser University.
● Ryerson University.
● University of Ottawa.
● University of Alberta.
Which intake is best for Canada in 2024?
Fall/September is the most common admission for international students planning to study in Canada in 2024. There are more program alternatives available, and acceptance rates are high for the fall intake. September intake is the principal intake; thus, many universities and colleges provide students with a variety of financial opportunities.
Conclusion
The Government of Canada’s distinguished scholarships show the country’s dedication to foreign education. Whether you are pursuing undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, or postdoctoral studies, these scholarships offer vital financial assistance and allow access to world-class education and research opportunities in Canada.
As you begin your academic journey, consider looking into these scholarships to make your dream of studying in Canada a reality in 2024 and beyond.
For more information and application instructions, refer to the official websites of the scholarship programs and Canadian government agencies. Good luck!
