Top 10 Canadian Scholarships for International Students
A mere calculation of the money international students spends before coming to Canada could discourage someone without strong financial backing. Once upon a time, Adaobi could afford to use savings from her mother’s Alaba shop to go home every Christmas during a vacation in Canada. Today, Bukola will not think of coming home yearly if she can raise funds to study in Canada because of the high cost of cross-border payment transactions.
Many international students often forget scholarships when they begin their study abroad process. With scholarships for international students in Canada, it has become easier for students from third-world countries to study without financial constraints.
How to Apply for Canadian University Scholarships?
You can apply for the best scholarships when accepted into any Canadian university. Thus, you must have an admission if you need a scholarship in Canada. Students must complete all scholarship requirements and deadlines to get monetary aid from private universities or the government.
Read: Canada Visa Application in Nigeria: Requirements, Process, and Types
Some of the documents required to apply for the best scholarships for international students include:
1. Academic transcripts
2. Aptitude Test Score Certificate (SAT, GMAT, GRE, etc.)
3. Statement of Purpose
4. Letter of Acceptance
5. Medical Test Certificate
6. English Proficiency Test Score Certificate (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.).
Canadian and international students can apply for partially or fully-funded scholarships in Canada that individuals, organizations, and the Government of Canada fund. As a result, we've compiled a collection of the top renowned scholarships in Canada.
Top 10 Scholarships in Canada
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) attracts doctoral students in Canada and offers them an opportunity to make their dreams come true. The scholarships are created for doctoral degrees (or combined MA/Ph.D. or MD/Ph.D.) at participating Canadian Universities, worth $50,000 annually for three years.
The Vanier CGS, which the Canadian government funds, is the most outstanding scholarship for exceptional students worldwide.
1. Scholarship Amount: Value of CAD 50,000 per year for three years
2. Eligible Degree: Doctorate
3. Deadline: November
Ontario Graduate Scholarships
The Government of Ontario partners with schools to provide a merit-based stipend to graduate students at specified Ontario universities. The scholarship lasts at least one year and a maximum of two years for full-time graduates.
Scholarship Amount: CAD 10,000 for two terms to CAD 15,000 for three terms
Eligible Degree: Master’s and Doctorate degrees at Ontario based Institutions
Deadline: Varies
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship
The Pierre Elliot Trudeau Scholarship subsidizes the Ph.D. studies of 16 students who focus on one of its foundation's four topics. In addition, potential scholars must have gained admission into a Canadian doctoral program. Some factors considered include agility &resilience, leadership & involvement, dedication, and academic achievement, leadership.
Scholarship Amount: CAD 40,000 a year for three years
Eligible Degree: Full-time doctorate in Human Rights and Dignity, People and the Natural Environment, Reliable Citizenship, or Canada and the World
Ontario Trillium Scholarship
International students pursuing their PhDs can take advantage of the Ontario Trillium Scholarship. To be nominated by the school, you must have received an average of 80% every term for the previous two years. In addition, you have to display remarkable research potential.
After approved nomination, students must apply for the Fully Funded Scholarship in Canada. Potential students should include their letters of recommendation, transcripts, academic intent, and supporting documentation.
However, students cannot combine this scholarship with another scholarship from any Canadian foundation or organization.
Scholarship Amount: CAD 40,000 for four years
Eligible Degree: Full-time doctorate degrees at Ontario-based institutions
Deadline: Varies
Karen Mc Kellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award Scholarship
Karen Mc Kellin Prize is an undergraduate scholarship for international students, offering funds to intellectually gifted students. In addition, students who still need to complete their first baccalaureate degree can apply.
Scholarship Amount: Proportional to financial need
Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s degree at the University of British Columbia
University Of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF)
The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF) offers meritorious, excellent Masters's or Ph.D. student scholarships. A minimum GPA of 3.0 or more is considered based on respective departments.
Scholarship Amount::
1. CAD 14,000 a year for 1 to 2 years for Masters students,
2. CAD 18,000 a year for 1 to 4 years for Ph.D. Students
Eligible Degree: Full-time Master’s and Doctorate degrees at the University of Manitoba
Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships
Lester B. Pearson scholarship offers international students with great leadership qualities and academic profiles funds yearly at the University of Toronto. Thirty-seven first-time Bachelor's students receive this merit-based prize that covers lodging, booking, miscellaneous fees, and tuition. Successful applicants get notified by April in time for the fall semester.
Scholarship Amount: Full tuition amount for four years
Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s degree at the University of Toronto
Deadline: January
The University Of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
The International Entrance Scholarship is offered to two deserving students each year. In addition, students must meet the university's English proficiency requirements. The prize is renewable until the student's fourth year, depending on their GPA of 2.60 or above.
Scholarship Amount: CAD 15,000 a year
Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s degree at the University of Calgary
Read: How to Get Your First Job as an International Student: A Guide
International Undergraduate Leadership Scholarships
The International Undergraduate Leadership Scholarship offers 50 international students scholarships based on contributions to the arts, athletics, and community service. However, the scholarship is solely a recommendation offered by schools.
Scholarship Amount: CAD 10,000 a year for four years
Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s Degree at York University Faculty of Liberal Arts and Specialized Studies
University Of British Columbia (UBC) Public Scholars Award
The University of British Columbia (UBC) Public Scholars Award is for 30-40 Ph.D. students. The fund is provided each year through the UBC Public Scholars Initiative based on students’ research specializations, with a preference for theses that can benefit the public.
Scholarship Amount: CAD 10,000 a year for two years
Eligible Degree: Doctorate at UBC
Partially-funded Scholarships for International Students
1. ServiceScape Scholarships
Offered Degrees: Bachelors and Masters
Subjects: All
Institution: All
2. Ontario Graduate Scholarship
Offered Degrees: Masters, PhD
Subjects: All
Institution: All participating universities in Canada
3. Arthur F. Church Entrance Scholarship
Offered Degrees: Bachelor
Subjects: Engineering
Institution: University of Waterloo!
4. Manitoba Graduate Scholarships
Offered Degrees: Masters
Subjects: All subjects offered at the university
Institution:: The University Of Winnipeg
5. Merit-Based International Student Scholarships
Offered Degrees: Bachelor
Subjects: All
Institution: Concordia University
6. Amelia Earhart Fellowships For Women
Offered Degrees: PhD
Subjects: Related to space science
Institution: Any university offering an accredited course
7. University of Windsor Graduate Entrance Scholarships
Offered Degrees: Masters and PhD
Subjects: All
Institution:: University of Windsor
8. York University - Automatic Entrance Scholarships in Canada
Offered Degrees: Bachelor
Subjects: All subjects offered by the university
Institution: York University
Read: 7 Benefits of Studying in Canada as an International Student
Fully-funded Scholarships for International Students
1. University of British Columbia International Leader of Tomorrow Award
Degrees Offered: Bachelor
Subjects: All
Institution: University of British Columbia
2. Leakey Foundation Research Grants
Offered Degrees: Ph.D., Post Doctorate
Subjects: Any research related to human origins
Institution: All
3. Humber College International Entrance Scholarships
Degrees Offered: Bachelor
Subjects: All
Institution: Humbler College
4. Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
Offered Degrees: PhD
Subjects: Social Science and Humanities
Institution: All
5. Google PhD Fellowship Program
Offered Degrees: PhD
Subjects: Computer Sciences
Institution: All
6. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships
Offered Degrees: Bachelor
Subjects: All
Institution: University of Toronto
7. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Offered Degrees: Masters, PhD
Subjects: All
Institution: All
What are the Best Canadian University Scholarships for International Students?
1. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship
2. University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
3. Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award Scholarship
4. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship
5. Ontario Trillium Scholarship
6. Carleton Prestige Scholarships
7. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
8. York University International Student Scholarships
9. The University of British Columbia Public Scholars Award
10. Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships
What are the Undergraduate Canadian Scholarships for Nigerian Students?
1. Brock University International Undergraduate Students Scholarships
2. University of British Columbia Scholarships for International Students
3. Carleton Prestige Scholarships
4. University of Manitoba Undergraduate Scholarships
5. Humber College International Entrance Scholarships
6. Winnipeg President’s Scholarships
7. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
8. Calgary International Entrance Scholarships
9. York University International Student Scholarship Program
10. MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship for Undergraduate Students
What are the Postgraduate Canadian Scholarships for Nigerian Students?
1. Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
2. UBC Graduate Global Leadership Fellowships
3. Exemption Scholarship - Universite de Montreal
4. Ontario Graduate Scholarship
5. University of Laval Masters Scholarships for African and European Students
6. Canada Provincial Government Student Assistance for International Students
7. University of Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence
8. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
9. The University of Calgary Graduate Awards
10. The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
What are the Ph.D. Canadian Scholarships for Nigerian Students?
1. University of Quebec Ph.D. Excellence Scholarships for International Students
2. Mackenzie King Scholarship
3. University of Alberta Graduate Entrance Scholarship
4. University of Windsor Graduate Entrance Scholarship
5. Ontario Graduate Scholarship
6. Four-Year Doctoral Fellowship
7. IDRC Doctoral Research Awards
8. Ontario Trillium Scholarship - Western University
9. University of Lethbridge Graduate Research Award
10. Yale Fox International Fellowships for Master’s and Doctoral Students