Where to apply for a scholarship in Canada

Canada is a top destination for international students. It’s renowned for its world-class education, high academic standards, cultural diversity and promising career opportunities. Canadian scholarships play a crucial role in making education abroad more accessible and affordable for students aspiring to pursue their education in one of the country’s many acclaimed institutions. In this article, we’ll go through the different ways students can secure a scholarship in Canada to allow them to focus on and achieve their educational and professional aspirations.

Where to get a scholarship in Canada

There are several pathways through which one can obtain scholarships for international students to study in Canada. Here are some key examples:

Government-funded Canadian scholarships

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) Program: This prestigious program was launched by the government of Canada in 2008 to attract and retain world-class doctoral students. Around 160+ scholarships are awarded annually to doctoral students demonstrating leadership skills and high academic achievements in the areas of health research, natural sciences and/or engineering, and social sciences and humanities.
Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED): Launched in 2017, this program provides opportunities for students from ASEAN member states to conduct short-term study or research in Canadian post-secondary institutions in areas that contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Institution-specific Canadian scholarships

University of Toronto’s (U of T) Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship: Considered U of T’s most prestigious and competitive scholarships, these scholarships recognise outstanding students from around the world, including international students studying at Canadian high schools. These scholarships are awarded annually to approximately 37 students and cover the cost of tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years.
University of British Columbia’s (UBC) International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES): These merit-based scholarships are awarded to exceptional international students entering their first year at undergraduate programs at UBC and can be renewed for up to three additional years of study. The number and level of scholarships awarded each year vary, depending on available funding (for the 2024/2025 academic year, IMES awards will be valued at $10,000-20,000/year).

External organizations and foundations

Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship: This three-year program is designed to train “Engaged Leaders,” equipping outstanding doctoral candidates pursuing research in social sciences and humanities with leadership training and financial support covering $40,000 per year for tuition and reasonable living expenses.
MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program: This program targets academically talented yet economically disadvantaged young people from Sub-Saharan Africa to pursue education in any of their partner institutions across the globe. The program offers mentoring, leadership skills development, tutoring, internship opportunities and career services in addition to covering tuition and basic living expenses.

Country-specific Canadian scholarships

Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP): These scholarships provide students from post-secondary institutions located in Latin America and the Caribbean with short-term exchange opportunities for study or research at Canadian post-secondary institutions.
Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program (CCSEP): This program, established in 1973, is an official exchange program administered by the China Scholarship Council and the Canadian Embassy in China. It’s designed to enhance Chinese scholars’ and professionals’ knowledge and understanding of Canada by providing research scholarships that are usually for four to 12-month periods in Canada.

Canada continues to stand out as an excellent study destination for international students. Canadian scholarships are vital in making this opportunity accessible to them. They reduce financial barriers and promote academic, professional and personal growth.