Looking to study in Canada for free? Thousands of scholarships are available for international students in 2025-2026, covering Short Courses, Undergraduate, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs at leading Canadian universities. These grants and fully funded scholarships are designed to help students from around the globe achieve their academic and career goals. In this guide, we’ll break down the top 10 scholarships in Canada, highlighting their benefits, eligibility criteria, available courses, and where to find the best opportunities for the upcoming academic year.
According to recent statistics, there are approximately 640,000 international students in Canada. It is currently the third most popular study destination after the United States and the United Kingdom. Given the quality of life in Canada, it is not surprising that there is a strong demand for education in Canada. It is also home to many good universities, five of which are among the top 100 universities in the world, although it is not the most expensive country to study in. The cost of living can be very high, especially if you plan to study in Toronto or Vancouver. state. Therefore, we have compiled a list of the best local and international Canada scholarships for international students in Canada.
Top 10 Scholarships in Canada For 2025-2026 | Study Opportunities in Canada
Canada is a highly regarded destination for higher education, known for its outstanding education system and breathtaking landscapes. Here’s a list of the top 10 scholarships available in Canada.
1. Vanier Graduate Scholarship Program
The Vanier CGS, funded by the Canadian government, is the top scholarship for international students in Canada. It was created to attract exceptional Ph.D. students from around the world. The Institute of Health, the Natural Sciences & Engineering Research Council, and the Social Science & Humanities Research Council each have three available spots. Every year, 166 students are awarded the scholarship based on their academic excellence, leadership, and research potential. Universities nominate candidates, and quotas are assigned by the institution, with the University of Toronto, British Columbia, and McGill having the largest allocations.
Scholarship Amount: CAD 50,000 per year for 3 years
Eligible Degree: Doctoral degree
To complete the nomination process, students must submit the following documents to their institution:
- ResearchNet application form
- Common CV
- Leadership statement
- Research contributions
- Special circumstances
- Two letters of reference
- Research proposal
- Project references
- Transcript of records
Apply
For more details and online apply click here
2. Ontario International Scholarship Program
The Ontario Trillium Scholarship is offered to outstanding international students who wish to pursue a Ph.D. at one of Ontario’s top universities. Candidates must have achieved an average of 80% in each of the past two years to be nominated by their institution. They must also demonstrate exceptional research potential.
Once nominated, applicants must apply for the fully funded scholarship in Canada, including submitting their transcripts, academic intent, letters of recommendation, and other supporting documents. To continue receiving the benefits of the Ontario Trillium Scholarship, students must maintain satisfactory progress throughout their studies. The scholarship cannot be combined with other Canadian scholarships.
Scholarship Amount: CAD 40,000 per year for 4 years
Eligible Degree: Full-time doctoral degrees at Ontario-based institutions
Apply
For more details and online apply click here
3. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Scholarship, named after the former Canadian Prime Minister, supports the Ph.D. studies of 16 students focusing on one of the foundation’s four key areas. To be eligible, applicants must have been accepted into a Canadian doctoral program. The selection process takes into account academic performance, leadership, involvement, and qualities such as agility and resilience. Scholars are also required to participate in one or more of the foundation’s programs.
Scholarship Amount: CAD 40,000 per year for 3 years
Eligible Degree: Full-time doctoral degree in Human Rights and Dignity, People and the Natural Environment, Reliable Citizenship, or Canada and the World
Apply
For more details and online apply click here .
4. Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships
International students with strong academic records and leadership skills are eligible for the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship, one of Canada’s prestigious awards. This merit-based scholarship is awarded to 37 students each year at the University of Toronto. It covers the full cost of tuition, as well as books, housing, and other fees.
The scholarship is available only to first-time Bachelor’s students who have been nominated by their high school counselors. Once the nomination is approved, the student can submit their application. Successful applicants are notified by April, in time for the fall semester.
Scholarship Amount: Full tuition for four years
Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s degree at the University of Toronto.
Apply
For more details and online apply click here .
5. Karen Mc Kellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award Scholarship
The Karen McKellin Prize is available to international students with outstanding academic achievements. Applicants who have not yet completed their first bachelor’s degree may apply. Preference is also given to those demonstrating leadership in community service and student affairs.
Scholarship Amount: Based on financial need
Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s degree at the University of British Columbia.
Apply
For more details and online apply click here .
6. University of Calgary Global Entrance Scholarship
The International Entrance Scholarship at the University of Calgary is awarded to students who have demonstrated academic excellence. Two students receive this scholarship each year. To be eligible, applicants must meet the university’s English proficiency requirements and show strong academic performance. The scholarship is renewable until the student’s fourth year, provided their GPA remains 2.60 or higher.
Scholarship Amount: CAD 15,000 per year
Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s degree at the University of Calgary.
Apply
For more details and online apply click here .
7. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship
The University of Manitoba offers Graduate Fellowships (UMGF) to high-achieving Master’s and Ph.D. students. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, although some faculties may require a higher score. Students must be nominated by their departments for consideration.
Once selected, candidates will be notified by the Faculty of Graduate Studies via email. The scholarship amount varies depending on the level of support, with funding available for up to five years. For example, students who receive funding for a 2-year Master’s program may still be eligible for support during their 3-year Ph.D. studies.
Scholarship Amount: CAD 14,000 per year for 1 to 2 years for Master’s students, CAD 18,000 per year for 1 to 4 years for Ph.D. students
Eligible Degree: Full-time Master’s and Ph.D. degrees at the University of Manitoba.
Apply
For more details and online apply click here
8. International Undergraduate Leadership Scholarships
Each year, 50 international students receive the International Undergraduate Leadership Scholarship. Recipients are selected based on their contributions to the arts, sports, and community service. This scholarship is available only to high school students who have applied to the relevant faculty at York University. Candidates must be nominated by their high schools.
Applicants must provide the contact details of the counselor who recommended them, along with evidence of excellent academic performance (such as A levels). A letter of recommendation is also required. The scholarship is renewable annually if the student maintains good academic standing.
Scholarship Amount: CAD 10,000 per year for 4 years
Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s degree at York University, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Specialized Studies.
Apply
For more details and online apply click here
9. University of British Columbia Public Scholars Award
The UBC Public Scholars Initiative awards scholarships to 30-40 Ph.D. students annually. Recipients are selected based on their research specializations, with a focus on projects that will benefit the general public. The quality of the research proposal, including its methods, objectives, significance, and dissemination plan, is typically the main criterion for selection.
Applicants must submit a Fellowship application form, a description of their planned academic research, a Canadian Common CV, and a letter of support. Scholars are required to submit a report at the end of the grant year and present their findings at the “Ph.Ds. Go Public” networking event. The scholarship provides a CAD 10,000 tuition subsidy, along with research allowances and a stipend for alternative projects.
Scholarship Amount: CAD 10,000 per year for 2 years
Eligible Degree: Doctorate degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC)
Apply
For more details and online apply click here
10. Ontario Graduate Scholarships
The Government of Ontario, in partnership with selected universities, offers a merit-based stipend for graduate students planning to study at certain Ontario institutions. The award is granted for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years. However, students may be eligible for up to six years of funding. The awarding institution decides the recipients based on its academic standards and ranking criteria.
To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled in a full-time graduate program for at least two terms. Students applying to multiple institutions must submit separate applications for each one.
Scholarship Amount: CAD 10,000 for 2 terms to CAD 15,000 for 3 terms
Eligible Degree: Master’s and Doctorate degrees at Ontario-based institutions.
Apply
For more details and online apply click here .
