Scholarships to Study in Canada 2025: Types, List, and How to Apply

Canada has grown to be on the top of every international student’s wishlists – and not without reason. It has high-end colleges and universities, a wide array of academic choices, a good standard of life, and a friendly multicultural atmosphere, making it a place to pursue a globally recognised education. However, the one question that many students are asking themselves is: how will I pay?

If you are a high academic student and you are desiring a merit scholarship, an upcoming researcher and you are wishing for a scholarship to assist you with your thesis, or you are a needy student and you are in need of some relief in terms of tuition fees, there is a Scholarship in Canada that suits your needs.
In this guide, we are going to explore the various types of scholarships available to International Students in Canada, eligibility criteria, different tips to consider when applying, and the best awards to keep an eye on in 2025–26. In the end, you will not just know where to look but how to place yourself as the most desirable applicant.

Why study in Canada?

Over the past decade, Canada has evolved into one of the most popular study-abroad destinations, with more than 0.5 million international students studying there every year. However, what is unique about it in relation to others? These are the following top reasons why pursuing higher education in Canada can be one of the best decisions you may ever make:

1. World-class education system

Canadian colleges and universities are always among the leading institutions around the world in terms of education. Universities such as the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia are also known globally as centres of academic excellence, leading-edge research, and progressive teaching techniques.

2. Affordable Tuition Fees as Compared to Other Countries

Although tuition in Canada is subject to programme and institution factors, it is cheaper than in places such as the United States, the United Kingdom, or Australia. As though that were not enough, there is an extensive variety of scholarships, bursaries, and financial help, making studying in Canada even easier.

3. High Quality of Life

Canada boasts a high standard of living, clean cities, and robust public services. Safety, efficient public transport, and modern facilities make the lives of international students comfortable and enriching.

4. Multicultural Environment

Canada is the land of many cultural backgrounds, with people representing an infinite number of cultural identities because of its great diversity. This diversity provides a space where international students feel accepted and can find communities they identify with, regardless of their origin.

5. Work During and After Studies Opportunities

The Canadian government allows international students to work part-time during their studies and full-time during their scheduled vacations, enabling them to gain valuable employment experience during their course. Upon graduation, a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) enables students to continue living and working in Canada for up to three years, granting access to permanent residency.

6. Emphasis on Research and Innovation

Canada is also an investor in research in all fields, including technology, environmental science, medicine, and social sciences. Students are provided with high-quality research facilities, funded projects, and opportunities to collaborate with industry leaders.

Study in Canada Scholarships

Many expand to study in Canada, yet the tuition rates and upkeep expenses may be quite problematic for foreign students. Scholarships fill this gap and enable higher education in Canada to be more affordable and accessible. No matter what your level of study is, be it an undergraduate degree, a master’s degree, or a doctoral degree, there is some form of funding out there that most certainly fits your profile. In the future beyond 2025, scholarships into Canadian institutions will be more focused on diversity, research innovation, and international collaboration, so it is an enthralling time to apply.

Available Scholarships in Canada

1. Government-Funded Scholarships

They are national or provincial awards funded by the Canadian government. These are generally very competitive as well as providing complete coverage of tuition fees, living expenses, and even travel expenses in some cases. Some examples are the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships and the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships.

2. University-Specific Scholarships

Canadian Universities are aggressive in recruiting the best global talent. Lots of institutions provide both first-year entry and current student (highest grade maintaining) scholarships. As an example, the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship by the University of Toronto is a fully funded scholarship available to exceptional students who have worked on achieving impact and leadership in their communities.

3. Merit-Based Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded on merit only, based on academic success, with students winning high GPAs, good scores in standardised tests, or having exceptional portfolios in subjects such as arts and design.

4. Need-Based Scholarships and Bursaries

These are meant to assist students who are not well-off financially. Most applicants are required to file financial documents in order to demonstrate need.

5. Subject-Specific Scholarships and Research

In specialised disciplines such as STEM, agriculture, environmental studies, or social sciences, scholarships are industry-funded, research council-funded, or funded by other charitable bodies.

6. Country-Specific Scholarships

Some programmes are restricted to students of one country or region. They are normally designed to enable international collaboration and cultural interchange.

Major Scholarships by Type and Level

The scholarship scene in Canada is enormous, although when trying to narrow down your search, you may find it helpful to understand them by level of study and even by sort of scholarship. Regardless of whether you want to obtain an undergraduate degree, an MA course, or a doctoral degree, there is a scholarship that can fit your needs. Let us unpack them.

1. Undergraduate Scholarships

Canadian undergraduate scholarships are aimed at attracting the best and brightest international students. Most universities have automatic entrance scholarships, meaning that as soon as you apply to the school, you will be considered to receive funding, with no additional forms necessary. The rest have different applications and supplementary materials such as essays or letters of recommendation.

Popular examples are:

• Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto) – This is the most prestigious award, and it includes four years’ tuition, books, incidental fees, and full-board residence support.
• UBC International Scholars Programme (University of British Columbia) – Combines need-based and merit-based scholarships for exceptional students with evidence of leadership and strong academic performance.
• Carleton University Entrance Scholarships to International Students – Automatically applied scholarships to high-achieving candidates who have excelled academically.

2. Master’s Scholarships

Canadian master’s scholarships tend to combine scholarly excellence and research promise. These scholarships may be fully funded – including tuition fees, living expenses, and research grants – or partially funded and can alleviate the economic burden.

Popular examples are:

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships – The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are intended to be awarded to doctoral students, but certain joint master/doctorate programmes are eligible. This prize is CAD 50,000 annually and lasts three years.
• University of Waterloo Master of Excellence Awards – These are open to international students enrolled in a research-based master’s programme and provide CAD 2,500 each term.
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) – A merit-based scholarship that is open to master’s and doctoral students in Ontario, with an award value of CAD 5,000 per session.

3. PhD and Doctoral Scholarships

Canada is a place where the most advanced research is being carried out, and frequently, doctoral scholarships tend to reward researchers generously with large funding packages. The awards enable students to undertake their studies and research without the financial burden.

Well-known examples are:

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships – This is one of the most competitive doctorate awards in Canada with an amount of CAD 50,000 per year.
• Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Awards – Supports doctoral candidates in social sciences and humanities, including leadership development opportunities.
• Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships – Technically postdoctoral research funding, but a major funding stream when moving out of PhD studies.

4. Government-Funded Scholarships

The Government of Canada and provincial governments are investing in attracting international talent to the country through different scholarships.

Examples include:

• Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) – Aids students of ASEAN member states undertaking short-term study or research in Canada.
• Emerging Leaders in the Americas Programme (ELAP) – Sponsors students from Latin America and the Caribbean to take short-term exchange opportunities.
• IDRC Research Awards – Awarded to students in developing nations undertaking master’s or doctoral research in fields that reflect global development priorities.

5. University-Specific Scholarships

Each of the large Canadian universities has its own range of scholarships on offer to international students. This can be founded on academic performance, leadership potential and research skills, or financial need.

Examples include:

• McGill University Entrance Scholarships – $55,000 automatic and application-based scholarships to high-achieving international undergraduates.
• International Leader Scholarship, University of Alberta – Awards students who have shown awareness and leadership potential.
• Dalhousie University Scholarships – Provides support to undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students in many fields.

6. External and Private Scholarships

There are also scholarships to study in Canada sponsored by private organisations, NGOs, and professional associations. They rarely compete with large-profile government rewards and may be an excellent supplement to your funding strategy.

Examples include:

• The Canada Memorial Scholarship – This scholarship fully funds postgraduate studies in Canada by UK citizens.
• Surfshark Privilege and Security Scholarship – A lesser-known but significant scholarship available to any student worldwide, educating on internet safety.
• Trudeau Foundation Community Awards – To students involved in community or social justice work.

How to Apply for a Scholarship in Canada?

• Plan ahead – Search and start at least 8–12 months before your intake.
• Refer to credible sources – Visit university websites, EduCanada, ScholarshipsCanada.com, and government portals.
• Tune your profile – Target scholarships that match your academic performance, major, country of origin, or activity.
• Examine readiness meticulously – Make certain that you fit all the standards before transmitting the application.
• Get the paperwork ready – Have copies of transcripts, IELTS/TOEFL scores, SOP, and recommendation letters at hand.
• Be an early bird – Many scholarships have deadlines long before the admission deadlines.
• Be precise in following instructions – Fill in with the documents in the specified format and sequence.

Conclusion

Studying in Canada is a dream for countless international students, and with the right scholarship, it can become an achievable reality. Whether it’s a government-funded award, a university grant, or a private fellowship, scholarships not only reduce financial stress but also open doors to world-class academic opportunities. However, securing one requires timely research, careful planning, and a strong application.

With MetaApply IE, the process becomes even easier. Our platform connects you directly to top Canadian universities, helps you discover relevant scholarships, and guides you through every step, from application to admission. If Canada is your dream study destination, let MetaApply IE help you make it happen.