Canada Scholarships for International Students
Canada Scholarships for International Students – Education distinguishes Canadians from non-Canadians, as holding a degree, diploma, or certificate often opens doors to various opportunities within the country. A degree from Canada not only advances careers but also serves as a gateway for immigration purposes. The country’s high educational standards, which align closely with those of nations like the United States, enable individuals from both countries to access various opportunities across borders.
Canada earns global recognition for its academic excellence and diverse student experiences, which attract thousands of international students each year. Whether you want to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies, Canada offers a wide range of scholarships for international students. These scholarships help cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other associated costs.
If you want to relocate or study in Canada, you’ll be pleased to know that numerous scholarship opportunities can make your educational dreams a reality. In this article, we will explore some of the best scholarship programs for international students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Canada. Keep reading to discover how you can take advantage of these opportunities!
Canada Scholarships for International Students in 2025
Discover the best scholarships available for international students who wish to study in Canada.
Scholarship Opportunities for Undergraduate and Postgraduate International Students in Canada
Discover the variety of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarship opportunities in Canada for international students. Canada provides abundant opportunities for international students seeking to pursue undergraduate studies. One of the most prestigious institutions is the University of British Columbia (UBC), known for its commitment to academic excellence and global engagement.
University of British Columbia (UBC) Scholarships for International Students
UBC offers several scholarships specifically designed for international undergraduate students. For example, the International Scholars Program provides four distinguished awards:
- Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award: Recognizes exceptional students who demonstrate superior academic achievement and exemplary leadership skills.
- Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award: Targets outstanding students from impoverished or war-torn areas who have achieved academic excellence under challenging circumstances.
Students must be nominated by their school guidance counselor or a non-profit organization to be considered for these awards. The nomination process is competitive, with each institution allowed to nominate a limited number of candidates. For the 2025 intake, students must submit their applications by November 15, 2024, and the UBC admissions application is due by December 1, 2024.
In addition to the International Scholars Program, UBC offers other awards such as the International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES) and the Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award, which are automatically considered upon application. These awards recognize academic excellence and provide financial support to outstanding international students.
For more tips on crafting the perfect scholarship essay, check out our detailed guide on How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay (With Real Examples).
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program
Although the OGS program primarily targets graduate students, it is also noteworthy for those considering advanced studies in Ontario. This merit-based scholarship supports master’s and doctoral students across all disciplines. International students with a valid study permit can apply. Participating Ontario universities administer the scholarship, and each institution has its own application deadlines.
Application Tips
- Early Preparation: Begin the application process well in advance to gather necessary documents and meet deadlines.
- Strong Recommendations: Secure compelling letters of recommendation from teachers or community leaders who can attest to your academic abilities and character.
- Highlight Achievements: Emphasize extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and community service in your application to demonstrate a well-rounded profile.
- Financial Documentation: Provide clear evidence of financial need, if applicable, to strengthen your case for need-based scholarships.
International students can make their dream of studying in Canada a reality by leveraging these scholarship opportunities. Staying informed about application deadlines and requirements is essential to maximize your chances of success.
University of Saskatchewan Graduate Scholarship
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) ranks among Canada’s premier institutions for medical and doctoral training, offering a diverse range of programs in human, animal, and plant sciences. As one of Canada’s top 15 research-intensive universities, USask provides an exceptional collaborative research environment with access to cutting-edge facilities and analytical tools.
The University of Saskatchewan Graduate Scholarship (UGS) is for students pursuing graduate studies in selected departments. Only students nominated by their respective departments, who maintain good academic standing, can apply for this prestigious scholarship. This scholarship offers a valuable opportunity for students who aim to contribute to high-impact research in their fields.
Dalhousie University Scholarships
Dalhousie University offers the Dalhousie University Award 2022–2023 as a fully funded scholarship for international students. This award is available for graduate and postdoctoral work. The $30,000 scholarship provides a monthly income, housing expenses, fee waivers, and health insurance.
With a single application, current or prospective students can be considered for various FGS-managed scholarships through the Harmonized Scholarship Process.
Canadian Scholarships and IELTS
You can attend school in Canada without IELTS. In addition to IELTS, Canadian academic institutions accept alternative English language proficiency exams, such as Duolingo and English Proficiency Certificates from your previous institutions.
Canada attracted the most students last year. It is recognized as one of the top nations for living and studying. Canada stands out among the various study-abroad options available to students. Over 15,000 academic programs are offered across 97 public universities in Canada.
If you find the IELTS too difficult to pass, you can take other English language proficiency exams and apply for funding. However, most universities in Canada prefer students with a high IELTS band score before admitting them to their scholarship programs.
Remember, Canada welcomes the best minds to study in their country, so you need to prove you are worthy of admission.
University of Waterloo Scholarship
To aid Canadian and international students, the University of Waterloo is awarding the David Johnston-Lebovic Foundation International Experience Awards to highly deserving candidates.
Students from all over the world who wish to enroll in any undergraduate or graduate degree program offered by the Waterloo Faculty can apply through this full-time program. The faculties will recommend qualified students based on the number of awards allocated to the Faculty.
Faculties will select students based on their admission applications, which must demonstrate academic distinction.
Conclusion
Canada remains one of the most sought-after destinations for international students, but the high cost of education can create a significant barrier. For those who want to study in Canada but need financial support, applying for fully or partially financed scholarships offers the best solution. These scholarships provide financial relief and make higher education more accessible.
However, you must ensure that you meet the required qualifications, as many scholarships for international students in Canada 2025 are merit-based and aimed at exceptional students. Stay focused, work hard, and good luck with your scholarship application journey!
