Scholarships for International Students in Canada: A Comprehensive Guide
Canada is one of the top study abroad destinations, known for its high quality of life, diversity, and world-class education system. With some of the best universities in the world, it’s no wonder international students are flocking to Canada in record numbers.
However, as an international student, the cost of studying in Canada can seem prohibitively expensive. Fortunately, Canada offers a robust range of scholarships specifically aimed at helping international students fund their education.
This comprehensive guide covers various popular scholarships for international students in Canada, provides tips for finding and applying, plus answers common questions on funding studies in Canada.
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Popular Canada Scholarships for International Students
Here are some of the top scholarships available from the Canadian government, universities, and external organizations:
Government of Canada Scholarships
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Covers $50,000 per year for 3 years of doctoral studies
- For international students with excellent academic records and leadership potential
- Awarded by Canada’s federal government
Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED)
- Fully-funds students from ASEAN countries for study/research at Canadian colleges or universities
- Covers tuition, travel, and living expenses
- Exchange programs from 6 months to 2 years duration
University-Based Scholarships
University of Toronto International Scholarships
- Covers full tuition plus $10,000 stipend per year
- For exceptional international students in undergraduate and graduate programs
- Based on merit, need, and program of study
McGill University Scholarships
- 300+ scholarships for international students, up to $3,000 – $10,000
- Need and merit-based awards for undergrads and postgrads
- Also has graduate excellence fellowships worth $25,000/year
External Awards and Fellowships
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships
- 37 prestigious awards for international undergraduates at top Canadian universities
- Covers tuition, room & board, books – valued at $40,000/year
- Based on academics and demonstrated leadership abilities
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships
- Up to 15 scholarships annually for PhD students, covering $60,000 per year
- Recognizes remarkable doctoral researchers with social science/humanities focus
- Strong engagement with public, private, and non-profit organizations
Tips for International Students to Find Canada Scholarships
Follow these key strategies to discover and win scholarships for studies in Canada:
Start researching early – Begin looking for scholarships 12-18 months before your program. Popular ones have early deadlines.
Tap university resources – Directly reach out to international student offices and financial aid departments in your target universities for scholarships.
Check external databases – Use international scholarship search platforms like Scholaro, Educanada, Scholarships Canada to find relevant options.
Focus on priority categories – Apply for Canadian government, university-specific and niche field scholarships where you have highest chances of success.
Optimize your essays – Scholarship essays require as much effort as college application essays. Make them compelling and reflective of your personality.
Get glowing recommendations – Secure letters from professors or employers who can highlight your skills, leadership, social impact etc.
Submit early – Complete applications weeks before the deadline to avoid unexpected delays or technical glitches.
Follow up post-submission – Politely check with the awarding organization that they received your application successfully.
Top Universities Offering Scholarships for International Students
Leading universities across Canada offer exclusive scholarships and bursaries for international students:
| University | Popular Scholarships |
|---|---|
| University of Toronto | Lester B. Pearson Scholarships, Faculty-based awards like Shore and Rae Fellowships |
| McGill University | Max Bell Scholarships, Principal’s Merit Awards |
| University of British Columbia | International Leader of Tomorrow Award, Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award |
| University of Alberta | Dr. Cyril B. James Scholarship, International Entrance Leadership Scholarship |
| Simon Fraser University | International Awards for Outstanding International Students, SFU International Partial Tuition Waiver |
| McMaster University | McMaster International Award of Distinction, Mobi national bursaries |
Scholarship values range from a few thousand dollars to fully covering tuition plus accommodation and stipends. Level of funding is tied to factors like program of study and academic excellence.
Answers to Common Questions on Funding Studies in Canada
Here are some key scholarship-related questions from international students looking to study in Canada:
What are my odds of getting a scholarship as an international student?
Your chances are good if your academics and extracurriculars are strong. Undergrads have more options than postgrads. Highlighting financial need also boosts prospects.
Which scholarships don’t require me to go back to my home country after graduating?
Most university and external organization scholarships don’t dictate your post-study plans. But some government scholarships require recipients to return home for a few years after graduating.
When should I start applying for Canada scholarships?
Begin actively looking 12-18 months before you intend to start studies in Canada to meet early scholarship deadlines. Many have deadlines 6-12 months before programs commence.
What are my options if I don’t win a full scholarship?
Partial scholarships that cover some costs are still helpful. You can also apply for bursaries and student loans from your university and student aid agencies. Some allow international students to work part-time.
How do I get strong recommendation letters for Canadian scholarships?
Give professors or employers at least one month notice. Share your transcript, resume and scholarship essays so they can personalize letters highlighting your academic abilities and personal qualities.
What scholarships are available after I begin my program in Canada?
Many universities provide scholarships for current international students based on academic performance. External options also exist but are more limited than pre-enrollment scholarships.
Canada offers a wealth of funding options for international students across fields. With diligent and early research, networking and high-quality applications, you can make your Canadian education much more affordable.
Conclusion
- Canada has many scholarship options to help international students fund studies, offered by the government, universities and external organizations.
- Top awards provide thousands to tens of thousands in funding annually for tuition and living expenses.
- Begin searching for scholarships 12-18 months before your intended program start date.
- Focus on priority categories like university-specific, government, and field-related awards where you have the highest chances.
- Writing compelling essays and getting excellent recommendation letters are key to scholarship success.
- Leading Canadian universities like UofT, McGill, UBC and McMaster have robust scholarship programs for international applicants.
- Confirm specific eligibility and application requirements before applying to any scholarship.
- With early preparation and submitting high-quality, tailored applications, international students can win scholarships to study in Canada.
FAQs
What are some reputable scholarship search platforms I can use?
Some good scholarship search databases are Scholaro, ScholarshipsCanada, Educanada, DAAD, and UniScholars. Always verify details directly on the scholarship provider’s official website.
What scholarships are available for my specific country?
Most government of Canada and university scholarships are open globally. But some target priority countries in regions like Africa, Southeast Asia, South America. Connect with your local Canadian embassy or high commission to learn more.
How do I estimate my odds of winning a scholarship?
Assess factors like your grades, test scores, extracurriculars, leadership experience, essays and recommendations. Gauge competitiveness based on award amount and applicant pool. Set realistic expectations, but apply ambitiously.
Which scholarships allow part-time work while studying?
Most university scholarships don’t restrict work, providing flexibility to fund additional costs. Government scholarships may limit work hours. Seek clarity directly from the scholarship provider.
Can I use one scholarship offer to negotiate with other universities?
Leveraging offers is possible in some cases, but not widely encouraged. Focus on showcasing your suitability for each scholarship separately based on credentials and fit.
What precautions should I take to avoid scholarship scams?
Be wary of unsolicited scholarship offers requiring upfront fees. Verify legitimacy directly through official channels. Beware of questionable third-party agencies. If it seems too good to be true, it likely is.
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