Canada has become the preferred destination for many international students, with the number of international students exceeding 640,000 according to recent surveys. This places Canada third on the list of most popular educational destinations after the US and the UK.

It is no surprise that there is such a high demand for Canadian education, as the country boasts a high quality of life and is home to many top-notch institutions. In fact, five Canadian universities rank in the top 100 categories of the World University Rankings.

While studying in Canada is not the most expensive option, enrolling in a Canadian university can still be costly, especially if you plan to study in cities like Toronto or Vancouver where the cost of living is high.

However, don’t let the high cost deter you from pursuing your educational dreams. There are various Canadian scholarships available for international students that can help you achieve your goals.

Table of Contents

Different Types of Scholarship in Canada

International students have always aspired to obtain a degree in higher education, especially in developed nations such as Canada. However, the high cost of education has always been a major deterrent. To address this concern, Canada invests heavily in education and offers various scholarships to students, including international students, to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and research costs.

Canadian universities and institutions offer a variety of scholarships to international students, which are usually the first option for aspiring scholars. However, students should be aware that many external and government-sponsored scholarships are also available, which provide a higher value of financial assistance.

Studying abroad is an excellent opportunity for students, and getting a scholarship grant is even better. There are numerous scholarship programs available, and it is essential for students to carefully assess each program to find the most suitable one for them.

The opportunity to study abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that can help students achieve their educational and personal goals. Hence, international students must take advantage of scholarship opportunities and grab them when offered or when there’s an opening nomination.

Best Available Scholarships in Canada

1. Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation Scholarship

Scholarship Amount: up to CAD 40, 000 a year (for three years)
Eligible Degree: Doctoral level
Scholarship Link

One of the most esteemed external scholarships available in Canada is the Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation Scholarship. This scholarship is specifically designed for doctoral students who have remarkable academic records and excellent leadership qualities.

Although the scholarship is primarily geared towards doctoral students in social sciences and humanities, students from other academic disciplines can also apply as long as their research aligns with the foundation’s founding principles, such as Human Rights and Dignity, Responsible Citizenship, Canada and the World, and People and their Natural Environment.

The Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation Scholarship offers a substantial yearly amount of up to CAD 40,000, which covers both tuition and living expenses for successful applicants. It is an excellent opportunity for doctoral students to pursue their academic goals and contribute to their respective fields of study.

2. Study in Canada Scholarships

Scholarship Amount: CAD 10,200 – CAD 12,700
Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral level
Scholarship Link

The Study in Canada Scholarships program is specifically designed to assist international students who desire to participate in short-term exchange programs at a Canadian institute or university. Both undergraduate and graduate students can apply for this program, with the opportunity to spend one academic term, up to six months, in Canada. The program will provide recipients with an excellent opportunity to gain first-hand experience of how Canadian institutions operate, as well as deepen their knowledge, engage in research projects, and establish relevant network connections.

Successful applicants of the Study in Canada Scholarships program will receive funds that can be used for a variety of expenses, including student permits, visas, health insurance, living expenses, supplies, and more.

3. Hellenic Scholarship

Scholarship Amount: vary per degree level
Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s and Master’s level
Scholarship Link

The Hellenic Scholarship Foundation is committed to providing scholarship opportunities for students of Hellenic origin. These scholarship programs are tailored to support full-time students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance in higher education institutions in Quebec.

Apart from financial assistance that covers tuition fees, the foundation offers academic support to its beneficiaries. The goal is to develop and empower students to become future leaders and professionals who will contribute to the growth and success of the Hellenic community.

4..Canadian Japanese Mennonite Scholarship

Scholarship Amount: CAD 2,00
Eligible Degree: Graduate level
Scholarship Link

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is a non-profit organization that aims to promote peace and serve people in need. As part of its commitment, MCC offers scholarships to Canadian and international students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievements and a passion for contributing to society.

The Canadian Japanese Mennonite Scholarship is one of the scholarship programs offered by MCC. It provides financial support of CAD 2,000 to international graduate students pursuing research projects focused on preserving the rights of cultural minorities in Canada. This scholarship aims to encourage students to explore and address important social issues while providing them with the necessary resources to achieve their research goals.

5. P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund (IPS)

Scholarship Amount: $ 12,500 (one year)
Eligible Degree: Master’s and Doctoral level
Scholarship Link

The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship is a scholarship program designed for female students who are enrolled full-time in graduate study at an accredited institution in Canada. Since its establishment in 1949, the foundation has been awarding prestigious scholarships and grants to talented female students who have the potential to become leaders and experts in various industries.

Upon completion of the program, the scholars are expected to return to their home country to promote peace and become agents of change in society. While the scholarship does not fund the full-time tuition of the recipient, the scholarship amount of $12,500 will help cover most of the students’ academic fees and living expenses.

Available Government Scholarships in Canada

6. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (Vanier CGS) is a highly competitive government-sponsored program that seeks to attract exceptional doctoral students from all over the world. The program aims to position Canada as a leading provider of world-class research and higher education. It supports students whose future contributions will advance various fields, including social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, engineering, and health sciences.

The scholarship attracts numerous international students and receives a high volume of nominations annually. However, competition is fierce, and candidates will have to go through a rigorous nomination process, as most participating schools are among the best in the country. Only a select few will receive the scholarship, making it a highly coveted award.

Scholarship Amount: CAD 50,000 a year (for three years)
Eligible Degree: Doctoral level
Scholarship Link

7. Ontario Trillium Scholarship

The scholarship is merit-based, and candidates must meet the academic requirements of their chosen institution to be considered for the award. Once awarded, students must maintain a high GPA to continue receiving the Ontario Trillium Scholarship benefits, which are renewable for up to four years. This scholarship will provide doctoral students with financial support throughout their academic program until completion.

Scholarship Amount: CAD 40,000 a year (renewable up to four years)
Eligible Degree: Doctoral level
The Ontario Trillium Scholarship program is an opportunity for doctoral students enrolled in Ontario-based universities and institutions to apply for a government-sponsored scholarship. This program annually grants 75 scholarships to the most exceptional students who are pursuing their doctoral studies.
Scholarship Link

8. Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED)

The Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) program aims to end poverty and improve lives by providing short-term study or research opportunities at Canadian universities for ASEAN students. The program awards scholarship funds ranging from 10,200 to 15,900 CAD and promotes student exchange programs between partnering ASEAN and Canadian institutions.

Scholarship Amount: CAD 10,200 – CAD 15,900
Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral levels
Scholarship Link

9. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships

The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships program offers scholarship funding to outstanding postdoctoral degree-seeking students who have the potential to become future leaders and professionals in Canada. Only 70 scholars are granted yearly, and the fellowship is equally distributed to the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, and Canadian Institutes of Health Research. The host institution must nominate applicants, and once selected, scholars will receive academic resources and sufficient funding to complete their chosen program.

Scholarship Amount: CAD 70,000 a year (for two years)
Eligible Degree: Postdoctoral level
Scholarship Link

10. Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP)

The Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) is a short-term exchange program that enables higher education students from Latin American and Caribbean countries to study in Canada. It is a collaboration between the Government of Canada and leading institutions in the region, aimed at establishing strong networks and linkages between participating institutions. Students at all levels can apply for this rare opportunity, which could be advantageous for those aspiring to become future leaders in their respective countries.

Scholarship Amount: from CAD 8,200 – CAD 11,100
Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral level
Scholarship Link

11. Canada-CARICOM Skills Training for the Green Economy Scholarships

The Canada-CARICOM Skills Training for the Green Economy Scholarships is a newly launched program between the Government of Canada and CARICOM member states. The scholarship program will focus on providing prospective students with technical training or vocational education in support of a green economy. It provides countless opportunities for the participating countries, with full support from their host Canadian institution.

Scholarship Amount: CAD 8,200 – CAD 14,700
Eligible Degree: certificate, diploma, and associate degree levels
Scholarship Link

12. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program

The OGS Program is a merit-based scholarship offered by the Government of Ontario and various Ontario-based institutions to international students pursuing graduate degrees in Canada. Scholarships are awarded based on eligibility requirements and criteria set by participating institutions, with a value ranging from CAD 10,000 to CAD 15,000.

Scholarship Amount: CAD 10,000 a year (Master’s) and CAD 15,000 a year (Doctoral)
Eligible Degree: Master’s and Doctoral levels at Ontario participating schools
Scholarship Link

Thank you for reading this article on the best scholarships in Finland for international students. Make sure to check out available Scholarships in Finland.