Audience · International Students
Scholarships for International Students in Canada
International students don't qualify for Canada Student Loans or Grants — but that doesn't mean there's no funding. Canadian universities offer generous entrance scholarships, international student bursaries, and in-course merit awards. At the federal level, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship is open to international doctoral students. Here's what's realistically available and how to find it.
Canada Student Loans?: Not available to international students
Vanier CGS: $50,000/year × 3 years (doctoral, open to internationals)
University entrance awards: Most major universities offer international entrance scholarships
In-course awards: Merit-based awards available at many institutions
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Quick facts — Scholarships for International Students in Canada
Canada Student Loans?
Not available to international students
Vanier CGS
$50,000/year × 3 years (doctoral, open to internationals)
University entrance awards
Most major universities offer international entrance scholarships
In-course awards
Merit-based awards available at many institutions
Work permit
Study permit holders can work up to 20 hrs/week during term
Last verified
March 2026
Top scholarships for international students
These are some of the most significant funding opportunities available to international students studying in Canada:
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: $50,000/year for 3 years — open to international doctoral candidates at Canadian universities
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships (U of T): Covers tuition, books, and living expenses for 4 years
- UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship: $20,000–$40,000+ per year
- Schulich Leader Scholarships: Some categories open to permanent residents studying at Canadian universities
- University-specific international entrance awards: Available at most major Canadian universities (check each school's website)
Pro tip: Use our free 5-step quiz to see which of these programs you're eligible for — and get a ranked list of matching scholarships, grants, and bursaries in under 3 minutes.
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University-specific funding
Most Canadian universities maintain dedicated financial aid for international students:
- Entrance scholarships: Often automatic based on admission grades (check each university's threshold)
- In-course merit awards: Renewed annually based on GPA performance
- Emergency bursaries: Most universities offer crisis funding for international students facing unexpected hardship
- Graduate assistantships: Teaching and research assistantships that offset tuition and provide income
- Co-op and internship income: Programs like Waterloo Co-op can earn $15,000–$25,000 per work term
Practical tips
Advice for international students navigating Canadian scholarship applications:
- Apply for entrance awards at the same time you apply for admission — many universities assess both together
- Don't assume you need Canadian grades — most international awards accept your home country's grading system
- Check your home country's government for study-abroad scholarships to Canada
- Look into post-graduation work permits (PGWP) — working in Canada after graduation can help repay any loans taken in your home country
Frequently asked questions
No. Canada Student Loans and provincial student aid (like OSAP) are only available to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and protected persons. International students must rely on scholarships, bursaries, and institutional aid.
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at U of T covers full tuition, books, and living expenses for four years — one of the most valuable. The Vanier CGS provides $50,000/year for doctoral students.
It depends on the university. Some award entrance scholarships automatically based on your admission grades; others require a separate scholarship application. Check each university's financial aid page.
Yes. Study permit holders enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution can work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks.
Many countries offer study-abroad scholarships. Check with your home country's ministry of education or higher education commission. Some examples: Commonwealth Scholarships, Fulbright (for US students), and various bilateral exchange programs.
Official source:
EduCanada – Scholarships for International Students
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Last verified: March 2026
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Always confirm details directly with the program provider before applying.
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