As the number of international students flocking to Canada grows, so will the number of scholarships available. Here is a list of some undergraduate, masters-level and doctorate scholarships available for international students wanting to study in Canada.
Undergraduate
University of British Columbia’s International Student Scholarships
The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers a number of merit and need-based scholarships for international students. All international students are automatically considered for the International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES) and Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award upon application to an undergraduate programme at the university. They also have an International Scholars Program, which offers two awards – the International Leader of Tomorrow Award and the Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award, both of which are valued depending on financial need but are sufficient to cover tuition costs and living expenses. UBC also has a number of scholarships for international students already enrolled in study at their Vancouver campus.
University of Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Programme
Awarded to international students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership qualities, the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence for four years. Students must meet the eligibility requirements and be nominated by their school as leaders in their community before applying. Once nominated, the student will be invited to apply for the award. The deadline for school nominations is in November; the student application deadline is in January.
Graduate
University of Toronto’s African Leaders of Tomorrow (ALT) Scholarship Programme
The ALT Scholarship Program grants 130 scholarships to qualified candidates from sub-Saharan Africa to pursue a Master’s degree in public administration, public policy or public finance at a Canadian university. The award covers airfare, tuition, living expenses and a fixed allowance. It also incorporates a professional development component, which includes mentorship and networking opportunities as well as the development of a professional development plan. Applicants must be between 22-35 years old, be fluent in either French or English, and have worked for 2-5 years in the public sector, civil society or in research institutions in Africa to qualify.
Watch Esther Njambi talk about her time at the University of Toronto:
Alberta Innovates Scholarships
Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarships are awarded to thesis-based students studying in a full-time graduate program in research areas that are strategically important to Alberta, including Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Nanotechnology, and Omics. Scholarships are available for students studying at the University of Alberta, University of Calgary or the University of Lethbridge; applications should be made directly to the relevant university. Both domestic and international students are eligible.
Doctorate
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship Program
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, funded by the Canadian government, are three-year scholarships with a value of $50,000 CAD per year. There are up to 167 awards available to Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada and international students who are pursuing a doctoral degree at a Canadian institution. Deadlines for applications are in early November.
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation awards up to fifteen doctoral scholarships each year to candidates pursuing humanities and social science related research. One out of every four scholars may be a foreign national registered in a full-time doctoral program at a Canadian institution. The award is valued at $40,000 CAD per year for three years, plus an additional $20,000 per year as research and travel allowance.
No matter where you’re from or what Canadian institution you want to study at, make sure you do your research well in advance to find out the best scholarship options for you. Visit each university’s website to find out more details about their specific international student scholarships.
