Top 10 Scholarships in Canada for International Students in 2025
Are you an international student dreaming of studying in Canada but worried about the financial burden? Good news—Canada offers numerous scholarships that make it possible for brilliant, driven students from around the world to study in one of the world’s most welcoming and academically prestigious environments. In this post, we’ve compiled the top 10 scholarships in Canada for international students in 2025 that can help you fund your education—from undergraduate to PhD levels.
🎓 Why Study in Canada?
Canada is known for its world-class education system, multicultural society, and high quality of life. With globally ranked universities, a friendly immigration policy for students, and ample post-graduate opportunities, it’s no surprise that thousands of international students choose Canada every year.
✅ Top 10 Scholarships in Canada for International Students in 2025
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
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Level: PhD
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Award: CAD 50,000 per year for 3 years
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Eligibility: Outstanding academic record, research potential, and leadership skills
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Deadline: November 2024 (for 2025 intake)
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Website: vanier.gc.ca
The Vanier CGS is one of the most prestigious PhD scholarships in Canada for international students. It targets world-class doctoral students and supports research in health, social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences.
2. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto)
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Level: Undergraduate
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Award: Full tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence for four years
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Eligibility: Exceptional academic achievement and leadership qualities
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Deadline: December 2024
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Website: future.utoronto.ca/pearson
This scholarship is highly competitive and offered to incoming undergraduate students at the University of Toronto who demonstrate strong leadership and community involvement.
3. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships
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Level: PhD
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Award: Up to CAD 60,000 annually for tuition, living expenses, travel, and research
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Eligibility: International students pursuing social sciences and humanities
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Deadline: December 2024
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Website: trudeaufoundation.ca
Ideal for students with a passion for public engagement and leadership, this scholarship offers much more than financial aid—it includes mentorship and leadership training.
4. UBC International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award
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Level: Undergraduate
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Award: Varies based on financial need (can cover full tuition and living costs)
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Eligibility: Exceptional academic performance and financial need
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Deadline: January 2025
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Website: you.ubc.ca
The ILOT Award at the University of British Columbia supports students who demonstrate academic merit, leadership, and involvement in community service.
5. McCall MacBain Scholarships (McGill University)
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Level: Master’s and Professional degrees
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Award: Full tuition + CAD 2,000/month stipend + relocation grant
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Eligibility: Leadership potential and academic excellence
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Deadline: September 2024 (for 2025 intake)
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Website: mccallmacbainscholars.org
This comprehensive scholarship provides funding, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities at McGill University.
6. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
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Level: Master’s and PhD
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Award: CAD 10,000 to CAD 15,000 annually
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Eligibility: Enrolled in an Ontario public university; academic merit
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Deadline: Varies by institution
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Website: Available through Ontario university websites
OGS is a government-funded program available to both Canadian and international graduate students in Ontario.
7. University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
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Level: Undergraduate
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Award: CAD 15,000 (renewable)
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Eligibility: High school performance, community service, and leadership
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Deadline: December 2024
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Website: ucalgary.ca
This scholarship recognizes international students who combine strong academic credentials with leadership qualities.
8. York University International Student Scholarship Program
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Level: Undergraduate
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Award: Up to CAD 35,000/year (total of CAD 140,000)
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Eligibility: Academic excellence, leadership, financial need
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Deadline: February 2025
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Website: futurestudents.yorku.ca
York University provides generous financial support for international students enrolling in full-time undergraduate programs.
9. University of Alberta International Scholarships
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Level: Undergraduate and Graduate
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Award: CAD 5,000 to CAD 20,000+
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Eligibility: Strong academic performance and/or research potential
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Deadline: March 2025 (varies by program)
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Website: ualberta.ca
The University of Alberta offers numerous entrance and merit-based scholarships for international students.
10. Schulich Leader Scholarships (STEM Fields)
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Level: Undergraduate
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Award: Up to CAD 120,000 for engineering; CAD 100,000 for science, technology, or math
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Eligibility: Leadership, academic excellence, and entrepreneurial mindsets
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Deadline: January 2025
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Website: schulichleaders.com
This highly sought-after scholarship is awarded to the most promising STEM students entering Canadian universities.
📝 How to Apply for Scholarships in Canada
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Research early – Scholarship deadlines usually come months before admission decisions.
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Prepare your documents – Academic transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statements, and proof of language proficiency.
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Apply through official channels – Only apply through verified university or government websites.
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Get nominated – Some scholarships require school or institutional nominations (e.g., Lester B. Pearson).
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Highlight leadership and community involvement – Many Canadian scholarships prioritize holistic achievement, not just grades.
📌 Final Thoughts
Securing a scholarship in Canada as an international student in 2025 is more achievable than ever if you plan ahead, apply strategically, and present a compelling academic and personal profile. Whether you’re looking for full tuition coverage, living expenses, or a mix of both, these top 10 Canadian scholarships offer life-changing opportunities.
