Best Scholarships for International Students in Canada in 2025

Canada is known for its welcoming atmosphere and high-quality education. It’s no surprise that many international students choose Canada to pursue their higher education. However, studying abroad can be expensive, and scholarships can help lighten the financial load. In 2025, Canada continues to offer numerous scholarships for international students that can make education more accessible. Whether you’re looking to study undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate programs, Canada has several funding opportunities to help make your dream of studying there come true.

In this blog, we’ll go over some of the top scholarships available for international students in Canada in 2025. We’ll also highlight the eligibility criteria for each scholarship to help you determine which ones you may qualify for.

1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are one of Canada’s most prestigious awards. They are aimed at doctoral students who show exceptional leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement. These scholarships are available for students from around the world.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be pursuing a doctoral program (Ph.D. or combined MA/PhD or MD/PhD) at a Canadian university.
• Must demonstrate leadership skills and a high level of academic achievement.
• Applicants must have been nominated by a Canadian institution to be considered for the scholarship.
• Must not have any other major government funding for their studies.

Deadline & Coverage

• $50,000 per year for three years
• Application Deadline is usually in October

2. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program

This scholarship is for undergraduate students who are interested in studying at the University of Toronto. It is one of the most competitive and comprehensive awards offered by a Canadian university, covering full tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be an international student.
• Must be nominated by your high school.
• Must demonstrate exceptional academic performance, as well as leadership skills.
• Must be applying to the first year of an undergraduate program at the University of Toronto.
• Candidates must be in their final year of secondary school or have completed secondary school within the last year.

Deadline & Coverage

• Application Deadline is usually in October
• The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship in Canada will pay for the entire cost of the bachelor’s degree program. Additionally, the cost of course books will be covered by the University of Toronto. Residential adjustment will be handled by the host organization.

3. Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program

The Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program provides funding for students from Commonwealth countries who wish to study at the graduate level in Canada. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, and travel allowances.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country (other than Canada).
• Must have a good academic record.
• Must be applying for a full-time graduate program at a Canadian university.
• Candidates must not be applying for a program that has already started.

Deadline & Coverage

• Highly talented students from Commonwealth nations pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees can apply for the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program, which offers $10,000 to cover living expenses, transportation, and study-related costs. Program deadlines vary, and applications typically open in late autumn or early winter.

4. Quebec Merit Scholarship Program for Foreign Students

The Quebec Merit Scholarship Program is offered by the Quebec government for students wishing to pursue studies at the graduate level. This scholarship program is aimed at attracting international talent to Quebec.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be an international student.
• Must have been accepted into a graduate program (Master’s, Ph.D., or Postdoctoral studies) at a Quebec-based university.
• Must demonstrate academic excellence.
• Applicants must meet the specific criteria set by the university in which they are enrolled.

Deadline & Coverage

• Depending on the level of study, the Quebec Merit Scholarship Program for Foreign Students (PBEEE) grants scholarships of $20,000 for master’s degrees, $25,000 for doctoral degrees, and $35,000 for postdoctoral studies. Application deadline is around September

5. University of British Columbia (UBC) International Leader of Tomorrow Award

UBC offers this scholarship to undergraduate students from around the world who have demonstrated leadership, high academic achievement, and financial need. It covers tuition, fees, and living expenses.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be an international student.
• Must have been admitted to an undergraduate program at UBC.
• Must demonstrate leadership potential and a high level of academic achievement.
• Must demonstrate financial need.

Deadline & Coverage

• Application Deadline is around November -December
• Full cost of tuition, fees, and living expenses.

6. The Trudeau Foundation Scholarships

The Trudeau Foundation offers scholarships to students in the social sciences and humanities who are pursuing doctoral studies in Canada. This scholarship is designed to support students who show exceptional leadership potential.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be enrolled in a doctoral program at a Canadian university.
• Must be pursuing studies in the social sciences or humanities.
• Applicants must demonstrate exceptional leadership potential and a strong commitment to public service.
• Must be a full-time student.

7. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship is for graduate students studying in Ontario. It is available to students from both Canadian and international backgrounds. The OGS is designed to support students in their academic pursuits and help them focus on their research.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be an international student studying in Ontario.
• Must be enrolled full-time in a graduate program at a university in Ontario.
• Must demonstrate academic excellence.
• Applicants must not have received a similar award or funding from another source.

Deadline & Coverage

• The OGS is worth $15,000 for one year,
• The application is around the end of the year

8. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation offers scholarships to doctoral students who are pursuing studies in the humanities and social sciences. This scholarship is designed to encourage students who have a strong leadership potential and a passion for making a positive impact on society.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a full-time doctoral student at a Canadian university.
• Must be enrolled in a program related to the social sciences or humanities.
• Must demonstrate leadership skills and a commitment to public service.
• Open to both Canadian and international students.
• Applicants must show the potential to contribute to positive change in their communities and beyond.

Deadline & Coverage

• Doctoral Scholarships offer up to $60,000 annually
• Application Deadline is in September

9. University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship

The University of Calgary offers this scholarship to international students who are beginning their undergraduate studies at the university. It provides financial support to students with strong academic backgrounds who have demonstrated excellence in their studies.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be an international student entering the University of Calgary for the first time.
• Must have a strong academic record.
• The scholarship is available to students in all undergraduate programs.
• Must demonstrate leadership potential through extracurricular activities or community service.
• Applicants must not be citizens or permanent residents of Canada.

Deadline & Coverage

• $20,000 per year
• The deadline is in December

10. York University International Student Scholarship Program

York University offers scholarships to international students who are entering their first year of study at the undergraduate or graduate level. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be an international student applying for admission to York University.
• Must demonstrate strong academic performance.
• Open to undergraduate and graduate students from all countries.
• Preference may be given to students who show leadership skills and involvement in community service.
• Applicants must not be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Deadline & Coverage

• Range from $2,500 to $37,500
• Deadline is in December

11. University of Winnipeg President’s Scholarships for World Leaders

The University of Winnipeg provides these scholarships to international students who have demonstrated leadership potential and who are entering their first year of study. The scholarships aim to support outstanding students who show commitment to positive social change and community development.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be an international student entering their first year of study at the University of Winnipeg.
• Must demonstrate strong leadership qualities and community involvement.
• Must have a high academic standing.
• Applicants must provide proof of their community leadership and involvement.
• Students who are applying for both undergraduate and graduate programs can be considered.

Deadline & Coverage

• Up to $5000
• Deadline is in June

12. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships

The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships provide funding to internationally trained researchers who want to work in Canada. This program is designed to attract top-tier postdoctoral researchers to Canada’s research institutions. The award supports research in various fields, including natural sciences, engineering, health research, and social sciences.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be an international student or Canadian citizen who is eligible to apply.
• Must have completed a Ph.D. or equivalent degree within the past two years.
• Must apply for a postdoctoral research position at a Canadian university, research institution, or organization.
• Research proposals must be in fields that align with Canada’s key research priorities, including natural sciences, engineering, health, and social sciences.
• Applicants must demonstrate exceptional research skills and the potential to contribute to advancing their field.

Deadline & Coverage

• $70,000 per year
• Applications are applied between April to September

Conclusion

Canada offers many scholarships for international students in 2025, with opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate-level studies. These scholarships are competitive, and the eligibility criteria vary, so it’s important to check the specific requirements for each scholarship you are interested in. With the right application, a scholarship can help make your education in Canada more affordable and provide you with a chance to immerse yourself in one of the world’s top educational systems.

Start your application early, and best of luck in your academic journey in Canada!