So you’ve finished your undergrad, and now you’re eyeing Canada for your master’s or PhD? Smart move. Canada’s packed with incredible universities, friendly people, and world-recognized research programs.
Better news? There are some excellent graduate scholarships for international students — and yep, some of them are fully funded.
Let’s get into it.
🍁 Why Choose Canada for Graduate Studies?
- World-class research institutions
- Affordable tuition compared to the US/UK
- Post-graduation work permits up to 3 years
- Multicultural, safe, and welcoming environment
- Tons of scholarships for both master’s and PhD students
🏆 Top Graduate Scholarships in Canada (2025)
📊 At-a-Glance Table
| Scholarship Name | Provider | Level | Coverage | Deadline 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | Canadian Government | PhD | CAD 50,000/year for 3 years | Nov 2024 |
| Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships | Trudeau Foundation | PhD | CAD 60,000/year + travel allowance | Dec 2024 |
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) | Ontario Government | Master’s/PhD | CAD 5,000 per term (up to CAD 15,000/year) | Varies |
| University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF) | U of Manitoba | Master’s/PhD | Up to CAD 18,000/year | Dept. specific |
| UBC Graduate Global Leadership Fellowship | UBC | PhD | Up to CAD 18,200/year + tuition coverage | Jan 2025 |
📌 Scholarship Spotlights
🎓 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
- The big one for PhD students
- Focus on academic excellence, research potential, and leadership
- CAD 50,000/year for up to 3 years
- Open to students in social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, engineering, and health
🎓 Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
- For future leaders committed to social engagement
- Open to PhD students in social sciences and humanities
- Covers tuition, CAD 60,000/year, travel, and research funding
🎓 Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
- For master’s and PhD students at Ontario universities
- Based on academic merit
- Value: CAD 5,000 per academic term (up to CAD 15,000 per year)
✍️ How to Apply
Application Steps:
- Choose your university and program
- Check which scholarships you’re eligible for
- Prepare documents:
- Academic transcripts
- Research proposal (for research-based degrees)
- Letters of recommendation
- CV/resume
- Language proficiency scores
- Apply for university admission and scholarship (some are automatic with admission, others need separate forms)
💡 Pro Tips
- Start early. Canadian scholarship deadlines can be as much as a year before your program starts
- Polish your research proposal. Especially for PhD and research-based master’s
- Get strong references. Professors, supervisors, or employers who know your work well
- Tailor personal statements. Don’t send a one-size-fits-all essay
🤔 Common Questions
Q: Are there fully funded scholarships for master’s students in Canada?
Yes! UMGF, UBC Graduate Fellowships, and some OGS awards cover most or all expenses.
Q: Can I work while doing my graduate studies in Canada?
Absolutely. Up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during breaks.
Q: Do I need to apply separately for scholarships?
It depends. Some like Vanier and Trudeau require a separate application, while others (like OGS) might be tied to your admission application. Always check with your program office.
🎯 Final Thoughts
If you’re planning to do your master’s or PhD in Canada, 2025 is shaping up to be a great year. Between generous government scholarships and university-specific awards, it’s easier than ever to fund your studies — especially if you plan ahead.
Remember: apply early, craft standout applications, and reach out to professors you might work with (networking helps more than you’d think).
