Canada’s not just famous for maple syrup and hockey — it’s one of the best places on the planet for international students. And what makes it even better? A ton of Canadian universities offer scholarships for international students to make studying there more affordable.
Whether you’re aiming for an undergrad, master’s, or PhD, here’s a guide to some of the top universities in Canada offering scholarships in 2025.
🎓 Top Canadian Universities with Scholarships
| University | Scholarship Types | Funding Range | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto (U of T) | Merit-based, need-based, external awards | Up to CAD 100,000 (Lester B. Pearson Scholarship) | Jan 2025 |
| University of British Columbia (UBC) | International Major Entrance Scholarships, Graduate Fellowships | Up to CAD 40,000/year | Dec 2024 – Jan 2025 |
| McGill University | Entrance Scholarships, PG fellowships | CAD 3,000 – 18,000/year | Varies |
| University of Alberta | International Entrance Leadership Awards, Graduate Scholarships | CAD 5,000 – 40,000 | Dec 2024 – Mar 2025 |
| University of Waterloo | Entrance, merit-based, graduate awards | Up to CAD 20,000/year | Varies |
| University of Manitoba | International Graduate Fellowships | Up to CAD 18,000/year | Dept-specific |
📌 Quick Highlights
🎓 University of Toronto
- Home to Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship — one of the most prestigious in Canada
- Full tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence support
- Highly competitive — for exceptional academic and leadership candidates
🎓 University of British Columbia (UBC)
- International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES) for top-performing undergrads
- Graduate scholarships cover tuition + living costs
- Up to CAD 40,000 per year for doctoral students
🎓 McGill University
- Merit-based Entrance Scholarships for undergrads
- Graduate Fellowships for master’s and PhD students
- Friendly to international students with a diverse campus vibe
🎓 University of Alberta
- International Entrance Leadership Scholarship — CAD 5,000
- Graduate Recruitment Scholarships — up to CAD 17,500
- Strong research opportunities, especially in health, AI, and engineering
🎓 University of Waterloo
- Best known for tech, engineering, and co-op programs
- Scholarships for both entrance and in-course academic performance
- Great graduate funding opportunities in STEM fields
💡 Application Tips
- Apply early — deadlines can be up to a year in advance
- Keep your GPA high — most scholarships have academic cut-offs
- Personalize your essays — highlight leadership, community service, and research (if applicable)
- Get strong references from professors or employers
🤔 FAQs
Q: Can international students apply for Canadian government scholarships through these universities?
Yes — many universities administer government scholarships like Vanier CGS, OGS, and Commonwealth scholarships alongside their own.
Q: Are there fully funded undergraduate scholarships?
Yes! University of Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson and UBC’s IMES can cover full tuition, books, and sometimes living expenses.
Q: Do I need a separate application for scholarships?
Some scholarships are automatic based on your admission application, while others require a separate form and essays. Always check each university’s scholarship page.
🎯 Final Thoughts
If you’re an international student eyeing Canada for 2025, these universities aren’t just academically excellent — they’re generous with scholarships too.
Pro tip: Sign up for scholarship alerts on each university’s website and connect with current students or alumni for insider advice.
Want me to draft a scholarship application calendar for these universities or a sample personal statement outline? Just say the word — I’ve got you covered! 📑✨
