Canada is ranked the third most popular study destination among international students. This does not come as a surprise because the country provides a quality standard of living and its educational system is top-notch.
Although enrolling in a Canadian institution may be quite expensive, there are several scholarships that students can use to support and achieve their dream of studying in Canada. Each year, Canada offers countless scholarships for both Canadian and international students. These scholarships are available at different study levels, including undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Students can be accepted for either a fully funded or partial scholarship. These scholarships are sometimes funded by private organizations or the government. They are awarded to students to support their studies and living needs.
In this article, we will discuss the top 10 Canada scholarship programs, their eligibility criteria, and their benefits.
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Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
This scholarship is funded and awarded by the Canadian government to international students. It is eligible for only graduate students looking to study for a PhD program in Canada. Each year, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship program is awarded to over 160 students who excel in their academic and leadership activities. Different universities in Canada usually nominate graduate students who have shown great academic performance for the award. The value of the scholarship is about 50,000 CAD, which is paid to the student for a duration of 3 years.
Eligibility criteria
- The student must have completed a master’s degree program and want to proceed with a doctorate degree in Canada.
- Only international students are eligible.
- A student must possess high academic standards.
Required documents
- Professional CV
- Leadership statement from the institution
- Details of previous research contributions
- Reference letter
- Result transcript
Ontario Graduate Scholarships
This scholarship is sponsored by the Government of Ontario with other partner institutions to offer the partial scholarship. The scholarship award of 15,000 CAD in stipends is given to the successful graduate student. The prize money is awarded for a period of two years. To be eligible for the award, the student must have shown great academic skills and leadership experience.
Eligibility criteria
- The student must be outstanding academically.
- Students must be willing to study only at institutions in Ontario.
- The student must currently be enrolled in a full-time graduate program in Ontario, Canada.
Ontario Trillium Scholarship
The Ontario Trillium Scholarship is a scholarship program awarded to international students seeking to pursue a PhD program in Canada. This scholarship is fully funded and offers 40,000 CAD, which is paid to the students for four years. The Ontario Trillium Scholarship is sponsored by the government and cannot be combined with other scholarship programs once successful.
Eligibility criteria
- Only international students are eligible for the scholarship program.
- Applicants must be ready to pursue a PhD program at institutions in Canada.
- Students must show remarkable leadership skills and can only be nominated by their institution.
Document required
- Academic transcripts
- Letter of recommendation
- Curriculum vitae
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship is named after one of the past Canadian Prime Ministers, Pierre Elliot Trudeau. The scholarship is awarded every year to only 16 postgraduate students in Canada. The scholarship is partially funded and offers 40,000 CAD for a three-year duration.
Eligibility criteria
- The student must have been accepted to study a doctoral program at a Canadian institution.
- Applicants must possess academic achievement and show leadership skills.
- Applicants must also engage in one of the foundation’s programs.
International Undergraduate Leadership Scholarships
The International Undergraduate Leadership Scholarships are awarded to 50 international students every year. The students are selected based on their contributions to the arts, athletics, and community service. This scholarship is available to high school students seeking to pursue an undergraduate degree in Canada. Applicants must be suggested by their respective high schools in order to be considered. The scholarship can be extended for students who continue to maintain good academic standing.
Eligibility criteria
- Applicants must be nominated by their institution.
- The scholarship is available to high school students.
Documents required
- Outstanding academic performance
- Letter of recommendation
University of British Columbia (UBC) Public Scholars Award
The UBC scholarship awards 10,000 CAD per year for a duration of 2 years for postgraduate students. The scholarship is sponsored and funded by the UBC Public Scholars Initiative.
Eligibility criteria
- Applicants are selected based on their research work, particularly for the benefit of the public.
- The scholarship is eligible for only postgraduate students in Canada.
Documents required
- A fellowship application form
- A Canadian Common CV
- Reference letter
- Study report
Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships
International students with high academic profiles and great leadership qualities are eligible for the Lester B. Pearson scholarship. This scholarship is awarded at the University of Toronto by merit, and it is given to just 37 students each year. The scholarship is fully funded and covers tuition, books, and living allowances. The award is only available to undergraduate students, but they must be nominated by their high school.
Eligibility criteria
- Students must be willing to pursue a bachelor’s degree at the University of Toronto.
- High school students with high academic standards
Karen McKeelin International Leader of Tomorrow Award Scholarship
International students who are intellectually gifted are awarded the Karen McKeelin scholarship. To be eligible, applicants must be about to start their first year as an undergraduate student.
Eligibility criteria
- Students taking up bachelor’s degree programs at the University of British Columbia
- International students studying in Canada
- Applicants must have displayed leadership skills in community service and student affairs.
University Of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to two students who have excelled in their academics every year. The scholarship awards CAD 15,000 a year to the beneficiaries for their tuition support.
Eligibility criteria
- Candidates must meet the university of Calgary’s English proficiency test.
- Excellent academic achievements are also considered.
- A GPA of 2.60 or above is required for the scholarship to be renewed every year.
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF)
The University of Manitoba offers Graduate Fellowships (UMGF) to Masters or Ph.D. students at the University of Manitoba. A scholarship amount of CAD 14,000 per year is awarded for 1 to 2 years for a Masters program. While CAD 18,000 is awarded to PhD students for a duration of up to 4 years,
Eligibility criteria
- Candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be considered.
- Applicants must be recommended by their respective departments.
- Applicants must be willing to pursue full-time Masters and Doctorate degrees at the University of Manitoba.
