Scholarships for International Students in Canada

Types of Scholarships

Canadian universities and colleges offer a wide range of scholarships for international students. **Entrance scholarships** are awarded based on academic merit when you apply—no separate application is often required. **In-course scholarships** are for students already enrolled, based on grades or other criteria. **Government-funded programs** include the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program, the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships, and Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP), which support students from specific regions. **Private and institutional scholarships** from foundations, corporations, and donors can cover partial or full tuition. Some are discipline-specific (e.g., engineering, business); others target underrepresented groups or regions.

Where to Look

Start with your chosen school's financial aid or awards office—they list institution-specific scholarships and often have dedicated pages for international students. Explore **Scholarships Canada**, **Yconic**, and **Universities Canada** databases. Provincial governments (e.g., Ontario, British Columbia) sometimes offer awards. Your home country's government or education ministry may have bilateral agreements with Canada. Don't overlook smaller awards; several modest scholarships can add up.

Tips

Apply early—many scholarships have deadlines months before the academic year. Meet all requirements and submit complete applications; missing documents are the top reason for rejection. Tailor each application: address the specific criteria, write a compelling personal statement, and get strong reference letters. Keep track of deadlines in a spreadsheet. Even if you don't win the first time, reapply in subsequent years—persistence pays off.