The best scholarships to study in Canada for international students include the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto, the UBC International Scholars Program, UBC merit-based awards, McGill entrance scholarships, and selected Canadian government-funded programs. Some awards can cover most or all major study costs, while others provide partial tuition support. The right option depends on your study level, academic record, financial need, leadership experience, nationality, and the university or program you choose.
Canada offers scholarships at undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and research levels. However, not every scholarship is open to every international student. Some require university admission first, some require nomination by your school, and some government programs can only be accessed through a Canadian institution. If you’re comparing opportunities beyond Canada, learning How to Find Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students can help you understand where to search and what to check before applying.
Best Scholarships in Canada for International Students
If you’re looking for a scholarship that can make studying in Canada much more affordable, start with awards that provide substantial tuition or living-cost support. The most suitable scholarship will depend heavily on whether you’re applying for a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program.
Here are some of the strongest options worth researching for the 2027 intake:
| Scholarship | Study level | Main benefit | Key requirement |
| Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship | Undergraduate | Tuition, books, fees and residence support for 4 years | School nomination and exceptional achievement |
| UBC International Scholars Program | Undergraduate | Need-and-merit-based financial support | Strong academics, leadership and significant financial need |
| UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship | Undergraduate | Up to $25,000/year for 2026/27 | Outstanding international applicants |
| McGill Entrance Scholarships | Undergraduate | Merit-based entrance funding | Very strong academic record |
| Study in Canada Scholarships | Short-term study/research | Scholarship support for eligible students from selected countries | Must meet country and institutional requirements |
| Canada Graduate Scholarships | Graduate | Federal graduate research funding | Academic and research excellence |
| Other university graduate awards | Master’s/PhD | Varies by university and program | Admission, research profile and department criteria |
Government of Canada scholarship listings include undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and postdoctoral opportunities, while EduCanada maintains a dedicated search area for international applicants. Students interested in funding outside university-based awards can also review our guide to Government Scholarships for International Students.
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is one of the best-known scholarships for international undergraduate students in Canada. It is designed for exceptional students who demonstrate strong academic achievement, creativity and leadership within their school or community.
For students beginning at the University of Toronto in September 2027, eligibility requires international student status, enrollment in the final year of secondary school during 2026/27 or graduation no earlier than June 2026, and admission to begin undergraduate studies in September 2027.
The scholarship covers tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years. This makes it particularly valuable for students who need substantial financial assistance rather than a small entrance award.
The process is also different from many ordinary scholarships. Your school must nominate you before you can complete the scholarship application. For the 2027 intake, U of T lists October 9, 2026 as the school nomination deadline, October 16, 2026 for the admission application, and November 6, 2026 for the completed Pearson scholarship application.
UBC International Scholars Program
The University of British Columbia International Scholars Program is another major option for international undergraduate applicants who have both excellent academic results and significant financial need.
UBC says applicants should demonstrate superior academic achievement, leadership, meaningful community involvement and a level of financial need that makes attending university difficult without substantial financial support. Applicants must be entering their first undergraduate degree directly from an accredited secondary school.
The program includes several award categories, such as the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award, Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award, International Impact Award and Vantage One Excellence Award.
For September 2027 entry, UBC’s International Scholars application deadline is November 15, 2026. Applicants also need to complete the UBC admission process and meet the required English-language and document deadlines.
This scholarship is particularly worth considering if you have strong grades but your family’s financial circumstances make Canadian university costs difficult to manage.
UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship
The International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) is aimed at outstanding international students entering undergraduate programs at UBC.
For the 2026/27 academic year, UBC lists IMES awards at $10,000 to $25,000 per year, with the possibility of renewal for up to three additional years. The exact number and value of awards can vary according to available funding.
Unlike the International Scholars Program, IMES is primarily merit-based. Applicants are assessed on academic achievement, intellectual promise and extracurricular or community involvement. Students applying by the required admission deadline are automatically considered, so a separate scholarship application isn’t normally required for IMES.
For 2027 entry, UBC’s application and scholarship timeline should be checked carefully because deadlines differ by award.
McGill University Scholarships for International Students
McGill University offers several funding options for international students, including entrance scholarships for newly admitted undergraduate students. The university also provides information about financial aid and other funding sources for international students.
McGill’s entrance scholarships are highly competitive. Its published estimates show that scholarship consideration for overseas high school applicants can require approximately a 97% average or a place in the top 1% of the class, although these are estimates rather than guaranteed cutoffs.
This is an important point: meeting an estimated academic threshold doesn’t automatically mean you’ll receive an award. Scholarship decisions depend on the applicant pool and available funding.
Government of Canada Scholarships for International Students
The Canadian government also lists scholarships and exchange programs for international applicants. EduCanada currently highlights programs such as Study in Canada Scholarships, the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program, SEED-2, the Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program and the Organization of American States Academic Scholarships Program.
These programs don’t all work like normal university entrance scholarships. Several are intended for short-term study or research, and eligibility can depend on your country or region.
There’s another important detail to understand. International students cannot simply assume they can create an individual My EduCanada account and apply directly for every Global Affairs Canada scholarship. For programs such as Study in Canada Scholarships and SEED-2, eligible Canadian institutions apply on behalf of candidates.
So, always read the application route before spending time preparing documents.
Scholarships for Master’s and PhD Students in Canada
Graduate students have access to a different range of funding opportunities. The Government of Canada lists programs for master’s, doctoral and postdoctoral study, including Canada Graduate Scholarships and other research funding administered through Canada’s federal granting agencies.
For students specifically targeting graduate study, our guide to Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships for International Students provides a broader look at the types of funding available for master’s programs and what applicants usually need to prepare.
For graduate applicants, funding is often connected to research, academic performance, the department and the supervisor rather than being a single university-wide scholarship. This means you should search both the university’s graduate funding pages and the department offering your program.
When comparing graduate scholarships, check whether the award pays tuition, provides a living stipend, covers research costs or only provides a one-time amount. These details can make a major difference to your actual budget.
Who Can Get a Scholarship to Study in Canada?
Scholarship eligibility varies considerably, but strong academic performance is one of the most common requirements. Some awards also look closely at leadership, community service, financial need, research potential or a specific field of study.
For undergraduate scholarships, applicants may need to be entering directly from high school. For graduate awards, a completed bachelor’s degree, research proposal, supervisor support or admission to a specific program may be required.
Before applying, check these points:
- Your nationality and international student status
- Required academic average or class ranking
- Degree level and eligible program
- Financial-need requirements
- Leadership or community involvement
- English-language requirements
- Admission and scholarship deadlines
- Whether nomination is required
Don’t apply based only on the scholarship’s advertised value. Eligibility comes first.
How to Apply for Canadian Scholarships
A strong scholarship application starts well before the deadline. First, shortlist universities and programs that fit your academic background. Then check each university’s official scholarship page and separate scholarships into automatic awards, nomination-based awards and scholarships requiring a separate application.
Prepare your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statements, activity records and financial documents early. For scholarships based on leadership or community work, don’t simply list activities. Explain what you actually did, who benefited and what you learned from the experience.
It’s also worth checking whether admission and scholarship applications have different deadlines. UBC, for example, has separate dates for admission, International Scholars applications and supporting documents.
How to Improve Your Chances of Winning a Canada Scholarship
Good grades matter, but the strongest applications usually offer more than grades. Scholarship committees may want evidence that you’ve taken responsibility, contributed to your community, solved a real problem or shown clear potential in your chosen field.
Your application should also be specific. Instead of writing that you are a “hard-working leader,” give a short example that proves it. If you organized a community project, explain its purpose, your role and its results.
Finally, don’t rely on one scholarship. Apply to several suitable awards at different universities and keep track of their requirements in a simple spreadsheet. A scholarship worth $10,000 can still be valuable if combined with another university award or external funding.
Are Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada Available?
Yes, fully funded or near-fully funded opportunities exist, but they are limited and highly competitive. The Lester B. Pearson scholarship, for example, covers major undergraduate costs for successful recipients, while UBC’s International Scholars Program provides substantial financial support based on need and merit.
However, “fully funded” doesn’t always mean exactly the same thing. One scholarship may cover tuition and residence but exclude travel, while another may provide a stipend but not cover the full international tuition bill.
Always read the official award terms before assuming that every expense will be paid.
What International Students Should Do Before Applying
The best scholarships to study in Canada for international students are competitive, so preparation matters. Start by choosing realistic programs, checking eligibility and noting every deadline. Official university and Canadian government pages should be your main source because scholarship values, deadlines and eligibility can change from one intake to another.
If you’re applying for 2027, several deadlines are already available. For example, U of T’s Pearson scholarship has October and November 2026 deadlines, while UBC’s International Scholars Program has a November 15, 2026 deadline.
Once you’ve secured admission and funding, the next step is understanding Canada’s immigration requirements. Before submitting your study permit application, review Canada Student Visa Requirements so you know which documents, financial proof and other requirements you may need.
After receiving admission and scholarship offers, international students should also check the current Canadian study permit rules. For master’s and doctoral degree programs at public institutions, Canada states that applicants generally don’t need a provincial or territorial attestation letter from January 1, 2026, although Quebec has separate requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best scholarship in Canada for international students?
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto is one of the strongest undergraduate options because it covers tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years.
Can international students get fully funded scholarships in Canada?
Yes. Some Canadian scholarships provide funding that covers most or all major study costs, but eligibility is highly competitive and coverage differs between programs.
Which Canadian universities offer scholarships to international students?
Universities including the University of Toronto, UBC and McGill offer scholarships for international students. Many other Canadian universities also provide entrance awards, faculty scholarships and graduate funding.
When should I apply for Canada scholarships for 2027?
You should start several months before the intended intake. Some 2027 scholarship deadlines fall in late 2026. For example, UBC’s International Scholars Program deadline is November 15, 2026, while U of T’s Pearson scholarship application deadline is November 6, 2026.