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Canada is one of the most popular destinations for international students due to its high-quality education, welcoming environment, and opportunities for career growth. However, the cost of studying abroad can be high. To help reduce the financial burden, many institutions and organizations in the country offer free scholarships in Canada to international students.
This Blog Includes:
- 1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
- 2. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships
- 3. University of British Columbia (UBC) International Leader of Tomorrow Award
- 4. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
- 5. University of Waterloo International Master’s and Doctoral Awards
- 6. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
- 7. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
- 8. Carleton University Awards for International Students
- 9. McGill University Scholarships and Student Aid
- 10. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
- Points for consideration while applying for Canadian free scholarship in 2025
- Conclusion
- FAQs
In 2025, several scholarships provide free funding, helping students from around the world pursue their dreams in Canada. This blog will highlight the top 10 free scholarships in Canada for international students in 2025.
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships program aims to attract and retain world-class doctoral students by providing substantial funding. It is designed for students pursuing doctoral degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, or health. The scholarship offers $50,000 per year for three years.
Eligibility
- Candidates must be nominated by a Canadian institution.
- They should demonstrate strong leadership potential and academic excellence.
- Applicants must be pursuing their first doctoral degree.
Application Process
- Students must be nominated by their institution.
- A detailed application, including letters of recommendation and academic transcripts, is required.
2. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships
The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships offered at the University of Toronto for outstanding international students. It covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.
Eligibility
- Open to international students applying for their first undergraduate degree.
- The scholarship is awarded based on academic excellence, leadership, and creativity.
Application Process:
- Students must be nominated by their school.
- After nomination, students apply to the University of Toronto and submit a separate application for the scholarship.
3. University of British Columbia (UBC) International Leader of Tomorrow Award
UBC offers the International Leader of Tomorrow Award, which recognizes international undergraduate students with excellent academic achievements, leadership skills, and involvement in student affairs. This award provides financial support based on the student’s need.
Eligibility
- Candidates must be applying to a first-year undergraduate program at UBC.
- They must demonstrate a need for financial assistance.
Application Process
- Applicants need to submit their application for admission and complete the International Scholars Program application.
4. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
For international students pursuing doctoral studies in social sciences and humanities, the Trudeau Foundation Scholarships provide exceptional opportunities. These scholarships offer up to $40,000 annually for three years, in addition to a research and travel allowance.
Eligibility
- Open to international students pursuing a doctoral degree at a Canadian institution.
- Focus on leadership potential and academic excellence in areas like human rights, responsible citizenship, and environmental sustainability.
Application Process
- Candidates must submit an application to the Trudeau Foundation.
- They should provide a comprehensive research proposal, academic transcripts, and references.
5. University of Waterloo International Master’s and Doctoral Awards
The University of Waterloo offers scholarships for both master’s and doctoral students. The scholarship amount varies depending on the program and the student’s academic performance. Many awards cover tuition fees and living expenses.
Eligibility
- Students must be enrolled in a research-based master’s or doctoral program at the University of Waterloo.
- Candidates must have a strong academic record.
Application Process
- Applications are automatically considered when students apply to the university.
Also Read: University of Western Australia
6. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship is a merit-based award for international students pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in Ontario. The scholarship provides $15,000 per year, renewable for up to two years.
Eligibility:
- Open to international students studying at an Ontario university.
- Candidates must have an excellent academic record.
Application Process
- Students apply through their university, and selection is based on academic performance.
7. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
The University of Manitoba offers graduate fellowships for international students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees. The fellowship provides $14,000 for master’s students and $18,000 for doctoral students annually.
Eligibility
- Open to international students enrolled in full-time graduate programs.
- Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Application Process
- Students are automatically considered when they apply to the university.
8. Carleton University Awards for International Students
Carleton University provides several scholarships for international students who demonstrate strong academic performance. Scholarships range from partial to full tuition coverage depending on the student’s merit and financial need.
Eligibility
- Open to international students applying for undergraduate or graduate programs.
- Based on academic achievement of the student.
Application Process
- Students must apply to Carleton University.
- A separate application for scholarships may be required for some awards.
9. McGill University Scholarships and Student Aid
McGill University offers several need-based and merit-based scholarships for international students. The financial aid packages are designed to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational costs.
Eligibility
Open to international students applying to undergraduate or graduate programs.
Candidates must demonstrate financial need or academic merit.
Application Process
- Students must submit an application to McGill University and indicate interest in scholarships during the admission process.
10. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships are designed to attract the best and brightest postdoctoral students to Canada. These fellowships provide $70,000 per year for two years to international postdoctoral students conducting research in the areas of health, natural sciences, engineering, and social sciences.
Eligibility
- Candidates must have completed a doctoral degree in the past five years.
- They must demonstrate a strong academic and research background.
Application Process
- Applicants must find a host institution in Canada and submit a detailed research proposal.
- References and academic transcripts are required.
Points for consideration while applying for Canadian free scholarship in 2025
- Canadian universities and institutions offer a variety of scholarships covering tuition, books, living expenses, and more.
- Many scholarships are based on academic merit, leadership skills, and financial need.
- Ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements and submit complete applications to maximize your chances of receiving a scholarship.
Conclusion
Canada is a land of opportunity for international students, offering not only world-class education but also financial support through a wide range of scholarships. These top 10 scholarships for 2025 provide international students with a chance to study in Canada without the heavy burden of tuition fees.
Whether you are pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degree, there are scholarships available to help you achieve your educational goals.When applying for these scholarships, it’s important to pay close attention to deadlines and ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria.
With determination and careful preparation, you can secure financial support and embark on an exciting academic journey in Canada.
FAQs
Answer: While many of these scholarships offer substantial financial aid, it’s important to check the specific terms and conditions of each scholarship. Some may cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs, while others may provide partial funding.
Answer: Eligibility criteria typically include academic excellence, strong English language proficiency, and a well-written application. Some scholarships may also consider factors such as research experience, extracurricular activities, and financial need.
Answer: The application process for each scholarship varies. Generally, you will need to submit academic transcripts, standardized test scores (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS), letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. It’s crucial to carefully review the application requirements for each scholarship and submit your application before the deadline.
We hope this blog gives you a complete overview of the top 10 free scholarships in Canada for International Students. Stay tuned to Leverage Edu for more such content on student life abroad. Thank you for reading!
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