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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 organisations in the country offer free scholarships in Canada to international students. In 2025, several scholarships will 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.
This Blog Includes:
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships
- University of British Columbia (UBC) International Leader of Tomorrow Award
- Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
- University of Waterloo International Master’s and Doctoral Awards
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
- University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
- Carleton University Awards for International Students
- McGill University Scholarships and Student Aid
- Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
- Points for consideration while applying for a Canadian free scholarship in 2026
- FAQs
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 CAD 50,000 per year for three years.
Eligibility
- Open to PhD students in health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities.
- Must have a first-class average in the last two years of study.
- Leadership qualities and research potential are highly valued.
Application Process
- Students cannot apply directly; they must be nominated by a Canadian university.
- Prepare documents: research proposal, CV, references, transcripts.
- Submit through the ResearchNet portal by the university deadline.
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
- For outstanding international students applying to undergraduate programs.
- Must demonstrate leadership, creativity, and academic excellence.
- Applicants must be nominated by their high school.
Application Process:
- Get a nomination from your school.
- Apply to the University of Toronto for admission.
- Fill out the separate scholarship application once nominated.
University of British Columbia (UBC) International Leader of Tomorrow Award
UBC offers the International Leader of Tomorrow Award, which recognises 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
- Open to international students entering undergraduate programs at UBC.
- Must show strong academic performance, leadership, and financial need.
- Requires nomination by the student’s school.
Application Process
- Get nominated by your school.
- Submit the application for UBC admission and the scholarship by the stated deadline.
- Provide financial documents, transcripts, and references.
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 CAD 40,000 annually for three years, in addition to a research and travel allowance.
Eligibility
- For doctoral students in social sciences and humanities.
- Applicants must focus on issues like human rights, people and environment, or responsible citizenship.
- Leadership qualities and community engagement are important.
Application Process
- Apply online through the Trudeau Foundation portal.
- Submit research proposal, CV, references, and transcripts.
- Shortlisted candidates go through interviews.
Also Read: Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada: A Complete Guide
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
- Open to international students enrolled in master’s or PhD programs at Waterloo.
- Students must hold a valid Canadian study permit.
- Full-time enrollment with strong academic standing required.
Application Process
- No separate scholarship application; students are automatically considered when applying for graduate programs.
- Departments nominate eligible students.
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 CAD 15,000 per year, renewable for up to two years.
Eligibility:
- For master’s and doctoral students in Ontario.
- Must have an A- average in the last two academic years.
- Open to both domestic and international students.
Application Process
- Apply through the university where you are enrolled.
- Submit transcripts, research proposal, CV, and references.
- Selection is based on merit.
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
The University of Manitoba offers graduate fellowships for international students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees. The fellowship provides CAD 14,000 for master’s students and CAD 18,000 for doctoral students annually.
Eligibility
- For full-time master’s and PhD students at the University of Manitoba.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 (B average) or higher required.
- All academic fields are eligible.
Application Process
- Apply through the relevant faculty or department.
- Submit academic transcripts, references, and research details.
- Departments nominate students to the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
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
- For undergraduate international students entering Carleton with strong academic records.
- Renewable scholarships require maintaining a high GPA.
Application Process
- Automatically considered when applying for admission.
- For major entrance scholarships, students may need to submit extra documents (essays or references).
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
- For undergraduate and graduate international students.
- Merit-based awards require excellent academic records.
- Need-based aid requires proof of financial need.
Application Process
- Apply for admission at McGill.
- Fill out the separate scholarship/aid application form via Minerva (student portal).
- Submit financial documents if applying for need-based aid.
Also Read: 100% Scholarships at Canadian Universities
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships are designed to attract the best and brightest postdoctoral students to Canada. These fellowships provide CAD 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
- For postdoctoral researchers in health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities.
- Applicants must have completed a PhD within the last 3 years.
- Must show research excellence and leadership.
Application Process
- Secure a host institution in Canada.
- Apply online through the Banting application portal.
- Submit a research proposal, CV, publications, references, and host institution support letter.
Points for consideration while applying for a Canadian free scholarship in 2026
There are certain points that one should keep in mind while applying for scholarships in Canada. Read the given points below to make your process smooth in this journey.
- 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 maximise your chances of receiving a scholarship.
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, standardised 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.
Answer: Yes, Canada offers fully-funded scholarships for international students. Programs like Vanier, Lester B. Pearson, and some university-specific awards can cover tuition, living costs, and other expenses.
Answer: Yes, you can apply to multiple scholarships, but ensure you meet each eligibility criterion. Receiving more than one may sometimes require coordination with universities to avoid overlaps.
Related Reads:
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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