Master’s in Architecture in Canada Scholarships for International Students

Studying a Master’s in Architecture in Canada is a big step for many international students. The cost of tuition and living can be high, but scholarships can help cover these expenses. This blog talks about the top Master’s in Architecture in Canada scholarships for international students in 2026. You will find out who can apply, how much money you can get, and how to apply. We also share tips to increase your chances of winning. 

Master’s in Architecture Scholarships in Canada: Quick Overview 

International students who want to pursue a Master’s in Architecture in Canada can apply for several scholarships. Here is the quick overview of all major scholarships, eligibility, award type, and application requirements.

Scholarship Name	Eligibility	Award Amount	Selection Criteria
Roberta and Lonsdale Schofield Graduate Scholarship	International students in full-time Master’s in Architecture	CAD 1,000 – CAD 5,000	Academic excellence, portfolio, leadership
Martin Simmons Graduate Scholarship	International students in full-time Master’s in Architecture	CAD 5,000	Focus on locally relevant architecture, academic record
Barry Bell Scholarship	International students in full-time Master’s in Architecture	CAD 1,000	Advanced architectural studies, academic performance
Kris Bajaj Memorial Scholarship	International students in full-time Master’s in Architecture	CAD 1,500	Academic excellence, leadership, portfolio
Pella Awards	International students in full-time Master’s in Architecture	CAD 1,000 – CAD 3,000	Excellence in sustainable architectural design
Buitrago Opportunity Graduate Scholarship	International students in full-time Master’s in Architecture or Engineering	CAD 50,000	Academic record, project work, leadership
Iron Ring Graduate Scholarship	International students in full-time Master’s in Architecture	Varies	Academic record and leadership
OALA Scholarship	International students in Master of Landscape Architecture	CAD 2,000	Academic performance, leadership, and design studio work

Roberta and Lonsdale Schofield Graduate Scholarship

The Roberta and Lonsdale Schofield Graduate Scholarship is an annual award for outstanding students entering this program at the University of Waterloo. This scholarship was established by Roberta and Lonsdale Schofield to honor the relocation of the School of Architecture to Cambridge. It is usually awarded alongside other scholarships like the Ontario Graduate Scholarship or the Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science & Technology. International students entering the M.Arch. program are eligible.

Eligibility	International students entering the M.Arch. program
Award Amount	Minimum CAD 1,200 usually awarded with OGS or QEII-GSST
Award Type	Fee waiver or discount
Application Process	Considered automatically upon admission

Martin Simmons Graduate Scholarship 

The Martin Simmons Graduate Scholarship encourages Master’s in Architecture students to explore architecture projects that are deeply connected to the local community. This scholarship highlights the importance of sustainable, locally meaningful architectural solutions and gives students a chance to receive recognition for impactful research.

Award Amount	CAD 6,000
Eligible Students	Full-time M.Arch students in their first term of thesis research
Submission Requirement	800-word abstract focusing on local architecture projects
Award Type	Fee waiver or discount
Selection Criteria	Creativity, relevance to local community, and research quality

Also Read: How to Shortlist Universities For MS in USA?

Barry Bell Scholarship 

The Barry Bell Scholarship for Advanced Architectural Studies is an annual award established to honor the legacy of J. Barry Bell, a distinguished architect and educator. The scholarship encourages students to explore architectural practices and theories beyond Canadian borders, fostering a global perspective in architectural education.

Award Amount	CAD 1,000
Eligibility	Full-time graduate students enrolled in the Master’s program in the School of Architecture
Selection Criteria	Academic excellence and demonstrated interest in international architecture
Application Process	Submit an application via the School of Architecture’s website by May 1
Award Type	Fee waiver or discount

Kris Bajaj Memorial Scholarship 

The Kris Bajaj Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of Kris Bajaj by supporting graduate students who are researching sustainability. The award is administered by the Associate Dean, Graduate Studies in the Faculty of Engineering.

Award Amount	CAD 1,500
Eligibility	Full-time graduate students in the first year of a master’s program in the Faculty of Engineering
Academic Standing	Minimum cumulative average of 80% or equivalent in the last completed program
Selection Process	Awarded annually by the Associate Dean, Graduate Studies in the Faculty of Engineering
Application Process	Considered upon admission; no separate application required

Pella Awards

The Pella Awards help graduate students in the Master’s of Architecture program at the University of Waterloo. The awards reward students who think creatively and care about sustainable design. Pella, a company that makes windows and doors, gives money to support these awards.

Award Amount	CAD 3,000 (First place) CAD 2,000 (Second place) CAD 1,000 (Third place)
Eligible Students	Full-time graduate students in the Master’s of Architecture program
Focus Area	Sustainable architectural design and smart use of windows and doors
Selection Criteria	Creative design, sustainability, and good material use
Application Process	Submit design project to the Director of the School of Architecture
Funding Source	Pella company donation

Buitrago Opportunity Graduate Scholarship 

The Buitrago Opportunity Graduate Scholarship helps students who want to study in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Waterloo. The scholarship recognizes students who have done very well in their studies. It gives students a chance to focus on their master’s program without worrying too much about money.

Award Amount	CAD 50,000
Eligible Students	Full-time graduate students in the Faculty of Engineering
Program Type	Course-based or research-based master’s programs
Preference	Students with a Mechanical Engineering degree from the Industrial University of Santander, Colombia
Application Process	Considered automatically when admitted; no separate application needed
Funding Source	Endowment fund in memory of Carlos Buitrago

Iron Ring Graduate Scholarship

This scholarship is for students who have graduated from the Faculty of Engineering at Waterloo or from Conestoga College. To get this scholarship, students need to be working full-time in one of Waterloo’s engineering departments. Students who get this scholarship must stay full-time in their program. They will be chosen based on how well they did in their studies and how they led in their community or group projects.

Award Amount	Up to CAD 5,000, paid over three academic terms
Eligibility	Graduates of the University of Waterloo Faculty of Engineering or Conestoga College
Program Type	Master’s research in one of Waterloo’s engineering departments
Status Requirement	Must be a full-time student during the scholarship period
Application Process	Application required; submit to the Department Graduate Coordinator
Award Term	Awarded in the Fall term
Renewability	One-time award; not renewable
Funding Source	Determined by the Office of the Dean of Engineering

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Ontario Association of Landscape Architects Scholarship (OALA)

The OALA Scholarship supports students who are studying landscape architecture in Ontario. The award is given to students who show excellence in their studies and have a strong interest in the field of landscape architecture. 

Award Amount	CAD 2,000
Eligibility	Students enrolled in accredited landscape architecture programs in Ontario
Program Level	Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)
Selection Criteria	Academic excellence, performance in design studio, and leadership contributions
Application Process	Nominated by the Faculty; no separate application required
Award Term	Awarded in the third semester of the MLA program

Eligibility Criteria for Master’s in Architecture Scholarships in Canada

International students can apply for scholarships to pursue this course in Canada. Scholarships support students financially and recognize talent, creativity, and academic excellence.

Admission and Enrollment Requirements

Students must be accepted or enrolled in a full-time Master’s program in Architecture at a recognized Canadian university. Part-time students are usually not eligible. Admission must be confirmed before applying for the scholarship.

Academic Qualifications

Students must have a strong academic record. Most scholarships require a bachelor’s degree in Architecture or a closely related field. High grades in previous studies increase the chances of receiving a scholarship.

Design Portfolio

Some scholarships require students to submit a portfolio of their design work. The portfolio should show creativity, technical skills, and innovation in architectural projects. It helps the selection committee see the student’s potential.

Skills and Experience

Students with leadership skills, involvement in projects, or experience in sustainable architecture may get preference. Some scholarships value contributions to community projects or innovative research.

English Language Proficiency

International students must prove their English skills. Acceptable tests include IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent exams. Good English scores are important to understand the course material and succeed in the program.

How to Apply for Master’s in Architecture Scholarships in Canada

Applying for scholarships becomes easier if students follow a clear stepwise process. Each step helps prepare and submit a strong application.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Students must check the eligibility criteria before applying. Make sure you are accepted or enrolled in a full-time postgraduate Architecture program. Confirm that you meet academic and English proficiency requirements.

Step 2: Find Scholarships

Students should search for scholarships offered by Canadian universities, government programs, or private organizations. Look for awards specifically for international students in architecture.

Step 3: Prepare Documents

Students must gather all required documents. These usually include.

• Academic transcripts and certificates
  
• Resume or CV
  
• Statement of purpose or essay
  
• Design portfolio
  
• English proficiency test scores

Step 4: Complete the Application Form

Students need to fill out the scholarship application form carefully. Provide accurate personal and academic information.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Students should submit the application before the deadline. Some scholarships require online submission, while others may ask for email or postal submission.

Step 6: Follow Up

Students must check their email or university portal for updates on their application. Some universities may request additional information or interviews.

Step 7: Wait for the Selection

Students will be notified about the results after the selection process. Winners are chosen based on academic performance, portfolio quality, and other criteria set by the scholarship.

Tips to Win Architecture Scholarships for International Students

Winning a scholarship requires planning, creativity, and effort. Students should focus on presenting themselves as strong candidates.

1. Showcase Your Design Portfolio

Students should highlight their best design projects in a portfolio. Include sketches, 3D models, and completed projects. Make sure the portfolio tells a story about your creativity and skill.

2. Write a Clear and Personal Essay

Students need to write an essay that explains their goals, inspiration, and why they chose architecture. Keep it personal and show passion for your field.

3. Highlight Leadership and Teamwork

Students should mention any leadership roles or teamwork experiences. Participation in clubs, design competitions, or community projects shows initiative.

4. Emphasize Sustainability and Innovation

Students can show how they focus on sustainable design or innovative solutions. Canadian universities value environmentally friendly and forward-thinking ideas.

5. Maintain Strong Academic Records

Students must keep high grades in their current or previous studies. Good marks show dedication and the ability to handle challenging coursework.

6. Get Strong Recommendation Letters

Students should request recommendation letters from professors or mentors who know their work well. Letters should highlight skills, creativity, and reliability.

7. Follow Scholarship Instructions Carefully

Students need to read the scholarship guidelines carefully. Submit all required documents on time and avoid missing any steps.

8. Demonstrate Cultural Awareness

Students can show interest in Canadian culture or global architecture trends. This demonstrates adaptability and a global perspective.

9. Participate in Competitions or Workshops

Students should take part in architecture competitions or workshops. It adds credibility to their profile and shows active engagement in the field.

10. Proofread and Review Everything

Students must check all applications and documents for errors. Clear and polished submissions reflect attention to detail and professionalism.

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That was everything you needed to know about Master’s in Architecture scholarships in Canada for international students, including eligibility, application process, benefits, and tips to improve your chances. For more such detailed guides on scholarships and study opportunities abroad, visit the Scholarships Page on Leverage Edu and stay updated with reliable information.