Top 4 Canadian Scholarships Every International Student Should Apply For 2025!

Canada is a dream destination for many international students, offering world-class education and diverse cultural experiences. However, the cost of studying abroad can be daunting. Fortunately, numerous scholarships are available to help ease the financial burden. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top Canadian scholarships that international students should consider.

1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program at the University of Toronto

Overview

The University of Toronto offers the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship to recognize international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and creativity and who are recognized as leaders within their schools. This prestigious scholarship covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.

Eligibility Criteria

• Non-Canadian international students require a study permit.
• Currently in the final year of secondary school or have graduated no earlier than June of the application year.
• Beginning studies at the University of Toronto in the upcoming academic year.

Application Process

1. Nomination: Your school must nominate you. Ensure your school is participating; if not, they can apply to become a partner school.
2. Apply to the University of Toronto: Submit your application for undergraduate studies.
3. Complete the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship application: Upon nomination and application to the university, you’ll receive a personalized link to the scholarship application.

Important Dates

• School nomination deadline: Typically in November.
• Student OUAC application deadline: Usually in December.
• Scholarship application deadline: Generally in January.

For detailed information, visit the University of Toronto’s official website.

2. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)

Overview

The Vanier CGS program aims to attract and retain world-class doctoral students by supporting those who demonstrate leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement. The scholarship provides $50,000 per year for three years during doctoral studies.

Eligibility Criteria

• Pursuing your first doctoral degree (including joint programs such as MD/PhD).
• Intending to pursue, in the summer semester or the academic year following the announcement of results, full-time doctoral (or a joint graduate program such as MD/PhD) studies and research at the nominating institution.
• Have completed no more than 20 months of doctoral studies as of May 1 of the application year.
• Have achieved a first-class average in each of the last two years of full-time study.

Application Process

1. Confirm Eligibility: Ensure you meet all the criteria.
2. Find a Nominating Institution: Apply to a Canadian institution with a quota to nominate candidates for the Vanier CGS.
3. Prepare Application: Gather required documents, including transcripts, letters of reference, and a research proposal.
4. Submit Application: Through the ResearchNet application system before the institution’s internal deadline.

Important Dates

• Institutional internal deadlines: Vary; check with your nominating institution.
• Application deadline: Typically in November.

For more details, visit the Vanier CGS official website.

Also Read: Make Most of the UK-India Young Professionals Scheme 2025

3. University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program

Overview

UBC offers the International Scholars Program to outstanding international students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership skills, involvement in student affairs and community service, recognized achievement in fields of endeavour such as performing arts, sports, debating or creative writing, or external academic competitions and examinations.

Eligibility Criteria

• Be applying for your first undergraduate degree.
• Be admissible to the first choice program you are applying to, including meeting UBC’s English Language Admission Standard.
• Have an excellent academic record (at least an “A” average or equivalent standard).
• Demonstrate a level of financial need that would otherwise prevent you from pursuing a UBC degree.

Application Process

1. Choose Your Program: Decide on the UBC degree program you want to study.
2. Submit Your Application: Apply to UBC by the specified deadline.
3. Complete the International Scholars Program application: After applying to UBC, complete the separate scholarship application.

Important Dates

• UBC application deadline: Typically in December.
• Scholarship application deadline: Usually aligns with the UBC application deadline.

For comprehensive information, visit the UBC International Scholars Program page.

Also Read: 10 Essential Tips for Your Study Abroad Adventure

4. University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship

Overview

The University of Calgary offers the International Entrance Scholarship to international students entering the first year of any undergraduate degree program. The scholarship is renewable annually in the second, third, and fourth year at the University of Calgary, provided recipients achieve a GPA of 2.60 or more over a minimum of 24.00 units in the previous fall and winter terms.

Eligibility Criteria

• International students who are required to pay a differential fee and who are not Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada.
• Must have completed a high school diploma that allows admission to a university in their home country.
• Must have a minimum GPA of 3.20.

Application Process

1. Apply for Admission: Submit your application to the University of Calgary.
2. Access the Student Centre: After applying, access your Student Centre to apply for scholarships.
3. Submit the Scholarship Application: Complete and submit the International Entrance Scholarship application.

Important Dates

• Admission application deadline: Typically in December.
• Scholarship application deadline: Usually in March.

For more details, visit the University of Calgary scholarships page.

Also Read: Why Students Now Choose Culture Over Language in Study Abroad Programs?

FAQs

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