Securing a scholarship to study in Canada can significantly reduce your financial burden, covering everything from tuition fees to living costs. For international students planning their 2026 intake, Canada offers a range of fully funded and merit-based scholarships at the undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels. Whether you are looking for the prestigious Lester B. Pearson Scholarship or university-specific awards like the UBC IMES, understanding the eligibility criteria and application deadlines is crucial. In this guide, we explore the best scholarships for international students in Canada and provide actionable tips on how to apply successfully.
Table of contents:
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
- UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES)
- Canadian Rhodes Scholars Foundation
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
- Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Doctoral
- How to apply for scholarships in Canada
To help you navigate your options, here is a quick comparison of some of the top scholarships available for international students in Canada:
| Scholarship Name | University / Provider | Study Level | Award Value | Eligibility Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship | University of Toronto | Undergraduate | Full tuition, books, fees & residence (4 years) | International students (nominated by high school) |
| UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) | University of British Columbia | Undergraduate | CAD 10,000-25,000/year (up to 4 years) | International students (automatic consideration) |
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) | Participating Ontario Universities | Master's & Doctoral | CAD 10,000-15,000/year | Graduate students in Ontario |
| Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Doctoral (CGRS-D) | Government of Canada | Doctoral | CAD 40,000/year (3 years) | Canadian citizens & up to 15% international students |
| Canadian Rhodes Scholars Foundation | Rhodes Trust / Oxford | Postgraduate | Full tuition and CAD 21,000 stipend | UK citizens only (Oxford graduates) |
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
Who can apply? International students entering their first undergraduate program.
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto is one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships for international students in Canada. Designed to recognize exceptional academic achievement and creativity, this scholarship is awarded to students who are recognized as leaders within their school. Each year, approximately 37 students are selected to receive this award, representing countries from all over the world.
Scholarship value and application process
The Pearson Scholarship is a fully funded award that covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years. To be eligible, you must be an international student requiring a study permit and be in your final year of secondary school (or have graduated no earlier than June of the previous year).
You cannot apply for this scholarship directly. You must first be nominated by your high school (schools can nominate only one student per year). Once nominated, you must apply to study at the University of Toronto and then complete the separate Pearson Scholarship application. For the 2026 intake, school nominations typically close in early October, with the student application deadline following in early November.
Discover more about the Canadian higher education system.
UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES)
Who can apply? International students entering their first undergraduate program at UBC.
The University of British Columbia (UBC) devotes significant funding to support outstanding international students. The International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) is awarded to exceptional students entering undergraduate programs directly from secondary school. The scholarship is valued between CAD 10,000 and CAD 25,000 per year and is renewable for up to three additional years of study.
To be considered, you must be studying on a Canadian study permit and demonstrate exceptional academic achievement alongside impressive extracurricular involvement. The best part about the IMES is that there is no separate application required; if you apply to UBC by the admissions deadline, you are automatically considered for this award.
Canadian Rhodes Scholars Foundation
Who can apply? UK citizens who have recently graduated from the University of Oxford.
If you are a Rhodes Scholar and have completed a degree at the University of Oxford, the Canadian Rhodes Foundation Scholarship is a potential choice. The scholarship covers the cost of full-time graduate study at a top Canadian institution for a year and is renewable for a second year. The scholarships are open for all disciplines, and there are no restrictions on the study course. The award is, however, prestigious and only two scholarships are awarded each year.
The scholarship is administered by the Canadian Rhodes Scholars Foundation (CRSF). The scholarship is comprehensive and covers:
- Tuition and student fees at a Canadian university
- A stipend of CAD 21,000 a year
- A travel grant of CAD 1,000 for travel to Canada
- A travel grant of CAD 1,000 for travel within Canada
You will also receive advice and mentorship from a CRSF board member. To qualify for this scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:
- Must be studying or have graduated from Oxford in the last 24 months.
- Must be under 26 on December 31 in the year of application.
- Must be a UK citizen.
Get more information on how to apply to study in Canada.
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
Who can apply? Graduate students (including international students) at participating Ontario universities.
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) program encourages excellence in graduate studies at the master’s and doctoral levels. It is a merit-based scholarship available to students in all disciplines of academic study at participating universities in Ontario, such as the University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, and McMaster University.
The scholarship is valued at CAD 10,000 for two consecutive study terms or CAD 15,000 for three consecutive study terms. While it is highly competitive, international students enrolled in full-time graduate programs are eligible to apply. Applications are handled directly by the Graduate Studies Office of the university you plan to attend, with applications typically opening in October.
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Doctoral
Who can apply? Doctoral students (up to 15% of awards are available to international applicants).
Replacing the discontinued Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Doctoral (CGRS-D) program supports the next generation of outstanding researchers. The scholarship is valued at CAD 40,000 per year for up to 36 months (three years). It focuses on students studying social sciences and humanities , engineering , natural sciences, and health.
While the majority of these awards are for Canadian citizens and permanent residents, up to 15% of the awards are available to international applicants. To be eligible, international students must be enrolled in a doctoral program at an eligible Canadian institution by the application deadline. Candidates are evaluated based on two main criteria: research potential (50%) and relevant experience and achievements obtained within and beyond academia (50%).
How to apply for scholarships in Canada
Applying for scholarships requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are some actionable tips to help you secure funding for your studies in Canada:
- Start early: Research scholarships at least 8-12 months before your intended intake. Many major scholarships, like the Pearson Scholarship, require high school nominations by October of the previous year.
- Check automatic consideration: Some universities, like UBC, automatically consider you for entrance scholarships when you apply for admission. Ensure you meet the early admission deadlines to qualify.
- Prepare strong documentation: Most merit-based scholarships require academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a compelling personal statement or essay demonstrating your leadership and extracurricular involvement.
- Understand the costs: Scholarships may not cover everything. It is important to understand how much tuition fees in Canada cost and the general cost of living in Canada for international students so you can budget accordingly.
Securing one of these prestigious scholarships for international students in Canada can make your study abroad dream a reality. Start researching your options early, pay close attention to eligibility requirements, and ensure your applications highlight your academic and leadership strengths.
There you have it. Some of the most prestigious scholarships and awards for students in Canada. You may want to discover more about studying in Canada. You can read our guide to the top universities in Canada and the cost of living in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can international students get scholarships in Canada?
Yes, international students can get scholarships in Canada. Many Canadian universities and the government offer merit-based entrance scholarships, graduate research awards, and fully funded options specifically for international students.
Q2: What is the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship?
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded award at the University of Toronto. It covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years for exceptional international undergraduate students.
Q3: Are there fully funded scholarships to study in Canada?
Yes, there are fully funded scholarships available, such as the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship for undergraduates. At the graduate level, awards like the CGRS-D provide substantial funding (CAD 40,000 per year) that covers most tuition and living expenses.
Q4: What is the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Doctoral?
The CGRS-D is a federal scholarship that replaces the Vanier program. It awards CAD 40,000 per year for up to three years to outstanding doctoral students, with up to 15% of the awards available to international applicants.
Q5: Which Canadian universities offer scholarships for international students?
Almost all major Canadian universities offer scholarships for international students. Top institutions like the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill University, and participating Ontario universities (through the OGS program) have dedicated funding for international applicants.
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