Canada continues to be one of the most popular places to study for international students. The country offers high-quality education, safe living conditions, and a diverse community. But we know that studying in Canada can be expensive. Tuition fees, living costs, and other student expenses can add up quickly. That’s why it’s good to know there are many easy scholarships for international students in Canada.
These scholarships can lower or completely cover your tuition fees and sometimes even offer living expenses. This way, you can study in Canada without worrying too much about finances. Whether you’re looking for a fully funded scholarship in Canada or partial aid, there are many options you can apply for, especially in 2025.
Canadian Government Scholarships 2025
The Canadian government offers several scholarships for international students. These scholarships help students from different countries afford the cost of education in Canada and are usually awarded based on merit, need, or research potential.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
This is one of the top fully funded scholarships in Canada for international students. It offers CAD 50,000 per year for three years to students doing their PhD in fields like health, engineering, natural sciences, and social sciences. You don’t need to be a Canadian citizen to apply, and it’s open to international students worldwide.
IDRC Research Awards
If you’re from a developing country and plan to do research in Canada, the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) offers research awards that help cover study and living costs. This scholarship targets Master’s and PhD students and focuses on development-related topics.
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
The Banting program is for postdoctoral students. If you’re planning advanced research in Canada, you can apply for this scholarship. It gives you CAD 70,000 per year for two years and supports both local and international researchers.
Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED)
This scholarship is managed by Global Affairs Canada. It helps students from ASEAN member countries who want to study in Canada for short-term programs. The SEED scholarship pays for visa costs, health insurance, books, travel, and other study-related expenses.
Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
Students from Commonwealth countries can apply for this program. It offers financial support to graduate students who want to study in Canada. Funding includes tuition, travel, and a monthly living allowance. This makes it a great option for students looking for easy access to higher education in Canada.
Ontario Trillium Scholarship
This is one of the best scholarships for PhD students in Canada. It’s offered by the Province of Ontario and gives international students CAD 40,000 each year for up to four years. You need to be accepted into a PhD program at a university in Ontario to be eligible.
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
The OGS is another good option for those studying at the Master’s or PhD level in Ontario. You can receive CAD 10,000 for two sessions or CAD 15,000 for three sessions. It’s a merit-based award, so your academic achievements must be strong.
National Research Council of Canada (NRCC)
The NRCC provides funding to graduate students working on research projects. The value depends on your academic level and area of research. This support can help reduce the cost of your studies and allow you to focus more on your research work.
Quebec Government Scholarships
Students studying in Quebec may be able to apply for provincial government scholarships. These are awarded to students doing research and graduate studies and can be as high as CAD 40,000.
University Scholarships in Canada for International Students 2025
Many Canadian universities offer scholarships to international students. These scholarships help attract talented students from all over the world. Most of these awards are based on academic achievement, leadership, or special skills. Some universities even automatically consider you for a scholarship when you apply for admission, which makes things even easier.
University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarships
The University of Calgary offers entrance scholarships to international students beginning their undergraduate studies. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and community involvement. Each recipient receives CAD 15,000 per year, renewable for up to four years. That’s a total of CAD 60,000, which can really help with tuition and other school expenses.
This makes it one of the easiest and most rewarding Canadian university scholarships for students who want to start their studies in 2025.
McGill University Scholarships and Financial Aid
McGill University in Montreal provides financial aid to international students who show strong academic performance. Scholarships range from CAD 3,000 to CAD 12,000 and are available to both undergraduate and graduate students.
What makes McGill attractive is that they have entrance scholarships you are automatically considered for when you apply. You may also apply for major scholarships separately, making it a flexible option for students looking for easy scholarship opportunities in Canada.
University of Waterloo International Scholarships
The University of Waterloo is known for innovation and research. It offers a variety of international student scholarships, including merit-based awards. The funding ranges from CAD 2,500 to CAD 50,000 per year, depending on the level of study and the student’s achievements.
These awards are available for undergraduate and graduate students. Waterloo is a great option if you’re seeking an affordable way to study in Canada with help from fully or partially funded scholarships.
University of Alberta International Scholarships
Located in Edmonton, the University of Alberta offers several scholarships to international students. These are for students in undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs. Scholarships can be based on merit, research skills, or leadership activities.
For high-achieving students with a GPA above 3.5, chances of getting funded are much higher. The value of the awards varies, but some can go up to CAD 29,000. The university also provides automatic entrance scholarships upon admission.
University of Toronto Ontario Graduate Scholarship
The University of Toronto is one of the top-ranked universities in Canada and offers the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS). This is a joint effort between the university and the Ontario government. You can receive CAD 10,000 to CAD 15,000 for one academic year.
It’s available for both Master’s and Doctoral students, making it a good option if you’re doing postgraduate studies in Toronto. Note that the OGS is competitive, so having strong academic records is key.
University of Winnipeg President’s Scholarship
If you’re starting a program at the University of Winnipeg, you can apply for the President’s Scholarship for World Leaders. This award is for students entering undergraduate or graduate studies, and it’s worth CAD 5,000.
Applicants must have at least an 80% entrance average and show leadership through community involvement. The scholarship also covers programs in professional and continuing education, including the English Language Program.
Queen’s University Scholarships
Queen’s University in Ontario provides both financial aid and automatic scholarships to international students. While loans are available, most students go for the scholarships given upon admission. These scholarships are easy to apply for because no extra application is needed beyond your initial university application.
If you’re looking for Canadian universities with scholarships for international students in 2025, Queen’s is a strong choice.
University of British Columbia (UBC) International Leader of Tomorrow Award
UBC offers generous financial support through the International Leader of Tomorrow Award. This scholarship is designed for students with high academic achievements and a strong background in leadership and community service.
The award covers full tuition and living costs based on financial need. Students can receive up to CAD 50,000, making it one of the best fully funded scholarships in Canada. UBC also offers merit-based scholarships between CAD 1,500 to CAD 10,000.
Non-Government Scholarships for International Students in Canada 2025
Apart from government and university scholarships, international students in Canada can also benefit from non-government scholarships. These are usually funded by private organizations, companies, or charitable foundations. They often have fewer requirements and focus on specific fields or goals, which makes them great opportunities to consider.
Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship
This scholarship is open to international students studying at Canadian universities, both at undergraduate and graduate levels. It awards CAD 2,000 and is available to any student who writes an essay on internet privacy and cybersecurity.
Although it’s not a large sum, it’s a simple way to earn some extra funding. If you enjoy writing or technology topics, this is a good option to add to your scholarship applications.
Trudeau Foundation Scholarships and Fellowships
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation offers scholarships to international students doing doctoral studies in Canada. The award includes CAD 20,000 per year for three years, plus travel and research expenses.
These fully funded scholarships in Canada are competitive, but they support students doing research in human rights, environmental sustainability, and social innovation. If you’re studying in these areas, this award can significantly lower your costs.
Anne Vallee Ecological Fund (AVEF)
For students focused on ecology and environmental sciences, the Anne Vallee Ecological Fund offers two scholarships per year. Each award is worth CAD 1,500 and supports Master’s or PhD students at universities in British Columbia or Quebec.
If your study or research focuses on animal ecology or environmental conservation, this scholarship could be the right fit. Even though it’s a smaller award, it can help pay for research expenses.
How to Find Easy Scholarships for International Students in Canada
Many students ask, “How do I study in Canada for free?” The truth is that while studying completely free may not always be possible, there are plenty of ways to reduce your costs through scholarships. Knowing where to search and how to apply can make all the difference. Here are a few strategies to help you succeed.
1. Explore University Websites
The first and most reliable place to look for scholarships is on university websites. Most Canadian universities have scholarship sections with updated information for international students. They provide full details about available awards, eligibility, deadlines, and how to apply.
Some universities also offer automatic entrance scholarships, meaning you don’t have to apply separately. This saves time and increases your chances of getting financial help.
2. Use the EduCanada Portal
EduCanada is an official platform from the Canadian government that helps international students explore study options and find scholarships. You can check eligibility requirements, application steps, and even get direct links to apply.
Many students use this site to apply for Global Affairs Canada scholarships or short-term exchange programs. It’s especially useful if you’re looking for government-backed or fully funded scholarships in Canada.
3. Apply Early and Stay Organized
One of the best ways to increase your chances of winning scholarships is to apply early. Most programs have deadlines months before the school year begins. If you’re planning to study in Canada in Fall 2025, it’s a good idea to start applying for scholarships by mid-2024 or early 2025.
Make a checklist of each scholarship’s deadline, requirements, and application documents like transcripts, essays, or recommendation letters. Being organized helps you avoid missing out on easy scholarships.
4. Talk to Advisors and Peers
Academic advisors, school counselors, and friends who have studied in Canada can be a big help. They can guide you to specific scholarships that match your program or background. Some advisors also help with editing your application or personal statement.
You can also join student forums and social media groups where people share scholarship opportunities. Networking online can lead you to hidden or less competitive scholarships.
That’s it. Also, sometimes, you can get a scholarship from the government while applying for a student visa or directly from the school of your choice.
Read also: Scholarships for African Students in Europe
