If you’re an international student who wants to study at some of the world’s best universities but can’t afford it, don’t worry. There are fully-funded scholarships available for undergraduate and postgraduate studies at top Canadian universities.
Canada is a popular choice for students worldwide, with over 621,656 international students enrolled in its universities. The Canadian Government has friendly immigration policies that attract students.
Even though Canada is a top choice for international students, studying there can be expensive. Tuition fees for international undergraduates increased by 7.6% in the 2024 academic session, according to Statistics Canada.
On average, international undergraduate students pay about $29,714 Canadian Dollars per year for tuition, and living costs are around $10,000.
The good news is that there are many funding options for international students in Canada. One great option is the scholarships offered by top Canadian universities. These scholarships can help students focus on their studies without worrying about how to pay for them.
Canadian Universities Offering Scholarships For 2024
1. University of Toronto
Established in 1827, the University of Toronto is Canada’s best university. It has a rich history of tackling tough challenges and changing society through the creativity and determination of its faculty, students, alumni, and supporters.
This university is known for top-notch research and brings together bright minds from diverse backgrounds to work on the world’s biggest problems.
The University of Toronto welcomes thousands of international students and provides attractive scholarships and funding opportunities. One notable scholarship is the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship.
2. University of Saskatchewan
Situated in Saskatoon, Canada, and founded in 1907, the University of Saskatchewan is a top public research institution. It ranks among the best in the country and offers programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
The university provides generous scholarships for all its courses, making education accessible to international students who might struggle to finance their studies.
There are fully-funded master’s and Ph.D. scholarships available for eligible students. Master’s scholarships are valued at CAD 18,000 per year, and Ph.D. scholarships are valued at $22,000 per year.
3. University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo is one of Canada’s top public research universities, offering over 140 international scholarships for students worldwide. These scholarships, available for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students, maybe course-specific or country-specific.
They can be worth up to CAD 10,000 and may be automatically awarded to students upon university admission. Some examples of these scholarships include the Colonel Hugh Heasley Engineering Scholarships and the Frank and Janet Hill Scholarship for Women in Math.
4. University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is one of the top 5 universities in Canada and is ranked among the top 150 in the world. It offers more than 200 undergraduate programs and over 500 graduate programs with 250 specializations and 300 research areas.
Students from over 150 countries choose to study here because of its high-quality education and excellent reputation.
The university provides fully funded master’s and Ph.D. scholarships for international students who meet the necessary criteria. Recently, the university made it easier for international students to apply for scholarships by adjusting its English proficiency requirements.
Now, students meeting specific criteria can apply for scholarships without taking the IELTS test.
Every year, the university offers scholarships and financial support totalling over $34 million for undergraduate and postgraduate students. There are various types of scholarships available, including admission-based scholarships like the International Admission Scholarship, Regional Excellence Scholarship, and Gold Standard Scholarship.
Additionally, there are application-based scholarships such as the President’s International Distinction Scholarship, International Leader Scholarship, and May Quon Undergraduate Scholarship, among others. The university also provides Transfer Scholarships.
5. McGill University
McGill University, based in Montreal, is one of the most respected universities in Canada. Every year, it draws in numerous international students from over 150 countries. It also has the highest percentage of Ph.D. students among all Canadian research universities.
For both undergraduate and postgraduate students, there are different ways to get financial support, including:
- – Frugal Scholar Program: This program offers financial help to students.
- – Entrance Scholarships: These scholarships are available for students when they first join the university.
- – McGill Financial Aid: Students can receive aid directly from McGill University to support their studies.
- – Government Aid: There are programs where the government provides financial assistance.
- – Work Study Program: This program allows students to work while studying, helping them earn money for their education.