Types of Scholarships Available for International Students

There are all kinds of reasons why international students choose to study in Canada. One of them, related to the affordability of high-quality education, is access to scholarships, grants, or bursaries. These are types of financial assistance offered to students based on merit, academic achievement, extra-curricular involvement, or special abilities. 

Financial assistance is offered by federal, provincial and territorial governments, as well as individual educational institutions, businesses and charitable foundations. One of the first places students should look for information on scholarships in Canada is the government’s list of resources related to student aid and education planning.  

This page lists information about undergraduate scholarships, graduate scholarships, and some of the more popular scholarships for international students, as well as advice on how to apply, what the eligibility requirements are, and how students are typically chosen for scholarships. 

For support, advice, or more information on whether you are eligible for a scholarship as an international student, book an appointment with an IDP Canada counsellor today! 

Entrance Scholarships for International Students  

Most Canadian colleges and universities automatically consider students for entrance scholarships based on the school or program you are applying to. These scholarships vary though, and requirements also change depending on the institution you’re applying to.  

IDP Canada has a handy search tool on scholarships offered across Canada. It allows you to browse scholarships by study levels, as well as destinations, and lists some of the more popular scholarships offered by various educational institutions. 

Graduate Scholarships for International Students 

The government of Canada lists awards for non-, permanent residents, and citizens of developing countries pursuing their studies at Canadian universities. There are several graduate scholarships for international students based on criteria that include academic excellence, research potential and leadership. 

Find out about eligibility details for merit-based scholarships here.  

Scholarships by Institutions for International Students 

Several Canadian institutions offer significant opportunities to deserving students, at various stages of their academic journeys. The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships at the University of Toronto, for example, are for outstanding international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, creativity, and leadership. Offered to approximately 37 students each year, the scholarships cover tuition, books, incidental fees, as well as full residence support for four years, for first-entry, undergraduate programs. 

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships program is another example. Named after Major-General Georges P. Vanier, the first francophone Governor General of Canada, it is designed to help Canadian institutions attract highly qualified doctoral students and is valued at $50,000 per year for three years.  

There are also many program-based scholarships offered by institutions across Canada, eligibility for which is determined by what students apply for. Lambton College, for instance, offers scholarships for programs in Business Management, Occupational Health, and more, while Humber College offers International Entrance Scholarships as a discount on tuition fees, based on an applicant's academic performance, community involvement, and statement of interest. 

To find out if a school or program you’re interested in offers financial assistance to international students, book an appointment with an IDP Canada counsellor. 

How to Look for the Right Scholarship in Canada 

Millions of dollars are offered in scholarships each year, by educational institutions and other organisations. International students have access to a lot of resources, but it always helps to have a structured approach to finding scholarships. Here are a few suggestions:    

1. Research always helps   

Check with your post-secondary institution for information on what universities and colleges are offering incoming and current students. There are automatic entrance awards as well as merit-based scholarships. Some of these are based on your final grades, while others consider achievements beyond academic results, such as athletic achievement or volunteer experience. Scholarships can be competitive, so research can give you enough time to prepare a solid application. 

2. Check with your school counsellor 

Students in high school can speak to a school counsellor at the start of an academic year to find out what scholarships are available because they are not always advertised. After high school, students can look for resources online that can help pay for a college, university or apprenticeship program. Scroll up for specific information related to graduate scholarships, and scholarships offered by institutions.  

3. Find out about your district 

For international high school students already studying in Canada, it’s possible you’ll be able to qualify for provincial education ministries or school district scholarships, information for which is often posted online. When speaking with a school counsellor (step 2), be sure to ask if there are any scholarships for your district.  

 For international students not in high school and therefore ineligible for school district scholarships, don’t worry. There are many other options available, so read on!   

4. Check with your community and network   

Are you eligible for scholarships related to your membership or involvement with a specific group or organization? Speak to your parents, their employers, any clubs you are part of, groups based on ethnicity or religion, and even organizations you have volunteered with. This is a category of scholarships many students often overlook, so be sure to investigate as the competition for them is likely lower than for other types of scholarships.   

5. Go online   

Finding a database of scholarships online is a great way of sifting through scholarships and prioritizing them. This can be overwhelming though, so consider speaking to a trained education counsellor.  

How to Apply for a Scholarship in Canada 

International students must first find out if they are eligible. Scholarships usually have a particular set of criteria for candidates, because they are offered to those who need and deserve them. Every scholarship-granting body has its own set of requirements, but these are in addition to universal requirements for all international students in Canada who must: 

• complete an online application for a Designated Learning Institution (DLIs) 

• be accepted by their chosen DLI 

• submit copies of all academic transcripts 

• prove their eligibility via official certificates 

• submit a statement of intent 

• prove English proficiency via a test like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 

• undertake a medical exam if necessary 

• fulfil all other criteria to be admissible to Canada. 

Getting your documentation in order is critical for international students to submit a successful application. Every scholarship has its own documentation requirements, so research helps. Here is an idea of the kind of general documentation every international student will need: 

• your completed scholarship application 

• copy of passport/ID, valid for at least six months after entering Canada 

• additional language tests depending on provincial requirements 

• letters of recommendation 

• standardized test scores depending upon your program. 

There may be additional documents required by some scholarship programs, such as an essay explaining why you should be awarded a scholarship, a portfolio for programs related to art or design, or information about your financial status to justify the need for assistance.  

Make sure you have all the documents you need, find out what the exact deadline is, and always try submitting it beforehand in case you are asked for further documentation. For information about application deadlines, and timelines for the next academic year, speak to an IDP Canada counsellor.   

How Scholarships Are Awarded: Selection Criteria    

Scholarships for international students in Canada always look at academic excellence, as demonstrated by results, transcripts, or awards. There are other aspects to the selection criteria too, depending upon the duration of previous studies, or the type of program and courses pursued by a student.   

In some instances, research potential is important, because it allows an institution to consider a student’s potential contribution to the advancement of knowledge in the field. This could include the quality and originality of a student’s contributions, relevance of work experience, feasibility of proposed research, as well as a student’s ability to think critically.   

Lastly, scholarships may consider a student’s personal characteristics. Interpersonal skills, work experience, leadership experience, communication skills, and volunteer work may all be part of the selection criteria. If you have questions about the selection criteria of a scholarship you are interested in applying to, speak to an IDP counsellor for help, advice, or support.   

Why Choose to Study in Canada? 

There are many reasons why international students choose to study and live in Canada. The country routinely ranks highly in terms of quality of life, offers economic stability and income equality, has a robust job market and great employment opportunities, is one of the world’s safest countries and is recognised for its world-class education and public health system. 

Educational institutions in Canada offer flexible and high-quality options from elementary to post-secondary studies, along with research opportunities, flexibility to transfer between types and levels of education and multiple scholarship opportunities for deserving candidates. A Canadian education and network can also help international students prepare for the future whether they decide to stay in Canada or return to their home countries. 

International students in Canada have access to great work opportunities too, such as co-op work placements or internships, and many can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit after their studies. 

To find out more about scholarship opportunities, working in Canada as an international student, or opportunities that can help you meet your academic, professional, or immigration goals, get in touch with IDP Canada today. Our trained and expert counsellors work 1-on-1 to help students chart their educational journey, apply for a second program, or renew their study visas. 

Here are just some of the ways in which our counsellors can help you.