Best Canada Scholarships in 2025
Canada is a top destination for international students, known for its high-quality education, diverse cultural landscape, and globally recognized universities. However, studying abroad can be expensive, and financial support is often essential for many students. Fortunately, Canada offers a wide range of scholarships for international students, allowing you to pursue your academic dreams without breaking the bank. Here’s a guide to the best Canadian scholarships for 2025, eligibility criteria, application processes, and how Eclave can assist you in securing one.
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
- Overview: The Vanier CGS program is one of the most prestigious scholarships in Canada, designed to attract highly skilled Ph.D. students in health sciences, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities.
- Eligibility: Open to international and domestic students nominated by their institution. Applicants should demonstrate high academic excellence, leadership qualities, and research potential.
- Application Process: Students must be nominated by their Canadian institution, so they should first apply to an eligible university. The nomination process typically starts in June, with the deadline in November.
- Benefits: $50,000 per year for up to three years.
2. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto)
- Overview: The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship at the University of Toronto recognizes exceptional international students who demonstrate academic excellence, creativity, and leadership.
- Eligibility: Open to international students applying for an undergraduate program. Students must be nominated by their high school and apply to the University of Toronto.
- Application Process: High schools must nominate students by November, and nominated students must apply to the university by December. Pearson scholarship applications are due in January.
- Benefits: Covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.
3. University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program
- Overview: The UBC International Scholars Program offers various awards, including the International Leader of Tomorrow Award and the Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award, for students with strong academic performance and financial need.
- Eligibility: Open to international students entering UBC who show outstanding academic achievement and financial need.
- Application Process: Students apply through UBC’s application portal, with early application deadlines in December for September intake.
- Benefits: Awarded based on financial need and academic achievement, covering tuition and living expenses.
4. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
- Overview: The Ontario Graduate Scholarship is a merit-based program that supports students in graduate studies in a wide range of disciplines across participating Ontario universities.
- Eligibility: Open to international students in graduate programs at participating Ontario universities. Students must have achieved a minimum academic average of 80% in their last two full-time academic years.
- Application Process: Application deadlines vary by institution, but students typically apply through their university, providing academic transcripts, a research proposal, and references.
- Benefits: $5,000 per session, up to $15,000 for three sessions (one academic year).
5. Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
- Overview: This scholarship, funded by Global Affairs Canada, supports international students from Commonwealth countries in pursuing graduate studies at Canadian institutions.
- Eligibility: Open to students from Commonwealth countries who wish to pursue master’s or Ph.D. studies in Canada. Candidates should demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.
- Application Process: Students apply through their home country’s scholarship agency or the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, which nominates candidates to Canadian institutions.
- Benefits: Covers travel expenses, tuition, living allowance, and medical insurance.
6. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF)
- Overview: UMGF awards are merit-based scholarships for students pursuing master’s and Ph.D. degrees at the University of Manitoba.
- Eligibility: Open to international students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 at the University of Manitoba. Applicants should have a strong academic record and research potential.
- Application Process: Students apply through their respective academic departments at the University of Manitoba. Deadlines vary by department.
- Benefits: Up to $14,000 per year for master’s students (up to two years) and up to $18,000 per year for Ph.D. students (up to four years).
7. Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
- Overview: The Trudeau Foundation awards scholarships to students pursuing doctoral studies in social sciences and humanities, focusing on areas such as human rights, global issues, and responsible citizenship.
- Eligibility: Open to international students enrolled in doctoral programs in Canada. Applicants should demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to public engagement.
- Application Process: Students apply directly to the Trudeau Foundation by December, with required documents including academic records, a research proposal, and references.
- Benefits: $40,000 per year for three years, plus a research and travel allowance of $20,000.
8. Carleton University Entrance Awards for International Students
- Overview: Carleton University offers several entrance awards for international students with a record of academic excellence, financial need, and extracurricular involvement.
- Eligibility: Open to new international undergraduate students entering Carleton University. Students need a minimum GPA of 80% and should meet the university’s language requirements.
- Application Process: Eligible students are automatically considered for some awards based on their admission application, while others may require a separate scholarship application.
- Benefits: Awards range from CAD 4,000 to CAD 16,000, depending on the level of academic achievement.
9. York University International Entrance Scholarships
- Overview: York University provides entrance scholarships to high-achieving international students who exhibit strong academic, leadership, and community service records.
- Eligibility: Open to international students applying for undergraduate studies at York University. Students must meet specific academic requirements and apply for the scholarship.
- Application Process: Students apply through the York University scholarship portal, submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, and evidence of leadership experience.
- Benefits: Ranges from CAD 2,000 to CAD 20,000 per year, depending on the scholarship type and academic performance.
10. Humber College International Entrance Scholarships
- Overview: Humber College offers merit-based entrance scholarships for international students joining diploma, advanced diploma, and bachelor’s degree programs.
- Eligibility: Open to international students with a high GPA, strong English language skills, and community involvement.
- Application Process: Students apply through Humber’s admission portal, with separate scholarship applications due in May, September, and January.
- Benefits: CAD 2,000 to CAD 5,000 applied toward tuition fees.
Conclusion: Let Eclave Help You Achieve Your Dream of Studying in Canada
Applying for scholarships can be a time-consuming process, and with so many options, it can feel overwhelming. Eclave provides tailored support to help you choose the most suitable scholarships, understand the application requirements, and submit your application on time.
Whether you’re aiming for undergraduate or graduate studies in Canada, Eclave’s consultants are here to make your scholarship journey smoother and more successful. Contact us today to start planning your scholarship-supported study experience in Canada