If you’re planning to study in Canada but worried about the cost, you’re probably wondering how to get scholarships in Canada for international students without spending months applying for opportunities you’re not eligible for. The good news is that scholarships do exist for international students, but finding the right one takes more than simply searching for “Canada scholarships” and applying to everything you see.
The most important thing to understand is that scholarships in Canada are not all the same. Some are offered automatically when you apply for admission. Others require a separate application. Some are designed for undergraduate students, while others are specifically for master’s or doctoral students. Some may cover only part of your tuition, while a smaller number of highly competitive awards can provide much more substantial financial support.
If you want to learn how to get scholarships in Canada for international students, your first step should be understanding where these scholarships come from and what the selection committee is actually looking for.
You also need to be careful when researching opportunities online. Scholarship information changes frequently, and eligibility rules can be very specific. For example, the University of Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship requires school nomination and is aimed at eligible international students beginning undergraduate studies at U of T. York University, meanwhile, offers several international entrance scholarships with different eligibility and award structures.
That means there isn’t one universal formula for getting a scholarship in Canada.
Instead, the goal is to find opportunities that actually match your academic level, nationality, program, grades, achievements and financial situation.
This guide will show you how to approach the process strategically.
Table of Contents
- How to Get Scholarships in Canada for International Students
- Can International Students Get Scholarships in Canada?
- Types of Scholarships in Canada for International Students
- Where to Find Scholarships in Canada
- How to Get Scholarships in Canada Step by Step
- How to Apply for University Scholarships
- What Documents Do You Need?
- How to Write a Strong Scholarship Personal Statement
- How to Get Scholarships in Canada With Average Grades
- How to Improve Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship
- Common Scholarship Mistakes to Avoid
- Can You Get a Fully Funded Scholarship in Canada?
- 2026/2027 Scholarship Opportunities to Research
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
Can International Students Get Scholarships in Canada?
Yes, international students can receive scholarships in Canada.
However, you should never assume that every scholarship advertised in Canada is open to international students.
This is one of the most important things to understand when learning how to get scholarships in Canada for international students.
Every scholarship has its own eligibility requirements.
Some are open to international students applying for undergraduate programs. Others are available only to current students already enrolled at a Canadian university. Some are specifically designed for graduate students or researchers.
For example, York University currently lists international scholarships and awards for students applying to its programs, including entrance scholarships that may be automatically considered based on admission results. Its 2026 international entrance scholarship information includes awards ranging from $2,500 to $37,500 for eligible students, depending on the specific award and circumstances.
The University of Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is another example of a scholarship with very specific eligibility rules. For the 2027 intake, eligible international students must be nominated by their school and meet the scholarship’s requirements.
The lesson is simple:
Don’t ask only, “Is there a scholarship in Canada?”
Ask:
“Which scholarships am I actually eligible for?”
That question will save you a lot of time.
Types of Scholarships in Canada for International Students
One of the best ways to understand how to get scholarships in Canada for international students is to first understand the different types of funding available.
University Entrance Scholarships
These scholarships are often awarded to students who are applying for admission.
Some universities automatically consider eligible applicants based on academic performance, while others require a separate application.
This is why you should always check the scholarship page of every university you’re considering.
Don’t assume that applying for admission automatically means you’ve applied for every scholarship.
Sometimes it does.
Sometimes it doesn’t.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit scholarships are generally awarded based on academic performance or other achievements.
Depending on the scholarship, selection may consider:
- Grades
- Academic awards
- Leadership
- Extracurricular activities
- Community involvement
- Volunteer experience
- Sports
- Artistic achievements
Having good grades can help, but your overall profile may also matter.
Need-Based Financial Support
Some universities offer bursaries or other financial assistance based on demonstrated financial need.
However, international students should be especially careful here.
Not every bursary or government-funded student aid program is available to international students.
For example, some university bursaries may be restricted to current students who meet specific requirements. The University of Waterloo, for example, provides bursary information that includes separate eligibility criteria for international undergraduate students.
Always read the eligibility conditions carefully.
Graduate Scholarships
If you’re applying for a master’s or PhD program, your funding options can look very different from those available to undergraduate students.
Graduate students may find opportunities through:
- Universities
- Faculties
- Departments
- Research groups
- Supervisors
- External organizations
- Government-funded international programs
Some graduate funding may involve research assistantships, teaching assistantships or scholarships rather than a traditional undergraduate-style entrance award.
If you’re applying for graduate school, speak directly with the department you’re interested in.
Sometimes the best funding opportunities are not the ones that appear on a general scholarship page.
Fully Funded Scholarships
Fully funded scholarships are among the most competitive opportunities available.
Depending on the scholarship, funding may cover some combination of:
- Tuition
- Living expenses
- Accommodation
- Books
- Travel
- Research expenses
However, be careful with the phrase “fully funded.”
A scholarship that covers tuition is not necessarily fully funded.
Some awards cover a significant portion of tuition but don’t pay for accommodation or living expenses.
If you see a scholarship described as fully funded, check the official source carefully to understand exactly what the funding includes.
We’ve already published a dedicated guide on fully funded scholarships in Canada, so this article should be viewed as the broader guide to finding and securing scholarship opportunities rather than another list of fully funded awards.
Where to Find Scholarships in Canada for International Students
Knowing where to search is one of the biggest parts of learning how to get scholarships in Canada for international students.
You don’t need to rely on random scholarship websites.
In fact, I recommend starting with official sources.
1. Check University Scholarship Pages
This should be your first stop.
Choose the universities you’re interested in and visit their official websites.
Look for sections such as:
- Scholarships
- Awards
- Financial aid
- Funding
- International students
- Future students
- Graduate funding
Search specifically for scholarships available to international students.
Don’t just search for “scholarships.”
Look for the phrase:
International student scholarships
You may discover opportunities that aren’t listed on general scholarship websites.
2. Check the Official Scholarship Details
Once you find an opportunity, don’t immediately start your application.
First, check:
- Who can apply?
- What level of study is eligible?
- Which countries are eligible?
- Do you need an admission offer?
- Do you need a nomination?
- Is a separate application required?
- What documents are required?
- What is the deadline?
- Is the award renewable?
This is especially important because scholarship information can change from one year to the next.
For example, the current University of Toronto Pearson information includes a very specific nomination process and eligibility timeline for students entering in 2027.
3. Look at Your Intended Department
If you’re applying for a master’s or PhD, don’t stop at the university’s main scholarship page.
Visit your department’s website.
A computer science department may have different funding opportunities from a business school.
A graduate research program may have funding that isn’t relevant to undergraduate students.
You can also email the department and ask:
“Are there scholarships or funding opportunities available to international students entering this program?”
That simple question can sometimes lead you to opportunities you might not have discovered through a general Google search.
4. Check Government Scholarship Information
The Canadian government maintains information about international scholarships and funding opportunities.
However, don’t assume that every Canadian government scholarship is open to every international student.
Government programs often have very specific eligibility requirements, including nationality, level of study and field of study.
Always verify the current requirements through the official source before applying.
How to Get Scholarships in Canada Step by Step
Now let’s get into the part you’ve probably been waiting for.
Here’s a practical approach to how to get scholarships in Canada for international students.
Step 1: Choose Your Program First
Don’t start by searching randomly for scholarships.
Start with your education plan.
Ask yourself:
- What do I want to study?
- Do I want a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD?
- Which Canadian universities offer my program?
- Which universities can I realistically afford?
- Which universities offer scholarships to international students?
Once you know what you want to study, your scholarship search becomes much more focused.
Step 2: Create a University Shortlist
Choose around 5–10 universities that fit your goals.
You don’t have to apply to all of them.
The purpose is to research your options.
For each university, create a simple spreadsheet with:
Step 3: Research Scholarships Before Applying
Don’t wait until you’ve submitted your university application.
Start researching early.
Some scholarships require:
- University nomination
- Separate applications
- Personal statements
- Recommendation letters
- Essays
- Transcripts
You don’t want to discover a scholarship two days before the deadline and realize you needed a nomination from your school.
Step 4: Check the Deadline Carefully
Scholarship deadlines can be different from university admission deadlines.
This is something many students get wrong.
You may have:
- University application deadline
- Scholarship application deadline
- Nomination deadline
- Document submission deadline
Write down every deadline.
Don’t rely on memory.
Step 5: Prepare Your Documents
Create a folder on your computer for your scholarship applications.
You may need:
- Academic transcripts
- Certificates
- Résumé
- Personal statement
- Scholarship essay
- Recommendation letters
- Proof of extracurricular activities
- Volunteer records
- Leadership evidence
- Language test results
Keep everything organized.
This makes applying to multiple scholarships much easier.
How to Apply for University Scholarships
Applying for university scholarships can be straightforward or surprisingly complicated.
It depends on the award.
Automatic Scholarships
Some universities automatically consider eligible students for entrance scholarships based on their admission application.
If that’s the case, you may not need to submit a separate scholarship application.
But don’t assume.
Always check the university’s official scholarship information.
York University, for example, states that eligible international students applying for Fall 2026 admission are automatically considered for certain entrance scholarships based on their final admission average.
Scholarships Requiring Separate Applications
Other scholarships require additional steps.
You may need to submit:
- An application form
- A personal statement
- An essay
- Recommendation letters
- A résumé
- Supporting documents
Read every instruction carefully.
If the scholarship asks for a 500-word essay, don’t submit 1,500 words.
If it asks for two recommendation letters, don’t send five.
Follow the instructions.
Scholarships Requiring Nomination
Some prestigious scholarships require you to be nominated by your school or another organization.
This means you cannot simply apply whenever you want.
You may need to speak with:
- Your high school principal
- Guidance counsellor
- Teacher
- University department
- Academic supervisor
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto is one example where school nomination is part of the process.
If you’re interested in a nomination-based scholarship, start early.
If your dream is to study in Canada, you might be interested in knowing how to study in Canada without IELTS. You can check it out here: How To Study In Canada Without IELTS 2026/2027
What Documents Do You Need to Get a Scholarship in Canada?
The documents you need will depend on the scholarship.
However, many applications may ask for some combination of:
Academic Transcripts
Your grades help scholarship committees understand your academic performance.
Make sure your transcripts are accurate and available before you begin applying.
Personal Statement
This is your opportunity to explain who you are and why you deserve the scholarship.
Don’t simply repeat your résumé.
Tell your story.
Recommendation Letters
Choose people who genuinely know your work.
A recommendation letter from someone who knows your achievements is generally more useful than a generic letter from someone with an impressive job title who barely knows you.
Résumé
Your résumé can highlight:
- Education
- Work experience
- Leadership
- Volunteering
- Awards
- Extracurricular activities
Keep it relevant.
Proof of Achievements
Depending on the scholarship, you may need to provide evidence of:
- Awards
- Competitions
- Leadership roles
- Volunteer activities
- Community service
Don’t exaggerate.
Be honest.
How to Write a Strong Scholarship Personal Statement
Your personal statement can make or break your application.
Many students make the mistake of writing what they think the scholarship committee wants to hear.
Instead, tell your actual story.
Explain:
- Where you come from
- What you’ve achieved
- What challenges you’ve overcome
- Why your chosen field matters to you
- What you want to accomplish
- How the scholarship will help you
Don’t write:
“I have always dreamed of studying in Canada because Canada is a beautiful country.”
That’s not enough.
Instead, explain why your education matters and what you plan to do with it.
If you’re applying for a scholarship in engineering, explain the problem you want to solve.
If you’re studying public health, explain the issue you care about.
If you’re studying education, explain how you want to impact students or communities.
Your story should connect your:
Past → Present → Future
That creates a much stronger narrative.
How to Get Scholarships in Canada With Average Grades
One of the biggest misconceptions about how to get scholarships in Canada for international students is that you must have perfect grades.
That’s not always true.
Academic performance matters for many scholarships, but not every scholarship is based exclusively on grades.
Depending on the opportunity, selection may also consider:
- Leadership
- Community service
- Volunteer work
- Sports
- Arts
- Entrepreneurship
- Personal circumstances
- Research potential
- Career goals
If your grades aren’t perfect, don’t give up.
Instead, focus on scholarships where your overall profile is competitive.
For example, if you have strong leadership experience but average grades, look for awards that consider leadership.
If you have significant volunteer experience, look for scholarships that value community involvement.
The goal isn’t to apply for every scholarship.
The goal is to find the right scholarships for your profile.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Scholarship
There is no guaranteed formula for winning a scholarship.
However, you can improve your chances.
1. Apply Early
Don’t wait until the deadline.
Starting early gives you time to:
- Find more opportunities
- Request recommendation letters
- Improve your essays
- Fix mistakes
- Gather documents
2. Apply for Multiple Scholarships
One scholarship application may not be enough.
Think of scholarship applications as a numbers game—but don’t submit low-quality applications just to increase your numbers.
Apply for scholarships you genuinely qualify for.
3. Customize Every Application
Don’t send the same personal statement to every scholarship.
The committee should be able to see why this specific scholarship fits your goals.
4. Follow Instructions
This sounds simple, but many applicants fail to follow basic instructions.
If the application asks for specific documents, provide them.
If it asks you to answer three questions, answer all three.
If it has a word limit, respect it.
5. Proofread Everything
Typos can make an otherwise strong application look careless.
Read your application several times before submitting.
You can also ask a teacher, mentor or trusted person to review it.
Studying in Canada requires knowing about student visa application rules. For more information on student visas, you can also read: How To Get A Student Visa For Canada In 2026/2027: Step-by- Step Guide
Common Scholarship Mistakes to Avoid
1. Applying for Scholarships You’re Not Eligible For
This wastes time.
Always check the requirements before starting.
Waiting Until the Last Minute
Some applications require documents that take time to obtain.
Start early.
2. Using a Generic Essay
Your application should feel personal.
Avoid copying the same essay everywhere.
Ignoring Smaller Scholarships
A $2,000 scholarship may not sound as exciting as a $50,000 award.
But several smaller awards can add up.
Don’t ignore opportunities simply because they’re not fully funded.
3. Paying for a Scholarship Application
Be cautious if someone asks you to pay a suspicious fee just to access a scholarship.
Always verify the organization behind the scholarship.
If the opportunity is supposedly offered by a university, find it on the university’s official website.
4. Trusting Outdated Scholarship Information
This is especially important for students planning for 2026/2027.
Scholarships change.
Deadlines change.
Eligibility changes.
Funding amounts change.
Always verify the current information before applying.
Can You Get a Fully Funded Scholarship in Canada?
Yes, some international students can receive highly generous or fully funded scholarships in Canada.
However, these opportunities are generally very competitive.
The most important thing is to understand exactly what the scholarship covers.
A scholarship might pay:
- Tuition only
- Tuition plus living expenses
- Tuition plus accommodation
- A fixed annual amount
- A research stipend
Don’t assume that a scholarship is fully funded simply because the word appears in a blog title.
Check the official scholarship page.
You should also remember that fully funded scholarships are not the only way to make studying in Canada more affordable.
A student who receives a partial tuition scholarship may still combine it with:
- Personal savings
- Family support
- Other eligible funding
- On-campus work where permitted
- Other scholarships
Your goal should be to build a realistic funding plan.
2026/2027 Scholarship Opportunities to Research
If you’re applying for the 2026/2027 admission cycle, here are some examples of official scholarship opportunities worth researching.
University of Toronto — Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
This is one of Canada’s best-known international undergraduate scholarships.
The scholarship requires eligible international students to be nominated by their school and then complete the relevant University of Toronto application process. The university’s current information outlines specific eligibility requirements for students beginning in 2027.
York University — International Student Scholarships
York University offers several scholarships and awards for international students.
Its current information for Fall 2026 and Winter 2027 includes entrance scholarship opportunities for eligible international applicants, with award amounts varying by the specific scholarship.
University-Based Graduate Funding
If you’re applying for a master’s or PhD, investigate funding directly through your university and department.
Graduate funding can be more specialized than undergraduate scholarships.
Look for:
- Graduate awards
- Research scholarships
- Department funding
- Assistantships
- Faculty awards
Don’t limit your search to the general international student page.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Get Scholarships in Canada for International Students
How to Get Scholarships in Canada for International Students?
Start by choosing your program and universities, then research scholarships offered by those institutions. Check eligibility requirements, deadlines and whether you need to submit a separate application. Prepare your documents early and apply only for scholarships you genuinely qualify for.
Can international students get full scholarships in Canada?
Yes, some highly competitive scholarships can provide substantial funding to eligible international students. However, the amount and coverage vary. Always check whether the scholarship covers tuition, living costs or other expenses.
What grades do I need to get a scholarship in Canada?
There is no single grade requirement for every scholarship. Some awards have high academic requirements, while others consider leadership, community involvement, extracurricular activities or other achievements.
When should I start applying for scholarships in Canada?
Start researching as early as possible—ideally before you begin your university application. Some scholarships require school nomination or have deadlines that come before your intended program start date.
Can I get a scholarship before being accepted into a Canadian university?
Sometimes. Some scholarships are tied to university admission, while others may require you to already have an admission offer or be enrolled. Always check the individual scholarship’s requirements.
Are scholarships in Canada available for undergraduate students?
Yes. Some Canadian universities offer scholarships to eligible international undergraduate applicants. The eligibility criteria and application process vary by university.
Are there scholarships for master’s and PhD students in Canada?
Yes. Graduate students may find funding through universities, departments, research programs and external scholarship organizations. Graduate funding often has different requirements from undergraduate scholarships.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
Yes, you can generally apply for multiple scholarships as long as you meet each program’s eligibility requirements. Applying for several relevant opportunities can increase your chances of receiving financial support.
Final Thoughts on How to Get Scholarships in Canada for International Students
Learning how to get scholarships in Canada for international students is not about finding one magical website that lists every scholarship you could possibly receive.
It’s about being strategic.
Start by choosing the right program and university. Then investigate the scholarships offered by those institutions and carefully check the eligibility requirements.
Don’t assume that every scholarship is open to international students.
Don’t assume that every scholarship covers your full tuition.
And don’t wait until the last minute to begin.
The students who give themselves the best chance are usually the ones who start early, keep track of deadlines, prepare their documents carefully and apply for opportunities that genuinely match their profile.
If you have excellent grades, use them to your advantage.
If you have leadership experience, highlight it.
If you’ve volunteered in your community, show what you actually accomplished.
If your academic results aren’t perfect, look for scholarships that consider more than grades.
Most importantly, don’t put all your hopes into one scholarship.
Build a list of realistic opportunities and apply strategically.
Canada has universities that offer scholarships and awards to international students, but the details vary significantly from one institution to another. The best approach is to verify every opportunity directly through the university or official organization offering it.
If you’re serious about studying in Canada in 2026/2027, start your scholarship search now.
The earlier you begin, the more time you’ll have to find the right opportunities, prepare a strong application and give yourself a genuine chance of receiving financial support.
Canadian Universities Official Websites
University of Toronto — Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
York University — Scholarships and Awards for International Students