Canada is one of the top study destinations for international students, known for its high-quality education, multicultural society, and excellent student support. The Government of Canada offers a range of scholarships for international students to pursue their studies in Canada in 2025. These scholarships provide financial assistance, opportunities to research, and experience Canadian culture. Here’s a list of the best scholarships available for international students.
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) are one of the most prestigious scholarships for international students who want to pursue a doctoral degree in Canada. These scholarships are valued at $50,000 per year for up to three years and are open to both Canadian and international students. The program aims to attract and retain world-class doctoral students to Canada and build the country’s research capacity.
Eligibility: International students applying for doctoral programs in health, natural sciences, engineering, humanities, or social sciences.
2. Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program
The Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program offers scholarships to students from Commonwealth countries who wish to pursue Master’s or PhD programs in Canada. The scholarships cover tuition fees, travel expenses, and living allowances. This scholarship aims to foster learning and goodwill between Canada and other Commonwealth nations.
Eligibility: Citizens of Commonwealth countries with excellent academic backgrounds who intend to pursue graduate studies in Canada.
3. The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships program is a prestigious fellowship opportunity for international students interested in conducting postdoctoral research in Canada. With an annual stipend of $70,000 for two years, the fellowship aims to attract and retain top-tier postdoctoral talent to Canada’s research landscape.
Eligibility: International applicants with a PhD who are interested in conducting postdoctoral research at a Canadian institution.
4. Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program
The Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s (CGS-M) Program offers financial support to international students pursuing a Master’s degree in Canada. The scholarship provides $17,500 for one year and is designed to support students in their studies and help enhance Canada’s research capacity.
Eligibility: International students with a strong academic record who are entering a full-time Master’s program at a Canadian university.
5. The Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
The Trudeau Foundation Scholarships are among Canada’s most prestigious scholarships for international doctoral students in the humanities and social sciences. This scholarship provides up to $60,000 per year for up to three years and offers opportunities for research in a wide range of fields. In addition to funding, recipients also gain access to mentoring opportunities from renowned academics and professionals.
Eligibility: International doctoral students who plan to pursue research in the social sciences or humanities fields in Canada.
6. The Ontario Trillium Scholarship
The Ontario Trillium Scholarship is awarded to international students studying in Ontario who wish to pursue a full-time doctoral program. The scholarship provides $40,000 per year for up to four years. It is intended to attract highly qualified international students to study and conduct research in Ontario’s top universities.
Eligibility: International students who have been admitted to a doctoral program at an Ontario university and have demonstrated academic excellence.
7. The Mitacs Globalink Research Internship
Mitacs Globalink Research Internship provides international undergraduate students with opportunities to work on research projects in Canada for 12 weeks during the summer. This highly competitive program offers a stipend, accommodation, and travel funding. It is an excellent opportunity for students to gain international research experience and contribute to Canadian innovation.
Eligibility: Undergraduate students from select countries with a strong academic record who wish to engage in research activities at Canadian universities.
8. The International Scholarships Program at the University of British Columbia (UBC)
The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers a variety of scholarships for international students through its International Scholarships Program. Among these is the prestigious International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES), which provides funding for undergraduate students who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership skills, and community involvement. Scholarships are also available for graduate students through UBC’s Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies office.
Eligibility: International students with outstanding academic achievements applying for undergraduate or graduate programs at UBC.