Last Updated on January 9, 2023
Are you looking for scholarships to study abroad in Canada? This guide is for you. We have compiled a list of free scholarships in Canada for International Students.
Free Scholarships in Canada are offered by the Canadian government and many higher institutions alongside grants, awards, and bursaries to international students in a bid to help them to finance their education.
There are application processes individual applicants must follow in order to forestall their scholarships. It is also necessary to note the deadlines and apply before the closure so as not to be rejected. Also, there are limited Canadian scholarships.
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Why Study in Canada?
One outstanding quality of Canada is that there are two languages spoken there: English and French. The Canadian people are very friendly and the environment accommodating for international students.
Canada boasts 96 universities, scattered across the country. 26 out of the 96 ranks high among the world’s top universities. The wide range of courses includes Computer Science and IT, Media Journalism, Agricultural Science and Forestry, Business and Finance, and a host of others.
Some health insurance is offered for free by some provinces to international students.
Cost of Living in Canada
Studying in Canada is cost-effective and much less than studying in the UK, US, and Australia. Costs vary widely based on each school. However, on a general note, the cost ranges between CA$20000 to 30000 for undergraduate programs. Postgraduate programs are a little lower and could be about CA$16000 per annum.
It will be very encouraging to apply for scholarships to help cut down the financial load on an individual. Getting a job is an excellent way to help fund your stay in Canada. Students are entitled to work 20 hours/week during semesters and full-time during breaks.
Eligibility for Canadian universities
You will need to prove your language proficiency, provide transcripts from previous education, prove your financial capabilities and medical coverage. You will also need to prove your major when applying to most Canadian universities.
The following are some of the free scholarships available in Canada and the required information necessary for their application.
Free Scholarships in Canada for International Students
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program at the University of Toronto is intended to recognize international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and creativity and who are recognized as leaders within their school. The scholarship will cover tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.
York University International Student Scholarship Program
International students who have an excellent academic record and admitted to York University are eligible for scholarships worth $60,000 – $100,000 for a four-year degree program.
University of British Columbia Scholarships for International Students
UBC recognizes the academic achievement of outstanding students from around the world by devoting more than $10 million CAD annually to awards, scholarships and other forms of financial assistance for international undergraduate students.
Carleton Prestige Scholarships
Carleton University offers the following Prestige scholarships to outstanding incoming undergraduate students with an admission average of 90% better. The Chancellor’s Scholarship, the Richard Lewar Entrance Scholarship, the Carleton University Scholarship of Excellence, the Carleton University SHAD Scholarship have a value of CAD 20,000-30,000 while the Riordon Scholarship, and the Collins Prestige Scholarship covers full tuition fees for 4 years.
Calgary International Entrance Scholarships
The University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship is a prestigious award that recognizes outstanding accomplishments of an international student beginning their undergraduate studies at the University. The total amount over 4 years of undergraduate program is $60,000.
Winnipeg President’s Scholarships for World Leaders
The University of Winnipeg President’s Scholarship for World Leaders is awarded to international students entering any of the University’s divisions for the first time. The scholarships ranges from $3,500 – $5,000.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) was created to attract and retain world-class doctoral students and to establish Canada as a global centre of excellence in research and higher learning. The scholarships are towards a doctoral degree (or combined MA/PhD or MD/PhD) at participating Canadian Universities. The scholarship is worth $50,000 per year for three years.
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF) are merit-based awards that are open to students of any nationality who will be registered as full-time graduate students (Masters or Ph.D.) at the University of Manitoba. The fellowships are valued at $18,000 for PhD students, or $14,000 for Master’s students for a 12-month period.
Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships
The scholarships are open to foreign nationals (with a preference for candidates from the developing world) who are applying to a doctoral program in the social sciences and humanities or registered full-time in the first or second year of such a program at a Canadian university. Its annual value is up to $60,000 per scholar for a maximum of three years.
University of Waterloo Master’s Awards of Excellence
The International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE) will be awarded to eligible international master’s students normally entering a research-based graduate program at the University of Waterloo. The award will be valued at $2,500 per term for a maximum of five terms.
Studying in Canada is becoming increasingly attractive to international students. Over the past 10 years, the Canadian government’s policies have been directed at increasing the international student population. In 2015, a study shows that there were over 350,000 international students studying in Canada. This number is expected to increase to 700,000 students by 2023.