Canada has built a reputation as an affordable, welcoming destination for international students, and its scholarship ecosystem backs that reputation up. Federal research agencies, provincial governments, and universities all fund significant numbers of international scholars every year.
The ten programs below represent some of the most generous and consistently available funding routes for the 2027 academic year.
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The [Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship](/vanier-canada-graduate-scholarship/) is the country’s flagship doctoral award, paying a substantial annual stipend for three years to outstanding PhD candidates in any field, including international applicants enrolled at a Canadian university.
2. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship
This award funds doctoral students in the humanities and social sciences whose research connects to major public issues, covering tuition-equivalent costs and a living stipend while also building a network of fellow scholars through regular gatherings. The [Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship](/pierre-elliott-trudeau-foundation-doctoral-scholarship/) is open to both Canadian and international doctoral candidates.
3. Ontario Trillium Scholarship
The [Ontario Trillium Scholarship](/ontario-trillium-scholarship/) funds international PhD students at participating Ontario universities, covering tuition and a living stipend for up to four years. Each participating university nominates its own candidates, so applicants apply directly through the university’s graduate program.
4. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Toronto
The [Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Toronto](/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program-university-toronto/) supports academically talented students from Africa through undergraduate and graduate study, covering tuition, housing, books, and a living allowance for the full program length.
5. University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
This highly selective undergraduate award covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years for a small number of exceptional international applicants admitted to the University of Toronto each year.
6. UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award
The University of British Columbia offers this award to incoming international undergraduates who combine strong academics with leadership and community involvement, covering full tuition plus a living allowance for the length of the degree.
7. Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships
This program funds short-term and degree-length exchanges between Canada and Commonwealth or developing countries, with awards covering tuition and living costs depending on the host institution and program length.
8. IDRC Doctoral Research Award
Offered through Canada’s International Development Research Centre, this award supports doctoral candidates from developing countries conducting research relevant to international development, covering a stipend and research-related travel during the award period.
9. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
Though aimed at postdoctoral researchers rather than degree-seeking students, Banting Fellowships bring highly qualified international researchers to Canadian institutions with a substantial annual stipend for up to two years of independent research.
10. University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
This entrance award covers a significant portion of tuition for incoming international undergraduates with strong academic records, renewable each year the student maintains the required grade average.
Application timelines differ sharply between federal programs like Vanier, which run on a fixed national calendar, and university-specific awards, which often simply require a strong application to the degree program itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these scholarships only for PhD students?
No. Programs like the Pearson International Scholarship, UBC’s Leader of Tomorrow Award, and the University of Calgary entrance award are aimed at incoming undergraduates.
Does a Vanier Scholarship require a separate PhD application?
Yes, candidates must first be admitted or nominated by a Canadian university before the Vanier application process can proceed.
Can applicants from any country apply to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Toronto?
No, this particular program is reserved for students from African countries, in line with the foundation’s regional focus.
What does the Ontario Trillium Scholarship actually cover?
It covers tuition and a living stipend for up to four years, though the exact amount depends on which participating university nominates the student.
Is work experience needed for the IDRC Doctoral Research Award?
A clear research proposal tied to development issues matters more than prior work experience, though many applicants do have relevant field experience.
How many Vanier Scholarships are awarded each year?
The number is limited and varies annually, with universities nominating a fixed quota of candidates for national-level adjudication.
Do Canadian provincial scholarships differ from federal ones?
Yes, provincial or university-level awards like the Ontario Trillium Scholarship are separate from federal programs like Vanier and Banting, each with its own funding source and rules.