Canada’s reputation as a premier destination for international education continues to grow, with Concordia University standing out as one of the country’s most welcoming institutions for global talent.
Located in the vibrant city of Montreal, Concordia offers substantial financial support to international students through its International Tuition Award program.
This award significantly reduces the financial burden of studying abroad, making a quality Canadian education more accessible.
What is the Concordia University International Tuition Award?
The Concordia University International Tuition Award is a financial aid program specifically designed for international students pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies.
The award directly reduces the tuition fees international students pay, helping to bridge the gap between domestic and international tuition rates.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Concordia University International Tuition Award, applicants must:
- Hold a non-Canadian citizenship and require a study permit
- Be enrolled full-time in an eligible undergraduate or graduate program
- Maintain satisfactory academic standing
- Not receiving certain other major scholarships or financial awards
- Meet the specific GPA requirements as outlined by their faculty
Award Value and Benefits
The value of the International Tuition Award varies depending on:
- Academic level (undergraduate or graduate)
- Program of study
- Academic performance
- Available funding
Typically, undergraduate recipients may receive between CAD $1,000 to $10,000 per year, while graduate students might receive partial tuition waivers that significantly reduce their overall educational costs.
Application Process
One of the most appealing aspects of the Concordia International Tuition Award is its streamlined application process:
- Automatic Consideration: Many international students are automatically considered for this award upon admission without requiring a separate application.
- Program-Specific Applications: Some faculties may require additional documentation or a separate application form.
- Application Timeline: Applications typically align with admission deadlines for each intake.
Important Deadlines
For Fall 2025 entry:
- Undergraduate application deadline: March 1, 2025
- Graduate application deadlines vary by program (typically between December 15, 2024, and February 1, 2025)
For Winter 2026 entry:
- Undergraduate application deadline: November 1, 2025
- Graduate application deadlines vary by program (typically around September 15, 2025)
Renewal Criteria
The International Tuition Award is typically renewable, subject to:
- Maintaining full-time enrollment status
- Achieving satisfactory academic performance (usually a minimum GPA of 3.0)
- Continued eligibility as an international student
- Compliance with all university policies and regulations
Complementary Funding Opportunities
International students at Concordia can combine the International Tuition Award with other forms of financial support, including:
- Entrance scholarships
- Faculty-specific scholarships
- External funding opportunities
- Work-study programs (with valid work permits)
- Teaching or research assistantships (for graduate students)
Why Choose Concordia University?
Concordia University offers numerous advantages for international students:
- Diverse and inclusive campus community
- World-class research facilities
- Strong industry connections
- Co-op programs with work experience opportunities
- Vibrant bilingual city environment in Montreal
- Competitive tuition rates compared to many US institutions
- Pathway to Canadian work permits and immigration opportunities
Application Tips
To maximise your chances of receiving the International Tuition Award:
- Apply early to Concordia University
- Submit a strong academic application with all required documents
- Highlight relevant extracurricular achievements
- Prepare a compelling personal statement (if required)
- Ensure all application materials are complete and accurately represent your qualifications
Conclusion
The Concordia University International Tuition Award represents an outstanding opportunity for international students seeking quality education in Canada at a more affordable cost.
By reducing the financial barriers to education, Concordia demonstrates its commitment to global diversity and academic excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while studying with this award?
Yes, international students in Canada can generally work up to 20 hours per week during academic terms and full-time during scheduled breaks.
Is the award available for all programs?
Most undergraduate and graduate programs qualify, but certain specialized programs may have different financial aid structures.
Will receiving external scholarships affect my eligibility?
Some external funding may impact your eligibility or the award amount. Always disclose all funding sources to Concordia’s financial aid office.
How competitive is the selection process?
Competition varies by program and year, with academic merit being the primary selection criterion.
Can part-time students qualify for the award?
Generally, the award requires full-time enrollment, though exceptions may exist for students with documented disabilities.