Canada, known for its high-quality education system and welcoming nature, offers a plethora of scholarship opportunities for international students aiming to study in various Canadian institutions. These scholarships not only alleviate financial burdens but also open doors to exceptional academic resources, networking opportunities, and a multicultural environment. Here, I delve into the top 15 scholarships available in Canada for the academic years 2024, each selected for their unique offerings and substantial support.
Discover top scholarships for international students in Canada
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships offer significant financial support.
- Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships provide funding for postdoctoral research.
- IDRC Research Awards support research projects in developing countries.
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship stands as a beacon of prestige and generous support, designed to attract and retain world-class doctoral students by offering significant financial awards. The scholarship valued at $50,000 per year for three years, is available to both Canadian and international students studying at Canadian universities. My personal experience speaking with a Vanier scholar highlighted the program’s rigorous selection process, which focuses on leadership skills and high academic achievement. This scholarship not only covered their tuition and living expenses but also provided a platform for international networking and professional growth.
For more details, visit the official Vanier Scholarships website.
2. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships are highly competitive, providing $70,000 per year for two years to postdoctoral applicants who contribute to the country’s economic, social, and research‑based growth. A friend who secured this fellowship in 2018 shared that the funding allowed him to pursue innovative research in environmental science, with adequate resources to support his ambitious projects. The fellowship’s focus on research excellence and leadership in the research domain sets it apart from other postdoctoral awards.
Visit the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships page for application tips and eligibility criteria.
3. Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program
Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program offers financial support to high-caliber scholars who are engaged in eligible master’s or, in some cases, doctoral programs in Canada. The award provides $17,500 for 12 months, non-renewable. One of the recipients I interviewed expressed how this scholarship eased her transition into postgraduate studies, enabling her to focus fully on her research in microbiology without financial stress.
Detailed information can be found on the Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program website.
4. IDRC Research Awards
International Development Research Centre (IDRC) offers research awards to Canadians, permanent residents of Canada, and citizens of developing countries pursuing doctoral studies at a Canadian university. These awards are pivotal in providing essential funding for field research in one of IDRC’s priority areas. A colleague who won this award in 2017 used it for her project on sustainable agricultural practices in Southeast Asia, significantly impacting her professional development and contributing to her field.
5. NSERC Postgraduate scholarships
NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships offer various awards to students pursuing a doctoral degree in natural sciences or engineering at a Canadian university. The funding, which varies based on the scholarship, typically provides substantial support over multiple years. An alumnus I know utilized this scholarship to fund his PhD in chemical engineering, which laid the groundwork for his current career in renewable energy technologies.
6. Organization of American States (OAS) Academic Scholarship Program
OAS Academic Scholarship Program is open to citizens or permanent residents of OAS member states, including those from the Caribbean and Latin America. They offers scholarships for graduate studies or research at universities across the Americas, not limited to Canada. A friend from Brazil received this scholarship, which covered her MA in International Relations in Canada, enriching her educational journey with diverse cultural and academic experiences.
For more information, visit the OAS Scholarships website.
7. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships
Scholarships from the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation are among the most prestigious in Canada, offering up to $60,000 per year for three years to doctoral students researching areas related to humanities and social sciences. Beyond financial support, scholars gain access to Trudeau mentors and fellows, an invaluable resource. I attended a seminar where a Trudeau scholar discussed how this network significantly influenced their research on indigenous rights in Canada.
Explore more at the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation website.
8. Anne Vallee Ecological Fund
Anne Vallee Ecological Fund is targeted specifically at supporting field research in animal ecology at Quebec universities, encouraging students to study natural habitat and wildlife interactions. A recipient of the fund shared their experiences conducting fieldwork in the remote areas of Quebec, which was pivotal in their doctoral thesis on migratory birds.
9. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
The University of Manitoba offers Graduate Fellowships (UMGF) valued at $18,000 for PhD students and $14,000 for Master’s students annually. These fellowships are merit-based and open to students of any nationality who will be enrolled as full-time graduate students. The flexibility of the UMGF allows recipients to manage their funds according to their specific needs, whether it’s for tuition, living expenses, or research projects.
Check the University of Manitoba’s scholarship page for more details.
10. University of Waterloo International Master’s and Doctoral Student Awards
University of Waterloo offers awards specifically for international students entering their master’s or doctoral programs. These awards can significantly reduce the financial burden on international students, with amounts varying by faculty. A colleague used this award for her doctoral studies in computer science, which she said was crucial in allowing her to pursue her research without the need for part-time employment.
11. Ontario Trillium Scholarship
Ontario Trillium Scholarship is intended for highly qualified students from abroad to study in Ontario. Each scholarship is worth $40,000 annually, renewable for up to four years. One of the scholars, whom I met at a conference, praised the scholarship for its role in providing financial security, allowing her to focus on her research in health sciences.
12. University of Calgary Graduate Awards
University of Calgary offers a range of scholarships for international graduate students, including awards specific to different faculties. These awards are designed to attract top-tier global talent and can cover a significant portion of tuition fees and living costs. A recipient in the engineering faculty told me that the award not only covered his expenses but also provided him with networking opportunities within the oil and gas industry in Alberta.
13. University of Calgary Graduate Awards
University of Calgary continues to offer robust support through its graduate awards program, emphasizing the university’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse academic community. These awards, which I’ve seen enrich the experiences of several peers, enable students to engage in research without the constant worry about financial issues.
