How To Get Scholarships In Canada For Domestic And International Students

This article provides concrete details on how to get scholarships in Canada both for domestic and international students at all levels of study. By following this guide you’re sure to learn all that is involved to secure both partial and fully funded scholarships to study in Canada.

Canada is a hub of excellent education both internationally and locally. She does not hesitate to open her doors wide to accepting students from all races to enjoin in her world-class paradise of education. The country is globally recognized as one of the best study destinations in the world, so you will be making the right choice by planning to get a degree from Canada.

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Scholarships in Canada

Aside from providing excellent education, Canada has been known for its generous scholarship offers which are provided to both her domestic and international students at different study vis, undergraduate, masters and Ph.D.

However, the scholarships may sometimes come as fully-funded ones or partially-funded depending on the body, establishment or organization offering the scholarship. Nevertheless, all of these scholarships support students’ educational funding.

Keep up with this article to learn exactly how to get scholarships in Canada and the necessary requirements that are needed to get these scholarships.

The process for applying for Canadian scholarships can be tasking and overwhelming which is why we have researched long and hard to lighten the burden for you by putting this article together so that interested students who aim to study in Canada through scholarship can have all the information they need all in one place.

All the information that you may need as an undergraduate, masters, PhD, international or domestic student on how to get a scholarship in Canada are all explained step by step in this article, so sit back and read thoroughly.

How To Get Scholarships In Canada For Domestic And International Students

Certain questions are bound to plague you when it comes to getting a scholarship in Canada such as how one can get a full scholarship in Canada and how tasking it is to get one. I shall provide straight answers to a few of these questions then continue on the main subject matter.

Is it easy to get a scholarship in Canada?

Yes, it is easier for domestic students but not as such for international students as there aren’t so many scholarships reserved for international students when compared with that for domestic students.

To note, most of the scholarships in Canada are open to only admitted students. Almost every university in Canada has special scholarship programs for international students, but deal is that they must have gained admission into the university first to qualify for them.

How can I get a full scholarship in Canada?

Getting a full scholarship in Canada is possible but it largely depends on you and your determination to get one. I mean, you have to be on the lookout for these things, run as much searches as possible and read up articles such as this one.

There is something you need to understand about winning scholarships, qualification is not enough. This is just an honest truth.

There are many qualified people out there who will not earn any scholarship because they are sitting in their houses waiting for scholarships to come and greet them while they are supposed to be on the lookout for available opportunities.

Be resilient with your search for scholarships, don’t hesitate to apply for every available opportunity and never give up because you’ve applied for several opportunities and haven’t been selected for any.

You also have to be a smart student, one with excellent academic performance and has done some worthy contributions to education, research or related service to build up your CV, especially as a PhD student seeking scholarships.

Scholarships are mostly awarded based on these things thus it is important that you qualify as an outstanding student both in academics, achievements, good behaviour and involvement in extra-curricular affairs.

They may not seem like much but most scholarships are awarded based on such qualifications. Also, talk to other people like friends, family members, community folks, teachers/lecturers, etc, about your search for a scholarship in Canada, it is another form of research. You may not know, but this works magic!

If it is your host institution that is offering the scholarship, contact them to know the necessary requirements and how to apply for the scholarship, always apply for your scholarships early and apply for more than one opportunity, apply for as much as is available that you qualify for; it extends your luck.

For international students, make your international/national passport ready and on the go for use. Get ready all the requirements for studying abroad so when an opportunity comes, it won’t slip through your fingers for lack of preparation. You can find all the basic study abroad requirements here.

Canadian Scholarship Requirements for Domestic Students

Canadian Scholarship Requirements for Undergraduates Domestic Students

Below are the requirements that an undergraduate Canadian domestic student would need to apply for scholarship to a Canadian university;

  • Applicants must have attended or be in their final year in a Canadian high school and aspiring to study in an accredited university in Canada or must have already been admitted to an undergraduate program in an accredited Canadian university.
  • Applicant must possess a valid student identity card or any other official for form of identification.
  • Applicant must qualify for the particulars scholarship he or she wants to apply for.
  • Apply early and fill your scholarship application form with the correct details and submit long before the deadline.
  • Applicant’s academic transcripts will be required so you can have the chance to qualify for merit-based scholarships which are awarded based on the student’s former academic performance, as such scholarships do not need to be applied for.
  • There are lots of undergraduate scholarships that Canadian domestic students can apply for and they have different requirements, follow the requirements of each scholarship correctly.

You can apply for some of the scholarships offered by the Canadian government for international and domestic students.

Canadian Scholarship Requirements for Domestic Masters Students

Below are the requirements that a master’s domestic student would need to apply for a Canadian scholarship;

  • Applicant must have completed a 3 to 4-year or more undergraduate program at an accredited university in Canada or abroad.
  • To apply, applicants must have applied for a full-time or part-time (as requested by the scholarship body) masters’ degree program in an accredited Canadian university and have received an offer for admission.
  • Submit scholarships application early and follow the guidelines correctly.
  • Most Canadian masters scholarship programs award students based on either merit (academic performance, involvement in extra-curricular activities and positive contribution) or need-based (awarded to students with financial constraints). So before you apply for a masters’ scholarship be certain you fall into one of these categories unless the scholarship requirements state otherwise.

Below are some more documents that may be required as part of the scholarships application process;

  1. Letter of recommendation; which can be gotten from past lecturers, high school teachers or employers (optional)
  2. Academic transcripts or diplomas from previous education (undergraduate)
  3. Essays (optional)
  4. A statement of purpose
  5. Prove of financial need (mostly an official presentation of family’s annual income)

These documents listed above may or may not be needed, it depends on the scholarship body involved. Every published scholarship opportunity usually come along with all the eligibility criteria for that particular opportunity, application requirements and process.

Canadian Scholarship Requirements for Domestic PhD Students

Below are the requirements that a PhD domestic student should follow to apply for a Canadian scholarship;

  • Candidate should first apply and be enrolled in a PhD program into an accredited Canadian university.
  • Must have completed an undergraduate and masters degree program.
  • Candidate must have at least two or more years of working experience with proof.
  • Applicants who show outstanding academic performance and contribution in their field of study are mostly picked.
  • Apply for other external PhD scholarships and follow the guidelines and requirements correctly.

The following documents may be required or as stated by the scholarships body;

  1. Letter of recommendation
  2. Statement of purpose
  3. Resume or CV
  4. Academic transcripts from previous school

It is important that students carry out further research to know more about the needed documents and other requirements as scholarship programs are different and have different requirements as well.

Below are some PhD scholarships in Canada to look out for

Also, here is an informative article we wrote specifically on how to win PhD scholarships in Canada.

Canadian Scholarship Requirements for International Students

Canadian Scholarship Requirements for International Undergraduate Students

The following are a list of requirements for undergraduate international students applying for a Canadian scholarship;

  • Applicant must have applied and be offered admission or will apply for admission to an undergraduate program in a Canadian university or college.
  • Begin your application early and abide by the deadlines.
  • Some scholarships program may require international applicants to submit an essay or request a reference from past teachers, prepare both just in case.
  • Apply for external Canadian scholarships meant for international students and abide by the guidelines and requirements.
  • Have your academic transcript in your possession.
  • Passport or any other original means of identification
  • Curriculum vitae or Resume
  • Standardized test scores (IELTS/TOEFL)
  • Have a valid study permit that will serve you in Canada till the end of your studies abroad.
  • Scholarships may be offered based on the applicant’s academic performance, extracurricular involvement, other creative skills or financial needs so make sure you fall in one of these before applying but some scholarships do not use any of these but instead creates its own, thus, further research is important.
  • Provide the necessary undergraduate scholarship application documents this is where you contact the host institution or scholarship program for further details.

Here are some available undergraduate international scholarships in Canada to look out for.

Canadian Scholarship Requirements for International Masters Students

The following are the requirements for masters’ international students applying for a Canadian scholarship;

  • Must have completed an undergraduate program at a recognized institution.
  • Applicant should be enrolled in, have applied for or will soon apply for admission into a full-time or part-time accredited masters’ degree program at an accredited Canadian institution.
  • Passport or any other original means of identification
  • Curriculum vitae or Resume
  • Standardized test scores (IELTS/TOEFL)
  • Begin an early scholarships application
  • Meet the scholarship’s program evaluation criteria which may be leadership, research potential and academic excellence or otherwise as stated by the program.
  • Hold a valid Canadian study permit.

You can apply for as many external Canadian masters scholarship as you can and abide by the rules, requirements and deadline.

The following documents should be in your possession as it may be required;

  1. A valid international passport
  2. Residence permit
  3. Student visa
  4. Admission letter
  5. Letter of recommendation
  6. Essays
  7. Statement of purpose
  8. Academic transcripts from previous school.

Contact the host institution or scholarship body to learn more about the needed documents for any published scholarship opportunity.

Here are some available Masters scholarships in Canada to look out for.

Canadian Scholarship Requirements for International PhD Students

The following are the requirements for PhD’ international students applying for a Canadian scholarship;

  • Applicants must have a valid study permit
  • Already admitted or intend to pursue a full-time or part-time PhD program at a recognized Canadian university or college.
  • Applicant should have exceptional research potential combined with an excellent academic record or meet up with the evaluation criteria set up by the scholarship body.
  • Apply for external scholarships and meet up with their deadline and other requirements
  • Working experience and provide proof too
  • Academic transcripts or diplomas
  • Passport or any other original means of identification
  • Curriculum vitae or Resume
  • Standardized test scores (IELTS/TOEFL)
  • Letter of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  • Essays

Here are some available PhD scholarships in Canada to look out for.

Canadian Scholarships For Domestic Students

Below I’ve listed a number of available local scholarships in Canada for domestic students alongside their application links and how to get them.

Domestic students or Canadian citizens can apply for scholarships that may come through the Canadian government or other Canadian charity foundations.

Below are some of the best scholarship programs that Canadian domestic undergraduate, masters and PhD students can apply for including the requirements and eligibility criteria needed to qualify for the scholarship programs.

  • Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS)
  • Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
  • Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
  • Natural Sciences and Engineering Undergraduate Awards
  • L. Holmes Award for Post-Doctoral Studies
  • Dick Martin Scholarship Award
  • Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship

Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS)

This is an annual scholarship program worth $17,000 awarded to graduate students at masters or doctoral levels of study. The Canada Graduate Scholarship is awarded to graduate students who demonstrate a high standard of achievement in undergraduate and early graduate studies and with a high level of research potential.

The CGS program is provided jointly by the three Canadian federal agencies: CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC supporting up to 3,000 students annually in all fields of study so that awarded scholars can concentrate on their full-time research studies.

To be eligible, applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree program preferably with first-class honours and be enrolled in or, have applied for, or will apply for full-time admission to graduate program at a master’s or doctoral level of study at an accredited Canadian institution.

It seems it is not all Canadian schools that are eligible for this scholarship, you will have to contact your host institution about the CGS program to know if the school offer the scholarship, if they do, learn about the internal requirements and application process your institution may need and also respect the internal deadline as well.

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)

This has to be the most popular and generous scholarship program in Canada, it is open for application to domestic students and helps Canadian institutions attract highly qualified doctoral students who show high academic excellence, research potential and leadership.

The Vanier CGS is valued at $50,000 per year for three years during doctoral studies and applicants are usually nominated by their host institution after they must have submitted an application showing their interest in the Vanier CGS.

The scholarship is awarded based on the three areas of research namely;

  • Health research
  • Natural sciences and/or engineering research
  • Social sciences and humanitarian research.

Applicants would have to fall into one of the above research disciplines to qualify for the scholarship.

Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships

The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships program provides funding to the very best postdoctoral applicants so that they can contribute to the country’s economic, social and research-based growth. The fellowships are awarded annually to 70 students, valued at $70,000 per year and non-renewable after two years.

To be eligible, applicants must have completed all the degree requirements for a PhD degree and have outstanding academic performance, leadership skills and research potential. Also, must have applied for admission or already enrolled in a PhD program at an accredited Canadian university.

Before you begin the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship application as an aspiring PhD student, contact the institution you want to apply for admission and confirm it is eligible to host a Banting Fellow.

Natural Sciences and Engineering Undergraduate Awards

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada provides a series of awards to undergraduate domestic students to encourage them to enroll more in natural sciences and engineering programs. Only undergraduate students who enroll in the above field of study are eligible for this scholarship award.

L. Holmes Award for Post-Doctoral Studies

With an up to a monetary value of $100,000 CDN per year which may cover a one or two-year period of the recipients’ research studies, the award is given to candidates with research abilities in chemistry, physics, biology or mathematics as they relate to medical and biological processes.

To be eligible, the candidate must be a Canadian citizen or domestic student and have graduated from a recognized Canadian university and hold a doctoral degree too.

Dick Martin Scholarship Award

This scholarship is worth $30,000 and awarded annually to domestic students or Canadian citizens enrolled either in full-time or part-time, in occupational health and safety-related course and program leading to an occupational or health and safety certificate.

To apply, applicants are to write a 1,000 – 1,200-word essay, cover letter and complete the online application form. Evaluation is done based on the entire application package which is application, letter and essay.

Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship

This scholarship is offered annually to applicants who are already offered admission into or in year one, two, or three of a full-time doctoral program in a recognized Canadian university. To be eligible for the scholarship, the applicants’ doctoral work must be related to one of the following;

  • Human rights and Dignity
  • Responsible citizenship
  • Canada and the world
  • People and their natural environment

Combined with the above, applicants are also chosen based on academic excellence, community involvement, leadership skills and communication skills. Contact your host institution to know if it is eligible for the Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation doctoral scholarship, and if eligible you are to run are to apply through your university’s internal selection process using the foundation portal.

Above are the scholarships for domestic students or Canadian citizens with the necessary details. Undergraduate scholarships are mostly awarded internally by host universities based on merit, students won’t even know they are being reviewed for scholarship but in any case, always contact your host institution to learn of any scholarship that you can apply for a graduate level.

Canadian Scholarships For International Students

International students too can get scholarships in Canada, below are the scholarship programs that international students on all levels of study can apply for.

  • The University of Winnipeg President’s Scholarship for World Leaders

  • Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship

  • The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

  • Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)

  • The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship

  • Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award

  • Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award

  • Global Leader of Tomorrow Award at York University

The University of Winnipeg President’s Scholarship for World Leaders

This scholarship is awarded to 53 international undergraduate and graduate students entering any of the university’s program for the first time. To be eligible of the scholarship, the applicant must be an international student entering the first year of any program at any level of study and must have a minimum 80% admission average or equivalent and also have leadership skills.

Passing the criteria above and submitting a complete scholarship application form, one 250 – 500-word personal statement, a curriculum vitae and two references showing your extra-curricular or volunteer activities at the University of Winnipeg before the deadline.

Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship

This scholarship is offered annually to applicants who are already offered admission into or in year one, two, or three of a full-time doctoral program in a recognized Canadian university. To be eligible for the scholarship, the applicants’ doctoral work must be related to one of the following;

  • Human rights and Dignity
  • Responsible citizenship
  • Canada and the world
  • People and their natural environment

Combined with the above, applicants are also chosen based on academic excellence, community involvement, leadership skills and communication skills. Contact your host institution to know if it is eligible for the Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation doctoral scholarship, and if eligible you are to run are to apply through your university’s internal selection process using the foundation portal.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

This program provides financial, social and academic support to scholars which include but are not limited to tuition fees, accommodation, books and other educational materials. The scholar’s program is open for application to international students in the undergraduate and master’s level of study.

To be eligible, undergraduate candidates must not be more than 29 years but can be under at the time of application while for master’s, a candidate must not be more than 35 years but can be under at the time of application.

The Mastercard foundation scholars program is implemented through partner universities around the world each with its different eligibility requirements and deadline, but the universities that offer the scholars program in Canada are McGill University and the University of British Columbia.

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)

This has to be the most popular and generous scholarship program in Canada, it is open for application to international students and helps Canadian institutions attract highly qualified doctoral students who show high academic excellence, research potential and leadership from all over the world.

The Vanier CGS is valued at $50,000 per year for three years during doctoral studies and applicants are usually nominated by their host institution after they must have submitted an application showing their interest in the Vanier CGS.

The scholarship is awarded based on the three areas of research namely;

  • Health research
  • Natural sciences and/or engineering research
  • Social sciences and humanitarian research.

Applicants would have to fall into one of the above research disciplines to qualify for the scholarship.

The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship

This scholarship is only applicable for international students who aim to enrol in an undergraduate degree program at the University of Toronto and have made outstanding academic achievements, shown creativity and have leadership skills.

The scholarship is offered annually to 37 students and covers tuition fees, accommodation till the end of undergraduate study, books and incidental fees and it is tenable only at the University of Toronto.

To be eligible, you have to be an original and creative thinker committed to school and community, enthusiastic about learning and currently in the final year of secondary school intending to begin university in the upcoming academic year.

Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award

This award is based on need and merit, awarded to international undergraduate students with academic excellence, leadership skills, involvement in extra-curricular affairs and community service, and recognized achievement in other key areas.

The award is renewable for an extra three years or till the end of undergraduate study provided you achieve satisfactory academic standing in your faculty and continue to demonstrate financial need.

The value of the award is proportional to your financial needs which will be determined by summing up tuition fees, and living expenses and subtracting the financial contribution you and your family can make each year.

To be eligible for the award, the applicant must be entering the University of British Columbia (UBC) from a recognized institution and be applying for their first undergraduate program in any discipline in the university.

Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award

This award is merit and need-based, awarded to international undergraduate students who come from impoverished or war-torn areas but still show academic excellence even under such difficult circumstance and needs financial assistance to enter a university.

The award will cover tuition fees and living costs and will be renewed till the end of undergraduate study provided you achieve satisfactory academic standing in your faculty and continue to demonstrate financial need.

To be eligible, candidates must be applying for their first undergraduate degree in any discipline at the University of British Columbia, must be graduating or have recently graduated (not more than one year) from a recognized secondary school.

Global Leader of Tomorrow Award at York University

This is a merit-based award offered to the international undergraduate student with an excellent academic record and entering their first year in an undergraduate degree program at York University.

The scholarship is worth $17,000 per year and it is renewable for an additional three years if the student maintains 7.80 on a 9 point York scale in each academic year at the university.

To be eligible, you must be an international student with, of course, a Canada study permit and applying for the first time to an undergraduate degree program at York and you should begin your admissions application while in your final year in secondary or high school no more than two years after graduation.

Candidates are to be nominated by their high school and must have leadership skills and be involved in extra-curricular activities.

There you have a list of how to get scholarships in Canada for international students, together with the necessary requirements and eligibility criteria.

Conclusion

Through scholarships funding, you get the education you deserve and make your own positive input without having to worry about the finance you get to take your studies more seriously and achieve your academic goals.

This article on how to get scholarships in Canada for domestic and international students have outlined every salient detail that comes in handy when seeking for a scholarship application, now the ball is in your court and you are just one button click away to enjoying a scholarship education in Canada.

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