Best Universities in Canada with Scholarships for International Students

For countless students worldwide, pursuing higher education abroad is a cherished dream. Canada, renowned for its world-class universities and welcoming environment, stands out as a premier destination. While the cost of international student tuition in Canada can be a significant consideration, typically ranging from C$20,000toC$30,000 annually for tuition alone, plus living expenses which can be around C$15,000 per year – the good news is that numerous scholarship opportunities for international students in Canada exist to make this dream a tangible reality.

This comprehensive guide spotlights some of Canada’s most prestigious universities and details the various financial aid and scholarship programs they offer, helping you navigate the pathway to affordable study in Canada and secure your academic future.

Why Canada? A Top Choice for International Students in 2025

Canada’s appeal extends beyond its stunning natural landscapes and diverse culture. It’s a global leader in education, offering:

• Globally Recognized Degrees: Canadian universities consistently rank among the world’s best, ensuring your degree holds significant value internationally.
• Post-Graduation Work Opportunities: Canada offers attractive post-graduate work permit (PGWP) options, allowing international students to gain valuable Canadian work experience after graduation.
• Multicultural Environment: With a welcoming and inclusive society, Canada embraces diversity, providing a comfortable and enriching experience for students from all backgrounds.
• Research & Innovation: Many Canadian universities are at the forefront of research and technological advancements, offering cutting-edge facilities and opportunities for student involvement.

Top Canadian Universities Offering Scholarships for International Students

Here’s a curated list of leading institutions and their key scholarship programs for aspiring international scholars:

1. McGill University

• Global Standing: Ranked among the top 50 universities worldwide (e.g., QS World University Rankings 2025 placed McGill at #30 globally and #2 in Canada), McGill is Montreal’s oldest university, founded in 1821. It offers an exceptional academic environment with world-class infrastructure.
• Key Scholarships for International Students:
  • Need-Based Financial Aid for Undergraduates: Designed for academically strong international students demonstrating significant financial need for undergraduate programs, including highly competitive fields like medicine and law. Applicants must apply to their desired courses and substantiate their financial situation.
  • McCall MacBain Scholarships: A highly prestigious, fully funded scholarship for Master’s or second-entry professional undergraduate programs at McGill. This comprehensive scholarship covers tuition, a living stipend (e.g., C$2,000 monthly), and a relocation allowance. It is open to international students, with specific allocations (e.g., 10 full scholarships for international applicants in 2025).
  • Pierre Arbour Foundation Scholarship: Primarily for international and domestic students pursuing Master’s degrees in engineering at McGill.

2. University of Toronto (U of T)

• Global Standing: Consistently ranked as Canada’s most prestigious university and a global top-tier institution (e.g., QS World University Rankings 2025 often places U of T in the top 20 worldwide), founded in 1827.
• Key Scholarships for International Students:
  • Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program: U of T’s most prestigious and competitive full scholarship for international undergraduate students. This highly sought-after award covers full tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years. It recognizes exceptional academic achievement, creativity, and leadership. Only approximately 37 exceptional students globally receive this scholarship each year. High school nomination is required.
  • University of Toronto Scholars Program: Automatically awarded to outstanding undergraduate applicants based on merit (e.g., typically C$10,000 for the first year).
  • International Merit Admission Award: Offered upon admission to select international students in faculties like Arts & Science, with values potentially reaching C$50,000 over four years.
  • Faculty of Engineering Admission Scholarships: Merit-based awards, often around C$5,000, targeting outstanding international engineering students.

3. University of British Columbia (UBC)

• Global Standing: Established in 1908, UBC is British Columbia’s oldest university and a global research powerhouse, typically ranked among the top 50 universities worldwide (e.g., #38 in QS World University Rankings 2025). It dedicates over C$35 million annually to international student awards.
• Key Scholarships for International Students:
  • International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES): Awarded to exceptional international students entering undergraduate programs. Values vary (e.g., C$10,000–C$20,000 per year for 2025/2026), and it’s renewable for up to three additional years based on academic performance.
  • Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award: A one-time, merit-based entrance scholarship (e.g., C$10,000–C$25,000 for 2025/2026) for qualified students demonstrating strong academics and extracurricular involvement.
  • Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award: A highly competitive, need-and-merit-based award that can cover the full cost of tuition and living expenses for students who demonstrate exceptional leadership and academic achievement under difficult circumstances.
  • International Tuition Award: Awarded to deserving international students pursuing full-time graduate research programs (up to C$3,200).

4. University of Alberta

• Global Standing: Located in Edmonton, the University of Alberta is a leading research-intensive university, typically ranked among the top 150 global universities (e.g., #111 in QS World University Rankings 2025). It awards approximately C$52 million annually in undergraduate scholarships.
• Key Scholarships for International Students:
  • President’s International Distinction Scholarship: Highly competitive, awarded to around 25 students annually with superior admission averages and demonstrated leadership qualities. Can be worth up to C$120,000 payable over four years.
  • International Entrance Leadership Scholarship: For international undergraduate applicants with strong academics and leadership potential, often valued at C$5,000.
  • University of Alberta Gold Standard Scholarship: Awarded to the top 5% of students in each faculty, potentially worth up to C$6,000.
  • University of Alberta International Country Scholarship: For first-year international undergraduates with study permits and the highest academic achievement, often with regional preferences.
  • International Master’s and Doctoral Student Awards (IMSA/IDSA): Significant funding for research-based graduate programs, with international doctoral students potentially receiving an additional C$10,000 on top of a C$17,500 stipend.

5. University of Waterloo

• Global Standing: A public research university in Ontario, Canada, renowned for its co-op education model and innovation, consistently ranking among the top 200 globally (e.g., #112 in QS World University Rankings 2025).
• Key Scholarships for International Students:
  • University of Waterloo International Student Entrance Scholarship Program: A limited-slot program (e.g., 20 scholarships of C$10,000 each) for top-qualified international students admitted to undergraduate programs with an admission average of 90% or above.
  • International Master’s and Doctoral Student Award (IMSA/IDSA): For international students enrolled in research-based Master’s or doctoral programs, providing substantial financial support.
  • International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE): Valued at C$12,500 over five terms, for exceptional international Master’s students entering research-based programs.
  • Faculty-Specific International Scholarships: Notably, the Faculty of Mathematics offers Global Scholarships (up to C$40,000) and the Faculty of Science offers scholarships up to C$80,000 for international students.

6. Queen’s University

• Global Standing: Located in Ontario, Queen’s University is a research-intensive institution, highly regarded for its graduate research environment, consistently ranking among the top 250 global universities (e.g., #209 in QS World University Rankings 2025).
• Key Scholarships for International Students:
  • International and U.S. Admission Scholarships and Awards: Automatically considered for international students enrolling in first-entry undergraduate degree programs. These are renewable awards, with values ranging from C$10,000toC$25,000 annually over four years.
  • Dean’s International Award program: Prioritizes international applicants for undergraduate programs in Arts and Science, Engineering, Business, and Health Sciences.
  • Queen’s Graduate Award (QGA): A prestigious award for exceptional incoming PhD students across all disciplines (e.g., C$15,000 annually), for which students are automatically considered upon admission.

7. York University

• Global Standing: Founded in 1959, York University (YorkU) in Toronto is Canada’s third-largest university and a hub for liberal arts and public research. It’s globally recognized (e.g., #353 in QS World University Rankings 2025).
• Key Scholarships for International Students:
  • Arman and Denis LA Barge Graduate Scholarship in Multiculturalism: For graduate students, specifically strengthening relationships between different races and cultures, with preference for work on Human Rights and Racism.
  • Graduate Fellowship for Academic Distinction (GFAD): Open to both international and domestic graduate applicants.
  • YURA Graduate Students Award: Targeted at graduate students demonstrating financial need, with preference for leadership qualities.
  • International Undergraduate Regional Scholarship: Funds C$5,000toC$7,500 for the first year.
  • Dean’s Global Excellence Scholarship: Offers full tuition fee discount for the first year, followed by C$10,000 tuition fee discount for the second and third years for talented undergraduate students.

8. University of Winnipeg

• Global Standing: Located in Manitoba, the University of Winnipeg is recognized for its strong undergraduate focus. While global rankings vary, it’s often cited for its supportive student environment.
• Key Scholarships for International Students:
  • President’s Scholarship for World Leaders: Awarded to international students entering any division for the first time, valued at C$3,500, recognizing exceptional leadership qualities (minimum 80% admission average).
  • University of Winnipeg, Manitoba Graduate Scheme (UWMGS): A joint initiative by the province and university to sponsor Master’s candidates undertaking research-related programs.
  • International Special Entrance Scholarship Program: Automatically offered to new international students entering from high school outside Canada, based on strong academic averages (e.g., minimum 85% from Grade 12).
  • Linda Brown and Vana Kirby Graduate Scholarship: Specifically for disabled or handicapped applicants pursuing graduate programs.

9. Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) – Vancouver Campus

• Global Standing: While its main campus is in New Jersey, USA, FDU has a dedicated Canadian campus in Vancouver, offering a unique American-style education within Canada.
• Key Scholarships for International Students:
  • Col. Fairleigh Dickinson Scholarship: A merit-based undergraduate scholarship, potentially worth up to C$32,000 annually. (Note: The provided source indicates up to USD $14,059.50 scholarship amount for 30 credits, so the Canadian dollar equivalent needs to be carefully verified upon application).
  • FDU International Scholarship: An undergraduate scholarship specifically for international students, valued at up to C$27,000 annually. (Similarly, the provided source indicates up to USD $24,000 per year, so Canadian dollar equivalent needs verification). These scholarships are merit-based and automatically considered upon admission.
  • Gregory H. Olsen Scholarship: Another merit-based scholarship for international undergraduate students, based on a minimum CGPA (US system) of 3.5/4.0, offering a significant per-credit scholarship amount.

Conclusion: Your Scholarship-Funded Canadian Dream Awaits

Canada’s universities offer a world of opportunity for international students, with a strong commitment to attracting global talent through a wide array of scholarships and financial aid programs. From the highly competitive full scholarships at institutions like the University of Toronto to the generous entrance awards at UBC and the University of Alberta, there are numerous avenues to significantly reduce your cost of studying in Canada.

By researching these opportunities thoroughly, preparing strong applications that highlight your academic achievements and unique qualities, and meeting eligibility criteria, you can unlock access to a world-class education without the burden of excessive debt. Your journey to study in Canada with a scholarship begins now – explore these institutions, apply with confidence, and step closer to achieving your academic and career aspirations.