Are you an international student dreaming of studying in Canada without breaking the bank? You’re in the right place. Canada offers a range of world-class scholarship opportunities for students from across the globe. From undergraduate to postgraduate funding, scholarships in Canada cater to diverse academic disciplines and personal backgrounds. This comprehensive guide covers the top 10 best scholarships in Canada for international students in 2025—including details about eligibility, benefits, and application tips.
Top 10 best scholarships in Canada for international students in 2025
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships - Canada’s most prestigious government-funded scholarship
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto) - Fully funded Scholarship at the University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program - Merit-based awards to outstanding students
- Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships - PhD Scholarships in social sciences and humanities fields
- Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan - A scholarship in canada for commonwealth countries
Canada’s most prestigious government-funded scholarship
Fully funded Scholarship at the University of Toronto
Merit-based awards to outstanding students
PhD Scholarships in social sciences and humanities fields
A scholarship in canada for commonwealth countries
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) program is one of Canada’s most prestigious government-funded opportunities for doctoral students. It aims to attract and retain world-class doctoral students by providing significant financial support during their studies.
Key Details
Award Value: CAD 50,000 per year for up to three years.
Fields of Study: Health research, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities.
Eligibility: Applicants must be nominated by a Canadian institution with a Vanier CGS quota. They should demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership abilities.
Pros
Offers one of the largest scholarship amounts in Canada for doctoral students.
Highly competitive and recognized worldwide.
Provides ample networking and research opportunities within top Canadian universities.
Cons
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto is designed to recognize international students who excel academically and demonstrate strong leadership qualities and community impact.
Key Details
Award Value: Covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.
Eligibility: Open to exceptional international high school students who are nominated by their schools.
Fields of Study: All undergraduate programs at the University of Toronto.
Application Process: Requires a nomination from the student’s high school counselor and a separate application for admission to the University of Toronto.
Pros
Full coverage of tuition and living expenses, making it a fully funded undergraduate scholarship.
Focuses on leadership and community service, prioritizing well-rounded individuals with a global perspective.
Cons
The UBC International Scholars Program provides merit-based awards to outstanding students who show strong academic potential and leadership skills. There are two main awards under this program: the International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) and the Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award.
Key Details
Award Value: Variable; can range from partial to full tuition coverage.
Eligibility: Must be applying for a first undergraduate degree and hold a valid study permit. Must also demonstrate financial need (for certain awards) and strong extracurricular involvement.
Fields of Study: Applicable to all undergraduate programs at UBC’s Vancouver and Okanagan campuses.
Pros
Offers both need-based and merit-based awards.
Provides ongoing support, including leadership training, community engagement programs, and academic mentorship.
Cons
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships support international doctoral students conducting research in social sciences and humanities fields. These scholarships are awarded to students whose research has relevance to pressing social and public policy issues.
Key Details
Award Value: Up to CAD 60,000 per year (including travel allowances and research grants) for up to three years.
Eligibility: Must be enrolled or in the process of enrolling in a doctoral program in Canada. Preference is given to projects that align with the Foundation’s core themes: human rights and dignity, responsible citizenship, Canada in the world, and people and their natural environment.
Additional Benefits: Access to leadership training, mentorship opportunities, and a robust network of scholars and mentors.
Pros
Emphasizes leadership development and civic engagement.
Encourages interdisciplinary dialogue and public engagement, making it ideal for scholars wanting to shape policy and social change.
Cons
Canada is part of the Commonwealth, and through the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, international students from Commonwealth countries can apply for financial support to study in Canadian institutions.
Key Details
Award Value: Covers travel, living expenses, and tuition fees. Some awards also include allowances for books, research, and medical insurance.
Fields of Study: Usually focuses on advanced research and graduate-level studies.
Eligibility: Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country. Each participating country has its own application processes and deadlines.
Pros
Supports mobility and collaboration among Commonwealth nations.
Covers a broad range of disciplines, encouraging global partnership and knowledge exchange.
Cons