Types of Scholarships Available to International Students
International students can explore several categories of funding in Canada.
Funding category⇔What it may provide⇔Who should investigate it?
1. Entrance scholarships⇒Funding awarded when a student begins a degree⇒Students applying for undergraduate or graduate admission
2. Merit-based scholarships⇒Awards based on academic achievement and other selection criteria⇒Students with strong academic records
3. Need-based financial aid⇒Support assessed partly on financial circumstances⇒Students who meet the award’s financial eligibility rules
4. Graduate research funding⇒Scholarships, stipends or research support⇒Research master’s and PhD applicants
5. Government exchange scholarships⇒Support for eligible short-term study or research visits⇒Students enrolled at participating institutions
6. Leadership scholarships⇒Funding based on leadership, community engagement and academic potential⇒Applicants with meaningful leadership experience
7. Faculty or departmental awards⇒Funding tied to a specific academic department or programme⇒Students applying to a particular field of study
The important point to note is that international students are not eligible for every scholarship advertised by a Canadian university.
Some awards are reserved for Canadian citizens, permanent residents or protected persons. Others specifically welcome international applicants.
However, you do read the eligibility section before spending time preparing an application.
Major Canada Scholarship Opportunities for 2026–2027
The following programmes are useful starting points for international applicants. They serve different academic levels, so it not every opportunity will suit every student.
1. McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill University
The McCall MacBain Scholarship is one of Canada’s prominent funding opportunities for master’s and eligible professional studies.
Been hosted by McGill University in Montreal, the programme combines financial support with mentorship, leadership development and an interdisciplinary learning experience.
According to McGill University’s official scholarship information, the scholarship covers tuition and fees for eligible programmes and provides additional financial support.
The published benefits include a living stipend of CAD $2,300 per month during academic terms, summer funding options and a relocation grant where applicable.
The scholarship is designed for applicants who demonstrate more than academic ability. Leadership, community involvement, character and the potential to contribute meaningfully to society are also important considerations.
Who can apply?
It’s Eligibility is dependent on the programme, the applicant’s academic background and the scholarship’s specific requirements.
International students can apply, so far they meet the relevant criteria and choose an eligible McGill programme.
Applicants should also understand that the scholarship is highly competitive. And meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee selection.
What about the 2027 intake?
Applications for the 2027 cohort opened on June 1, 2026.
McGill lists August 19, 2026, as the deadline for applicants in the general international applicant group, while students and graduates of Canadian and US universities, along with Canadians living abroad, had a September 23 deadline.
As of October 11, 2026, both deadlines have passed for the 2027 cohort. International students who missed the applicable deadline should check the official scholarship website for future application information rather than assuming late applications will be accepted.
Official resource: McCall MacBain Scholarship at McGill University.
2. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is another opportunity that is worth investigating, particularly for eligible students from Africa.
McGill’s programme has supported scholars through graduate education, leadership development and professional preparation. The availability of funding depends on the specific degree, applicant eligibility and the programme’s current admissions arrangements.
For eligible students, the support package may include tuition and fees, accommodation, a living stipend, pre-arrival and immigration assistance, and leadership development.
However, applicants should not assume that every graduate programme at McGill participates in the scheme.
For example, the Max Bell School of Public Policy’s scholarship information describes Mastercard Foundation support for eligible students from the African continent pursuing its Master of Public Policy.
That is a programme-specific example, not proof that all African applicants to every McGill degree qualify.
What should applicants do?
You have to start by identifying the degree you want to study. Then check whether that particular programme participates in the scholarship scheme and whether the current eligibility requirements match your background.
You should also pay attention to nationality, academic qualifications, leadership expectations and application procedures.
And because programme arrangements can change between admission cycles, consult McGill’s official information before preparing an application.
Official resource: McGill University graduate funding information.
3. Study in Canada Scholarships
The Canadian government’s Study in Canada Scholarships programme supports eligible international students undertaking short-term study or research at participating Canadian postsecondary institutions.
This programme is different from a conventional scholarship for completing an entire bachelor’s or master’s degree in Canada.
According to Global Affairs Canada’s official announcement for the 2026–2027 cycle, the programme supports short-term study or research opportunities lasting approximately four to six months.
Depending on the award and the student’s circumstances, eligible expenses may include airfare, selected living expenses, health insurance, books and supplies, and certain visa or study-permit costs.
The programme targets eligible students from selected countries and territories in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Can you apply directly?
This is an important distinction.
For the 2026–2027 cycle, Canadian postsecondary institutions were responsible for submitting applications by March 31, 2026. International student cannot submit an individual application to Global Affairs Canada for this programme.
Instead, the Canadian institution applies for funding and selects eligible candidates through its arrangements with partner institutions.
The deadline for institutions has already passed for the 2026–2027 cycle.
So, If you are interested in a future round, you have to contact your university’s international office or exchange coordinator to ask whether your institution has an eligible Canadian partner.
Official resource: Study in Canada Scholarships.