Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students get fully funded scholarships in Canada?
Yes. Some Canadian universities, foundations and government-supported programmes offer comprehensive funding to eligible international students. However, not every scholarship is fully funded, and eligibility depends on the specific programme.
Are Canadian government scholarships available to every international student?
No. Government-supported programmes can have restrictions based on nationality, academic level, institutional partnerships and the purpose of the award. Some support short-term exchanges rather than full degree programmes.
Can I apply for a Canadian scholarship without university admission?
It depends on the award. Some scholarships require applicants to apply for admission first, while others have separate application or nomination processes. Read the official requirements for both the university and the scholarship.
Which Canadian universities offer scholarships to international students?
Several Canadian universities provide funding opportunities for international students, including the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, McGill University and the University of Waterloo. However, the available awards, funding amounts and eligibility criteria differ by university and programme.
Are scholarships available for international master’s students?
Yes. International master’s applicants can investigate graduate scholarships, university funding packages, research assistantships and selected leadership-based awards. McCall MacBain at McGill is one example of a major graduate scholarship, although its 2027 application deadlines have passed as of October 11, 2026.
Can international students apply for the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship?
The Pearson Scholarship is intended for eligible international students entering first-entry undergraduate programmes at the University of Toronto. It is not a general scholarship for master’s or PhD applicants. School nomination and separate application deadlines apply.
Does a scholarship automatically cover accommodation and food?
No. Some awards include residence support or a living allowance, while others cover only tuition or provide a fixed financial contribution. Read the funding conditions to understand what is included.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
In many cases, yes, but the rules vary. Some awards cannot be combined with other funding, while others may have restrictions on duplicate support. Check the terms of each scholarship before accepting multiple awards.
What grades do I need to win a Canadian scholarship?
There is no universal grade requirement. Some scholarships have a minimum academic threshold, while highly competitive awards may expect excellent results. Other programmes also consider leadership, financial need, research potential or community engagement.
When should I apply for scholarships for the 2027 intake?
Start as early as possible. Some scholarship deadlines fall many months before the academic year begins. For the 2027 intake, certain deadlines have already passed, while other application stages remain open. Check the official page for your chosen programme rather than assuming all scholarships follow the same timetable.
Where can I find reliable information about Canadian scholarships?
Begin with the official EduCanada scholarship portal, then visit the official scholarship pages of your chosen universities. For government-funded programmes, read the current eligibility rules and application instructions published by the responsible organisation.
Final Thoughts
Canada offers several routes for international students seeking financial assistance, but there is no single scholarship that fits every applicant.
The most effective strategy is to begin with your academic level, identify programmes that match your background, and investigate the funding attached to those programmes.
Undergraduate students can explore opportunities such as the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship and UBC’s International Scholars Program. Graduate applicants can investigate McCall MacBain, eligible Mastercard Foundation opportunities and departmental funding. Students interested in short-term international study should also look at government-supported exchange programmes where their citizenship and institutional arrangements qualify.
The timing matters just as much as eligibility. Some application windows for 2026–2027 have already closed, and others involve multiple deadlines. Verify each date on the official website before committing time or money.
Most importantly, do not judge a scholarship by its headline alone. Check how much it pays, what expenses it covers, whether it applies to your intended degree and whether you meet every requirement.
A well-researched shortlist of suitable scholarships is far more useful than a long list of opportunities you cannot apply for.
Your next step: Choose your intended degree and subject, visit the official scholarship pages linked in this guide, and create a deadline tracker for the awards that genuinely match your qualifications.
Our Editorial note: Scholarship details, application dates, award amounts and eligibility requirements can change. The dates included in this guide reflect the published information identified for the 2026–2027 cycle. Confirm the latest details with the official provider before applying.