Canada is one of the best countries in the world to study in. Great universities, safe cities, and a genuine welcome for international students. The challenge is cost — tuition and living expenses add up fast.
The good news is that Canada has real funding available for strong international students. The key thing to understand is this: in Canada, getting admitted to the right program is often how you get the scholarship. Most graduate funding flows through university admission, not through a separate application. Choose your program and supervisor wisely — that decision matters more than anything else.
Here are the 13 best opportunities for 2026, grouped by when to act.
Open Now
These scholarships are currently open
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Government of Canada · Doctoral level · CAD $50,000/year for 3 years
Canada’s most prestigious doctoral award. It is open to international students and covers tuition and living costs. You cannot apply directly — you must be nominated by a Canadian university, which means securing a supervisor first is essential. Selection is based on academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.
2. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
University of Toronto · Undergraduate · Full ride for 4 years
One of the only fully funded undergraduate scholarships in Canada. It covers tuition, books, fees, and residence at the University of Toronto. You must be nominated by your secondary school — you cannot apply on your own. Talk to your school counsellor early. Competition is intense but the coverage is complete.
3. Dalhousie University Graduate Scholarships
Dalhousie University, Halifax · Master’s and PhD · Tuition waiver + stipend + health insurance
A strong option for international students who want a fully funded research degree without the extreme competition of Canada’s largest universities. Dalhousie has flexible deadlines and a genuinely supportive environment for graduate researchers. Halifax is affordable and has a high quality of life. Research alignment with a faculty member is the key to getting funded here.
4. University of Alberta Graduate Scholarships
University of Alberta, Edmonton · Master’s and PhD · Tuition + stipend + research assistantships
One of Canada’s top five research universities, with a funding model that works in your favour. In many departments, students are automatically considered for funding when they are admitted — no separate application needed. Strong in energy, engineering, health sciences, and natural sciences. Edmonton’s cost of living is lower than Toronto or Vancouver, which means your stipend goes further.
5. University of Saskatchewan Graduate Scholarships
University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon · Master’s and PhD · Tuition + annual stipends
An often-overlooked but genuinely strong option for fully funded graduate study. Saskatchewan is particularly good in agriculture, environmental science, and health research. Funding is competitive and Saskatoon’s low cost of living means stipends go a long way. A confirmed supervisor is essential before applying.
Opening Soon
Start preparing — these will open within the year
6. McCall MacBain Scholarships — McGill University
McGill University, Montreal · Master’s level · Full tuition + monthly stipend + leadership program · Opens June–September
One of Canada’s most complete graduate scholarships, backed by a CAD $200 million endowment. It covers full tuition, provides a monthly stipend, and includes a structured leadership development program. Selection focuses on leadership, character, and academic strength. McGill in Montreal is a world-class university in one of North America’s most exciting cities. Applications open between June and September — start your personal statement now.
7. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation · Doctoral level · Large annual stipend + research and travel funding
This is for PhD students whose research connects to real-world public issues — human rights, citizenship, environment, or Canada’s global role. It provides a generous stipend plus research and travel funding. The Foundation wants scholars who are engaged with the world, not just with their academic field. If your doctoral work has genuine public relevance, this scholarship is worth serious attention.
8. UBC Four-Year Doctoral Fellowship
University of British Columbia, Vancouver · Doctoral level · Full tuition + stipend for 4 years
Four years of guaranteed full funding at one of Canada’s two best research universities. That stability is rare and genuinely valuable — most doctoral funding is reviewed year by year. UBC is ranked in the global top forty, located in one of the world’s most beautiful cities, and has exceptional research depth across every major field. The fellowship comes through departmental nomination, so a supervisor relationship is the starting point.
Prepare Now
Evergreen opportunities — build your profile now
9. Ontario Graduate Scholarship
Ontario universities · Master’s and PhD · CAD $5,000–$15,000 per term
Available across universities in Ontario including Toronto, York, Ottawa, and McMaster. Awards are often layered on top of other funding sources. Each university manages its own OGS process, so deadlines and requirements vary. Research the specific process at your target institution before applying.
10. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
University of Manitoba, Winnipeg · Master’s and PhD · Merit-based stipends
A solid, often underestimated option for fully funded research study in Canada. Strong in agriculture, health, environmental science, and indigenous studies. Winnipeg’s low cost of living means your stipend stretches further than it would in Toronto or Vancouver. Worth serious consideration for students whose research fits the university’s strengths.
11. York University International Scholarships
York University, Toronto · Undergraduate · Merit-based, some full tuition · Automatic consideration
York automatically considers international students for scholarships when they apply for admission — no extra form needed. Some awards cover full tuition. Strong in law, business, arts, and social sciences, with the added advantage of being in Toronto. A practical and accessible option for strong undergraduate applicants who want funding without the competition level of the Pearson Scholarship.
12. University of Waterloo Scholarships
University of Waterloo · Undergraduate and graduate · Merit scholarships + research funding
Canada’s most innovative university, with a global reputation in computer science, engineering, and mathematics. Strong scholarship options for STEM students at both undergraduate and graduate levels. The co-op program gives students direct access to paid work experience with top employers worldwide — making Waterloo uniquely valuable for students who want both funded study and a clear pathway into a competitive career.
13. UBC Graduate Scholarships
University of British Columbia · Master’s and PhD · Faculty fellowships + departmental funding
Beyond the Four-Year Fellowship, UBC offers a wide range of departmental and faculty scholarships for international graduate students. It is one of the world’s top forty universities with exceptional research across environmental science, health, law, and Asia Pacific studies. Everything starts with a supervisor — identify yours, read their work, and reach out specifically and early.
Three Things That Will Actually Help You
Find a supervisor before you apply. For any research degree in Canada, a confirmed supervisor is more important than anything else. Email faculty members at your target universities at least three months before the deadline. Be specific about their work. A supervisor who is interested in you changes everything.
Think about cost of living, not just rankings. A well-funded position in Winnipeg or Saskatoon can be more financially comfortable than a partially funded position in Toronto or Vancouver. Rankings matter, but your daily quality of life matters too.
Apply early. In Canada, funding decisions often happen at the same time as admission decisions. The earlier you apply, the more funding options are available to you. Waiting until the final deadline reduces your chances significantly at most institutions.
Scholarship details and deadlines change regularly. Always verify information on the official website of each scholarship or university before applying.