When people talk about studying abroad, Canada often comes up as one of the top choices. It’s not hard to see why: world-class universities, cities that buzz with multicultural life, and landscapes that look like postcards. But let’s be honest—the first thing that stops a lot of students from even clicking “apply” is the price tag. Tuition, housing, insurance, food, and transit add up so fast that even the most motivated student can feel discouraged.
That’s where scholarships come in. They won’t make Canada “free,” but they can make it realistic. And for some lucky few, a scholarship can cover almost everything. The tricky part is figuring out which ones are worth your time, what they actually cover, and whether you realistically stand a chance.
I’ve put together a guide to ten of the most notable scholarships tied to Canadian universities. I’ll admit: not every award here will be accessible to everyone, and some might sound like long shots. But mixed in with the ultra-competitive options are some practical opportunities you might not hear about unless someone points them out.
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
This is the crown jewel for doctoral students. The Vanier offers $50,000 a year for three years, which, in Canadian terms, is enough to pay tuition and still live reasonably in most cities.
But don’t expect to waltz in with just decent grades. Vanier asks for leadership potential, glowing references, and a research plan that makes you look like you’re about to change the world. The application process can feel like writing a mini-book about your academic life.
A PhD friend of mine who applied said it felt like “job hunting plus grad school times ten.” She didn’t get it the first time, but the process itself forced her to sharpen her research pitch, which later helped her land a teaching assistantship. So even if you don’t win, the act of applying may set you up for other opportunities.
2. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships (University of Toronto)
Living in Toronto is expensive—I once looked at a one-bedroom near campus listed for over $2,000 a month, and it wasn’t even furnished. The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship at the University of Toronto is basically the antidote. It covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence for four full years.
This isn’t just about being a straight-A student. The committee looks at creativity, leadership, and how you’ve made an impact in your community. Leadership doesn’t always mean starting a flashy NGO; it could be something like organizing a local literacy program or leading a debate team.
One concern some students mention is that “leadership” feels vague. How do you prove it? If you’re applying, think of specific stories that show initiative rather than just listing roles. The scholarship is looking for future changemakers, not just test-taking machines.
3. UBC International Scholars Program
The University of British Columbia’s program bundles together several scholarships, including the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award. These can fully cover tuition and living expenses, but here’s the thing—Vancouver is pricey. Even with support, students often take part-time jobs or share housing to stretch their budget.
What I like about UBC’s program is that it renews every year, provided you keep up your grades. That takes off a bit of pressure compared to one-time awards. Still, don’t underestimate the stress of balancing heavy coursework with the cost of living. A student once joked online that UBC’s scholarship was “full ride on paper, half ride in practice,” because Vancouver’s housing market eats away at even generous funding.
4. McGill University’s Entrance Scholarships
McGill, often called the “Harvard of the North,” offers a mix of one-time and renewable scholarships. The renewable ones can add up to $48,000 over four years—not small change.
One perk: you don’t always need to fill out extra forms. Many students are automatically considered when they apply, which means less paperwork. On the flip side, “automatic consideration” also means many students quietly don’t make the cut.
Montreal itself is worth mentioning. Compared to Toronto or Vancouver, the cost of living is more forgiving, especially if you don’t mind a small apartment a few metro stops from campus. Add in cheap eats—$5 falafels and endless bagels—and even a modest scholarship stretches nicely.
5. University of Alberta International Student Scholarships
The University of Alberta, in Edmonton, sometimes flies under the radar, but its scholarships can be surprisingly generous. The President’s International Distinction Scholarship, for example, is worth up to $120,000 over four years. That’s one of the biggest undergraduate awards in the country.
Edmonton itself has pros and cons. Rent is cheaper than Vancouver or Toronto, and scholarships really go further here. But winter can be brutal—think snowstorms and -25°C days. Some students I’ve met said the first winter was a shock, but the lower costs and strong academic programs made it worth it.
6. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
The OGS is a solid mid-tier award for graduate students in Ontario, worth $15,000 for one year. Some students manage to renew it, but it depends on the program.
I’d call this more of a “supplement” than a full solution. Tuition alone can swallow most of it if you’re at a school like U of T. But combined with teaching assistant gigs or other fellowships, it helps keep you afloat. Think of OGS less as a golden ticket and more as one brick in the wall of your funding plan.
7. Carleton University’s Prestige Scholarships
Carleton, in Ottawa, offers several “Prestige” scholarships for undergraduates, worth between $20,000 and $30,000. They look at leadership and community involvement alongside grades.
The best part? Ottawa is cheaper to live in than Toronto, but still lively. Students can hang out by the Rideau Canal in winter or take a short bus ride downtown. Scholarships here genuinely cover more of your needs, so you’re less likely to end up juggling three part-time jobs just to stay afloat.
8. York University International Student Scholarship Program
York University, also in Toronto, offers awards like the Global Leader of Tomorrow, which can cover up to $35,000 per year. That’s a serious chunk of support, but here’s the downside—Toronto living costs.
One student blog I read mentioned how even with the award, they shared an apartment with two others in North York to cut costs. Still, York’s international student community is huge, so you’re unlikely to feel out of place. And because it’s a large school, there are often hidden smaller awards within departments that stack on top of the big ones.
9. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
These fellowships give $14,000 (Master’s) or $18,000 (PhD) per year. Winnipeg isn’t glamorous, but it’s affordable. Students joke that “you’ll save money because it’s too cold to go out,” but in reality, your fellowship stretches further here than in other provinces.
The city has a quieter pace, which some international students love and others find isolating. If you’re the type who prefers smaller communities and lower costs, Manitoba’s awards can make grad school much less stressful.
10. Queen’s University International Scholarships
Queen’s in Kingston has awards ranging from $5,000 to $40,000. They’re not always full coverage, but they help. The real draw at Queen’s is the campus culture—tight-knit, tradition-heavy, and supportive.
Kingston is a small city compared to Toronto or Montreal, but that can be a good thing. Rent is cheaper, and you don’t feel lost in the crowd. The drawback? Fewer part-time job options. Students often end up on-campus or working in small cafés rather than big companies.
Beyond the List: Some Honest Advice
Scholarships sound glamorous, but here’s the truth: most students patch together funding from multiple sources. You might get a partial scholarship, then add a work-study job, plus a bursary from your department. It’s rarely all or nothing.
Also, don’t underestimate small awards. A $2,000 bursary may not seem like much compared to the $50,000 Vanier, but if it pays for your textbooks for the year, that’s money you don’t have to borrow.
Deadlines sneak up quickly, too. More than one student has admitted to me that they found a scholarship two weeks after the deadline had passed. Set reminders, start early, and keep all your documents—transcripts, references, proof of finances—organized in one folder.
Finally, manage expectations. Not everyone wins the “big name” scholarships, and that’s okay. Sometimes persistence—applying for five smaller awards, working part-time, and living modestly—gets you further than holding out for one elusive full-ride.
Wrapping Up
Scholarships for studying in Canada range from flashy, high-profile programs like the Vanier or Lester B. Pearson to quieter, practical fellowships in places like Manitoba or Alberta. Each has its pros and cons, and each comes with its own definition of “leadership,” “excellence,” or “need.”
The key is to treat them not as miracle fixes but as stepping stones. Combine them with other funding strategies, and suddenly Canada feels less like a dream and more like an achievable plan. And if you land one of the big ones? Well, you’ll have more breathing room to focus on the real reason you’re here—to learn, to grow, and maybe to enjoy a few Tim Hortons runs between lectures.