Canada is a popular destination for international students who want to pursue higher education in a diverse and multicultural environment. Canada offers a range of scholarships and awards to attract and support talented students from around the world. In this article, we will introduce you to the 10 best scholarships to study in Canada 2024, covering their brief intro, benefits, study levels, field of study, eligibility, deadline, and application link.
1. McCall MacBain Scholarships
The McCall MacBain Scholarships are the first comprehensive, leadership-driven scholarships in Canada for master’s and professional studies. They are funded by the McCall MacBain Foundation and administered by McGill University. The scholarships aim to nurture Engaged Leaders who can address complex challenges and opportunities for the betterment of Canada and the world.
Benefits: The McCall MacBain Scholarships cover the full cost of tuition and fees for an eligible master’s or professional program at McGill University, as well as a living stipend of $2,000 CAD per month, a one-time relocation grant, and options for summer funding. The scholarships also provide access to mentorship, interdisciplinary learning, and community engagement opportunities.
Study levels: Master’s and professional studies
Field of study: Any field of study offered by McGill University
Eligibility: To be eligible for the McCall MacBain Scholarships, applicants must:
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or refugee, or an international student with a valid study permit for Canada
- Have completed or be on track to complete an undergraduate degree by August 2024
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
- Demonstrate exceptional character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength, and intellectual curiosity
- Apply and be admitted to an eligible full-time master’s or professional program at McGill University, starting in Fall 2024
Deadline: The application deadline for the McCall MacBain Scholarships is September 22, 2023.
Application link: Apply here
2. Lester B. Pearson Scholarships
The Lester B. Pearson Scholarships are named after the 14th Prime Minister of Canada and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. They are awarded by the University of Toronto to recognize outstanding international students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership skills, and creativity. The scholarships are intended to foster a global community of scholars and leaders at the University of Toronto.
Benefits: The Lester B. Pearson Scholarships cover tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years of undergraduate study at the University of Toronto. The scholarships are tenable only at the University of Toronto for first-entry, undergraduate programs.
Study levels: Undergraduate
Field of study: Any field of study offered by the University of Toronto
Eligibility: To be eligible for the Lester B. Pearson Scholarships, applicants must:
- Be an international student who will be studying in Canada on a Canadian study permit
- Be nominated by their high school or a non-profit organization
- Apply to begin their studies at the University of Toronto in the upcoming academic year
- Have an outstanding academic record and demonstrate leadership potential
Deadline: The nomination deadline for the Lester B. Pearson Scholarships is November 30, 2023. The application deadline is January 15, 2024.
Application link: Apply here
3. Karen McKellin Scholarships
The Karen McKellin Scholarships are offered by the University of British Columbia to support international students who demonstrate leadership, resilience, and academic achievement. The scholarships are named after Karen McKellin, a UBC alumna and philanthropist who has made significant contributions to the university and the community. The scholarships aim to help international students realize their potential and pursue their educational goals at UBC.
Benefits: The Karen McKellin Scholarships provide $25,000 CAD per year for up to four years of undergraduate study at UBC’s Vancouver campus. The scholarships also include access to mentorship, academic advising, and career development resources.
Study levels: Undergraduate
Field of study: Any field of study offered by UBC’s Vancouver campus
Eligibility: To be eligible for the Karen McKellin Scholarships, applicants must:
- Be an international student who will be studying in Canada on a Canadian study permit
- Be entering UBC’s Vancouver campus directly from secondary school or post-secondary study
- Have an excellent academic record and demonstrate leadership skills
- Apply for admission to UBC by December 1, 2023
Deadline: The application deadline for the Karen McKellin Scholarships is December 1, 2023.
Application link: Apply here
4. University of Calgary Scholarships
The University of Calgary Scholarships are a range of awards and financial aid programs that recognize the achievements and potential of students from various backgrounds and circumstances. The University of Calgary is committed to providing a learning experience that benefits from both a scale and diversity unparalleled in Canada, and from the close-knit learning communities made possible through its faculties and colleges.
Benefits: The University of Calgary Scholarships vary in value and duration, depending on the type and level of the award. Some of the most prestigious scholarships for international students include:
- The International Entrance Scholarship: Valued at $15,000 CAD, renewable for three additional years
- The International Baccalaureate Diploma Scholarship: Valued at $3,500 CAD, renewable for three additional years
- The President’s Admission Scholarship: Valued at $5,000 CAD, renewable for three additional years
- The Chancellor’s Club Scholarship: Valued at $10,000 CAD, renewable for three additional years
Study levels: Undergraduate and graduate
Field of study: Any field of study offered by the University of Calgary
Eligibility: To be eligible for the University of Calgary Scholarships, applicants must:
- Be an international student who will be studying in Canada on a Canadian study permit
- Meet the academic and English language proficiency requirements for admission to the University of Calgary
- Demonstrate financial need and/or merit, depending on the type of the award
- Apply for admission and scholarships by the specified deadlines
Deadline: The application deadlines for the University of Calgary Scholarships vary depending on the type and level of the award. Some of the common deadlines are:
- December 1, 2023 for the International Entrance Scholarship and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Scholarship
- March 1, 2024 for the President’s Admission Scholarship and the Chancellor’s Club Scholarship
- May 1, 2024 for most graduate awards
Application link: Apply here
5. Vanier Scholarships
The Vanier Scholarships are named after Major-General Georges P. Vanier, the first francophone Governor General of Canada. They are funded by the Government of Canada and administered by three federal granting agencies: the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). The scholarships aim to attract and retain world-class doctoral students who demonstrate leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in research.
Benefits: The Vanier Scholarships provide $50,000 CAD per year for three years during doctoral studies. The scholarships are tenable at any Canadian institution that has a quota to host Vanier scholars.
Study levels: Doctoral
Field of study: Health research, natural sciences and/or engineering, social sciences and humanities
Eligibility: To be eligible for the Vanier Scholarships, applicants must:
- Be nominated by a Canadian institution that has a quota to host Vanier scholars
- Be pursuing a doctoral degree or a combined master’s-doctoral degree, or have completed no more than 20 months of doctoral studies as of May 1, 2024
- Have achieved a first-class average in each of the last two years of full-time study or equivalent
- Have not received or be concurrently holding another doctoral-level scholarship from CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC
- Demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership (potential and demonstrated ability)
Deadline: The nomination deadline for the Vanier Scholarships is November 2, 2023.
Application link: Apply here
6. University of Waterloo Scholarships
The University of Waterloo Scholarships are a variety of financial supports that recognize the academic excellence, leadership potential, and innovation skills of students at different levels of study. The University of Waterloo is known for its cooperative education programs, its entrepreneurial culture, and its research impact in various fields, such as mathematics, computer science, engineering, and environmental studies.
Benefits: The University of Waterloo Scholarships vary in value and duration, depending on the type and level of the award. Some of the notable scholarships for international students include:
- The International Student Entrance Scholarships: Valued at $10,000 CAD each, awarded to 20 incoming undergraduate students based on admission average
- The International Master’s Award of Excellence: Valued at $2,500 CAD per term for up to six terms, awarded to international master’s students who demonstrate academic excellence and research potential
- The International Doctoral Student Awards: Valued at $9,000 CAD per year for up to four years, awarded to international doctoral students who hold a valid Canadian study permit and are registered full time
Study levels: Undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral
Field of study: Any field of study offered by the University of Waterloo
Eligibility: To be eligible for the University of Waterloo Scholarships, applicants must:
- Be an international student who will be studying in Canada on a Canadian study permit
- Meet the academic and admission requirements for the program of their choice at the University of Waterloo
- Demonstrate financial need and/or merit, depending on the type of the award
- Apply for admission and scholarships by the specified deadlines
Deadline: The application deadlines for the University of Waterloo Scholarships vary depending on the type and level of the award. Some of the common deadlines are:
- February 1, 2024 for the International Student Entrance Scholarships
- Varies by department for the International Master’s Award of Excellence
- No deadline for the International Doctoral Student Awards
7. University of Winnipeg Scholarships
The University of Winnipeg Scholarships are a collection of awards and bursaries that support students from diverse backgrounds and circumstances who wish to pursue their academic goals at the University of Winnipeg. The University of Winnipeg is a public university that offers undergraduate and graduate programs in arts, business, education, science, and kinesiology.
Benefits: The University of Winnipeg Scholarships vary in value and duration, depending on the type and level of the award. Some of the prominent scholarships for international students include:
- The President’s Scholarship for World Leaders: Valued at $5,000 CAD for undergraduate and graduate students, and $3,500 CAD for collegiate and professional studies students, awarded to international students who demonstrate exceptional leadership and academic excellence
- The International Entrance Scholarship: Valued at $3,000 CAD, awarded to international students who are entering the University of Winnipeg for the first time and have a minimum 80% admission average
- The International Baccalaureate Scholarship: Valued at $3,500 CAD, awarded to international students who have completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program with a minimum score of 32
Study levels: Undergraduate, graduate, collegiate, and professional studies
Field of study: Any field of study offered by the University of Winnipeg
Eligibility: To be eligible for the University of Winnipeg Scholarships, applicants must:
- Be an international student who will be studying in Canada on a Canadian study permit
- Meet the academic and English language proficiency requirements for admission to the University of Winnipeg
- Demonstrate financial need and/or merit, depending on the type of the award
- Apply for admission and scholarships by the specified deadlines
Deadline: The application deadlines for the University of Winnipeg Scholarships vary depending on the type and level of the award. Some of the common deadlines are:
- June 1, 2024 for the President’s Scholarship for World Leaders
- March 1, 2024 for the International Entrance Scholarship and the International Baccalaureate Scholarship.
8. Mitacs Globalink Research Program
The Mitacs Globalink Research Program is a competitive initiative that offers international undergraduate students the opportunity to conduct research projects at Canadian universities for 12 weeks during the summer. The program is funded by Mitacs, a national, not-for-profit organization that fosters innovation and collaboration between academia, industry, and government.
Benefits: The Mitacs Globalink Research Program provides the following benefits to the selected students:
- A $6,000 CAD stipend for living and travel expenses
- A research project under the supervision of a Canadian professor
- A certificate of completion and a letter of reference
- Access to professional development workshops, networking events, and cultural activities
- A potential fast-track to a graduate scholarship in Canada through the Mitacs Globalink Graduate Fellowship
Study levels: Undergraduate
Field of study: Any field of study offered by the participating Canadian universities
Eligibility: To be eligible for the Mitacs Globalink Research Program, applicants must:
- Be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student in one of the partner countries: Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Mexico, Tunisia, Ukraine, or United Kingdom
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
- Have completed at least one and no more than three years of full-time study in their home university as of December 31, 2023
- Have a valid passport and be able to travel to Canada for the duration of the program
- Have strong oral and written English or French skills, depending on the language of the project
- Apply for three research projects of their choice from the list of available projects
Deadline: The application deadline for the Mitacs Globalink Research Program is September 22, 2023.
9. York University Scholarships
The York University Scholarships are a variety of awards and bursaries that recognize the academic achievement, leadership potential, and community involvement of students at different levels of study. York University is a public research university that offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate programs in arts, media, performance, design, business, education, engineering, science, health, environmental studies, law, and more.
Benefits: The York University Scholarships vary in value and duration, depending on the type and level of the award. Some of the notable scholarships for international students include:
- The International Entrance Scholarship of Distinction: Valued at $35,000 CAD per year for four years, awarded to international students who are entering York University for the first time and have a minimum 95% admission average
- The Global Leader of Tomorrow Award: Valued at $20,000 CAD per year for four years, awarded to international students who are entering York University for the first time and have a minimum 80% admission average, as well as outstanding leadership and community service
- The York Graduate Scholarship: Valued at $6,000 CAD per year for up to two years for master’s students, and $21,000 CAD per year for up to four years for doctoral students, awarded to international students who are admitted to a full-time graduate program at York University
Study levels: Undergraduate and graduate
Field of study: Any field of study offered by York University
Eligibility: To be eligible for the York University Scholarships, applicants must:
- Be an international student who will be studying in Canada on a Canadian study permit
- Meet the academic and English language proficiency requirements for admission to York University
- Demonstrate financial need and/or merit, depending on the type of the award
- Apply for admission and scholarships by the specified deadlines
Deadline: The application deadlines for the York University Scholarships vary depending on the type and level of the award. Some of the common deadlines are:
- February 1, 2024 for the International Entrance Scholarship of Distinction and the Global Leader of Tomorrow Award
- Varies by program for the York Graduate Scholarship
10. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships are named after the 15th Prime Minister of Canada and one of the country’s most influential leaders. They are awarded by the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation, an independent and non-partisan charity that supports research and engagement in the humanities and social sciences. The scholarships aim to develop Engaged Leaders who are committed to addressing issues of critical importance to Canada and the world.
Benefits: The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships provide up to $60,000 CAD per year for up to four years of doctoral studies. The scholarships also include:
- A $20,000 CAD annual allowance for research and travel expenses
- A $10,000 CAD annual allowance for networking and dissemination activities
- A $10,000 CAD annual allowance for leadership development and training
- Access to a community of mentors, fellows, and scholars who share a passion for public engagement and social change
Study levels: Doctoral
Field of study: Humanities and social sciences, with a focus on one or more of the Foundation’s four themes: Human Rights and Dignity, Responsible Citizenship, Canada and the World, and People and their Natural Environment
Eligibility: To be eligible for the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships, applicants must:
- Be nominated by a Canadian or foreign university that has a quota to host Trudeau scholars
- Be pursuing a doctoral degree or a combined master’s-doctoral degree in the humanities and social sciences, or have completed no more than 20 months of doctoral studies as of May 31, 2024
- Have a first-class average in each of the last two years of full-time study or equivalent
- Have not received or be concurrently holding another doctoral-level scholarship from SSHRC, NSERC, or CIHR
- Demonstrate academic excellence, leadership skills, public engagement, and originality of thought
Deadline: The nomination deadline for the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships is January 7, 2024.
Conclusion
Canada is a great destination for international students who want to pursue higher education in a diverse and multicultural environment. Canada offers a range of scholarships and awards to attract and support talented students from around the world. In this article, we have introduced you to the 10 best scholarships to study in Canada 2024, covering their brief intro, benefits, study levels, field of study, eligibility, deadline, and application link. We hope that this article has helped you to find the scholarship that suits your needs and aspirations. We wish you all the best in your academic journey and future endeavors.
