Scholarships in Canada for International Students 2025

Canada scholarships for international students can cut your study costs in a big way. For Indian students, this means you can turn a dream education in Canada into an affordable and prestigious achievement. With tuition fees rising and living costs becoming a big concern in 2025, knowing where to find fully funded scholarships in Canada is the smartest way to plan. These scholarships will cover tuition mostly. They often include housing, living expenses, and sometimes even travel, giving you the freedom to focus only on your studies.

So read along this 2025 guide for a clear and action focused. You will find fresh deadlines, amounts, and links to official pages. We also cover the most competitive fully funded scholarships in Canada that reward talent, need, and leadership. Use the tables and the scholarship calendar to plan early and apply on time.

Why choose Canada in 2025?

Canada remains popular for study because of strong universities, safer cities, and clear work rules for students. Many programs include co-ops and research. New federal updates also increased some graduate scholarship values. You get a fair shot with merit-based selection and transparent rules.

How Scholarships In Canada Are Structured

Most awards fall into three groups: federal scholarships, provincial awards, and university scholarships. Federal awards are from tri-agencies or Global Affairs Canada. Provincial awards come from provinces like Ontario and Quebec. University awards are offered by each campus. Some are automatic. Some need a separate application with essays or references. Check if funding is renewable and what GPA is needed to keep it.

Want to know the best universities to study in Canada? Read our complete guide on the most suitable universities for Indian students. 

Top Fully Funded Options At A Glance

Here are the flagship fully funded scholarships in Canada to watch in 2025:

• McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill: full tuition, fees, living stipend, and leadership program for master’s and select professional programs.

• Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto: full tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence for four years for exceptional undergraduates.

• UBC International Scholars Program: needs-based awards that can cover full tuition and living costs based on demonstrated financial need.

• Concordia Presidential Scholarship: a prestigious award for top undergraduates that covers tuition and living costs for the full degree when offered.

These are highly competitive. Start early and confirm nomination rules, extra essays, and referee timelines.

Federal Scholarships And Research Funding (2025)

Canada Graduate Research Scholarships for Master’s (CGRS-M)

Value: $27,000 for 12 months. 

Deadline: December 1 each year. Open to citizens and permanent residents only. International students are not eligible, but this increase affects overall funding culture and supervisor budgets.

Tri-agency changes in 2025

The Government of Canada started harmonizing graduate and postdoctoral awards across CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC. The former Banting and Vanier programs are being reshaped into a unified framework.

Global Affairs Canada short-term exchanges

Programs like Canada-ASEAN SEED and Study in Canada Scholarships offer short study or research terms with monthly stipends and travel support. These are hosted through Canadian universities that partner with your home institution. Ask the international office at your university to nominate you.

Provincial And Territorial Scholarships

Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

Amount: $5,000 per term, up to $15,000 per year. Many universities in Ontario host OGS for international master’s and PhD students. Deadlines vary by campus. Some quotas restrict the number of international awards, so apply early. 

Quebec tuition exemptions and merit aid

Quebec offers differential tuition exemptions through institutional or government schemes. If you study in Montreal or Quebec City, check campus pages for French and English program options. 

Unsure which Canadian scholarship suits you? Get guidance via WhatsApp. 

University Scholarships You Should Know In 2025

University of Toronto – Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship

Coverage: tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence for four years. You must be nominated by your high school and then apply to U of T. Key dates: school nomination, student OUAC application, and Pearson application all have separate deadlines in late 2024 and early 2025 for fall 2025 entry. 

McGill – McCall MacBain Scholarships

Coverage: full tuition and fees, a monthly living stipend, mentorship, and leadership training. Timeline: scholarship application opens June 2025 for 2026 intake; program applications to McGill follow in fall 2025. There are also finalist and regional awards if you are not selected as a Scholar.

UBC – International Scholars Program (Karen McKellin, Donald A. Wehrung, IMES/Outstanding)

Coverage: needs-based funding that can cover full tuition and living costs based on your assessed need. The typical deadline is mid-December 2024 for the 2025 intake. Ensure you submit the UBC application and the separate scholarship application by the stated dates. 

Université de Montréal – UdeM Exemption Scholarships

Coverage: significant tuition exemption for international students. The policy is extended through fall 2026, with amounts by level and program. It reduces the international tuition premium and lowers your net cost. 

University of Calgary – International Entrance Scholarship

Amount: CAD $20,000, renewable for the second year if you meet renewal criteria. Open to first-year international undergraduates entering in the fall.

University of Manitoba – Graduate Fellowships (UMGF)

Amount: Master’s up to CAD $14,000 per year; PhD up to CAD $18,000 per year. Available to domestic and international students in eligible programs. Check unit quotas and GPA thresholds. 

York University – International Entrance Scholarships

Awards include the International Entrance Scholarship of Distinction (CAD $35,000 x 4 years) and the Global Leader of Tomorrow Award (CAD $20,000 x 4 years). Competitive, with separate application and document deadlines. 

Concordia University – Presidential Scholarship

A limited, prestigious award that may cover tuition and living expenses for outstanding international undergraduates when offered. Also, explore Concordia Entrance Scholarships, which are automatic for strong applicants.

Mitacs Globalink Research Internship (for undergraduates)

A 12-week funded research internship at Canadian universities for undergraduates from partner countries. The student application for Summer 2026 closes on September 17, 2025. It provides a stipend, local support, and mentorship.

Key Deadlines Snapshot (2025 Cycle)

• CGRS-M (for citizens/PRs): December 1.

• McCall MacBain (2026 intake): opens June 2025; international deadline in August; Canada/US deadline in late September.

• UBC International Scholars: mid-December 2025 for 2026 intake.

• U of T Pearson: nomination and application windows across late 2025 to early 2026.

• Mitacs GRI 2026: September 17, 2025, deadline.

Always verify the live date on the official page before you submit. Organize your applications with our free timeline tool. Download the scholarship calendar.

Fully funded scholarships in Canada (2025)

Popular partial or tuition-reduction awards (2025)

From deadlines to documents, we’re just a ping away. Start your WhatsApp chat with us. 

How to Find the Right Award

Match three things: your level, your citizenship, and your program start term. Some awards are only for first-year undergrads. Some are only for research degrees. Filter by faculty too. Many engineering and CS faculties offer extra entrance funding. Always combine central awards with department funding and RA or TA roles for a complete package.

Smart timeline to win scholarships (month-by-month)

• June–August 2024: Shortlist programs. Draft a budget. Check nomination rules for U of T Pearson and UBC. Line up referees.

• September–October 2024: Sit language tests if needed. Write a single “master statement” and adapt it per award.

• November–December 2024: Submit UBC International Scholars. Track OUAC or provincial portals. Prepare Pearson essays.

• January–March 2025: Apply for university entrance awards and provincial funding. Watch internal deadlines.

• April–June 2025: Follow up on documents and transcripts. Apply for housing to secure residence.

• July–September 2025: For research paths, submit Mitacs GRI. Prepare for visa, medicals, and travel.

• October–December 2025: Confirm insurance, course registration, and arrival dates. 

Build a bulletproof application

Tell a clear story in simple language. Tie your goals to Canada’s research or industry strengths. Use one strong example for leadership and one for impact. Quantify results. Show needs only when asked. For fully funded awards, highlight community work and sustained effort, not one-off wins. Ask referees for concrete examples. Give them a one-page brief with your achievements and deadlines.

Documents checklist

• Valid passport

• Academic transcripts and grading legend

• English or French test score if required

• Resume in reverse chronological order

• Two to three references with emails and phones

• Research proposal or statement of purpose, if asked

• Proof of extracurriculars and awards

• Financial need form, if applicable

Keep PDFs under the stated size. Use consistent file names. Submit early to avoid portal rush.

GPA, tests, and language

Grades matter, but many awards review the whole profile. Show an upward trend, projects, and service. English tests like IELTS or TOEFL, and for French programs TEF/TCF, may be required. 

Budget planning for 2025

Budget for visa fees, flights, deposits, and winter gear. Major cities cost more than mid-sized ones. Shared housing or residence lowers risk in year one. Track renewal rules and GPA targets linked to your award.

Work while you study

Use co-ops, internships, and campus jobs to gain experience. Mitacs, labs, and incubators add paid projects. Follow your study permit rules. Meet a career coach early.

Confused about applications, visas, or work rules? Download our Canada study guide that has it all. 

How Admissions and Scholarships Connect

Apply for admission first on most campuses. Some automatic scholarships trigger right after an offer. Competitive awards need a separate form. Be careful with program start terms. Many big awards pay only for a fall start. Switching terms can void funding. If you hold more than one award, check stacking rules. Some scholarships reduce when you accept a larger one.

Avoid common mistakes

• Missing the nomination process for Pearson or provincial awards

• Reusing the same essay without tailoring it to the award goals

• Uploading unofficial or blurred transcripts

• Ignoring time zone cutoffs; portals close at local or Eastern Time

• Waiting for final scores when the deadline allows pending results

• Not checking renewal GPA rules, which can be strict

2025 Updates on Canada Scholarships for International Students 

• Graduate scholarship value increase: The tri-agency master’s scholarship now pays CAD $27,000 for 12 months. The national application deadline is December 1 each year.

• Program harmonization: Canada is restructuring major federal graduate and postdoc awards. The separate Banting and Vanier programs are being folded into a harmonized suite of awards.

• Mitacs Globalink timeline: The student application for Summer 2026 internships is open in 2025, with a published deadline of September 17, 2025.

• Ontario Graduate Scholarship amounts: OGS pays $5,000 per term up to $15,000 per year; many Ontario universities allocate a limited number to international students.

• U of T Lester B. Pearson coverage: This fully funded scholarship covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence for four years. Confirm current dates on U of T’s Pearson pages.

• UBC International Scholars deadlines: For 2025 entry, UBC set mid-December 2024 scholarship deadlines alongside the UBC application.

• UdeM exemption extended: Université de Montréal has extended its international exemption scholarship policy through 2026. Values vary by cycle and program.

• University awards snapshot: Calgary’s International Entrance Scholarship is $20,000 and renewable. Manitoba’s UMGF provides up to $14,000 (master’s) and $18,000 (PhD) per year. York offers $35,000 x 4 and $20,000 x 4 entrance awards.

How to Write a Standout Scholarship Essay

Keep each paragraph short. Use an active voice. Aim for three parts: past, purpose, and proof.

1. Past: a concrete story that shows growth. Use numbers. “Led a 6-member team to run a climate audit and cut lab energy by 18%.”

2. Purpose: a clear goal tied to a Canadian program. “I want to build low-cost drought sensors with UBC’s SALA lab and deploy pilots with BC farmers.”

3. Proof: why you are ready now. Mention technical skills, languages, internships, and service. Close with how you will give back.

Template (100–150 words):

“Growing up in ___, I saw ___. In college, I _, which led to __ (quantified result). In Canada, I will study ___ at ___ because ___. I bring __ skills and __ years of experience with __. My goal is to ___ and share the results with ___. This scholarship will let me focus on research and mentor first-year students through __ society.”

Eligibility Rules that Trip Applicants

• Citizenship limits: Some federal awards exclude international students. Always check who can apply.

• Program load: Many awards require full-time enrollment and a fall start. Deferring can void funding.

• Department nominations: Awards like UMGF need a unit nomination before the graduate school approves.

• References: Online forms close at the same deadline as applications. Ask early and send gentle reminders.

Build Your Personal Scholarship Calendar

List the award, the real deadline, the time zone, and every required document. Add soft deadlines one week earlier. Share the calendar with your referee team so they can plan. Use color codes for status: draft, review, submitted, confirmed. Keep a folder with your ID, transcripts, test scores, essays, CV, and portfolio links. If a portal allows, submit early and update files before the cutoff.

Download our custom made Scholarship Calendar 2025 (PDF) here. 

Email Templates You Can Copy

Requesting a reference

Subject: Reference request for [Scholarship Name] – due [Date]

Hello Prof. [Name],

I am applying for [Scholarship Name] at [University]. The form is due on [Date, Time Zone]. May I list you as my referee? I have attached my CV, transcript, and draft essay. The portal will send you a link. Thank you for your support.

Best, [Your Name]

Asking a department about funding

Subject: Funding options for [Program], Fall 2025

Hello [Graduate Administrator],

I have applied to [Program]. Could you please share typical funding for international students, including TA/RA packages and entrance awards? I would also like to know if international students are eligible for OGS in your unit and the internal deadline.

Best regards, [Your Name]

Final Tips for Successful Scholarship Application in 2025

• Submit at least two days early to avoid portal traffic.

• Keep a single master CV and tailor it.

• Use specific numbers in essays.

• Check stacking and renewal rules before accepting.

• Save every confirmation email as a PDF.

• After you accept, thank referees and share your plan to give back.

Action Plan: Four Steps

1. Shortlist 6–8 programs across three provinces.

2. Map each scholarship deadline, nomination rule, and renewal GPA.

3. Draft essays and request references four weeks before the earliest deadline.

4. Submit two days early, then confirm receipt in the portal.

Rounding up

Canada scholarships for international students are real, structured, and competitive. The best wins come from early planning, sharp essays, and careful document control. Fully funded scholarships in Canada are rare, but they do exist at top campuses. Use the tables, set reminders, and apply with confidence in 2025. Apply early and carefully.