Financial Aid For International Students In Canadian Universities

Canada is one of the top 5 destination countries for studying abroad, attracting thousands of international students every year. While Canadian universities are generally more affordable than their American counterparts, international students may still need financial aid to cover tuition fees and living costs. Although financial aid options are more limited for international students, there are still several ways to receive support.

Scholarships for international students

International students can access various scholarship opportunities in Canada, although these are often highly competitive. Scholarships are typically awarded based on academic merit or a specific ability, such as sports. Some scholarships also recognise outstanding international students who demonstrate leadership skills and creativity.

University of Toronto

The University of Toronto offers the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program. This scholarship provides full funding for four years for outstanding international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and creativity and are recognised as leaders within their school. To be eligible, you must be a non-Canadian requiring a study permit and currently in your final year of secondary school or have graduated no earlier than the previous June.

York University

York University offers the Global Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship, which awards $80,000 ($20,000 x 4) for three years of full-time undergraduate study, provided high academic standing is maintained. To be eligible, you must be an international student requiring a Study Permit, applying directly from high school no more than two years after graduation, and have no previous university or college studies. You must also possess an excellent academic record and have demonstrated leadership through community service or excellence in other areas.

University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo offers the Colonel Hugh Heasley Engineering Scholarships of up to $10,000 over eight academic terms.

University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia offers the Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award, with amounts ranging from $2,500 to $10,000. They also offer the International Leader of Tomorrow Award, where winners receive awards proportional to their financial need. To be eligible, you must be admissible to your first-choice degree, have an excellent academic record, be a non-citizen or permanent resident of Canada, and demonstrate financial need.

University of Winnipeg

The University of Winnipeg offers the Winnipeg President's Scholarships for World Leaders, valued at $5,000, and the President's International Scholarship of Excellence, worth $180,000 over four years.

University of Ottawa

The University of Ottawa offers the President's Scholarship of $30,000 ($7,500 per year) and the Chancellor's Scholarship, also worth $30,000 ($7,500 x 4 years).

University of Calgary

The University of Calgary offers an International Entrance Scholarship totalling $60,000 over four years of the undergraduate program.

University of Saskatchewan

The University of Saskatchewan offers the Dean's Scholarship of $18,000 per year for two years.

University of New Brunswick

The University of New Brunswick (UNB) offers a $40,000 entrance scholarship and provides financial aid through scholarships to students throughout their degree program.

Western University

Western University offers excellent entrance scholarships and in-course scholarships for subsequent years.

Wilfrid Laurier University

Wilfrid Laurier University is continually increasing its international student scholarship listing.

Trent University

Trent University offers scholarships of up to $136,000 CAD, as well as other entrance and in-course scholarships.

University of Alberta

The University of Alberta offers both entrance scholarships and in-course scholarships.

Other Opportunities

There are also scholarships offered by the Canadian government, such as the Government of Canada International Scholarships and the Canada Student Loan program. Additionally, many private lenders offer international student loans, although these will need to be paid back with interest.

It is recommended to research and apply for these scholarships early, as they are highly competitive and may require additional materials such as essays or references.

Bursaries for international students

Bursaries are a type of financial aid that is awarded based on financial need. They are distinct from scholarships, which are typically awarded based on merit or academic achievement.

International students in Canada are not eligible for financial assistance from Canadian government programs. However, the Canadian government offers a few financial aid options for international students, including Government of Canada International Scholarships and the Canada Student Loan program.

Before applying for a bursary in Canada, it is recommended that you first look for scholarships and bursaries in your home country. Many countries have financial aid programs for students studying abroad, and you may be able to qualify for assistance from your own government.

Additionally, some Canadian universities offer financial aid to international students. Here are some examples:

University of British Columbia:

• International Leader of Tomorrow Award: This award is given to students who demonstrate financial need and have an excellent academic record.
• The Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award: This award is a need-based scholarship that recognizes outstanding international undergraduate students who have achieved academic excellence under difficult circumstances.

University of Toronto:

• Pearson International Scholarship: This scholarship recognizes outstanding international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and creativity. The scholarship provides full funding for four years for all successful applicants.
• International Student Aid: The University of Toronto also provides limited scholarships and entrance awards for international students. However, these awards are competitive and may not cover the full cost of tuition.

York University:

• Global Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to international students who demonstrate leadership and have an excellent academic record.
• International Entrance Scholarship: This scholarship is also available to international students with strong academic standing and leadership skills.

It is important to note that scholarships and bursaries may have specific eligibility criteria and application processes. Be sure to carefully review the requirements and deadlines for each award. Additionally, you may want to consider using scholarship search tools to explore further opportunities for financial aid.

Work-study programs for international students

International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus without a work permit for up to 24 hours per week. To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI)
• Be enrolled in a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training program, or a secondary-level vocational training program (Quebec only)
• Your program must be at least 6 months long and lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate
• You must have started your studies
• Have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

If you are a part-time student, you can work off-campus without a work permit if you meet all the requirements above, except for being a full-time student, and are only studying part-time because you are in your last semester and do not need a full course load to complete your program.

Additionally, international students with a valid study permit can work on-campus without a work permit if they are full-time students at a post-secondary public school (college or university), or at a private college-level school in Quebec that operates under the same rules as public schools and is at least 50% funded by government grants, or at a Canadian private school that can legally award degrees under provincial law.

There are also a number of work permit programs for international students and their spouses/common-law partners that make working in Canada possible. Working in Canada can help you establish valuable business contacts, and even assist with the process of immigrating after graduation.

While some scholarships and bursaries are available for international students in Canada, these may not cover the full cost of tuition and living expenses. Therefore, work-study programs can be a great way to supplement your income while studying in Canada.

Student loans for international students

International students can obtain financial assistance for their post-secondary education through the Canada Student Loans Program. The federal government developed this program to make post-secondary education accessible to students who are financially challenged. International students pay the same interest rates and follow the same repayment schedules as Canadian citizens and permanent residents. However, they may not be eligible for loans from provincial or federal governments.

Private Student Loans

Private student loans are available for international students, although options for funding are more limited than for domestic students. Eligible students must be enrolled at a university with a student loan program supported by a private lender. The lender will consider the student's academic success and career path, as well as other factors like their home country, expected graduation date, and the school they attend.

Application Process

The application process for private student loans is quite simple and can be completed online. Once the application has been reviewed, the student will receive details of the offer, including the interest rate and the amount they can borrow. This process usually takes about 6 weeks.

Amount

Students can borrow up to the total cost of their education, minus any other financial aid, scholarships, and awards they are receiving. The lender may also have a maximum amount limit in place.

Repayment

Repayment options depend on the terms of the agreement with the lender. In most cases, there will be either zero or reduced payments while the student is in school and for 6 months post-graduation. A repayment schedule will be provided by the lender.

Other Options

International students can also explore scholarships, bursaries, and work-study programs as alternative sources of funding. Scholarships are offered by every Canadian university and some Canadian colleges, either based on merit or applications. Bursaries are awarded based on financial need and do not require repayment. Work-study programs are specifically designed for students who demonstrate financial need and provide financial assistance through part-time on-campus work opportunities.

Grants for international students

Canada is one of the top 5 destination countries for studying abroad, attracting thousands of international students every year. This is due to the high-quality education available, the open and tolerant culture, and the opportunities the country presents.

However, the majority of financial aid options, grants, and scholarships at Canadian universities are aimed at Canadian students. This means that international students may have limited resources available to them.

Grants

The Canadian government offers non-repayable grants through the Canada Student Grants Program. Unfortunately, international students studying on a Study Permit are not eligible for financial assistance from Canadian government programs. However, documented protected persons or convention refugees are able to apply for Canadian government funding.

Scholarships

Scholarships are non-repayable financial awards that international students can use to fund their studies in Canada. They are usually given to students who have achieved outstanding academic success, but some also recognize extracurricular activities, volunteering, and work experience.

Most scholarships available to international students are at the postgraduate level and are limited and highly competitive. Undergraduate scholarships do exist, but they are rare.

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
• Ontario Trillium Scholarship
• Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship
• Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships
• Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award Scholarship
• University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
• Colonel Hugh Heasley Engineering Scholarships (University of Waterloo)
• Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award (University of British Columbia)
• Winnipeg President’s Scholarships for World Leaders (University of Winnipeg)
• York University: Global Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship
• University of Ottawa: The President’s Scholarship

Bursaries

Bursaries are financial aid awarded to students based on their economic needs and do not need to be repaid. Some colleges and universities offer bursaries to students who meet specific requirements.

Students applying for bursaries usually undergo a needs assessment, which may include reporting their income or that of their parents. The Canadian and British governments offer bursary awards as part of their financial aid programs.

Work-Study Programs

Paid Co-op Work Experience Programs and Internships are a way for international students to engage in work and cover some of their financial needs while studying at a Canadian university or college. Some universities also offer financial aid in the form of work-study programs for international students who experience financial difficulties.

Student Loans

Student loans should be a last resort, as they have to be paid back with interest. However, international students can obtain financial assistance for their post-secondary education through the Canada Student Loans Program. International students pay the same interest rates and follow the same repayment schedules as Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Frequently asked questions