University Grants: Can Us Students Study In Canada?

Canada offers a range of grants and scholarships to support students in their post-secondary education. The Canada Student Grants Program is a federal government initiative that provides financial assistance to full-time and part-time students enrolled at approved post-secondary institutions, including those from other countries. This program operates in conjunction with the Canada Student Loans Program, and applicants are automatically considered for grants when applying for loans. Additionally, Global Affairs Canada manages international scholarship programs, offering opportunities for non-Canadians to study or conduct research in Canada.

Grants for full-time students

The Canadian government offers a range of grants for full-time students to help with the costs of post-secondary education. These grants are awarded based on financial need and do not need to be paid back.

Canada Student Grants for Full-Time Students

The Canada Student Grants Program is the primary way the federal government provides financial assistance to students. It includes seven grants for full-time students, part-time students, and students with permanent disabilities enrolled at approved post-secondary institutions.

Full-time students can apply for the following grants:

• Grant for Persons from Low-Income Families: Students from low-income families who qualify for a Canada Student Loan and are enrolled in a full-time program of at least 60 weeks can receive $250 per month of study, up to $3,000 per academic year, for all years of undergraduate studies.
• Grant for Persons from Middle-Income Families: Students from middle-income families who qualify for a Canada Student Loan and are enrolled in a full-time program of at least 60 weeks can receive $100 per month of study, up to $1,200 per academic year, for all years of undergraduate studies.
• Grant for Persons with Dependants: Students from low-income families with a dependent under 12 years of age who qualify for a Canada Student Loan and are enrolled in a degree, diploma, or certificate program of at least 12 weeks within a 15-week period can receive $200 per month of study, per dependent child, for all years of undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
• Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students with Dependants: Students with dependants under the age of 12, or 18 with a permanent disability, who are enrolled in a full-time program and have a yearly income below the threshold set by the Canadian government.
• Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment - Students with Disabilities: Students with disabilities who need financial support for services and equipment can receive up to $8,000 per academic year for all years of undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
• Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities: Students with permanent disabilities who are enrolled in a full-time or part-time program of at least 32 weeks and can provide proof of their disability.

Provincial Grants for Full-Time Students

In addition to federal grants, some provinces offer their own grants for full-time students. For example, the Alberta Student Grant for Full-time Students provides funding for students whose yearly income is below the numbers set by the Alberta government. The annual grant maximum is $5,100 per year, with an average award of $3,400 per year.

Grants for part-time students

The Canadian government offers grants and loans to part-time students to help pay for their post-secondary education. The Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Students is available to students who are in financial need and are enrolled in a qualified program at a designated school. To be eligible, students must have a total family income below a certain threshold and have successfully completed any courses they received grants for in the past. The grant amount is calculated based on the student's assessed need and can be up to $2,520 per year until the end of the 2024-2025 school year.

It is important to note that this grant is not available to students from the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Quebec as they have their own student aid programs. However, students from other provinces or territories can apply for the Canada Student Grant through their respective province or territory of residence. The amount of funding a student can receive is determined by various factors, including their tuition fees, living expenses, and whether they have dependents or a disability.

In addition to the Canada Student Grant, part-time students in British Columbia can apply for the Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Studies. This grant provides extra financial assistance to low-income part-time students who are enrolled at a designated post-secondary institution. The grant amount is $1,800 per program year (from August 1 to July 31), which has been temporarily increased by 40% until July 31, 2025.

To determine eligibility and apply for the relevant grants, students should contact their province or territory of residence. It is worth noting that grants do not need to be repaid, whereas loans do need to be repaid after finishing school.

Grants for students with disabilities

The Canadian government offers grants and loans to full-time and part-time students to help pay for their post-secondary education. The Canada Student Financial Assistance Program provides grants and loans to students with disabilities.

Students with disabilities can apply for the Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities (CSG-D). This grant is available to students with disabilities for each year of study. To be eligible, students must:

• Have a financial need
• Be enrolled in a qualified program at a designated school
• Have a disability recognised by the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program
• Provide documentation of their disability with their application

The grant amount for the 2024-2025 school year is set at $2,800 per year. Students can receive this grant for each year of their studies as long as they still qualify. The school year runs from August 1 to July 31.

Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment - Students with Disabilities (CSG-DSE)

Students with disabilities who require financial support for services and equipment can apply for the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment. This grant may also cover costs related to required disability assessments or medical documentation, up to a maximum of $3,500.

Alberta Grant for Students with Disabilities (GFD)

The Alberta Grant for Students with Disabilities is available to students with disabilities who need financial support for services and equipment.

Provincial and territorial grants

The availability of grants for US students in Canada depends on the province or territory of residence. The Government of Canada works with most provincial or territorial governments to offer student grants and loans. However, some provinces and territories operate their own student aid programs, including Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and Quebec.

British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, and Saskatchewan:

The Government of Canada and the provincial governments work together to provide integrated student grants and loans. Students can apply through their respective provincial programs, such as the British Columbia Student Aid or the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).

Alberta, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island:

Canada Student Grants and Loans are available alongside provincial or territorial student aid. Students can receive a mix of loans and grants from both the provincial government (e.g., Alberta Grant for Students with Disabilities) and the Canadian government.

Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and Quebec:

These jurisdictions operate their own student aid programs. The Canada Student Grants and Loans are not available in these territories. However, students in these areas can still apply for territorial grants through programs like the Nunavut Student Funding or the Northwest Territories Student Financial Assistance.

It is important to note that the availability and amount of grants may vary depending on factors such as financial need, academic situation, and family income. Students are encouraged to check with their respective province or territory to understand their eligibility and the specific grants available.

International scholarships

Canada is home to some of the world's most highly regarded universities, and American students have many opportunities to expand their knowledge while broadening their cultural horizons. However, studying abroad can be expensive, and scholarships and fellowships are limited and highly competitive.

Government-Funded Scholarships

The Canadian government offers various scholarships to attract global talent and foster international exchange. Here are some examples:

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: $50,000 CAD/year for three years.
• Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships: $70,000 CAD/year for two years.
• Ontario Trillium Scholarships: $40,000 CAD/year for four years.
• Canada Graduate Scholarships (Master's).
• Canada-CARICOM Leadership Scholarships Program for students from CARICOM countries.

University-Funded Scholarships

Many Canadian universities offer scholarships to attract exceptional international talent and foster a diverse learning community. Here are some examples:

• Lester B. Pearson Scholarship (University of Toronto): Full tuition + living expenses for four years.
• UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award (University of British Columbia): Proportional to financial need, up to full tuition.
• Calgary International Entrance Scholarship (University of Calgary).
• Richard Murray Design Award (Dalhousie University) for students in the field of design.
• International Student Excellence Program (University of Saskatchewan).

Other Scholarships and Fellowships

In addition to the scholarships mentioned above, there are numerous other opportunities for US students wishing to study in Canada. These include:

• The Helen Darkovich Memorial Doctoral Fellowship, administered by the University of Alberta: $12,500 CAD.
• Full tuition scholarships for international students at Humber College: $12,950 to $13,500 CAD.
• The International Major Entrance Scholarship at the University of British Columbia: $28,000 CAD, to be divided over four years.
• Various scholarships for international graduate students at the University of Waterloo: $1,690 to $3,380 CAD per term.

Frequently asked questions