International Students: Unlocking Canadian Scholarships

how can international students get scholarship in canada

Canada is known for its world-class universities and inclusive culture, and it attracts students from around the world with its wide range of scholarships. These scholarships are a testament to the country's commitment to nurturing global talent and alleviating the financial strain of international study. International students can unlock a world of opportunities in Canadian academia by understanding eligibility criteria and meticulously preparing applications. Scholarships are offered by the Canadian government, as well as individual universities, and are available for undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral studies.

Characteristics Values
Scholarship provider Canadian government, Canadian universities
Target students Students from Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, ASEAN member states, China, OAS member states, etc.
Scholarship type Full scholarships, merit-based scholarships, entrance scholarships, in-program scholarships, financial aid programs, etc.
Eligibility Academic achievement, leadership, extracurricular involvement, community involvement, etc.
Application process Application deadlines vary, automatic consideration upon admission, separate application required for some scholarships, awards profile required for some scholarships

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Scholarships for international undergraduate students at UBC

The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers a wide range of scholarships and awards for international undergraduate students. These scholarships recognize and reward academic excellence, financial need, and community involvement. Here are some of the notable scholarships available for international undergraduate students at UBC:

International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES)

The IMES is awarded to exceptional international students entering their first year of undergraduate studies at UBC. The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years of study and is valued at $10,000 to $20,000 per year for the 2025/2026 academic year. To be eligible, students must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, intellectual promise, and impressive extracurricular and community involvement.

Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award

The OIS Award is a merit-based entrance scholarship awarded to qualified international students when they are offered admission to UBC. For the 2025/2026 academic year, the OIS Award is valued at $10,000 to $25,000. Students must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, strong extracurricular involvement, and leadership potential.

International Scholars Program

UBC's International Scholars Program offers two prestigious awards to high academic achievers who are dedicated to making a positive impact on their communities. This award recognizes exceptional international undergraduate students who demonstrate superior academic achievement, leadership skills, and a commitment to community service.

Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award

The Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award is for outstanding undergraduate students from impoverished or war-torn areas who have achieved academic excellence under challenging circumstances. This award recognizes academic achievement, intellectual promise, and extracurricular or community involvement.

International Impact Award

The International Impact Award is for international students accepted into an undergraduate program at UBC's Vancouver campus who demonstrate financial need. This award is for students from underrepresented minorities or low socio-economic backgrounds and recognizes academic excellence and outstanding contributions to society through artistic works, community service, or leadership roles.

In addition to these scholarships, UBC offers various faculty-specific scholarships, such as awards for students in the School of Engineering in the Faculty of Applied Science, and continuing international undergraduate students entering their second, third, or fourth year at UBC's Okanagan campus. UBC also provides automatic consideration for merit-based awards upon admission, and students can use the UBC cost calculator to estimate their first-year costs.

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The Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award at UBC

The Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award is a merit-based scholarship offered by the University of British Columbia (UBC) to international students entering undergraduate programs at the university. The scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and strong extracurricular involvement.

To be eligible for the OIS Award, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be new to UBC, entering directly from secondary school or post-secondary education (university or college).
  • Be an international student studying at UBC on a Canadian study permit (student visa).
  • Not be nominated for a need-and-merit-based International Scholars award.
  • Apply to UBC by the admissions deadline (typically January 15).

The OIS Award is a one-time scholarship valued at up to $25,000 for the academic year 2025/2026. Students who apply to UBC by the admissions deadline will be automatically considered for the OIS Award. Scholarship decisions are typically made between mid-March and the end of April each year.

In addition to the OIS Award, UBC offers other scholarships and awards for international students, such as the International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES). These scholarships recognize the academic achievement of outstanding international students and provide financial support for their undergraduate studies at UBC.

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The University of Toronto's merit-based scholarships

International students can apply for scholarships in Canada through various means. One way is to explore scholarship opportunities provided by the Canadian government, such as the Study in Canada Scholarships, which offer short-term exchange opportunities for international students from a wide range of countries. Another option is to look into scholarships offered by individual universities in Canada, which often include merit-based and need-based scholarships. Additionally, international students can inquire about financial aid programs offered by their home countries to support their studies in Canada.

The University of Toronto offers a range of merit-based scholarships for international students. The university administers over 5,700 admission awards totalling nearly $36 million. International students are automatically considered for a variety of admission scholarships when they apply to the University of Toronto. Additionally, the university has comprehensive scholarship programs that recognize outstanding accomplishments at different levels of study.

The University of Toronto's scholarship programs aim to recognize outstanding accomplishments and impressive achievements. The National Scholarship program, for instance, recognizes original and creative thinkers, community leaders, and high academic achievers. It is the university's most prestigious award for Canadian high school students, offering full-ride scholarships to National Scholars.

The University of Toronto also offers admission awards for newly admitted students entering their first year of undergraduate studies. Students are automatically considered for these awards when they apply to the university, although some awards require a separate application or awards profile. The Awards Profile allows Canadian applicants to be considered for admission awards based on financial need, academic merit, leadership, and other criteria. Additionally, the Award Explorer is a centralized database that allows students to search for thousands of awards, from admissions to in-course and graduating awards.

While the University of Toronto cannot offer financial aid to international students as a publicly-funded institution, international applicants can explore other scholarship opportunities and financial aid programs offered by their home countries. It is recommended that international students contact their home country's financial aid programs to determine their eligibility for assistance.

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The University of Toronto's Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship program

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, applicants must be international students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, creativity, and leadership. They should be acknowledged as leaders within their schools and have the potential to contribute to the global community in the future. Applicants must also intend to begin their first-entry, undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto. It is important to note that students already attending post-secondary studies or starting them at another institution are not eligible for the scholarship.

Nomination and Application Process:

To apply for the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, interested students must first be nominated by their current secondary school through the University of Toronto's online process. Once nominated, applicants can proceed to submit their applications to the University of Toronto by the specified deadlines. The scholarship application requires a range of supporting documents, and it is important to exercise caution when seeking assistance with the application process as the University does not work with recruitment agents or agencies.

Benefits:

The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is a fully funded award that covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years. This comprehensive support ensures that recipients can focus on their academic pursuits and engage fully in the University of Toronto community during their undergraduate studies.

Important Considerations:

The University of Toronto cautions applicants against using generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, to create content for their scholarship applications. Any student found to have used AI to generate content presented as their own will be disqualified from award eligibility, and such use of AI will be considered an academic offence.

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Scholarships for students from OAS member states

International students from OAS member states can apply for scholarships to study in Canada. The Organization of American States (OAS) offers academic scholarships for graduate studies or research at the master's or PhD level. These scholarships are for study or research in any OAS member state except Canada (the nominating country). The OAS Scholarship and Training Programs aim to increase access to affordable, quality higher education for citizens of the Americas and support member states.

The scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence and a strong motivation to pursue their studies in Canada. Applicants must submit transcripts of all post-secondary studies, including cumulative grade point averages (GPAs), and letters of recommendation from professors or employers. Selected candidates must agree to return to and reside in Canada for at least 24 months after completing their studies.

The OAS also offers the Partnerships Program for Education and Training (PAEC), which provides scholarship opportunities, tuition waivers, and discounts for academic studies in partnership with institutions in OAS member states and around the world. The PAEC offers scholarships for undergraduate and graduate programs leading to an academic degree or certificate.

In addition to OAS scholarships, international students from OAS member states may also be eligible for other scholarships offered by Canadian universities, such as the International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES) and the Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award offered by the University of British Columbia (UBC). These scholarships recognize academic achievement and provide financial support to outstanding international students.

Frequently asked questions

There are a variety of scholarships available for international students in Canada. Some examples include the University of Toronto's Lester B. Pearson Scholarship Program, the University of British Columbia's (UBC) International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES), the Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award, and the Vantage Excellence Scholarship. Additionally, the Canadian government offers numerous scholarships, such as the Study in Canada Scholarships, which provide short-term exchange opportunities for international students.

The requirements for international student scholarships in Canada vary, but generally, a strong academic and extracurricular record is important. Some scholarships may require you to be an international student with a Canadian study permit (student visa) and may have specific eligibility criteria based on your home country. It is important to research the requirements for each scholarship carefully.

To increase their chances of getting a scholarship, international students should research extensively and tailor their applications to the specific requirements of the scholarship. Maintaining a strong academic and extracurricular record is also crucial. Additionally, seeking guidance from experts or counsellors can help students identify scholarships that align with their strengths and backgrounds.

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