Planning about studying in Canada in 2026? Many applications are open. Canada offers many scholarships that can reduce your costs or even make your degree fully funded. Below is a detailed guide to the Top Canada Scholarships for International Students 2026 including top scholarships, what they cover, who can apply, and how to prepare a strong application.
#1 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (PhD)
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards for PhD students. It supports doctoral candidates in health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities. The scholarship provides a generous stipend for three years, helping students focus on their research. To apply, students must show excellent academic achievements, strong research potential, and proven leadership skills. Applicants must also be nominated by a Canadian university, making early contact with professors essential.
#2 Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship is awarded to PhD students whose research addresses important social issues such as human rights, citizenship, and Canada’s role in the world. This program is unique because it not only provides financial assistance but also leadership training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Applicants are expected to have a strong academic record, community involvement, and a commitment to creating a positive social impact.
#3 Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship is designed for outstanding researchers who have recently completed their PhD. It provides two years of competitive funding in fields such as health, sciences, and social sciences. Applicants must demonstrate strong research achievements, usually supported by publications and recommendations. Like the Vanier award, the Banting fellowship requires applicants to secure the support of a Canadian institution before applying.
#4 University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program
UBC offers the International Scholars Program for exceptional undergraduate students who also demonstrate financial need. This scholarship can cover tuition and living costs for four years of study. Applicants are assessed based on academic excellence, leadership qualities, and active involvement in extracurricular activities. This is one of the top scholarships in Canada for undergraduate students.
#5 Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship | University of Toronto
The University of Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is one of the most sought-after awards for undergraduate students. It provides full funding, including tuition, books, and living expenses for four years. Students must be nominated by their high school to be eligible. The scholarship is given to students with exceptional academic records, creativity, and leadership potential.
#6 McCall MacBain Scholarships | McGill University
McGill University offers the prestigious McCall MacBain Scholarship for master’s and professional degree programs. It covers tuition and living expenses while providing mentorship and leadership development opportunities. Applicants must show strong leadership skills, community service, and excellent academic performance. McGill also offers entrance scholarships for international undergraduates, though those are usually partial awards.
#7 University of Waterloo Graduate Awards
The University of Waterloo provides funding opportunities for international master’s and doctoral students admitted to research-based programs. Awards often come in the form of partial tuition support and stipends. In most cases, students are automatically considered when they apply for admission, though some departments may require a separate application.
#8 York University Global Leader of Tomorrow Award
York University offers the Global Leader of Tomorrow Award and other international scholarships for undergraduate students. These awards are renewable and help cover tuition fees. Applicants are selected based on academic performance, leadership qualities, and personal achievements.
#9 University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
The University of Calgary provides entrance scholarships for high-achieving first-year undergraduate international students. These awards are renewable and recognize strong academic performance combined with extracurricular involvement.
#10 Carleton University Prestige Scholarships
Carleton University offers Prestige Scholarships to incoming undergraduate students with excellent grades and leadership experience. These are some of the university’s highest-value entrance scholarships and are awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding academic and community achievements.
#11 University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
The University of Manitoba provides fellowships to master’s and PhD students across many disciplines. These fellowships are awarded based on academic excellence and are open to both domestic and international students. Applicants must be nominated by their department to be considered.
#12 Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship is available at several universities across Ontario for both master’s and PhD students. It provides financial assistance to students with strong academic records and well-developed research plans. Students apply directly through their chosen university, and deadlines usually vary by institution.
#13 Mitacs Globalink Research Internship
The Mitacs Globalink Research Internship allows undergraduate students from eligible countries to conduct summer research in Canada. The program covers stipends, travel costs, housing, and professional development. This is a great opportunity for students who want short-term research experience in Canadian universities.
#14 Canada-ASEAN and Canada-Americas Scholarships
These government-funded scholarships are aimed at students from ASEAN and American countries for short-term study or research in Canada. They provide monthly stipends, travel allowances, and living expenses. Applicants are usually nominated by their home universities in collaboration with Canadian host institutions.
