🇨🇦 Canada · Scholarships
Scholarships and financial aid for studying in Canada — government, university, and international programs.
Quick answer
Canada's funding is a mix of federal, provincial and university awards, promoted through the EduCanada portal. Graduate research funding is being consolidated under the Canada Graduate Scholarships (the older Vanier CGS is being phased into this), alongside many university-specific scholarships. Search EduCanada and each university's awards pages and apply by their deadlines.
Canada's federal international scholarships are coordinated by Global Affairs Canada and listed on the official EduCanada portal — including the Study in Canada Scholarships and the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP). For most Global Affairs Canada awards, international students do not apply directly; the Canadian host institution applies on their behalf. Individual universities and provinces also offer substantial scholarships.
- EduCanada (Global Affairs Canada) is the official portal listing federal and partner international scholarships and their eligibility windows.
- For most Global Affairs Canada scholarships the Canadian host university submits the application — secure admission/a host first, then it nominates you.
- Programmes such as the Study in Canada Scholarships and ELAP fund short-term study/research exchanges from eligible regions.
- Vanier CGS is being phased into the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship — check the current programme on the official site before applying.
Step-by-step
- 1
Map the funding landscape
Map Canadian funding: federal Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier being phased in), provincial and university awards, via the EduCanada portal.
- 2
Check eligibility and deadlines
Confirm eligibility (level, nationality, grades, language) and note that scholarship deadlines are often months before course start.
- 3
Prepare your documents
Prepare transcripts, a language-test score, reference letters, a strong personal statement and (for research) a proposal.
- 4
Apply to the scheme and university
Submit the scholarship application and, where required, a separate university/admission application by each deadline.
- 5
Interview, results and acceptance
Attend any interview or selection stage; if awarded, formally accept the scholarship and your study place.
- 6
Handle visa, funds and conditions
Apply for your student visa, arrange disbursement, and note any conditions such as progress requirements or a return/service obligation.
Checklist
- Funding sources identified (government / university / private)
- Eligibility + deadlines confirmed
- Transcripts + language test + references
- Personal statement / research proposal
- Scholarship + university applications submitted
- Interview / selection completed
- Offer accepted + funding terms understood
- Student visa + disbursement + any bond/return rules
Official authorities
- EduCanada — International scholarships
Official Government of Canada portal for international scholarships.
- EduCanada — Scholarships for international applicants
Awards open to non-Canadians and how host institutions apply.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main Canadian government scholarship?
For research students, the Canada Graduate Scholarships (into which the older Vanier CGS is being consolidated); many awards are also university-specific.
Where do I search for Canadian scholarships?
The official EduCanada portal lists federal and provincial scholarships; also check each university’s graduate-awards pages.
Do provinces offer scholarships?
Yes — several provinces run their own graduate scholarships, in addition to federal and university funding.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.
Government portals
- Government of Canada — Canada's federal service portal — immigration, taxes, benefits, and travel info
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada — Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program, work/study permits, and PR card applications
- Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) — T1 personal tax returns, corporate taxes, GST/HST, and benefit applications (CCB)