Scholarships in Canada for international students

Calculating your budget for Canada requires looking at both tuition and daily expenses. You will find 18,675 programs listed on our platform, each with distinct pricing structures. Most universities charge tuition per year, though some specialized programs bill by the credit or semester. You should check individual program listings for the exact tuition figures to ensure your financial planning is accurate.

Your monthly living costs will depend on your city. A realistic budget for a single student ranges from CAD 2,000 to CAD 3,000. Rent is your largest expense. Expect to pay between CAD 800 and CAD 1,800 per month for a room in a shared house or a small apartment. Groceries typically cost CAD 300 to CAD 500. A monthly transit pass costs about CAD 100, and a basic phone plan is roughly CAD 60.

You can work to help pay these bills. International students with a valid study permit can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during regular academic terms. During scheduled breaks like summer or winter holidays, you can work full-time. Many students find jobs in retail, food service, or administrative support. Minimum wages vary by province but generally stay between CAD 14 and CAD 17 per hour.

Scholarships help reduce your total investment. You should look for three main types of funding:

• Government of Canada Awards: These include programs like the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships for doctoral students.
• University Entrance Awards: Many institutions automatically consider you for scholarships based on your high school or undergraduate grades.
• Departmental Bursaries: Specific faculties often have smaller grants for students in high-demand fields.

Canada is often more affordable than the US or UK because of lower average tuition fees and a favorable exchange rate. While major cities like Toronto and Vancouver are expensive, choosing a university in a smaller province can significantly lower your rent and food costs. Compare the total cost of your top three programs by visiting our search page today.

Studying in Canada offers access to 121 universities with tuition fees ranging from USD 91 to USD 79,004. While the average tuition is USD 13,603, several financial aid programs can lower these costs. You should focus on these government, university, and private funding options for the 2026-2027 academic year.

• Study in Canada Scholarships

  Provider: Global Affairs Canada

  Value: Up to CAD 10,200 for 4 months or CAD 12,700 for 5 to 6 months.

  Eligibility: You must be a full time student from eligible countries in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, or the Americas. You must apply through a Canadian institution that has a valid exchange agreement with your home school.

  Official Application Link

• Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP)

  Provider: Government of Canada

  Value: Between CAD 8,200 and CAD 11,100 depending on the level and duration of study.

  Eligibility: You must be a citizen of an eligible country in Latin America or the Caribbean. You must be enrolled in a post secondary institution in your home country and wish to conduct a short term exchange or research in Canada.

  Official Application Link

• Nipissing University International Student Scholarships

  Value: CAD 1,500 to CAD 2,500.

  Eligibility: These are partial merit based awards for international students entering their first year of full time undergraduate study. You need a minimum 80 percent admission average to qualify.

  Official Application Link

• Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) Major Entrance Scholarships

  Value: Up to CAD 20,000 (distributed over four years).

  Eligibility: You must be an international student entering KPU for the first time. Selection is based on academic excellence, community involvement, and leadership skills.

  Official Application Link

• Saskatchewan Polytechnic International Student Awards

  Value: Varies from CAD 1,000 to CAD 2,500.

  Eligibility: You must be a full time international student at the Moose Jaw or other campuses. Awards are based on academic achievement or financial need after you complete your first semester.

  Official Application Link

• Chevening Scholarships (For UK Students in Canada)

  Provider: UK Government

  Value: Fully funded including tuition, monthly stipend, and travel costs.

  Eligibility: While Chevening mostly funds study in the UK, specific partnerships occasionally support Canadian research links for future leaders. You must demonstrate leadership potential and strong academic backgrounds.

  Official Application Link

Our partner institutions provide specific aid for international applicants. Burman University offers entrance awards based on your high school GPA. Fleming College provides several CAD 1,000 scholarships for new international students who demonstrate high academic standing. These are partial scholarships that help reduce your first year tuition costs.

Deadlines for Canadian scholarships often fall between January and March for the September intake. You should prepare your documents at least six months in advance. Most applications require your official transcripts, a valid passport, and a statement of purpose. To strengthen your application, highlight your volunteer work and leadership roles. Many Canadian committees value community impact as much as high grades. Check each university portal weekly because new bursaries often open during the summer months.