Studying in Canada is a great way to get an internationally-recognized education and gain valuable experience living abroad. But for many students, the costs associated with university or college can be daunting. Fortunately, there are a number of scholarships available to help students cover their tuition, living expenses, and more.
In this guide, we will look at 6 study in Canada scholarships that can help you pursue your educational dreams.
Table of Contents
- International Student Scholarships at UBC
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
- Ontario Trillium Scholarship
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Scholarships
- SSHRC Doctoral Awards Program
- Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships
- Frequently Asked Questions
International Student Scholarships at UBC
The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers a range of scholarships for international students. These scholarships are designed to provide financial assistance and recognition for international students who have achieved academic excellence, leadership experience, and exceptional involvement in community services or activities.
International Student Scholarships at UBC include the International Leader of Tomorrow Award, offered to top-achieving international students who demonstrate superior academic achievement and leadership potential within their local community. This award provides tuition support plus an annual living allowance. The amount awarded can vary based on student needs and the competitiveness of the application pool; however, a successful candidate may receive up to four years of funding (including tuition, fees, books & supplies).
Another scholarship available to international students is the International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES). This award is offered to students who have achieved a high academic standing upon graduation from secondary school. An annual IMES Award provides tuition support plus an additional $2,000 per year for other expenses. Qualified candidates may be awarded up to four years of funding (including tuition, fees, books & supplies).
The Global Citizen Program at UBC is another international student scholarship opportunity. Students who are selected for this program receive scholarship and mentorship opportunities that help them further their education and foster their leadership potential. Selected students will receive full tuition support, a financial stipend, and access to mentorship programs.
These are just some of UBC's most notable scholarship options for international students. In addition, other financial aid options, such as bursaries and work-study programs, are also available to help reduce the cost of education at UBC.
Related topic: Cost to study in Canada for international students
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (Vanier CGS) is an annual, merit-based scholarship awarded to doctoral students in all disciplines. This scholarship was established by the Government of Canada in 2008 and has become one of the country's most prestigious scholarships for graduate studies.
This scholarship is worth up to $50,000 a year for three years and can be held at any Canadian university. It is intended to support world-class doctoral candidates who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership skills, and a high standard of research potential.
To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must be nominated by their Canadian university, be enrolled in, or intending to enrol in, a doctoral program at a Canadian university, demonstrate leadership skills and a high standard of research potential, and not hold any other major award such as the SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship or NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship-Doctoral.
Each year, Canada allocates up to 166 Vanier CGS awards. Selection is based on three criteria: academic excellence (50%), research potential (40%), and leadership qualities (10%). Candidates are judged on their past achievements and future plans for research and other activities.
Ontario Trillium Scholarship
The Ontario Trillium Scholarship (OTS) is a prestigious scholarship program that was created to recognize the top graduate students. The OTS provides up to four years of funding for doctoral studies in any field at one of the participating universities in Ontario. This scholarship is awarded to exceptional students who demonstrate excellence in academic achievement, research potential, and leadership skills.
To be eligible for this award, you must meet certain criteria, such as having an admission average of at least A- or equivalent and having achieved a cumulative score across all courses taken within the past two years that puts them in the top 15% of their cohort. Additionally, candidates must also demonstrate strong research potential, leadership qualities, and a commitment to contributing to the community.
The OTS provides recipients a total of $40,000 per year for four consecutive years and may be supplemented by additional funds from university-level scholarships and fellowships. This scholarship also offers mentorship opportunities to help prepare scholars for academic and professional pursuits.
Related topic: Cost of living in Canada for international students
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Scholarships
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) is one of the main providers of scholarship funding for students conducting research in natural sciences and engineering. The scholarships are awarded based on several criteria, including academic performance, research experience or project development plan, community involvement, personal statement, letters of reference, and other relevant documents.
Scholarships from NSERC come in two forms: International Student Scholarships (ISS) and Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS). ISS awards are available to international students enrolled at a Canadian university or college who wish to pursue full-time studies in the natural sciences or engineering. The awards provide a one-time grant of up to $10,000 to assist with tuition and living expenses.
The CGS is available to both Canadian and international students enrolled in master's or doctoral programs at Canadian universities and colleges. Awards are granted for two years for master's students and three years for doctoral students. The amount of the award varies from province to province but is usually between $17,500 - $35,000 per year, depending on the level of study.
Also read: Fully funded scholarship in Canada
SSHRC Doctoral Awards Program
The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Doctoral Awards Program is a competitive and merit-based awards program for doctoral students in Canada. This program seeks to attract and retain the best minds across Canada to undertake advanced research of value to scholars, policymakers, and society. The awards provide funding for up to four years of doctoral study through institutional and individual grants. Through these generous grants, SSHRC helps support promising researchers as they develop their careers in social sciences or humanities research.
Applicants who are eligible to apply for the SSHRC Doctoral Awards Program include those currently enrolled in a full-time doctoral program or those who have just begun their studies. Prospective applicants must demonstrate a solid academic record along with an interest in pursuing advanced research within a social sciences or humanities field. In addition, applicants must provide evidence of their ability to deliver high-quality research relevant to contemporary society effectively.
Individuals who are awarded one of these awards will receive an annual stipend of up to $38,000 per year for four years, along with coverage of university fees (tuition and compulsory student fees) up to a maximum of $18,000 per year. Additional funding may be available in the form of institutional grants, depending on the nature of the research project and its potential impact.
Also read: Cheap universities in Canada for international students
Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships
The Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships are awarded to outstanding international students entering the University of Toronto. These scholarships are highly competitive as they recognize the best of the best international student applicants each year. The selection process is based on academic achievements, leadership potential, and financial needs.
To be eligible for a Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship, applicants must be an international student studying at the University of Toronto on a study permit, demonstrate academic excellence, show leadership skills through involvement in school and community activities, and demonstrate financial need.
The scholarships provide up to $40,000 in financial assistance over four years (including both entrance awards and in-course awards). In addition to the scholarship award, scholarship recipients can apply for additional funding through various other sources, such as work-study programs or travel grants. They may also be eligible for special services such as an International Student Services Program Coordinator, who can provide guidance and support to help them adjust to life in Canada.
There are currently over 400 recipients of the scholarship across the University of Toronto's three campuses: St. George, Scarborough, and Mississauga. Each year more than 200 new students receive this prestigious award. It is estimated that about $4 million in scholarships are awarded annually through this program.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the different international student scholarships at UBC?
The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers a range of scholarships for international students like the International Leader of Tomorrow Award, International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES), the Global Citizen Program, etc.
2. What are the selection criteria for Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship?
Selection is based on three criteria: academic excellence (50%), research potential (40%), and leadership qualities (10%). Candidates are judged on their past achievements and future plans for research and other activities.
3. How much financial assistance does the Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship provide?
The scholarships provide up to $40,000 in financial assistance over four years and additional funding through various other sources, such as work-study programs or travel grants.
