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Studying in Canada remains one of the most sought-after study destinations for international students in 2026. The country offers a wide range of scholarships, from government-funded awards to university-specific entrance grants. This makes higher education in Canada more accessible and affordable. Whether you're pursuing an undergraduate, master's, or doctoral degree, there are numerous prestigious scholarships available to help you fund your education.

In this article, as a study abroad consultancy firm with 20+ years of experience, I will explore the top scholarships for studying in Canada in 2026, with detailed information on the government awards, undergraduate scholarships, and specialized master’s level scholarships.

Government and national scholarships are often the most competitive and prestigious awards. These scholarships generally cover a significant portion of tuition, living costs, and research expenses, making them ideal for students aiming to pursue higher education in Canada.

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (PhD)

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships is one of the most prestigious awards for doctoral students. Valued at $50,000 per year for three years, it aims to attract world-class doctoral students to Canadian universities. To be eligible, students must demonstrate:

• Academic excellence
• Research potential
• Leadership skills

This scholarship is available for students pursuing PhD programs at participating Canadian universities.

Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships

The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships offer $70,000 per year for two years to postdoctoral researchers in various fields such as health, natural sciences, engineering, and social sciences. This award is for the best and brightest minds in research and is one of Canada's premier postdoctoral funding programs.

Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) provides $10,000 to $15,000 for master's or doctoral students enrolled at participating universities in Ontario. The scholarship is aimed at encouraging academic excellence in students pursuing graduate studies in any discipline.

Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program

The Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program offers graduate-level scholarships to students from Commonwealth countries. The scholarship is valued at approximately $10,000, and it covers the cost of tuition, living expenses, and research projects.

Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship (PhD)

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship offers up to $60,000 per year for three years to doctoral students in the humanities and social sciences. This scholarship is aimed at fostering leadership and promoting the development of a global community in academic research.

Canada’s undergraduate scholarships are designed to attract international talent and support students who are high achievers. These awards are highly competitive and provide substantial financial support for international students.

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto)

The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is one of the most sought-after undergraduate scholarships in Canada. This fully funded scholarship covers:

• Tuition fees
• Books
• Incidental fees
• Full residence costs

It’s a four-year award that requires a nomination from the student’s high school. This scholarship is ideal for students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and leadership potential.

UBC International Scholars Program (University of British Columbia)

The UBC International Scholars Program offers several awards, including the International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES), which can be valued up to $25,000 per year. This scholarship is renewable for four years and is aimed at international students who exhibit academic excellence and leadership skills.

President’s International Scholarship of Excellence (York University)

The President’s International Scholarship of Excellence is valued at up to $180,000 total ($45,000 per year) over four years. This scholarship is for high-achieving undergraduate students and is designed to recognize and support their academic and leadership achievements.

Calgary International Entrance Scholarship

The Calgary International Entrance Scholarship is valued at up to $20,000 (renewable for four years). It is available to first-year undergraduate students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance.

Waterloo International Student Entrance Scholarship

The Waterloo International Student Entrance Scholarship offers $10,000 to outstanding international students admitted to year one of an undergraduate program. This scholarship is designed to reward high-achieving students who are committed to pursuing their studies at the University of Waterloo.

For graduate students, Canada offers a range of specialized scholarships that focus on specific fields or academic pursuits. These scholarships are ideal for students looking to pursue advanced degrees in areas like business, engineering, and social sciences.

McCall MacBain Scholarship (McGill University)

The McCall MacBain Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for master's or professional studies at McGill University. It covers full tuition fees and provides a living stipend. This prestigious scholarship is awarded to students who have demonstrated leadership and a commitment to social change.

University of Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence

The University of Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence offers $2,500 per term for a maximum of five terms to research-based master's students. It’s designed to support students who have achieved exceptional academic performance and are pursuing graduate studies at the University of Waterloo.

Schulich Leader Scholarships

The Schulich Leader Scholarships are highly competitive awards for students pursuing undergraduate degrees in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. The scholarships are valued at $80,000 to $100,000 and are awarded to students with a demonstrated passion for STEM education and leadership.

Application Timing

• Most major scholarship deadlines for 2026 fall between October 2025 and February 2026. Be sure to check each scholarship’s specific deadline, as early application submission is often recommended.

Common Criteria for Eligibility
Most scholarships require students to meet certain eligibility criteria:

• A minimum GPA (often 80% or 3.0+)
• Proof of English proficiency (typically IELTS or PTE)
• A record of leadership or community involvement

Official Search Tool
Students can use the Edu Canada Scholarship Search to filter awards based on their specific country of origin. This tool allows students to find scholarships that best match their qualifications and academic interests.

Q: What are fully funded scholarships in Canada?

Fully funded scholarships cover all tuition fees, living expenses, travel allowances, and insurance costs. Some of the top fully funded scholarships for 2026 include the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, and the McCall MacBain Scholarship.

Q: When should I apply for scholarships in Canada?

Many scholarships have deadlines between October 2025 and February 2026, so it’s important to start preparing your application in advance. Always check specific scholarship websites for exact dates.

Q: What are the eligibility criteria for Canadian scholarships?

Most scholarships require a minimum GPA (often around 80% or 3.0+), proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE), and a strong record of extracurricular activities, leadership, or community involvement.

Q: Can I apply for more than one scholarship in Canada?

Yes, students are allowed to apply for multiple scholarships, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements for each one.

Studying in Canada is an exciting opportunity for students all around the world. Canada offers world-class education, rich cultural experiences, and countless possibilities for personal and professional growth. With so many scholarships available in 2026, there's no better time to make your dream of studying abroad a reality. Whether you’re looking to pursue an undergraduate, master's, or doctoral program, scholarships like the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, and McCall MacBain Scholarship can provide you with the financial support you need to succeed.

At Shakil Education, we understand that navigating the scholarship and application process can be overwhelming. With over 20 years of experience in study abroad consultancy, we are committed to helping students like you find the right scholarship and guide you through every step of your application. From university selection to visa assistance and scholarship applications, we provide personalized support tailored to your unique needs.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your academic journey, Shakil Education Group is here to help you explore the best opportunities and secure the funding that makes studying in Canada possible. Reach out to us today, and let’s make your Canadian education dream come true.

Start your journey now with Shakil Education Group—your trusted partner in global education.