Are you an international student aspiring to study in Canada? Pursuing higher education abroad can be a dream come true, but financial constraints often hinder this aspiration. However, the Canadian government offers numerous scholarships to international students, making education more accessible.

These scholarships are offered through different programs, so you go for the one that fits your interest. In this article, we will explore the various government scholarships available for international students in Canada for the academic year 2024-2025. Well, some of these scholarships are concurrent.

Canada Government Scholarships for International Students 2024-2025

To obtain some of these scholarships, you need to pass an English/French language test. The most common of these tests is IELTS, and others include CanTEST, PTE, and CAE. Also, the institution you’re applying to may have specific tests you’d need to pass too.

1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are aimed at attracting and retaining world-class doctoral students. These scholarships, valued at $50,000 per year, are awarded to doctoral students who demonstrate leadership skills, academic excellence, and research potential. The scholarships are open to students from all disciplines. This scholarship is named after Major-General Georges P. Vanier, the first francophone Governor General of Canada.

2. Canada Graduate Scholarships

The Canada Graduate Scholarships program supports students pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in Canadian universities. These scholarships, valued at $17,500 for master’s students and $35,000 for doctoral students, are awarded based on academic merit and research potential. They aim to foster research and contribute to Canada’s capacity to attract and retain top-tier students. So, this scholarship is only for high-caliber scholars who meet other requirements.

3. Global Affairs Canada Scholarships

Global Affairs Canada offers scholarships to international students through various programs, including the Canada-CARICOM Leadership Scholarships Program and the Canada-Chile Leadership Exchange Scholarship Program. These scholarships aim to enhance educational opportunities and foster ties between Canada and partner countries. The requirements for Canadians and international students are different, ensure to read them before applying.

4. Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program

This scholarship is currently ongoing and is for students from different Commonwealth member countries. The Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program provides scholarships to qualifying students from Commonwealth member countries. These scholarships aim to support students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees in Canada – to promote collaboration and cultural exchange among Commonwealth nations.

5. Canadian Francophonie Scholarship

Are you from a Francophone country? If yes, then you might be eligible for this scholarship opportunity. The Canadian Francophonie Scholarship Program supports students from Francophonie member countries who wish to study in Canada. These scholarships cover a wide range of disciplines and contribute to the development of human resources in Francophonie countries. Candidates are selected through a quota system for each recipient country.

6. Trudeau Foundation Scholarships

Trudeau Foundation Scholarships is a three-year leadership program to train Engaged Leaders and equip bright doctoral candidates with more powerful skills to turn their ideas into actions that could change their communities, Canada, and the world, positively.

The Trudeau Foundation Scholarships are prestigious awards for outstanding doctoral candidates pursuing research in the social sciences and humanities. These scholarships recognize leadership, innovation, and commitment to public engagement. Recipients receive financial support and gain access to a network of scholars and leaders.

7. University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship

The University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarships are offered annually to undergraduate international students who are just about getting into their first year in any undergraduate degree. This scholarship aims to help outstanding international students kickstart their learning journey. It is not limited to any class of undergraduate applicants but is majorly awarded on an academic merit basis.

8. FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship

Well, this scholarship is awarded to only one person – a woman. The FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship offers a $20,000 scholarship to one eligible woman to help support graduate-level studies in Finance. The $20,000 being awarded is divided into two equal parts; 50% goes to the winner of the award and the remaining 50% goes to the selected institution.

9. Université de Montréal Scholarships

The Université de Montréal introduced a new scholarship program that exempts international students from paying additional tuition fees. This program is aimed at helping the best talents from different countries worldwide pay less to obtain knowledge from the institution. The UdeM exemption scholarship program started in the fall of 2020 and continues for winter 2023, summer 2023, fall 2023, and winter 2024 sessions.

10. UBC Undergraduate Scholarships

The UBC Undergraduate Scholarships are awarded under two categories: Outstanding International Students (OIS) and International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES). UBC donates more than $30 million annually to scholarships, awards, and programs that help to support international undergraduate students financially. The number and level of international scholarships awarded yearly under the UBC depend on available funding.

Eligibility Criteria for Government Scholarships

Each scholarship program has specific eligibility criteria, including academic requirements, language proficiency, and country of origin. It is essential to review the eligibility criteria for the scholarships you intend to apply for and ensure you meet all the requirements before submitting your application.

How to Apply

• Research and Choose Scholarships: Thoroughly research the available scholarships and identify the ones that align with your academic goals and interests. Take note of the application deadlines and requirements for each scholarship.
• Prepare Required Documents: Gather all the necessary documents, such as academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Ensure your documents are complete and meet the specific requirements of each scholarship.
• Submitting the Application: Submit your application for the scholarships you have chosen before the respective deadlines. Pay attention to the submission guidelines and ensure all required documents are included.

Useful Tips:

• Start the application process early, so you’ll have enough time on your hands.
• Pay attention to details and follow the instructions provided by each scholarship program.
• Write a compelling personal statement that highlights your academic achievements, goals, and why you deserve the scholarship.
• Request strong letters of recommendation from professors, mentors, or employers who can attest to your abilities and achievements.
• Proofread your application thoroughly to ensure it is free from errors and conveys your ideas effectively.

Conclusion

Canada’s government scholarships for international students in the 2023-2024 academic year provide an incredible opportunity to pursue higher education in a world-class learning environment. By taking advantage of these scholarships, international students can overcome financial barriers and embark on a transformative educational journey in Canada.