Main options
- University entrance scholarships. Many universities give automatic or applied-for awards to international students with high marks. Amounts are usually between C$1,000 and C$10,000 a year, with a few larger awards.
- Graduate funding. Research master’s and PhD students are usually funded by the department through assistantships and fellowships. Contact supervisors early.
- Provincial awards. Some provinces, such as Ontario and Quebec, have graduate scholarships open to international students at their universities.
- Co-op programmes. Paid work terms reduce the cost of study, and are a form of funding even if they are not a scholarship.
What to remember
- Most federal scholarships, such as the Canada Graduate Scholarships, are for Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
- Check the deadline: many awards require you to apply together with the admission, months before the course.
- A scholarship letter strengthens the study permit, but it does not remove the need to show proof of funds unless it covers all costs.
Check before you rely on it. Awards, values and deadlines change each year. Rules, fees and dates are changed by governments often. We last reviewed this page in October 2026. Confirm the current position on EduCanada or ask our counsellors, who check it again before your file is submitted.
Talk to WIEC about Canada
Our Lalitpur counsellors can review your marks, English score and finances and tell you honestly which courses and universities fit. Book a free appointment, start your file online at Apply Online, or practise for the English test with IELTSWIZZ.
Last updated 29 Oct 2026