Canadian government scholarships for international students in 2025 provide fully funded study opportunities to exceptional learners from around the world.
As one of the most welcoming countries for international education, Canada offers not only world-class universities and safe communities but also substantial financial support through government-funded scholarship programs.
These scholarships are administered by federal agencies such as Global Affairs Canada, the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), and affiliated provincial or university-level partners.
They’re designed to foster academic exchange, attract global talent, and strengthen international relations through education.
Whether you’re pursuing a diploma, bachelor’s degree, master’s program, or PhD, this guide walks you through everything you need to know about applying for Canadian government scholarships — including eligibility, benefits, how to apply, application timelines, and more.
Why Study in Canada as an International Student?
Before diving into scholarships, it’s worth noting why Canada is one of the best choices for studying abroad.
Key Advantages:
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Globally ranked universities and colleges
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Multicultural and inclusive environment
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Courses available in English or French
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Affordable cost of living compared to other major countries
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20-hour part-time work rights for students
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Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) pathway
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Safe and stable political environment
But most importantly — generous scholarship opportunities, especially those offered by the Canadian government.
Types of Canadian Government Scholarships for International Students
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
Target Audience:
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Doctoral students (PhD, combined MA/PhD, or MD/PhD)
Scholarship Amount:
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$50,000 per year for three years
Eligibility:
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Exceptional academic achievement, research potential, and leadership skills
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Must be nominated by a Canadian institution with a Vanier quota
Fields of Study:
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Health research
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Natural sciences and engineering
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Social sciences and humanities
Deadline:
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November 2024 (for 2025 intake)
2. Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED)
Target Audience:
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Students from ASEAN member countries
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Short-term study or research in Canadian post-secondary institutions
Scholarship Value:
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$10,200 – $12,700 depending on study duration (4 to 8 months)
Eligibility:
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Enrolled full-time in their home country
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Not already participating in another Canadian-funded program
Fields of Study:
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All academic disciplines
Deadline:
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March 2025
3. Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP)
Target Audience:
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Students from Latin America and the Caribbean
Scholarship Value:
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$7,200 – $9,700 depending on program duration (4 to 6 months)
Eligibility:
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Undergraduate or graduate-level students
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Must remain enrolled in home institution during the exchange
Deadline:
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April 2025
4. Study in Canada Scholarships
Target Audience:
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Citizens of eligible countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe
Scholarship Value:
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Up to CAD $12,700 for 4-6 months of study
Eligibility:
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Short-term academic exchange at a Canadian institution
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Must be nominated by Canadian host institution
Deadline:
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March 2025
5. Canadian Commonwealth Scholarships Program
Target Audience:
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Students from Commonwealth countries
Fields Covered:
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Graduate and postdoctoral studies
Benefits:
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Tuition fees
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Travel and living allowances
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Research support
Eligibility:
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Varies by country and program level
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Must be nominated by home country and accepted by a Canadian institution
6. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships
Although administered by the University of Toronto, this program is supported by Canadian education policies.
Eligibility:
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International students applying to U of T undergraduate programs
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Demonstrated academic excellence and leadership
Coverage:
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Full tuition
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Books and materials
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Incidental fees
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Full residence support for four years
Deadline:
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January 2025
Who Can Apply for Canadian Government Scholarships?
Each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria, but here are common requirements across most government-funded programs:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Must be from an eligible country (often developing nations or regions) |
| Academic Excellence | Minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent |
| Language Proficiency | English or French proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or institutional waiver) |
| Study Level | Varies — some scholarships for undergraduate, others for master’s/PhD |
| Enrollment Status | Must be enrolled or accepted at an eligible Canadian institution |
| No Prior Canadian Funding | You can’t be receiving another Canadian government scholarship concurrently |
What Do These Scholarships Typically Cover?
| Expense | Covered? |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | ✅ Fully covered |
| Monthly Living Stipend | ✅ Included (amount varies) |
| Health Insurance | ✅ Covered in most programs |
| Airfare / Travel | ✅ Included (round-trip) |
| Books and Supplies | ✅ In some programs (e.g., Pearson) |
| Visa and Permit Fees | ✅ Sometimes reimbursed |
| Accommodation | ✅ Included in select scholarships |
These scholarships remove almost all financial burden, allowing students to focus entirely on their studies.
How to Apply for Canadian Government Scholarships (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Research Eligible Scholarships
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Visit EduCanada Scholarships
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Filter by your country, level of study, and field of interest
Step 2: Secure Admission or Nomination
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Some scholarships require you to be nominated by your home university
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Others require admission into a Canadian institution before applying
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
Typical documents include:
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Academic transcripts
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CV/resume
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Proof of language proficiency
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Statement of purpose or study plan
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Two recommendation letters
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Valid passport
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Admission letter (if applicable)
Step 4: Submit Online Application
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Applications must be submitted via designated platforms like:
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EduCanada Portal
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Institutional portals (for programs like Pearson)
Step 5: Track and Follow Up
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Keep track of application status
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Some programs notify via email; others publish shortlists on official websites
Key Deadlines for 2025 Intake
| Scholarship Program | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Vanier CGS | November 2024 |
| Study in Canada Scholarships | March 2025 |
| ELAP | April 2025 |
| SEED (ASEAN) | March 2025 |
| Commonwealth Scholarships | Varies by country (Jan–May 2025) |
| Lester B. Pearson (U of T) | January 2025 |
Always double-check individual deadlines on the official website or host institution page.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
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Tailor your statement of purpose to reflect your long-term goals and how Canada will help you achieve them
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Maintain a consistent academic record — highlight achievements
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Demonstrate leadership, volunteerism, or community engagement
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Submit documents early and follow format instructions
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Work with your institution’s international office (if applying from a university)
Post-Scholarship Benefits
Once your scholarship ends, you may:
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Extend your stay through work permits (e.g., PGWP)
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Apply for permanent residency via Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
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Contribute to your home country through improved expertise and international networks
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Join alumni networks and maintain academic collaborations with Canadian institutions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are these scholarships renewable each year?
A: Yes, for multi-year programs like Vanier and Pearson, as long as academic conditions are met.
Q: Can I apply without IELTS?
A: Some institutions offer waivers if your previous education was in English.
Q: Are these scholarships open to all programs?
A: Most programs are open to all fields, but some have a development, STEM, or research priority.
Q: Can I apply to more than one scholarship?
A: Yes, you may apply to multiple programs, provided they don’t conflict or overlap.
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Canadian government scholarships for international students in 2025 are more than just financial support — they are a gateway to world-class education, international exposure, and life-changing career prospects.
Whether you’re targeting a short-term exchange, a full PhD, or an undergraduate degree, Canada’s transparent and well-funded scholarship programs are designed to support your journey every step of the way.
Start early, stay organized, and aim high — Canada’s government-funded scholarships are within your reach.
