📖 Table of Contents
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Scholarship Overview
Studying in Canada is expensive for international students. Tuition alone ranges from CAD $20,000 to $50,000+ per year. Scholarships can significantly reduce this burden.
Fully funded scholarships covering ALL expenses are rare and extremely competitive. Most successful students combine multiple funding sources: partial scholarships + savings + part-time work.
Types of Funding Available
- Full scholarships: Cover tuition + living costs (rare, very competitive)
- Tuition waivers: Cover only tuition fees
- Entrance awards: One-time payments for first year
- Research assistantships: Work + study combination
- Bursaries: Need-based financial aid
Government Scholarships
Eligibility:
- Nominated by a Canadian university
- Within 4 years of starting PhD program
- Outstanding academic record
- Demonstrated research potential
- Leadership and community involvement
How to Apply:
You cannot apply directly. You must first be admitted to a PhD program, then the university nominates you. Contact your target university's graduate office.
Eligibility:
- Study at an Ontario university
- Minimum A- average
- Full-time graduate studies
Top University Scholarships
Covers:
- Full tuition
- Books and incidentals
- Full residence support
Eligibility:
- International students only
- Must be nominated by school (principal/counselor)
- Exceptional academic achievement
- Outstanding creative or athletic ability
- Leadership and community impact
Eligibility:
- Science, Technology, Engineering, Math programs
- Canadian citizens, PR, or international
- Academic excellence
- Leadership and entrepreneurial spirit
- International Major Entrance Scholarship: $20,000-80,000 over 4 years
- Outstanding International Student Award: Up to full tuition
- Automatic consideration: When you apply to UBC
- McCall MacBain Scholarship: Full funding for graduate students
- Major Entrance Scholarships: $3,000-12,000/year
- Faculty scholarships: Varies by department
- Global Leader of Tomorrow Award: $20,000-40,000
- International Entrance Scholarship: $35,000-140,000
- Automatic consideration with admission application
External Scholarships
Available at select Canadian universities for African students.
- Full tuition and living costs
- Universities: UofT, McGill, UBC, and others
- Academic talent + leadership potential
- Financial need considered
- For graduate students from developing countries
- Partial to full funding
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Requires return to home country commitment
- For citizens of Commonwealth countries (Nigeria included)
- Master's and PhD programs
- Full funding available
- Apply through your country's nominating body
Application Timeline
| Month | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| May-June | Research scholarships | Create list of opportunities |
| July-August | Take IELTS | Allow time for retakes |
| September | Request transcripts, references | Contact referees early |
| October | Draft essays and applications | Get feedback on essays |
| November-December | Submit applications | Don't wait for deadlines |
| January-March | Follow up, interviews | Check email regularly |
| April-May | Decisions arrive | Accept/decline offers |
Application Tips
Personal Statement Tips
- ✅ Be specific: Generic statements hurt your application
- ✅ Show impact: Demonstrate what you've done, not just what you want
- ✅ Connect to future: Link past achievements to future goals
- ✅ Research the university: Mention specific programs, professors
- ✅ Get feedback: Have multiple people review your essays
Reference Letters
- ✅ Ask early (at least 4-6 weeks before deadline)
- ✅ Choose referees who know you well
- ✅ Provide them with your CV and statement
- ✅ Send gentle reminders
Common Mistakes
- ❌ Missing deadlines: Set calendar reminders weeks before
- ❌ Generic essays: Customize for each scholarship
- ❌ Weak references: Choose quality over title/position
- ❌ Ignoring eligibility: Read requirements carefully
- ❌ Poor English: Proofread multiple times
- ❌ Applying to too few: Cast a wide net
- ❌ Not following up: Check application status
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Top options: Vanier CGS ($50,000/year for PhD), Lester B. Pearson (undergrad, full funding), OGS ($15,000/year for graduate), university-specific awards. Competition is fierce for fully funded options.
Yes, but highly competitive. Vanier CGS and some university scholarships cover full tuition + living. Most students combine partial scholarships with savings or part-time work.
Most require minimum 3.5/4.0 GPA (or First Class equivalent). Top scholarships like Vanier expect near-perfect academics plus research experience.
Most deadlines are September-November for next fall intake. Vanier: November. University scholarships vary. Check 6-12 months before intended start.
Yes, most require English proficiency. Minimum usually IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0). Some require higher. TOEFL also accepted.
Yes, study permit holders can work up to 20 hours/week during terms and full-time during breaks. Some scholarships may have restrictions.
Most scholarships don't have age limits. Vanier is for those within 4 years of starting PhD. Some entrance scholarships target recent graduates but not exclusively.
Yes! Apply to as many as you're eligible for. Some are stackable. Create a spreadsheet to track deadlines and requirements.