Updated: October 10, 2026 | Reading time: 15 min | Written by: StudyTribune Team
Canada scholarships for international students exist at every level, but the funding rules changed in 2025 and 2026 and many guides still describe the old ones. The Vanier scholarship has been replaced by a new doctoral award that international students can win, master’s and PhD students at public universities no longer need a provincial attestation letter, and the proof of funds for a study permit rose to $23,448. This guide to Canada scholarships for international students maps every major route by level, lists the deadlines that are still open on 13 October 2026, and shows what a year in Canada really costs.
Quick answer: two deadlines are still open this month. The Lester B. Pearson scholarship application is due 6 November 2026 (school-nominated candidates only) and the UBC International Scholars Program closes 15 November 2026. The McCall MacBain 2027 deadline has passed. Most doctoral and master’s funding comes through your university, so start there.
Table of Contents
What Changed for Canada Scholarships for International Students
- Vanier is gone. The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D) replaced it and is open to international students for the first time.
- CGRS-D has conditions. International applicants must already be registered in a doctoral program at an eligible Canadian institution by the deadline, and up to 15% of awards go to them. The master’s version, CGRS-M, is not open to international students.
- No attestation letter for graduate students. From 1 January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public institutions do not need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL).
- Fewer new permits. The 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan targets 155,000 new international students in 2026 and 150,000 in 2027 and 2028, down from 305,900 in 2025.
- Proof of funds is $23,448. From 1 September 2026, a single applicant outside Quebec must show this for living costs, plus tuition and travel.
- Off-campus work is 24 hours a week during term, with unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
The Canada Scholarships Map: Funding by Level
This table lists the main Canada scholarships for international students that we could verify against official or university pages. Amounts and deadlines are for the September 2027 intake unless stated.
| Scholarship | Level | What it gives | Who can apply | 2027 intake status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto) | Undergraduate | Full four-year scholarship; about 37 awarded each year | International students starting first-entry undergraduate study in September 2027 | School nomination closed 9 Oct 2026. If you are nominated: University of Toronto application 16 Oct, scholarship application 6 Nov 2026 |
| UBC International Scholars Program (includes the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award) | Undergraduate | Need-and-merit awards toward tuition and living costs | International applicants to a first UBC undergraduate degree who show financial need | Open. Application due 15 Nov 2026; supporting documents 31 Jan 2027 |
| McCall MacBain Scholarships (McGill) | Master’s and professional | Full tuition and fees; up to 30 full scholarships, including about 10 for international students, plus entrance awards | All nationalities, with a first bachelor’s degree and McGill admission | Closed. International deadline was 19 Aug 2026; next cohort expected to open in mid-2027 |
| Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D) | PhD | $40,000 a year for up to three years | International students already registered in a doctoral program at an eligible Canadian institution; up to 15% of awards | Apply through your university; most internal deadlines fall between August and October |
| Quebec Merit Scholarship for Foreign Students (PBEEE) | Doctoral and research stays | Scholarship plus exemption from the higher international tuition fees and RAMQ health insurance | International students at Quebec universities, selected by the university | Universities preselect candidates in spring. The 2027-28 preselection has closed; the next opens in spring 2027 |
| University entrance awards (Waterloo, Toronto, McGill, Alberta, Manitoba and others) | Undergraduate | Amounts vary by university | Usually assessed automatically with your admission application | Follows each university’s admission deadline |
| Humber and other college entrance scholarships | Diploma | Reduction of tuition for eligible international students | Usually automatic with admission | Follows the college intake |
Canada Scholarships for International Students at Undergraduate Level
Most undergraduate Canada scholarships for international students are awarded at admission, so your admission deadline is your scholarship deadline. The standout programs are need-based or leadership-based, and both involve a school nomination:
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship. A full four-year scholarship at the University of Toronto for about 37 international students a year. You must be nominated by your school, apply to a University of Toronto undergraduate program, and complete the scholarship application by 6 November 2026. Read our Lester B. Pearson guide and our University of Toronto scholarships guide.
- UBC International Scholars Program. One application covers four need-and-merit awards, including the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award, at UBC Vancouver or Okanagan. Every award requires demonstrated financial need. Applications close on 15 November 2026. See our UBC undergraduate scholarships guide.
- University of Waterloo, McGill, Alberta and Manitoba. These offer entrance awards, and Manitoba also runs a work-study program. See our guides to Waterloo, McGill, Alberta and the Manitoba work-study program.
- Colleges and diplomas. Humber and similar colleges offer automatic international entrance scholarships. Read our Canada diploma scholarships guide and check that your diploma leads to a Post-Graduation Work Permit. University Canada West is a private business school with its own awards.
Canada Scholarships for International Students at Master’s Level
Master’s funding is the least centralised of all Canada scholarships for international students. The CGRS-M is closed to international students, so the routes are:
- McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. Full tuition and fees for a master’s or professional program for up to 30 scholars, about 10 of them international, plus 100 entrance awards. The 2027 international deadline was 19 August 2026, so use the next year to build leadership and community experience. See our McGill scholarships guide.
- University funding packages and assistantships. Many research master’s programs fund students through research or teaching assistantships. Ask the supervisor about funding before you accept an offer.
- Cheaper provinces. Average international graduate tuition in Newfoundland and Labrador was $6,964 in 2025/26, against $28,624 in Ontario.
- No attestation letter. Master’s students at public institutions skip the PAL step, which removes one cause of delay.
Read our guide to getting a free master’s degree and our list of graduate scholarships for international students.
Canada Scholarships for International Students at PhD Level
CGRS-D. This tri-agency scholarship pays $40,000 a year for up to three years and cannot be renewed. International students can apply only if they are already registered in a doctoral program at an eligible Canadian institution by the deadline, and up to 15% of the awards go to international applicants. Pick the agency (CIHR, NSERC or SSHRC) that matches your research, apply through your university and meet its earlier internal deadline. You cannot have received an earlier doctoral-level scholarship from these agencies. If you are not yet enrolled, plan to apply in a later competition once you have started your PhD.
Quebec PBEEE. The Merit Scholarship Program for Foreign Students gives international students at Quebec universities a scholarship plus an exemption from the higher international tuition fees and RAMQ health insurance. You cannot apply directly. Your university preselects candidates in spring, and for the 2027-28 competition that window has closed. Read our PBEEE guide.
Canada Scholarships for International Students: 2027 Deadlines Calendar
Dates below are from official or university pages. Confirm each one before you apply.
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| 16 October 2026 | University of Toronto admission application deadline for Pearson candidates |
| 23 October 2026 | Quebec universities send preselected PBEEE candidates to the funding agency (for the competition already preselected) |
| 6 November 2026 | Lester B. Pearson scholarship application and documents due |
| 15 November 2026 | UBC International Scholars Program application due |
| 2 December 2026 | Quebec universities submit PBEEE scholarship applications from preselected candidates |
| 15 January 2027 | UBC’s general undergraduate application deadline (many Canadian universities use a similar winter deadline) |
| 31 January 2027 | UBC International Scholars supporting documents due |
| Spring 2027 | Quebec universities open PBEEE preselection for the next cohort |
| Mid-2027 | McCall MacBain applications for the next cohort expected to open (the 2027 international deadline was 19 August 2026) |
What Canada Scholarships for International Students Do Not Cover: Tuition and Proof of Funds
Statistics Canada’s preliminary 2025/26 figures put average international tuition at $41,746 for undergraduates and $24,028 for graduate students, and it reported 2026/27 data on 18 September 2026, so check The Daily for the new figures. Tuition varies by province, and the table adds the $23,448 proof of funds a study permit applicant outside Quebec must show.
| Province | Avg. international undergraduate tuition | Avg. international graduate tuition | Undergraduate + $23,448 | Graduate + $23,448 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $18,867 | $6,964 | $42,315 | $30,412 |
| New Brunswick | $19,278 | $17,868 | $42,726 | $41,316 |
| Manitoba | $21,424 | $13,556 | $44,872 | $37,004 |
| British Columbia | $39,851 | $26,607 | $63,299 | $50,055 |
| Ontario | $49,802 | $28,624 | $73,250 | $52,072 |
The figures are a first-year cash picture before travel, health insurance and housing deposits. Quebec has its own higher financial requirement, so check IRCC’s Quebec figure if you plan to study there. Newfoundland and Labrador is the cheapest province for international students and Ontario the most expensive. Provincial figures come from Moving2Canada, summarising Statistics Canada data. Scholarships rarely cover living costs, and IRCC expects you to show your funds without counting income from Canadian jobs. See our guide to part-time jobs for students in Canada and our list of grants for international students in Canada.
Canada Scholarships for International Students Without IELTS
Several universities accept a Medium of Instruction certificate or another English test, and acceptance depends on the institution and program. See our guides to universities in Canada without IELTS and Canadian universities with a 5.5 IELTS band, and our explainer on the English proficiency certificate.
How to Apply for Canada Scholarships for International Students
- Decide your level and check whether you need a PAL. Choose undergraduate, master’s or PhD. Master’s and doctoral students at public institutions do not need a provincial attestation letter, while undergraduate and college applicants generally do.
- Shortlist universities and scholarships by deadline. Use the scholarship map and deadline calendar in this guide to pick scholarships you can still reach, and note which ones need a school or university nomination.
- Secure any nomination early. The Lester B. Pearson scholarship and the UBC International Scholars Program both involve school nomination, so contact your school counsellor well before the deadline.
- Apply for admission. Submit your admission application by the earlier of the scholarship and general deadlines, and confirm your English-proficiency route in writing.
- Submit each separate scholarship application. Complete essays, references and financial documents for each scholarship. Our guide to writing a recommendation letter for a scholarship will help your referees.
- Get your letter of acceptance and apply for the study permit. Apply for the permit with proof of funds covering tuition and living costs, which is $23,448 for a single applicant outside Quebec from 1 September 2026.
- Plan your arrival and work rules. Check your permit conditions, apply for your SIN, and plan part-time work within the 24-hour weekly limit during term.
Strong applications need strong documents. See our guides to a recommendation letter for a scholarship, a personal statement and a scholarship CV.
After You Win Canada Scholarships for International Students: Work Rules, PGWP and PR
Most study permit holders can work up to 24 hours a week off campus during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, with no limit on campus. Post-secondary students also no longer need a co-op work permit for required placements since 1 April 2026. Read our rewritten guide to part-time jobs for students in Canada.
After graduation, many programs lead to a Post-Graduation Work Permit, which is the first step toward permanent residency through Express Entry or provincial nomination. Not every program qualifies: since November 2024, diploma and certificate programs must be on an approved field-of-study list. Confirm eligibility before you enrol. See our guides to the work permit after studying in Canada, Canadian immigration and permanent residence, the Canada Immigration Levels Plan and how to get a Canada study visa.
Common Mistakes with Canada Scholarships for International Students
- Assuming Vanier is still open. It is replaced by the CGRS-D.
- Applying to the CGRS-D before enrolling. International applicants must already be registered in a doctoral program by the deadline.
- Treating Canada scholarships for international students as full funding. Most cover tuition only, and you must still show $23,448 for living costs.
- Missing the nomination step. The Pearson and UBC International Scholars programs involve a school nomination, and the Pearson nomination deadline has already passed.
- Leaving the study permit late. Processing times vary, and undergraduate and college applicants may also need a provincial attestation letter.
- Ignoring PGWP eligibility. Check your program’s status before you commit.
Explore Scholarships in Canada by Category
University-specific scholarships: University of Waterloo · Lester B. Pearson Scholarship · UBC Undergraduate Scholarships · McGill University Scholarships · University of Toronto · University Canada West · University of Manitoba Work-Study Program · Humber and diploma scholarships,
Government and named programs: Quebec Merit Scholarship (PBEEE). Other named programs on our site, such as the KPMG Canada internship and Deloitte One Young World, are career programs rather than tuition scholarships.
Without IELTS: Universities in Canada Without IELTS · Canadian Universities With a 5.5 IELTS Band
Visa, work and life in Canada: How to Get a Canada Study Visa · Student Life in Canada · Canadian Immigration and Permanent Residence · Work Permit After Studying in Canada · Grants for International Students in Canada · Top Part-Time Jobs for Students in Canada · Scholarship deadlines: apply now
Frequently Asked Questions About Canada Scholarships for International Students
Is the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship still available?
No. The Vanier program has been discontinued and replaced by the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D), run by CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC. The CGRS-D is worth $40,000 a year for up to three years and is open to eligible international students.
Can international students apply for the CGRS-D?
Yes, but only if they are already registered in a doctoral program at an eligible Canadian institution by the application deadline. Up to 15% of awards go to international applicants, and you apply through your university, which sets an earlier internal deadline.
Can international students apply for the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Master’s?
No. The CGRS-M is not open to international students. Master’s applicants should look at university funding, the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill and research assistantships.
Which Canada scholarships for international students are open now?
As of 13 October 2026, the main open deadlines are the Lester B. Pearson scholarship application (6 November 2026, for school-nominated candidates) and the UBC International Scholars Program (15 November 2026). The McCall MacBain 2027 deadline closed on 19 August 2026.
Does the McCall MacBain Scholarship accept international students?
Yes. The 2027 cohort offered up to 30 full scholarships, about 10 of them for international students, plus 100 entrance awards, for master’s and professional programs at McGill. The international deadline was 19 August 2026, so plan for the next cohort.
Do I need IELTS for Canada scholarships for international students?
Not always. Several universities accept a Medium of Instruction certificate or another English test such as TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic or Duolingo, depending on the institution and program.
How much does it cost to study in Canada as an international student?
Statistics Canada’s 2025/26 averages are about $41,746 a year for international undergraduates and $24,028 for graduate students. On top of tuition, a single study permit applicant outside Quebec must show $23,448 for living costs from 1 September 2026.
Do master’s and PhD students need a PAL or TAL?
No, if they enrol at a public designated learning institution. IRCC exempted master’s and doctoral students at public institutions from the provincial or territorial attestation letter from 1 January 2026. Undergraduate and college applicants generally still need one.
Can I work while holding Canada scholarships for international students?
Yes. Most study permit holders can work up to 24 hours a week off campus during term and full time during scheduled breaks, and there is no limit on campus. Read our guide to part-time jobs for students in Canada for the full rules.
Which province is cheapest for international students?
Newfoundland and Labrador. Its average international tuition was about $18,867 for undergraduates and $6,964 for graduate students in 2025/26, while Ontario was the highest at $49,802 and $28,624.
Does studying in Canada lead to permanent residency?
It can, mostly through the Post-Graduation Work Permit and then Express Entry or provincial nomination. Eligibility depends on your program, and since November 2024 diploma and certificate programs must be on an approved field-of-study list, so check before you enrol.
Related Reading
- Top part-time jobs for students in Canada
- Study and work opportunities in Canada
- Start your degree in Canada without IELTS
- 50+ fully funded scholarships guide
Official sources: the NSERC CGRS-D page, the University of Toronto Pearson page, the McCall MacBain application page, the FRQ PBEEE page and IRCC’s student pages.
Conclusion
The best way to use Canada scholarships for international students is to match the level to the route: school-nominated awards for undergraduates, leadership awards and funded research for master’s students, and the CGRS-D once you are enrolled in a doctorate. Check each date on the official page before you apply, because deadlines and eligibility rules change every year.