Discover 13 scholarships to study in Canada 2026 for international students. Includes Vanier, SICS, UBC, UofT, McGill funding. Eligibility, deadlines, and official application links inside.
Dreaming of studying in Canada but worried about tuition costs? You’re not alone. Fortunately, scholarships to study in Canada 2026 make it possible for international students to earn a world-class degree without breaking the bank.
Canada is home to top-ranked universities, a welcoming culture, and generous government and university funding. Moreover, many scholarships cover tuition, living stipends, and even travel.
In this guide, we’ll break down 13 scholarships to study in Canada 2026 for Undergraduate, Masters, and PhD students. We’ve included official links, eligibility, benefits, and deadlines so you can apply with confidence.
Why Apply for Scholarships to Study in Canada 2026?
Before we dive into the list, let’s understand why Canada is a top choice.
First, Canadian degrees are globally recognized. Second, students can work part-time during studies and apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. Finally, Canada offers diverse funding options for African, Asian, and other international students.
Therefore, if you want affordable, high-quality education, these scholarships to study in Canada 2026 are worth your attention.
13 Best Scholarships to Study in Canada 2026
Here are the top opportunities you can apply for right now:
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships – CGS
Level: PhD
Value: C$50,000 per year for up to 3 years
Eligibility: International and Canadian students pursuing doctoral studies in health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, or humanities.
Deadline: November 1, 2026
What it covers: Tuition, research, and living expenses.
Official Link: https://vanier.gc.ca
The Vanier CGS is Canada’s most prestigious doctoral award. As a result, it’s highly competitive but fully funded.
2. Study in Canada Scholarships – SICS 2026-2027
Level: Undergraduate, Masters, PhD Exchange
Value: CAD $10,200 for 4 months | CAD $14,000 for 5-6 months
Eligibility: Students from eligible countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda. Must be enrolled full-time at home institution.
Deadline: March 31, 2026
What it covers: Living expenses + tuition waiver by host institution
Application: Students cannot apply directly. Must be nominated by Canadian institution.
Official Link: https://www.educanada.ca/scholarships-bourses/news-nouvelles/2026/2026-01-22-1.aspx?lang=eng
Note: This is a short-term exchange program, not a full degree scholarship.
3. University of Toronto Scholars Program
Level: Undergraduate
Value: Up to $450,000
Eligibility: Exceptional international students with strong academics and leadership.
Deadline: Varies, typically January 2026
What it covers: Tuition, books, residence, and other fees.
Official Link: https://future.utoronto.ca/utscp/
4. University of British Columbia – International Leader of Tomorrow Award
Level: Undergraduate
Value: CAD $3,200 per year need-and-merit-based
Awards: 50 available
Eligibility: International undergrads with academic excellence, leadership, and community service
Deadline: November 30, 2026
Official Link: https://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards-international-students/
5. McCall MacBain Scholarship at McGill University
Level: Masters, Second-entry Professional Programs
Value: Full tuition + $2,300 monthly living stipend + relocation grant
Eligibility: Open to all nationalities. Focus on leadership and community engagement.
Deadline: August 2026 for September 2027 entry
Official Link: https://mccallmacbainscholars.org/apply/
6. York University President’s International Scholarship of Excellence
Level: Undergraduate
Value: $180,000 over 4 years
Eligibility: International students applying to York with high academic standing.
Official Link: https://futurestudents.yorku.ca/financing-your-degree/international-scholarships
7. University of Waterloo David Johnston International Student Scholarship
Level: Undergraduate, Masters, PhD
Value: $200,000
Eligibility: International students admitted to Waterloo.
Official Link: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-graduate-students/funding
8. Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program – ELAP
Level: Undergraduate, Graduate Exchange
Value: CAD $8,200 – $12,700
Eligibility: Students from Latin America and the Caribbean for 4-6 month exchanges.
Documents needed: Proof of citizenship, letter of intent, proof of full-time enrolment
9. Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral Program
Level: PhD
Value: $20,000
Eligibility: Doctoral students in Canada. Preference for Indigenous scholars
Deadline: June 23, 2026
Official Link: https://www.canada.ca/en/sr/srb.html?q=Canada+Graduate+Research+Scholarship+-+Doctoral+Program&wb-srch-sub=
10. Weston Family Awards in Northern Research
Level: Doctoral
Value: $120,000 over 3 years
Eligibility: Doctoral students conducting research in Northern Canada.
Official Link: https://westonfoundation.org
11. University of Saskatchewan Dean’s Scholarship
Level: Undergraduate, Masters
Value: $360,000
Eligibility: Merit-based for domestic and international students.
Official Link: https://students.usask.ca/money/scholarships.php
12. Dr. Franco J. Vaccarino President’s Scholarship – University of Guelph
Level: Undergraduate
Value: $170,000
Eligibility: Top international students entering Guelph.
Official Link: https://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/finances-fees/vaccarino
13. Shopify Dev Degree Program
Level: Undergraduate Work-Integrated
Value: Full tuition + paid work experience
Eligibility: Students interested in software development. Study while working at Shopify.
Official Link: https://www.devdegree.ca/
How to Apply for Scholarships to Study in Canada 2026
Applying can feel overwhelming. However, follow these steps to stay organized:
1: Choose the Right Scholarship
First, match your level of study and country. For example, SICS is for short-term exchange, while Vanier is for PhD.
2: Prepare Required Documents
Most scholarships require:
- Proof of citizenship – passport or national ID
- Academic transcripts
- Letter of intent – 1 page max
- Proof of full-time enrolment
- English proficiency: IELTS/TOEFL
- Signed Privacy Notice Statement
3: Apply Through Official Channels
Important: For SICS, students cannot apply individually. Instead, your home university must nominate you through a Canadian DLI.
For university scholarships, apply directly via the university portal.
4: Meet Deadlines
Deadlines vary. Key ones for 2026:
SICS: March 31, 2026
UBC ILOT: November 30, 2026
Vanier: November 1, 2026
CGS-D: June 23, 2026
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning scholarships to study in Canada 2026
1. Start early: Many deadlines are between November 2025 – March 2026
2. Tailor your essay: Explain why Canada and how the scholarship fits your goals
3. Show leadership: Community service and extracurriculars matter
4. Apply to multiple: Don’t rely on just one scholarship
5. Avoid scams: Always use official government and university websites
Frequently Asked Questions And Answers About Scholarships to Study in Canada 2026
Are scholarships to study in Canada 2026 fully funded?
Some are. Vanier CGS and McCall MacBain are fully funded. Others like SICS and UBC ILOT are partial.
Can I apply directly for scholarships to study in Canada 2026?
No. You must be nominated by a Canadian institution. Contact your home university’s International Office.
Are African students eligible for scholarships to study in Canada 2026?
Yes. Countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda are eligible for SICS. Vanier and university awards are also open to Africans.
Final Thoughts On Scholarships To study In Canada 2026
Studying in Canada is an investment in your future. With 13 scholarships to study in Canada 2026, you have multiple pathways to fund your education.
Whether you want a short exchange through SICS or a full PhD through Vanier, start your application today. Remember to check official links and submit before deadlines.
Your study in Canada dream is closer than you think. Apply to the scholarship that interests you.
Good luck with your application. Was this post helpful to you? Comment below.