Leading Canadian universities provide attractive scholarships for international students in 2024

If you are an international student aspiring to enroll in one of the world’s premier universities but find the costs prohibitive, your search ends here. Fully-funded scholarship opportunities await prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students at leading Canadian universities. Canada stands out as a favored global study destination, boasting a significant enrollment of 621,656 international students, thanks in part to the welcoming immigration policies implemented by the Canadian government.

While Canada remains a top choice for international students, the expense of education is noteworthy. According to Statistics Canada’s 2024 academic session report, tuition fees for international undergraduates increased by 7.6%. On average, international undergraduate students face an annual tuition cost of approximately $29,714 Canadian dollars, coupled with an average living cost of around $10,000.

Fortunately, various funding avenues are available for international students pursuing their studies in Canada, including lucrative scholarships offered by esteemed Canadian universities. These scholarships alleviate financial concerns, enabling students to dedicate their full attention to academic pursuits.

For the 2024 academic session, more than 800 scholarships are accessible to international students at Canadian universities. Here are some standout options:

1. University of Toronto

Established in 1827, the University of Toronto stands as Canada’s premier institution, known for challenging boundaries and contributing to societal transformation. The university accommodates a diverse international student community and provides attractive scholarship opportunities. Noteworthy among these is the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships.

2. University of Saskatchewan

Situated in Saskatoon and founded in 1907, the University of Saskatchewan is a leading public research institution. It offers programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, accompanied by generous scholarships. Fully-funded scholarships, valued at $18,000 CAD per year for master’s and $22,000 per annum for Ph.D., are available for eligible students.

3. University of Waterloo

Ranked among Canada’s top public research universities, the University of Waterloo offers over 140 international scholarships for students worldwide. These scholarships, ranging up to $10,000 CAD, are course-specific or country-specific, catering to undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. students. Examples include the Colonel Hugh Heasley Engineering Scholarships and the Frank and Janet Hill Scholarship for Women in Math.

4. University of Alberta

Ranked in the top 5 Canadian universities, the University of Alberta provides a broad spectrum of undergraduate and graduate programs, attracting students from over 150 countries. The university offers fully-funded master’s and Ph.D. scholarships, with adjustments to English proficiency requirements to facilitate international students’ applications. Various scholarships include admission-based and application-based categories, amounting to over $34 million annually.

5. McGill University

Situated in Montreal, McGill University is among Canada’s most prestigious institutions, drawing a diverse international student body. The university offers numerous scholarships and student aid programs, such as the Frugal Scholar Program, Entrance Scholarships, McGill Financial Aid, Government Aid, and the Work Study program, catering to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.