Thinking about studying in Canada but worried about tuition and living costs? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of international students dream of studying in Canada, one of the world’s top education destinations. The good news? You can study in Canada for free or almost free by applying for the right scholarships.
In this guide, we’ll show you step-by-step how to find and apply for scholarships that cover tuition, living expenses, and more. Whether you’re a high school graduate, undergraduate, or planning for a master’s or PhD, this post will walk you through everything.
Why Study in Canada?
Before we dive into scholarships, let’s talk about why Canada is such a hot destination for international students in 2025.
- World-class education – Canadian universities like the University of Toronto, McGill, and UBC are ranked among the best globally.
- Affordable compared to the US/UK – Tuition fees are generally lower, especially when you add scholarships.
- Multicultural society – Canada is welcoming and diverse, with students from every part of the world.
- Post-study work opportunities – You can stay and work in Canada for up to 3 years after graduation through the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP).
- Pathway to permanent residency – Many international students use their study experience as a stepping stone to becoming Canadian residents.
➡️ Related post: Best Countries for International Students in 2025
Types of Scholarships in Canada
There are three main types of scholarships available to international students:
1. Government-Funded Scholarships
These are provided by the Canadian government to attract top international talent.
📌 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- For PhD students
- Worth $50,000 per year for 3 years
- Open to international students in health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities
- Website: Vanier CGS
📌 Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program
- For master’s and doctoral students from Commonwealth countries
- Covers tuition, travel, and living costs
- Website: Scholarships.gc.ca
📌 Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
- Fully funded scholarship for undergraduates at the University of Toronto
- Covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence
- Website: University of Toronto
2. University-Specific Scholarships
Many Canadian universities offer scholarships to outstanding international students.
🎯 University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program
- Four types of awards, including fully funded options
- Automatically considered when you apply to UBC
- Website: UBC Scholarships
🎯 York University International Student Scholarships
- Up to CAD $180,000 spread over four years
- For students with strong academic records and leadership
- Website: York U International Scholarships
🎯 University of Waterloo International Funding
- Graduate and undergraduate scholarships available
- Website: Waterloo Scholarships
3. Private and NGO Scholarships
Many private organizations and non-profits fund students to study abroad.
🌍 Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
- For PhD students focusing on social sciences and humanities
- Up to $60,000 per year
- Website: Trudeau Foundation
🌍 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- Focused on students from Sub-Saharan Africa
- Fully funded scholarships at partner institutions like McGill and UBC
- Website: Mastercard Foundation
💡 How to Find the Right Scholarship
Finding the perfect scholarship takes some time and strategy. Here’s how to do it:
✅ Step 1: Choose Your Program and University
Before applying for scholarships, decide:
- What you want to study
- Where you want to study
Check if your target school offers scholarships for international students. Most university websites have a “Funding” or “Financial Aid” section.
✅ Step 2: Use Scholarship Search Engines
Here are a few trustworthy platforms to search for scholarships:
Pro tip: Use filters like “International student,” “Fully funded,” and “Canada” to narrow down your search.
How to Apply for Canadian Scholarships
Each scholarship is different, but here’s a general process:
📌 1. Prepare Your Documents
You’ll likely need:
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of purpose or motivation letter
- Letters of recommendation
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL)
- Resume or CV
📌 2. Write a Strong Personal Statement
This is where you tell your story. Explain:
- Why you chose Canada
- Your academic and career goals
- How the scholarship will help you make a difference
Make it personal, genuine, and specific.
➡️ Helpful post: How to Write a Scholarship-Winning Essay
📌 3. Apply Before the Deadline
Always apply early. Many top scholarships close 6–12 months before the academic year starts.
Set reminders and double-check deadlines on official websites.
Can You Really Study in Canada for Free?
Yes, you can—but only if you plan well. Fully funded scholarships are competitive, but they do exist. Some even cover:
- Tuition
- Housing
- Travel
- Food
- Health insurance
Students from countries like Ghana, Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Kenya, and the Philippines have successfully studied in Canada without paying out of pocket.
➡️ More on this: Top Scholarships for African Students in 2025
Bonus Tips for Increasing Your Chances
Here are some extra steps that will make your application stand out:
- Maintain a high GPA – Academic performance is key.
- Get involved – Volunteer work, leadership roles, or social impact projects matter.
- Network – Connect with scholarship alumni on LinkedIn.
- Apply to multiple scholarships – Don’t rely on one.
- Be authentic – Your story is unique. Own it.
Final Thoughts: Your Dream of Studying in Canada is Possible
Getting a scholarship to study in Canada for free is not a myth—it’s a reality for students who are informed and proactive. Whether you’re planning to study engineering, business, health sciences, or the arts, there’s funding available if you look in the right places and apply early.
Don’t let money stop you. Start your scholarship journey today, and you could be packing your bags for Canada next year.
If you need help with writing personal statements, finding the best universities, or step-by-step guides, we’ve got your back.
![Why Studying in the USA Makes Sense 🌍 If you're thinking about studying abroad, the USA offers diverse and high‑quality programs that attract students from everywhere. In 2023–24, over one million international students came here—leading contributors were India and China—and they paid billions in tuition and living costs, which supports hundreds of thousands of jobs aecc Vietnam +7 Wikipedia +7 applymoon.com +7 . Many choose the US for the career boost, top research, and global recognition. Around 58% of foreign students say they picked the US for its reputation, 48% for curriculum programs, and 45% for job prospects Wikipedia . 2. Most Popular & Employable Majors for International Students 🌟 Engineering & Computer Science (STEM) These fields consistently lead because they align with high global demand and OPT visa extensions. Indian students, for instance, overwhelmingly pick Engineering and CS, making up nearly 70% of enrollments Wikipedia Wikipedia . Apart from that, US institutions regularly offer strong support, labs, and research opportunities. STEM degrees may allow 3 extra years OPT after graduation. 💼 Business & Management Business degrees—especially MBAs, Business Analytics, International Business—are popular due to global relevance. Business majors often land roles in consulting, multinational firms, or startups. Business degrees are flexible and valued worldwide Wikipedia +15 aecc Vietnam +15 AECC Search +15 . 🧬 Life Sciences & Health Sciences Public health, biomedical sciences, and nursing are in high demand in the US. These degrees lead to roles in hospitals, research, biotech, and public policy—especially after recent global focus on healthcare systems aecc Vietnam eezzeducation.com . 📊 Data Science, AI & Information Technology Fast‑growing careers such as data science, cybersecurity, and AI engineering are hot picks. Many universities now offer MS in Data Science, MS in AI, or Cybersecurity certificates eezzeducation.com aecc Vietnam . 🎓 Other Fields: Economics, Social Sciences, Humanities These may attract fewer international students but are valued too, especially if linked to global policy, research, or education leadership. They offer critical thinking, writing, and cultural insight. 3. Affordable & Flexible Paths to Study 🎓 Community College + Transfer Starting at a community college gives you a low‑cost route (often $6K‑$12K/year) and then transfer to a 4‑year university. For example, many students use this path to reduce overall costs CarryGoo✈️ . 💻 Online Degrees If traveling isn’t possible or you need flexibility, fully online US degrees are a good option. EagleEye24 published [online bachelor’s degrees guide] (internal link) showcasing programs in Business, CS, Health Science etc. Schools like Florida, ASU, Penn State or Illinois offer globally accepted online degrees eaglede.com . 🎓 Fast‑track Master’s in 1 Year Some US colleges offer accelerated master’s programs—like MS in Data Science or MBA—that you can finish in 12–18 months eezzeducation.com . These can lower cost and time abroad. 4. How to Choose the Right Course for You Match with strengths and interests: Pick a field you enjoy, with growth potential. Look for OPT / visa perks: STEM degrees give you up to 3 extra years of OPT. Check affordability and scholarships: Some courses at public schools cost $10K–$25K/year for international students VisaXtra globaleducare.co.uk . Check accreditation and support: Ensure your program is accredited and offers international student services. 5. Costs, Financial Aid & Work Options 💰 Typical Costs Tuition: Around $20K–$50K/year at private or out‑of‑state public universities; community colleges often much lower VisaXtra CarryGoo✈️ . Living costs: $10K–$20K/year depending on city and housing VisaXtra . Fees, books, health insurance: Add around $2,000–$4,000 annually. 🏫 Scholarships and Aid Many schools offer merit‑based or need‑based scholarships specifically to international students, although full scholarships are rare. Examples include Fulbright, university-specific awards, and external grants myschoolportal.net +1 education2success.net +1 . 💼 Working While Studying F‑1 visa holders can work on‑campus up to 20 hours/week during semesters and full‑time during breaks. After one year, you may be able to do CPT or OPT work in your field—OPT lasts 12 months or 36 months for STEM posteezy.com +5 universitiespage.com +5 CarryGoo✈️ +5 . 6. Visa, Language Tests & Admission Steps 🛂 Student Visa (F‑1 or J‑1) You must accept an SEVP‑certified school, get an I‑20 (F‑1) or DS‑2019 (J‑1), pay the SEVIS fee (~$350), fill DS‑160, and attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy. Processing takes ~4–6 weeks applymoon.com +1 globaleducare.co.uk +1 . 📚 English Exams Most schools require TOEFL (usually 80–100 iBT) or IELTS (6.0–7.5). Some schools waive it if you studied in English before VisaXtra . 📑 Admission Steps Choose schools and programs early (12–15 months before start) CarryGoo✈️ . Prepare transcripts, letters of recommendation, essay/SOP, proof of funds. Track deadlines and apply to multiple options to have backup reddit.com CarryGoo✈️ . 7. Course‑wise Break‑down & Prospects 🖥️ Computer Science, Data & AI What you learn: Programming, machine learning, data structures, cybersecurity. Why choose it: High-paying global career roles, demand in tech hubs in US and abroad. Best formats: BS/MS online or on campus; certificates in AI or Cybersecurity; STEM OPT for 3 years. 🔧 Engineering (Electrical, Civil, Biomedical) What: Hands‑on design, research, labs, real-world solutions. Why: Always in demand, large OPT opportunities. Program types: BS + MS or 5‑year combined; research-oriented programs. 💼 Business / Management / Analytics What they offer: Marketing, finance, leadership, analytics, global business. Why: Prepares you for roles in consulting, corporate, startups; familiar to employers globally. Formats: BBA, MBA, MS Business Analytics, part‑time/online options. 🧪 Life & Health Sciences (Public Health, Biotech) What: Research methods, health policy, lab skills, biostatistics. Why: Global health crises raised demand; many roles in clinics, agencies, research. Types: MPH, MS in Biotech, pre‑med tracks. 📖 Social Sciences / Humanities / Education What: Culture, policy, critical thinking, writing. Why: Good for roles in international relations, non‑profits, education. May require strong English writing skills. Format: BA or MA (on campus or online). 8. Tips to Keep Readers Engaged Use real‑life examples—e.g. community college to transfer, STEM OPT success stories. Add internal links to EagleEye24 for programs, online study guides, scholarship tips. Link: “online bachelor’s degrees guide” internal. Highlight student quotes or Reddit insights: “You can work on campus up to 20 hours per week on a student visa” from student discussions reddit.com . Provide clear steps and bullet lists. Break long blocks into short paragraphs with headers. Ask questions: “Wondering which major fits your interest best?”, then answer. 9. Internal Links to EagleEye24.com Be sure to include internal links like: Check out our article on [online bachelor’s degrees in the USA for foreign students] (pointing to the relevant EagleEye24 page). Read how community colleges can help you save money and transfer (another internal post). Explore scholarships for international students at EagleEye24 (link). These boost SEO and help with site retention. 10. Wrap‑Up & Final Thoughts Studying in the USA can be life‑changing—whether you pick Computer Science, Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, or Humanities. Choose a major you enjoy, check cost and visa implications, and plan early. Start with affordable paths like online degrees or community colleges if needed. Use OPT and scholarships to help fund your journey. If you want tailored suggestions, feel free to ask. EagleEye24 has detailed posts on scholarships, course selection, student visas, and online programs—check the site for more.](https://eagleeye24.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/study-abroad.jpg)
