The Canada Graduate Scholarships for International Students are available to international students pursuing master's or doctoral degrees, providing them with the opportunity to study in Canada with significant financial support.
Who Qualifies
To be eligible for these scholarships, international students must meet specific visa category requirements, including:
* Study permit
* Temporary resident visa
* Work permit
* Refugee claimant
* Protected person
* Convention refugee
* Humanitarian-protected persons abroad
Available Scholarships
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships provide $50,000 per year for three years to doctoral students, with eligibility limited to students who have not previously held a Vanier Scholarship. The application deadline is typically in November, and more information can be found at https://vanier.gc.ca.
Canada Graduate Scholarships-Master's
The Canada Graduate Scholarships-Master's offer $17,500 for one year to master's students, with eligibility open to students who have not previously held a CGS-M award. The application deadline varies by institution, and more information can be found at https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca.
Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships
The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships provide $7,000 to $10,000 per year for up to two years to master's and doctoral students, with eligibility limited to students from Commonwealth countries. The application deadline is typically in February, and more information can be found at https://www.queensjubileescholars.ca.
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships offer $60,000 per year for up to three years to doctoral students, with eligibility open to students who demonstrate a commitment to public engagement and community service. The application deadline is typically in December, and more information can be found at https://www.trudeaufoundation.ca.
University of Toronto Scholarships
The University of Toronto Scholarships provide varying amounts up to $10,000 per year to master's and doctoral students, with eligibility limited to students who are enrolled in a full-time program at the University of Toronto. The application deadline varies by program, and more information can be found at https://www.utoronto.ca.
Application Steps
- Review the eligibility criteria and visa requirements for each scholarship.
- Choose the scholarship(s) for which you wish to apply.
- Check the application deadline for each scholarship.
- Gather all required documents, including transcripts and language proficiency test scores.
- Complete the online application form for each scholarship.
- Submit your application and supporting documents before the deadline.
- Wait for notification of the application outcome.
- Accept the scholarship offer and make travel arrangements to Canada.
Documents Checklist
* Valid passport
* Study permit or temporary resident visa
* Proof of language proficiency (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL)
* Official transcripts from previous institutions
* Letter of acceptance from a Canadian university
* Proof of financial support (e.g. scholarship award letter or bank statement)
* Medical certificate (if required)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the language requirement for studying in Canada?
The language requirement for studying in Canada is typically English or French, depending on the institution and program. International students must provide proof of language proficiency through a standardized test such as IELTS or TOEFL. Some institutions may also offer language support services or accept alternative language proficiency tests.
Q: Do I need a study permit to study in Canada?
Yes, international students typically require a study permit to study in Canada. The study permit is usually issued for the duration of the academic program, and students must apply for a new permit if they wish to extend their studies.
Q: Can I work part-time while studying in Canada?
Yes, international students with a study permit are allowed to work part-time in Canada, up to 20 hours per week during the academic year. Students must also apply for a work permit if they wish to work full-time during scheduled breaks or after completing their studies.
Q: How much does it cost to study in Canada?
The cost of studying in Canada varies depending on the institution, program, and location. International students should budget for tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs, such as health insurance and travel. Some scholarships, like the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, provide full tuition and living costs.
Q: Can I bring my family with me to Canada?
In some cases, international students may be able to bring their family members with them to Canada, depending on their immigration status and visa requirements. Students should check with the Canadian government or their institution for more information on family sponsorship.
Q: What kind of health insurance do I need as an international student in Canada?
International students in Canada must have valid health insurance, which may be provided by their institution or a private insurance provider. Students should check with their institution or a licensed insurance broker for more information on health insurance options.
Q: How long does it take to process a study permit application?
The processing time for a study permit application can vary depending on the application method and the country of origin. Students should apply for their study permit as early as possible, ideally 4-6 months before the start of their academic program.
Q: Can I apply for permanent residence in Canada after completing my studies?
Yes, international students who have completed their studies in Canada may be eligible to apply for permanent residence through various immigration programs, such as the Express Entry system or the Post-Graduation Work Permit program.
For more information on studying in Canada and available scholarships, please visit the official government website at https://www.canada.ca or the University of Toronto website at https://www.utoronto.ca. For more updates and guides on scholarships and immigration, please visit our blog at https://migrantscholar.com/blog.
Related Guides
- Canada scholarships for migrants
- Vanier scholarships
- PhD scholarships
- fully funded scholarships
- scholarship deadlines 2026
- scholarship glossary
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Last Reviewed: 26 July 2026