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Canada Graduate Scholarships for Migrant Students Pursuing PhDs

Published 10 Jun 20265 min read✍ MigrantScholar Teamβœ“ Verified 10 Jun 2026
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⚑ Quick Facts

🌍 CountryCanada
πŸ’° FundingSee guide below
πŸ“… DeadlineSee guide
βœ… VerifiedMigrantScholar Team

If you're a migrant student looking to pursue a PhD in Canada, you may be eligible for various graduate scholarships that can help fund your education. The Canadian government and several universities offer these scholarships to support international students in their academic pursuits. Canada is an ideal destination for migrant students due to its diverse culture, high standard of living, and excellent educational institutions.

Who Qualifies for Canada Graduate Scholarships

To qualify for Canada graduate scholarships, migrant students must hold a valid visa under one of the following categories:

* Study Permit

* Post-Graduation Work Permit

* Open Work Permit

* Permanent Resident visa

* Protected Person status

Available Scholarships for Migrant Students

Canada offers numerous graduate scholarships for migrant students pursuing PhDs. Here are five real scholarships available:

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships provide $50,000 per year for three years to support PhD students. To be eligible, students must have achieved a first-class average in their previous two years of study, and the application deadline is November 1st. For more information, visit https://www.scholarships-bourses.gc.ca/scholarships-bourses/cgsm-bescm.aspx.

Ontario Trillium Scholarship

The Ontario Trillium Scholarship offers $40,000 per year for four years to support PhD students in Ontario. To be eligible, students must have a valid study permit, and the application deadline varies by university. For more information, visit https://www.ouac.on.ca/ots/.

Quebec Merit Scholarship for Foreign Students

The Quebec Merit Scholarship for Foreign Students provides $25,000 per year for three years to support PhD students in Quebec. To be eligible, students must have a valid study permit, and the application deadline is September 1st. For more information, visit https://www.mels.gouv.qc.ca/EN/ETUDES/UNIVERSITAIRE/EXTERNE/PAGES/BOURSEMERITE.aspx.

University of British Columbia Four Year Doctoral Fellowship

The University of British Columbia Four Year Doctoral Fellowship offers $18,200 per year for four years to support PhD students. To be eligible, students must have a valid study permit, and the application deadline is January 15th. For more information, visit https://www.grad.ubc.ca/awards/four-year-doctoral-fellowship.

Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship provides $60,000 per year for three years to support PhD students. To be eligible, students must have a valid study permit, and the application deadline is December 21st. For more information, visit https://www.trudeaufoundation.ca/en/programs/scholarships.

Application Steps for Canada Graduate Scholarships

To apply for Canada graduate scholarships, migrant students must follow these steps:

  • Check the eligibility criteria for each scholarship.
  • Review the application deadlines and requirements.
  • Submit an application for admission to a Canadian university.
  • Obtain a valid study permit.
  • Prepare and submit the scholarship application.
  • Provide supporting documents, such as transcripts and letters of recommendation.
  • Wait for the application review and decision.
  • Accept the scholarship award and fulfill the conditions.

Documents Checklist

Here is a list of documents that migrant students may need to submit when applying for Canada graduate scholarships:

* Valid study permit

* Passport

* Transcripts

* Letters of recommendation

* Proof of language proficiency

* Resume or CV

* Personal statement or research proposal

* Proof of financial support

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Canada graduate scholarships for migrant students:

Q: What are the eligibility criteria for Canada graduate scholarships?

A: The eligibility criteria vary by scholarship, but generally, students must have a valid study permit, achieve a first-class average in their previous two years of study, and meet the language proficiency requirements. Additionally, some scholarships may require students to have a certain GPA or academic background.

Q: How do I apply for a Canada graduate scholarship?

A: To apply for a Canada graduate scholarship, students must submit an application for admission to a Canadian university, obtain a valid study permit, and prepare and submit the scholarship application. Students can find the application forms and guidelines on the official website of the scholarship provider.

Q: What is the application deadline for Canada graduate scholarships?

A: The application deadline varies by scholarship, but generally, it is between September and January. Students should check the official website of the scholarship provider for the exact deadline.

Q: How much funding is available through Canada graduate scholarships?

A: The funding amount varies by scholarship, but generally, it ranges from $18,200 to $60,000 per year. Some scholarships may also provide additional funding for research or living expenses.

Q: Can I apply for multiple Canada graduate scholarships?

A: Yes, students can apply for multiple Canada graduate scholarships, but they must meet the eligibility criteria for each scholarship and submit separate applications.

Q: How long does it take to receive a decision on my Canada graduate scholarship application?

A: The application review and decision process can take several months, and students should wait for the official decision from the scholarship provider.

Q: What are the conditions of a Canada graduate scholarship?

A: The conditions of a Canada graduate scholarship vary, but generally, students must maintain a first-class average, meet the language proficiency requirements, and fulfill any other requirements specified by the scholarship provider.

Q: Can I renew my Canada graduate scholarship?

A: Some Canada graduate scholarships are renewable, but students must meet the eligibility criteria and submit a renewal application. The renewal process and requirements vary by scholarship.

Additional Resources

For more information about Canada graduate scholarships, migrant students can visit the official government website at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html. Additionally, students can visit the University of Toronto's website at https://www.utoronto.ca/ to learn more about the university's graduate programs and scholarship opportunities.

To learn more about scholarship opportunities and application tips, visit our blog at https://migrantscholar.com/blog.

Related Guides

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Last Reviewed: 26 July 2026

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