Canada's Top 5 Scholarships for Migrant Students Pursuing STEM Fields

Migrant students holding a study permit under the Student Direct Stream or other eligible visa categories can apply for various scholarships in Canada, including the ones listed below, which provide up to full tuition coverage and living costs.

Who Qualifies

To qualify for these scholarships, migrant students must hold one of the following visa categories:

* Study permit under the Student Direct Stream

* Study permit under the regular stream

* Post-graduation work permit

* Open work permit

* Other eligible visa categories as specified by each scholarship provider

Available Scholarships

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships provide $50,000 per year for three years to top-performing migrant students pursuing a PhD in STEM fields. To be eligible, students must have achieved a first-class average in their previous two years of study and be nominated by their university. The deadline for application is November 2026. For more information, visit https://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/49373.html.

NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships

The NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships provide $21,000 per year for two years to migrant students pursuing a master's degree in STEM fields. To be eligible, students must have achieved a first-class average in their previous two years of study and be enrolled in a master's program. The deadline for application is October 2026. For more information, visit https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Students-Etudiants/PG-CS/index_eng.asp.

Mitacs Globalink Research Award

The Mitacs Globalink Research Award provides $6,000 to $12,000 for research projects in STEM fields. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in a university outside of Canada and be nominated by their university. The deadline for application is March 2027. For more information, visit https://www.mitacs.ca/en/programs/globalink/globalink-research-award.

Ontario Trillium Scholarship

The Ontario Trillium Scholarship provides $40,000 per year for four years to top-performing migrant students pursuing a PhD in STEM fields. To be eligible, students must have achieved a first-class average in their previous two years of study and be nominated by their university. The deadline for application is February 2027. For more information, visit https://www.ouac.on.ca/ots/.

University of Toronto Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

The University of Toronto Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides full tuition coverage and living costs for migrant students pursuing a master's degree in STEM fields. To be eligible, students must have achieved a first-class average in their previous two years of study and be admitted to a master's program at the University of Toronto. The deadline for application is January 2027. For more information, visit https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/future-students/scholarships/apply-scholarship.

Application Steps

Review the eligibility criteria for each scholarship and ensure you meet the requirements.

Gather all necessary documents, including transcripts and language proficiency test results.

Submit your application through the official website or online portal.

Ensure all fields are completed accurately and thoroughly.

Upload all required documents in the specified format.

Review and submit your application before the deadline.

Wait for the scholarship provider to review your application and notify you of the result.

If selected, accept the scholarship offer and follow the instructions provided.

Documents Checklist

* Transcripts from all previous institutions attended

* Language proficiency test results (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL)

* Proof of study permit or other eligible visa category

* Letter of nomination from your university (if required)

* Research proposal or personal statement

* Proof of admission to a Canadian university (if required)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline for applying to these scholarships?

The deadline for applying to these scholarships varies, but the earliest deadline is November 2026 for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships.

Can I apply for multiple scholarships at the same time?

Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships at the same time, but ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for each one.

What is the selection criteria for these scholarships?

The selection criteria for these scholarships varies, but most consider academic performance, language proficiency, and research potential.

How do I submit my application?

You can submit your application through the official website or online portal for each scholarship.

Can I apply for these scholarships if I am already studying in Canada?

Yes, you can apply for these scholarships if you are already studying in Canada, but ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and have a valid study permit.

What is the duration of these scholarships?

The duration of these scholarships varies, but most provide funding for two to four years.

How much funding is provided by these scholarships?

The amount of funding provided by these scholarships varies, but most provide up to full tuition coverage and living costs.

Where can I find more information about these scholarships?

You can find more information about these scholarships on the official government or university websites, such as https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html and https://www.utoronto.ca/.

For more information on scholarships and funding opportunities for migrant students in Canada, visit the official government website at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html or the University of Toronto website at https://www.utoronto.ca/. You can also visit our blog for more resources and tips on studying in Canada at https://migrantscholar.com/blog.