Discover top Canadian universities offering bachelor’s scholarships for international students, eligibility requirements, award amounts, and application tips.

Discover popular Canadian universities offering scholarships for undergraduate international students.

Canada has become one of the most popular study-abroad destinations for international bachelor students. Every year, thousands of students choose Canadian universities because of their globally recognized degrees, high-quality education system, multicultural environment, and safe living conditions. But the biggest attraction is the wide range of scholarships for bachelor students — offered directly by universities, the government, and external funding bodies.

If you are planning to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Canada, the good news is that many universities offer fully funded, partially funded, and merit-based scholarships specifically designed for undergraduate international students. These scholarships can significantly reduce your tuition fee burden and help you focus on your academic goals.

This comprehensive guide covers the top Canadian universities that offer bachelor-level scholarships, the types of awards, eligibility criteria, benefits, application tips, and frequently asked questions. Whether you’re aiming for academic excellence scholarships or need-based funding, this article will help you choose the right pathway.

Why Choose Canada for Bachelor Studies?

Before diving into the universities, it is important to understand why Canada is consistently ranked among the best study destinations:

1. High-Quality Education

Canada’s universities rank among the top in global university rankings, offering world-class teaching and research opportunities.

2. Safe & Welcoming Environment

Canada is known for being safe, diverse, and immigrant-friendly — a major plus for international students.

3. Affordable Tuition Compared to Other Countries

Compared to the USA, UK, and Australia, Canada’s tuition fees are relatively affordable, especially when supported by scholarships.

4. Work Opportunities

Students can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during breaks.

5. Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)

After graduation, students may qualify for a 3-year work permit, offering a pathway to permanent residency.

Top Canadian Universities Offering Scholarships for Bachelor Students

Below is a detailed list of the most scholarship-friendly universities in Canada at the undergraduate level:

1. University of Toronto (U of T)

The University of Toronto is one of the top-ranked institutions in Canada and offers some of the most prestigious undergraduate scholarships.

Popular Scholarships at University of Toronto

• Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
  • Highly competitive
  • Full tuition, books, residence support, and additional fees
  • Awarded to exceptional international students demonstrating leadership
• U of T International Merit Scholarships
  • Merit-based
  • Varies by academic performance
  • Automatic consideration

Eligibility

• Strong academic record
• Leadership and extracurricular involvement
• Must apply to undergraduate programs at U of T

2. University of British Columbia (UBC)

UBC is globally recognized for research and innovation and offers generous scholarships for international students.

Major Scholarships at UBC

• International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES)
  • Renewable for up to four years
  • Award value depends on academic performance
• Outstanding International Student Award (OIS)
  • Automatically awarded to high-achieving students
  • One-time merit-based award

Eligibility

• Excellent academic results
• Strong extracurricular profile
• International student status

3. McGill University

Located in Montreal, McGill offers various undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving students.

Key Scholarships

• McGill Entrance Scholarship Program
  • One-year and major renewable scholarships
  • Based on academic achievement
• Need-Based Bursaries
  • For students requiring financial assistance
  • Must show proof of financial need

Eligibility

• Outstanding academic performance
• Strong personal achievements

4. University of Alberta (UAlberta)

The University of Alberta is known for offering some of the highest scholarship values to undergraduate students.

Popular Scholarships

• International Student Scholarship
  • Up to $9,000
  • Awarded on academic merit
• Gold Standard Scholarship
  • Top 5% students
  • Up to $6,000
• President’s International Distinction Scholarship
  • One of the highest-value awards
  • Up to $120,000 over four years

Eligibility

• Strong grades
• Leadership and community service
• International status

5. University of Waterloo

Famous for engineering, technology, and co-op programs.

Scholarships for Bachelor Students

• International Student Entrance Scholarships
  • Merit-based
• President’s Scholarship of Distinction
  • For outstanding academic performance
• Faculty-Specific Awards
  • Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Mathematics

Eligibility

• High academic scores
• Program-specific requirements

6. Western University

Also known for medical, business, and science programs.

Scholarships Available

• Western Admission Scholarships
  • Automatically awarded
• International President’s Entrance Scholarship
  • High academic achievers
  • Leadership qualities

Eligibility

• Academic excellence
• Leadership roles
• Community involvement

7. University of Calgary

Provides excellent scholarship support for undergraduate international students.

Available Scholarships

• International Entrance Scholarship
  • High-value scholarship
  • Renewable annually
• International Baccalaureate (IB) Scholarships
  • For IB diploma holders

Eligibility

• Minimum GPA requirement
• International student
• Strong extracurricular profile

8. Queen’s University

Known for its historic campus and strong academics.

Scholarships for Bachelor Students

• Major Entrance Awards
  • Need-based and merit-based
  • High-value awards
• Principal’s International Scholarship
  • For top-performing applicants

Eligibility

• Exceptional academic results
• Leadership potential
• Community involvement

9. Simon Fraser University (SFU)

Located in British Columbia with competitive scholarship programs.

Key Scholarships

• Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarship Program
  • Merit-based
  • Renewable
• Need-Based Bursaries

Eligibility

• Top academic performers
• Financial need (for bursaries)

10. York University

One of Toronto’s affordable and large universities.

Major Scholarship

• Global Leader of Tomorrow Award
  • Renewable
  • High academic achievers
• International Entrance Scholarship of Distinction

Eligibility

• Strong academics
• Leadership and volunteer experience

Types of Scholarship Available for Bachelor Students in Canada

Canada offers several categories of scholarship for undergraduate students:

1. Merit-Based Scholarship

Awarded to students with excellent academic records, leadership skills, or outstanding achievements.

2. Need-Based Scholarship

For students with demonstrated financial need.

3. Entrance Scholarship

Automatically awarded at the time of admission based on grades.

4. Faculty-Specific Scholarship

These are targeted at students enrolled in programs such as:

• Engineering
• Medicine
• Business
• Computer Science
• Arts
• Social Sciences

5. Athletic Scholarships

Offered to students who excel in sports and represent the university team.

6. Fully Funded Scholarship

Covering:

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Books
• Living expenses

Examples include:

• Lester B. Pearson Scholarship
• UAlberta President’s International Distinction Award

Common Eligibility Requirements

While each university has unique criteria, common eligibility includes:

• Strong academic performance
• Leadership qualities
• Extracurricular achievements
• English language proficiency
• Community service
• Admission to a full-time undergraduate program

How to Apply for Canadian University Scholarship (Step-by-Step)

1. Choose Your Program & University

Identify which Canadian universities offer scholarship matching your needs.

2. Check Scholarship Requirements

Each scholarship has specific eligibility requirements you must meet.

3. Prepare Your Documents

Common documents include:

• Academic transcripts
• Statement of purpose
• Resume/CV
• Reference letters
• English test scores (IELTS/TOEFL)

4. Apply for Admission

Most scholarship require you to apply for an undergraduate program first.

5. Submit the Scholarship Application (If Required)

Some scholarship are automatic; others require a separate application.

6. Attend Interviews (If Applicable)

7. Wait for the Scholarship Decision

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning Scholarship

1. Maintain Excellent Grades

Most scholarship prioritize academic performance.

2. Build Extracurricular Activities

Include:

• Volunteer work
• Leadership roles
• Competitions
• Internships

3. Write a Strong Personal Statement

Show passion, vision, and impact.

4. Apply Early

Early applications have higher chances of selection.

5. Get Strong Recommendation Letters

6. Apply to Multiple Scholarship

Maximize your chances of winning at least one award.

Also Read: Which Canadian Scholarships Are Available for International Students in 2025?

Sources

University of Toronto – International Student Awards (including Lester B. Pearson) Future at U of T+1

University of Alberta – International Admission Scholarship & President’s International Distinction Scholarship University of Alberta

University of Calgary – International Entrance Scholarship (per UniversityLiving) University Living

FAQs

1. Can international students get full scholarship in Canada for bachelor studies?

Yes. Several universities like the University of Toronto, UAlberta, and York University offer fully funded scholarship for exceptional students.

2. Are scholarship applications separate from university applications?

Some scholarship are automatic (no application required), while others require a separate application.

3. Is IELTS mandatory for Canadian scholarship?

Most universities require proof of English proficiency, but some accept alternatives like TOEFL or Duolingo.

4. What GPA is required for scholarship in Canada?

Generally, a high GPA (above 3.5 or 85%) increases your chances.

5. Can I work while studying in Canada?

Yes. International students can work up to 20 hours weekly during semesters.

6. Do scholarship cover living expenses?

Some fully funded scholarship do; others cover only tuition fees.

7. Are scholarship renewable every year?

Yes, many scholarship are renewable based on maintaining required grades.

8. When should I apply for scholarship in Canada?

Most applications open around September to January for the following academic year.