Important Disclaimer: Financial aid for international students is highly competitive and often subject to change. The availability, value, and eligibility criteria of these awards can vary significantly each academic year. Always verify the most up-to-date information directly on the official university, college, or program websites linked below. Most university-specific awards require you to be admitted to the institution before being considered.
Important Note: It’s crucial to understand that bursaries are typically awarded based on demonstrated financial need, while scholarships are usually based on academic merit (grades, achievements, etc.). Many universities offer both, and often international students are considered for scholarships automatically upon admission, while bursaries may require a separate application after enrollment, demonstrating unexpected financial hardship.
Carleton University
Focus: Both entrance scholarships (merit-based) and some bursaries that explicitly make mention of international students.
For International Students:
- President’s Welcome Award for International Students (NEW! 2025): Value $2,000 – $5,000 CAD. For international undergraduate students entering directly from high school for September 2025. Automatically considered based on grades.
- International Students’ Award 2025 (NEW!): Value $10,000 CAD. Awarded to one recipient. Admitted international students who accept their offers by May 15, 2025, are automatically considered. (Replaces President’s Welcome Award if granted).
- Law Scholarship in Architectural Studies: A $10,000 scholarship available annually to an outstanding full-time undergraduate international student entering the Bachelor of Architectural Studies.
- Entrance Scholarships: International students with an admission average of 80% or higher are automatically considered for many general Entrance Scholarships (these are not exclusively for international students but are open to them).
Link: Carleton University Scholarships and Bursaries (Undergraduate Admissions)
University of Ottawa
Focus: A range of scholarships and significant tuition fee exemptions specifically for international students.
For International Students:
- Differential Tuition Fee Exemption – Undergraduate Degree: This is a substantial benefit, reducing international tuition fees to Canadian rates for eligible international students in certain programs. The amount varies by program (e.g., $25,000-$36,000 per year, renewable). Often automatically applied upon admission.
- International English Entrance Scholarship – Faculty of Engineering: $20,000/year ($10,000/term).
- International English Entrance Scholarship – Faculty of Science and Faculty of Social Sciences: $12,500/year ($6,250/term).
- International English Excellence Scholarship – Faculty of Engineering: $25,000/year ($12,500/term).
- International Doctoral Scholarship: Available for PhD students without tuition waivers.
- Graduate Admission Scholarship: Valued at $7,500 per year for international Master’s students.
- Graduate Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship: Amount depends on the enrolled degree program for international Master’s students.
University of Ottawa Scholarships and Awards – OUInfo (This page summarizes various scholarships, including those for international students, with some specific details.)
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
Focus: A merit-based scholarship for graduate students, with a limited number of awards specifically for international students.
For International Students: International students with a valid study permit are eligible for these designated awards. While administered by individual universities, it’s a provincial program.
Value: Up to $15,000 ($5,000 per term) for a minimum of two consecutive terms.
How to Apply: Applications are submitted through the university where you are applying or currently studying for graduate studies. Each university will have specific internal deadlines for the OGS competition.
University of Ottawa’s OGS example (illustrating the provincial program for international students): Ontario Scholarships : OGS and QEII | Study – University of Ottawa
Humber College (Polytechnic) (Institution-Specific, but a large college with many international awards)
Focus: Various scholarships and bursaries for international students across different programs.
For International Students
- President’s International Entrance Award: $2,000 bursary when starting studies at Humber. For international students living outside Canada without a Humber DLI study permit (as of April 14, 2025).
- Bachelor’s Degree Scholarships: Renewable scholarships based on high school academic achievement (e.g., $4,000 for 95%+ GPA, down to $1,500 for 75-79.9%).
- Degree Transfer Scholarships: $1,500 – $2,500 for international students entering a Humber degree program from an Ontario college certificate or diploma with 80%+ GPA.
- Additional Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships: Many other specific awards listed on their portal specifically for international students.
Humber Polytechnic Scholarships & Bursaries for International Students
University of Guelph
Focus: A range of entrance and in-course scholarships and bursaries specifically for international students.
For International Students
- International Entrance Scholarships: $5,500 – $21,500 CAD. Awarded competitively to new international students entering their first semester in the fall. No application required.
- Dr. Franco J. Vaccarino President’s Scholarship: $42,500 CAD. Recognizes international students of academic distinction and leadership. Requires application.
- International Transfer Scholarship: $10,000 CAD. For international fee-paying transfer students admitted to an undergraduate degree program. No application required.
- Hardy International Student Scholarship: $2,000 CAD. Preference for students from Haiti, then Africa, then any other international student. No application required.
- International In-Course Scholarships and Bursaries: For current international students experiencing unforeseen financial situations or emergencies (bursaries) or for academic excellence (scholarships) after one full year of studies.
University of Guelph Funding Your Education | International Students
University of British Columbia (UBC)
- International Scholars Program: A comprehensive, needs- and merit-based program for outstanding international students admitted to UBC, covering tuition and living costs. Requires specific application.
- International Community Achievement Awards: Recognizes continuing international students who contribute to campus and community while maintaining strong academics. Requires application.
- UBC Bursary Program: Open to international students demonstrating financial need (typically after first year and demonstrating continued financial need).
University of Alberta
- International Admission Scholarship: Up to $5,000 based on admission average, for top international students. No application required.
- President’s International Distinction Scholarship: Up to $120,000 (payable over 4 years) for 25 international students with superior admission average and leadership qualities. Requires specific application.
- Chan Pang Kuen Memorial International Distinction Scholarship: Up to $120,000 (payable over 4 years) for international students with superior admission average and leadership.
- International Leader Scholarship: Up to $15,000 for well-rounded international applicants with superior academics and leadership roles.
- May Quon Undergraduate Scholarship: Up to $100,000 (payable over 4 years) for international students who are Chinese or Hong Kong citizens with superior admission average and self-declared financial need.
- International Supplementary Bursary: For international undergraduate and graduate students in their second year or greater who demonstrate a financial shortfall for academic and basic living costs after exhausting all other resources. Requires application.
University of Alberta General International Undergraduate Scholarships
University of Alberta International Supplementary Bursary
