Canada has steadily grown into one of the top global destinations for higher education, drawing thousands of students from around the world each year. One of the main reasons for its appeal is the variety of scholarship opportunities available across provinces and institutions. These scholarships ease the financial burden of tuition and living expenses, allowing students to focus on academic and personal growth. As of July 2025, the Canadian scholarship landscape has become more inclusive, diverse, and aligned with the country’s goals in education, innovation, equity, and global engagement. Whether you’re a domestic student or an international applicant, understanding the different types of scholarships available in Canada is key to finding the right funding opportunities.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships are among the most competitive and prestigious forms of financial aid in Canada. These scholarships are awarded primarily on academic achievement, though some may also consider leadership, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. Most universities and colleges across Canada offer merit-based scholarships to top-performing students upon admission, especially at the undergraduate level.
For instance, the University of Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship and UBC’s International Scholars Program recognize high-achieving international students with exceptional leadership potential. These awards cover tuition, books, and sometimes living expenses for the duration of the program. In 2025, many institutions are also using digital portfolios and AI-driven assessment tools to evaluate candidates more holistically, beyond grades alone.
Need-Based Scholarships
Need-based scholarships are designed for students who demonstrate financial hardship or limited economic resources. These scholarships are vital for ensuring equitable access to higher education, especially among underrepresented and low-income communities. Applicants typically must submit documentation showing their family income, assets, or proof of hardship.
In recent years, need-based scholarships in Canada have become more inclusive of international students as well. Institutions like York University and Carleton University have expanded their needs-based bursaries to support international learners facing challenges due to currency fluctuations or political instability in their home countries. With the cost of living rising across major Canadian cities in 2025, these scholarships play a crucial role in making education attainable for a broader demographic.
Government-Funded Scholarships
Government-funded scholarships in Canada are sponsored by federal or provincial bodies to support national goals such as innovation, research, bilingualism, and international collaboration. These scholarships are often available to both domestic and international students, especially at the postgraduate level.
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are one of the most well-known federal programs, offering $50,000 per year for three years to doctoral students who show leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement. Similarly, the Canada Graduate Scholarships-Master’s Program (CGS M) supports students in eligible master’s programs across the country.
Additionally, provincial governments like Ontario and Quebec also run regional scholarships and bursaries. For example, Ontario’s Graduate Scholarship (OGS) and Quebec’s Merit Scholarship Program for Foreign Students support graduate studies in line with provincial research and labor market needs.
Athletic Scholarships
Athletic scholarships are offered to student-athletes who demonstrate outstanding ability in sports while maintaining acceptable academic performance. These scholarships are more common at institutions participating in U Sports (formerly Canadian Interuniversity Sport) or the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA).
Although Canadian athletic scholarships are generally more modest compared to those in the United States, the number and value of awards have increased as institutions aim to attract top talent in sports such as soccer, hockey, basketball, and track and field. In 2025, there has also been a push to provide equal scholarship opportunities for female athletes and underrepresented sports, with several universities now offering gender-balanced funding schemes.
Research and STEM Scholarships
With Canada’s growing emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), several scholarships have been developed specifically to encourage students in these fields. These scholarships aim to address labor shortages in key sectors and promote innovation in artificial intelligence, environmental science, biotechnology, and digital health.
Programs like the NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) and Mitacs Globalink Research Awards offer students the chance to gain hands-on research experience while receiving financial support. The federal government has also launched new funding streams in 2025 for women and Indigenous students in STEM to help bridge existing representation gaps in these areas.
Indigenous Scholarships
Canada has made significant efforts in recent years to support Indigenous students through targeted scholarship programs. These scholarships are rooted in the country’s broader reconciliation efforts and are designed to increase Indigenous participation in postsecondary education.
Organizations like Indspire, the Assembly of First Nations, and various postsecondary institutions provide scholarships and bursaries tailored to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students. In 2025, the government of Canada also increased funding for the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) and the new Indigenous Education Fund to support tuition, living expenses, and cultural support services across campuses.
Scholarships for International Students
International students studying in Canada have access to a growing number of scholarships, thanks to partnerships between universities, the federal government, and global organizations. Apart from merit- and need-based awards, Canada offers international-specific scholarships like the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program and the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP).
In 2025, the Canadian government also introduced a new initiative under the International Education Strategy to attract talent from Africa, South Asia, and Latin America through region-specific scholarships that cover tuition and travel. Some provinces, like British Columbia and Nova Scotia, offer additional incentives to retain skilled international graduates through scholarship-to-immigration pathways.
Scholarships by Field of Study
Some scholarships are designated for students pursuing specific academic disciplines such as law, medicine, business, education, or the arts. For instance, the Schulich Leader Scholarships are awarded to students pursuing degrees in engineering and science, while the TD Scholarships for Community Leadership often go to students studying in social sciences or humanities.
In 2025, more industry-sponsored scholarships are being created in collaboration with tech companies, banks, and healthcare providers, giving students both financial aid and internship opportunities. This alignment of education and industry ensures that graduates are better prepared to meet labor market demands.
Conclusion
Canada’s scholarship ecosystem in 2025 is more diverse, accessible, and strategically designed than ever before. With options ranging from merit-based to need-based, government-funded to private sector-supported, and domestic to international, students have a wealth of opportunities to fund their education in Canada. These scholarships not only reduce financial stress but also help build an inclusive, skilled, and globally connected academic community. For any student aspiring to study in Canada, exploring the right scholarship path is an essential first step toward achieving their academic and professional dreams.
