Study in Canada: Top Active Scholarships for International Students 2025–2026 (Fully & Partially Funded)

Ever thought, “Canada is perfect for studying… but how do I pay for it?” You’re not alone. The good news? Canada offers some of the easiest and most generous scholarships for international students — many of which are still open right now.

These aren’t small discounts. Some scholarships here cover full tuition, living expenses, books, residence, and even travel. I’ve personally seen regular students — not geniuses, not world-famous — win elite awards like Lester B. Pearson, McCall MacBain, and Vanier.

This guide highlights active scholarships for the 2025–2026 academic year, with verified deadlines and requirements so you don’t waste a second on closed opportunities.

Top Active Scholarships in Canada for 2025–2026

Below are the strongest, verified open scholarships you can still apply for.

1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship – University of Toronto

• Level: Undergraduate

• Coverage: Full tuition, books, incidental fees, full residence for 4 years

• Deadline: ~Early November 2025
  Why Apply: One of Canada’s most prestigious full-ride awards for exceptional international students. Highly competitive — act early.

2. McCall MacBain Scholarships – McGill University

• Level: Master’s & PhD

• Coverage: Tuition + $2,000/month stipend, relocation grant, leadership training

• Deadlines:

  • Aug 21, 2025 (International)

  • Sept 25, 2025 (Canada/U.S.)
    Why Apply: Combines full funding with a world-class mentorship ecosystem.

3. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

• Level: PhD

• Coverage: $50,000 per year × 3 years

• Deadline: October 2025 (varies by university nomination)
  Why Apply: Canada’s most competitive government-funded scholarship for doctoral excellence.

4. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – UofT & McGill

• Level: Master’s

• Coverage: Full tuition, housing, stipend, laptop, mentorship, leadership training

• Deadline: Around Dec 4, 2025 (depending on university)
  Why Apply: Comprehensive support aimed at high-achieving African students.

5. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships

• Level: PhD (Social Sciences & Humanities)

• Coverage: $60,000/year for up to 3 years (includes travel & research)

• Status: Open for 2025–26 cycle
  Why Apply: Ideal for socially driven, research-oriented scholars.

6. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

• Level: Master’s & PhD

• Coverage: $5,000 per term (up to 3 terms = $15,000)

• Deadline: Varies by university
  Why Apply: Available across multiple Ontario universities — great mid-level funding.

7. Ontario Trillium Scholarship (OTS) & Canadian Trillium Scholarship (CTS)

• Level: PhD (OTS), Master’s/PhD (CTS)

• Coverage:

  • OTS: $40,000/year

  • CTS: $18,000/year

• Status: Ongoing
  Why Apply: High-value awards offered through many Canadian institutions.

8. University of Alberta Scholarships (No IELTS Options)

• Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD

• Coverage: Varies; some awards up to $45,000

• Status: Ongoing into early 2025
  Why Apply: Multiple merit awards and IELTS waivers for qualified applicants.

9. McGill University General Scholarships

• Level: Master’s & PhD

• Coverage: Varies; includes partial and full funding

• Deadline: Oct 1, 2025
  Why Apply: McGill remains one of the most scholarship-rich universities in Canada.

10. Entrance & Merit Scholarships – UBC, York, Calgary, Manitoba

• Levels: Undergraduate & Graduate

• Coverage: Ranges from partial to full awards

• Status: Active for Fall 2025
  Why Apply: Strong options for students seeking accessible funding across top universities.

11. Schulich Leader Scholarships

• Level: Undergraduate STEM

• Coverage: $120,000 (Engineering) or $100,000 (Science)

• Deadline: Nominations open for 2025
  Why Apply: One of Canada’s highest-paying undergrad scholarships.

12. Currie Undergraduate Scholarship – University of New Brunswick

• Level: Undergraduate

• Coverage: ~$65,000 over 4 years

• Status: Active
  Why Apply: Generous, well-structured, and less competitive due to limited awareness.

13. IBET PhD Project

• Level: PhD in Engineering (Black & Indigenous Scholars)

• Coverage: $30,000/year for 4 years + mentoring + internships

• Status: Open
  Why Apply: Strong support for equity and career development.

Quick Snapshot Table

Real Quick Tips to Increase Your Chances

• Start early — most deadlines close before you expect.

• Customize your essays, especially for leadership-based awards.

• For research scholarships, contact a supervisor before you apply.

• Use nomination-based scholarships (Schulich, Pearson) to your advantage.

• Highlight community work, leadership, and real impact, not just grades.

FAQs – Canada Scholarships 2025–2026

Q1: Do I need IELTS or TOEFL?
Most universities require it, but some (e.g., University of Alberta) offer waivers depending on previous education.

Q2: Are these scholarships very competitive?
Yes — Pearson, McCall MacBain, and Vanier especially. But a strong narrative + early prep improves your chances.

Q3: Can I apply to multiple scholarships at the same time?
Absolutely. Just keep your deadlines and documents organized.

Q4: Do these scholarships cover living expenses?
Many do — McCall MacBain gives $2,000/month, Pearson covers residence, and Mastercard covers everything.

Q5: Can I work while studying?
Yes. International students can work 20 hours per week, and full-time during breaks.

Q6: What GPA is required?
Most competitive scholarships expect at least A or high B+, but leadership and extracurriculars matter too.

Q7: Do I need a supervisor for PhD scholarships?
For Vanier, IBET, OTS — yes, you usually need one identified early.

Final Thoughts — Start Today

Many scholarships for the 2025–2026 intake are still open. Whether you are applying for undergrad, master’s, or PhD, there is a scholarship here that fits your profile.

Pick 2–3 scholarships from the list.
Start drafting your essays tonight.
Your future in Canada could be just one application away.

For more opportunities, explore related categories like graduate, master’s, and PhD scholarships in Canada.

For more scholarships, please visit more graduate, master’s, and PHD Canada scholarships for international students.