11 Universities Offering Entrance Scholarships in Canada 2027 (Funded). Apply for fully funded scholarships from here. Canadian universities award billions of dollars in entrance scholarships every year, and a meaningful share goes directly to international students. Unlike government-run programs, these awards come straight from each university and are usually tied to your admission application.
This guide rounds up 11 Canadian universities with confirmed entrance scholarship programs for international students heading into the 2027 intake, along with what each one actually requires.
Entrance Scholarships in Canada 2027 Details:
| University: | Canadian Universities |
| Degree level: | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD |
| Scholarship coverage: | Funded |
| Eligible nationality: | All Nationalities |
| Award country: | Canada |
| Last date: | Varies |
University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson Scholarship in Canada (Fully Funded)
🌍 More Available Jobs
Financial Benefits
Entrance scholarship values vary enormously between universities, from a few thousand dollars to full four-year funding packages worth over $100,000. Most are merit-based and renewable if you maintain a strong GPA.
| University | Scholarship Name | Approximate Value |
|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship | Full tuition, books, and residence for 4 years |
| University of British Columbia | International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) | CAD $10,000–$25,000/year, renewable up to 3 more years |
| University of Calgary | International Entrance Scholarship | Up to CAD $80,000 over 4 years |
| University of Alberta | President’s International Distinction Scholarship | Up to CAD $120,000 over 4 years |
| Carleton University | Prestige Scholarships | CAD $20,000–full tuition over 4 years |
| Dalhousie University | General Entrance Awards | CAD $550–$80,000 over 4 years, depending on award |
Available Study Programs
Undergraduate Programs: Most entrance scholarships on this list target incoming first-year international undergraduates across any faculty, from engineering to arts and business.
Research-Based Master’s Programs: The University of Waterloo’s International Master’s Award of Excellence specifically targets students entering research-based graduate programs, rather than course-based master’s degrees.
🌍 More Available Jobs
Specialized Faculty Awards: Some universities, like Dalhousie, also run faculty-specific entrance awards, such as computer science-focused scholarships, alongside their general entrance award pool.
Humber International Entrance Scholarships in Canada (Funded)
Top Universities Offering Entrance Scholarships (2027 Intake)
| University | City | World Ranking (QS 2026) | International Tuition Range | Scholarship Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | Toronto, ON | #25 | CAD $45,000–$65,000/year | Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship |
| University of British Columbia | Vancouver, BC | #34 | CAD $40,000–$58,000/year | IMES, OIS, Vantage One Awards |
| McGill University | Montreal, QC | #30 | CAD $20,000–$50,000/year | McGill Scholarships (undergrad, master’s, PhD) |
| University of Alberta | Edmonton, AB | #111 | CAD $30,000–$45,000/year | President’s International Distinction, International Leader Scholarship |
| University of Calgary | Calgary, AB | #182 | CAD $28,000–$42,000/year | International Entrance Scholarship |
| University of Waterloo | Waterloo, ON | #112 | CAD $35,000–$60,000/year | International Master’s Award of Excellence |
| Carleton University | Ottawa, ON | #601-610 | CAD $28,000–$40,000/year | Prestige Scholarships |
| York University | Toronto, ON | #531-540 | CAD $25,000–$38,000/year | International Student Scholarship Program |
| Dalhousie University | Halifax, NS | #601-610 | CAD $22,000–$35,000/year | General Entrance Awards |
| University of Winnipeg | Winnipeg, MB | Not separately ranked (QS) | CAD $18,000–$26,000/year | President’s Scholarship for World Leaders |
| Toronto Metropolitan University | Toronto, ON | #801-850 | CAD $27,000–$38,000/year | Entrance Scholarships |
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility varies by university, but most entrance scholarships on this list share a common pattern worth understanding before you apply.
- Direct entry into first-year undergraduate studies, typically straight from secondary school (a few schools also consider transfer students)
- Studying on a valid Canadian study permit as an international student
- A strong secondary school average, often 90% or higher for the most competitive awards
- Demonstrated extracurricular involvement, leadership, or community engagement, not just grades
- Applying for admission by the university’s stated deadline, since most scholarships are only considered for students who meet it
Some scholarships, like the University of Toronto’s Pearson award, require a formal nomination from your high school rather than a direct student application, so check this requirement early.
Trent University International Scholarships (Fully Funded in Canada)
Required Documents
| Document | Required For |
|---|---|
| Official secondary school transcripts | All entrance scholarships |
| University admission application | All entrance scholarships (usually the only application needed) |
| English proficiency test results | Non-native English speakers, all universities |
| High school nomination letter | University of Toronto’s Pearson Scholarship |
| Separate scholarship application form | UBC International Scholars Program, some Carleton and Dalhousie awards |
| Personal statement or extracurricular summary | Most competitive, application-based awards |
Application Process
Step 1: Shortlist which of these 11 universities and programs genuinely match your academic interests and grades.
Step 2: Check each university’s specific admission deadline for the Fall 2027 intake, since these differ significantly.
Step 3: If your target scholarship requires a high school nomination, like Pearson, speak to your school counselor as early as possible.
Step 4: Prepare official transcripts and any required English test scores well ahead of your deadlines.
Step 5: Submit your university admission application through each school’s official portal, since most scholarships are considered automatically from this single step.
Step 6: For universities with a separate scholarship application, like UBC’s International Scholars Program, complete that form by its own earlier deadline.
Step 7: Track each application portal for scholarship decision updates, which are often released separately from admission offers.
Step 8: Compare scholarship offers against total cost of attendance, not just headline scholarship value.
Step 9: Accept your offer and confirm your scholarship terms, including renewal conditions and required GPA.
Step 10: Begin your Canadian study permit application as soon as your offer and scholarship are confirmed.
Scholarships for First-Year Students Canada | Study in Canada for Free
Student Visa Guide
International students need a Canadian study permit, not technically called a “visa,” to study at any of these universities. Applications are submitted online through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Even with a full entrance scholarship, most applicants still need to show proof of funds for their study permit, since scholarships don’t always fully replace this requirement depending on how they’re structured.
| Requirement | Current Detail |
|---|---|
| Permit Type | Canadian Study Permit (via IRCC) |
| Processing Time | Typically 8–12 weeks, longer during peak application season |
| Financial Proof | CAD $22,895 (living expenses) plus tuition and travel costs, for applications from 2025 onward |
| Biometrics | Required at a visa application center for most nationalities |
| Core Documents | Letter of acceptance, passport, proof of funds, provincial attestation letter where required |
Health Insurance
Health insurance requirements for international students vary by province, since Canada doesn’t have one single national student health plan. Most universities require proof of coverage before you can register for classes.
Provinces like British Columbia and Alberta include international students in provincial health coverage after a waiting period, while others, like Ontario, require students to purchase a university-arranged private plan, often called UHIP. Costs typically range from CAD $600 to $1,200 per year depending on the province and plan.
Accommodation & Living Costs
Most universities on this list offer guaranteed first-year residence spots for international students, though demand is high in cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Applying for housing as soon as you accept your offer is strongly recommended.
- University residence/dormitory: roughly CAD $800–$1,500/month
- Shared off-campus apartment: roughly CAD $700–$1,300/month depending on city
- Solo private apartment: roughly CAD $1,200–$2,200/month in major cities
- Monthly living expenses (food, transport, utilities): roughly CAD $600–$1,000
Smaller cities like Winnipeg or Halifax generally run noticeably cheaper than Toronto or Vancouver for both rent and daily expenses.
Douglas College Entrance Scholarship in Canada | Step-by-Step Process
Post-Study Work Opportunities
Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) remains one of the most attractive parts of studying here, letting eligible graduates work for up to three years after finishing an eligible program.
PGWP length depends on your program’s duration, and recent policy changes mean not every program automatically qualifies, so it’s worth confirming your chosen program’s PGWP eligibility before enrolling. Many graduates use this period to build Canadian work experience toward permanent residency through programs like Express Entry.
Tech, engineering, healthcare, and finance remain strong hiring sectors for international graduates, particularly in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary, where many of these universities are based.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply separately for these entrance scholarships?
Usually no. Most are awarded automatically based on your university admission application, though a few, like UBC’s International Scholars Program, require a separate form.
Which scholarship on this list is the most valuable?
The University of Alberta’s President’s International Distinction Scholarship and the University of Toronto’s Pearson Scholarship both offer some of the highest total values, though eligibility and competition differ significantly.
Can I combine an entrance scholarship with an education loan?
Yes, many students use a partial scholarship alongside an education loan to cover the remaining tuition and living costs not included in their award.
Do these scholarships cover my student visa costs?
No, entrance scholarships typically cover tuition and sometimes accommodation, but study permit fees and biometrics are usually a separate cost.
Is IELTS required for all these universities?
Most require IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo English Test scores, though exact accepted tests and minimum scores vary by university and program.
How competitive are Canadian entrance scholarships?
Very competitive, especially at top-ranked universities like Toronto, UBC, and McGill, where strong grades alone often aren’t enough without meaningful extracurricular involvement.
Can I work part-time while on one of these scholarships?
Yes, most international students in Canada can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic terms, in addition to any scholarship funding.
What happens if my GPA drops below the renewal requirement?
Most renewable scholarships require you to maintain a minimum GPA each year; falling below it typically means losing the scholarship for future years.
Conclusion
These 11 Canadian universities offer some of the strongest entrance scholarship opportunities available to international students for the 2027 intake, from partial awards to full four-year funding packages. Since most are tied directly to your admission application, timing and preparation matter just as much as your grades.
Always confirm current deadlines and scholarship values directly on each university’s official page before applying, and avoid third-party agents who claim they can guarantee scholarship outcomes.
Official Resources
| Website Type | Official Website | Latest Application Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto – Pearson Scholarship | Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship | School nomination ~10 Oct 2026; student application ~17 Oct 2026 | Expected to Open (Next Intake)—Check Official Website |
| UBC – International Scholarships | UBC Scholarships for International Students | General admission: 15 January 2027 | Expected to Open (Next Intake)—Check Official Website |
| University of Alberta – Entrance Scholarships | U of A International Entrance Scholarships | Expected: opens ~1 Oct 2026, closes ~Jan 2027 | Expected to Open (Next Intake)—Check Official Website |
| Dalhousie University – Entrance Awards | Dalhousie General Entrance Awards | Opens 1 October 2026 for 2027/28 | Expected to Open (Next Intake)—Check Official Website |
| Student Visa (Canada) | IRCC – Study Permit | N/A | Official |
| Immigration & Post-Study Work | IRCC – Post-Graduation Work Permit | N/A | Official |
Note: Most entrance scholarships are awarded automatically based on your admission application rather than a separate scholarship deadline. Several 2027/28-cycle dates weren’t officially published at the time of writing; always confirm the current deadline directly on each university’s official page.
1# University of Toronto Entrance Scholarships
The University of Toronto Awards Automatic Entrance Scholarships. Overall the university, its colleges, faculties, and divisions award approximately 4500 entrance scholarships.
- For More Details: University of Toronto Entrance Scholarship
#2 York University Entrance Scholarships
York University has a lot of options to offer in terms of scholarships for future students. York University has a lot of entrance scholarships too for international students. Such as York University Automatic Entrance Scholarships and York University Talent Entrance Scholarships.
- For More Details: York University Entrance Scholarships
3# UBC Entrance Scholarships
As soon as you receive an offer of admission to UBC, you’ll automatically be considered for these merit-based awards. Consideration is based on your demonstrated academic achievement and your extracurricular involvement.
- For More Details: UBC Entrance Scholarships
4# University of Waterloo Entrance Scholarships
Each year, the University of Waterloo offers numerous entrance scholarships and awards to outstanding students. You’ll automatically be considered for the majority of scholarships when you apply.
- For More Details: University of Waterloo Entrance Scholarships
5# University of Alberta Entrance Scholarships
The University of Alberta should be your preferred choice. It has a lot to offer. You could be starting with scholarships you don’t even have to apply for. If you are eligible for an admission-based scholarship, the university staff will contact you directly.
- For More Details: Bachelor’s Entrance Scholarships
- For More Details: Graduate Entrance Scholarships
6# University of Ottawa Entrance Scholarships
The University of Ottawa offers entrance scholarships. It is the largest bilingual (English-French) university in the world. Located at the heart of Canada’s capital.
- For More Details: University of Ottawa Entrance Scholarships
7# McMaster University Entrance Scholarship
At McMaster University, there are two types of entrance scholarships: automatic awards and awards by application.
- The McMaster University Award of Excellence: $3000
- Marjorie Anderson Financial Award for Indigenous Students: $80,000
- Provost Entrance Scholarship for International Students: $7500
- The Woo Family International Entrance Scholarships: $3,000
- The McMaster Chinese Alumni – Peter George International Entrance Scholarships: $3,000
- The Access Award: $25,000 per year
- The McMaster Brighter World Entrance Award for Black Students: $2,500
- The Faculty of Humanities Entrance Awards: $1200-$5000
- Loran Award: $100,000 over four years
- Schulich Leader Scholarships: $80,000 – $100,000 over four years
- For More Details: McMaster Entrance Scholarship
8# University of Calgary Entrance Scholarships
The University of Calgary offers hundreds of opportunities to local and foreign students. Search through their database of undergraduate awards and scholarships.
- For More Details: University of Calgary Entrance Scholarships
9# Western University Entrance Scholarships
Western University delivers an academic experience second to none. Western provides one of the best entrance scholarships among Canada’s leading research-intensive universities.
- For More Details: Western University Entrance Scholarships
10# McGill University Entrance Scholarships
The McGill Scholarships and Student Aid Office offers merit-based entrance scholarships to first-time university students entering a full-time undergraduate degree program.
- For More Details: McGill University Entrance Scholarships
11# University of Guelph Entrance Scholarships
The University of Guelph has extremely diverse entrance scholarship programs that recognize academic achievements and support students in their continuation of study. There are 106 scholarship programs for undergraduate studies and 129 for graduate ones.
- For More Details: University of Guelph Entrance Scholarships