Canada is one of the world’s top destinations for international students thanks to high-quality universities, generous scholarship programs, and post-study work opportunities. The Dare To Dream curates an up-to-date list of ongoing scholarships, bursaries and fellowships for study in Canada from university-specific awards (UBC, McGill, University of Toronto, etc.) to national programs and private grants.
Who can apply
- International students (undergraduate, masters, PhD) many listings explicitly accept international applicants.
- Domestic/Canadian students some awards are for Canadian citizens/residents only (check each scholarship).
- Researchers / early career scholars some fellowships target doctoral or postdoctoral researchers.
- Students from specific countries or regions a few programs target applicants from developing countries or specific partner nations.
Typical requirements (what scholarship pages usually ask for)
| Common requirement | Why it’s requested |
|---|---|
| Completed application form (online) | Basic screening & contact info |
| Academic transcripts / certificates | To verify GPA and program level |
| CV / Resume | To review academic and extracurricular background |
| Personal statement / motivation letter | To assess fit and objectives |
| Letters of recommendation | Academic/professional endorsement |
| Proof of English/French proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) | For non-native speakers if required |
| Research proposal (for PhD) | To evaluate research fit and quality |
| Passport / ID and sometimes residency proof | Identity and eligibility verification |
Note: exact requirements vary by scholarship and by university always check the specific scholarship page for the authoritative list.
Deadlines
Deadlines vary widely between awards and change year-to-year. The Dare To Dream Canada page lists each scholarship with an “APPLY NOW” link click the specific scholarship to see its current deadline. If you’re targeting a particular university (e.g., UBC, McGill, University of Toronto) check both the scholarship page and the university’s official site for application windows.
What these scholarships typically offer
- Full or partial tuition fee coverage (some fully funded, others partial).
- Stipends or living allowances (for some masters/PhD fellowships).
- Accommodation support or bursaries for international entrants.
- Research funding, travel grants, or professional development support (for doctoral/fellowship awards).
- Additional benefits such as mentorship, internships, and access to university resources.
Quick sample table selected scholarships.
| Scholarship | Level | What it offers (summary) | Deadline / Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto Mastercard Foundation Doctor of Public Health Scholarships (2026) | Doctoral / professional | Fully funded scholarships for eligible candidates (includes tuition & likely stipend) | Check the scholarship page. |
| University of Ottawa Undergraduate Scholarships (2026) | Undergraduate | Entrance scholarships and awards for international/merit students | See individual award pages. |
| Pierre Elliott Trudeau Scholarship (2026) | Postdoctoral / Doctoral | Prestigious fellowship for research leaders (selective; generous funding) | Confirm on official page. |
| UBC MasterCard Scholarship / UBC Killam (2026) | Masters / PhD | Generous grants and fellowships for outstanding students | Check UBC / scholarship page. |
| University of Manitoba Graduate Scholarship (2026) | Masters / PhD | University graduate funding for eligible applicants | See details on listing. |
How to apply — step-by-step (general)
- Pick 2–4 scholarships that match your level and profile.
- Open the scholarship’s full post APPLY NOW and read eligibility and documents carefully.
- Prepare certified/translated transcripts and updated CV.
- Draft a strong personal statement tailored to the scholarship’s priorities.
- Request recommendation letters well in advance.
- Submit the application before the listed deadline and keep copies of submission confirmations.
- If shortlisted, prepare for interviews or additional tests (if required).