Canada offers various funding opportunities for international students pursuing a PhD. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and research costs, providing financial support to students.
The country ranks as the ninth-best study-abroad destination in the world, according to the US News & World Report. It is recognised for its stable and welcoming environment, attracting students globally.
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In addition to scholarships, Canada offers affordable universities and post-study work opportunities. International students can explore funding options through university websites, where eligibility criteria and deadlines are provided.
For the 2024–2025 academic year, over 800 scholarships are available for international PhD students. Prospective applicants may find scholarships they were previously unaware of, increasing their chances of securing funding.
Canada remains a key destination for those seeking higher education opportunities with financial support.
Read also: Canada ranks as the most desired country for immigration
According to Scholarship International, here are the top ten PhD scholarships available at top Canadian universities.
University of Alberta Scholarships
The University of Alberta provides funding through the Graduate Entrance Scholarship. PhD students receive a stipend of CAD 21,000. International students receive an additional CAD 10,000 to assist with fees. The deadline varies depending on the admission period.
University of Waterloo Scholarships
The University of Waterloo offers scholarships across all degree levels. The Graduate Scholarship provides CAD 1,000 per term for up to three terms. Students must maintain a first-class cumulative average (80%) and be within their graduate programme’s time limits. No application is required, as departments nominate students automatically.
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University of Saskatchewan Scholarship
The Dean’s Doctoral Scholarship awards CAD 24,000 annually for two years. Applicants must be continuing international students, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 80%, and have completed no more than 24 months in their doctoral programme. Applications open during the winter term.
McGill University Scholarships
McGill University offers funding packages covering full tuition for 95% of PhD students. International PhD students receive additional support to cover the difference between Quebec resident and international tuition fees. Funding is also available for university fees, health insurance, and living costs.
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University of Montréal Exemption Scholarship
The University of Montréal offers the UdeM Exemption Scholarship. Eligible PhD students receive a full waiver of additional international tuition fees, paying the same amount as Quebec students. The tuition fee for a 45-credit programme is CAD 22,909, with the scholarship amount deducted directly.
University of Toronto Scholarship
The University of Toronto provides a base funding package for PhD students for up to five years. International recipients receive CAD 30,858, which includes a University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) worth CAD 756. Academic performance determines continued eligibility for funding.
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University of Ottawa Scholarships
The International Doctoral Scholarship at the University of Ottawa awards CAD 45,000 over five years. Students receive a maximum of CAD 3,000 per term for 15 consecutive terms. Additionally, the Special Merit Scholarship is available without an application, and recipients are notified upon admission.
University of Lethbridge Graduate Research Award
The University of Lethbridge provides financial support to graduate students, excluding those in the Faculty of Education. The Graduate Research Award grants up to CAD 21,000. Students are considered automatically upon admission.
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Concordia University Canada Scholarships
Concordia University offers various scholarships to PhD students. The International Tuition Award of Excellence reduces international tuition by approximately CAD 44,893. The Doctoral Graduate Fellowship provides CAD 14,000 annually for four years to exceptional students.
University of British Columbia (UBC) Scholarships
UBC offers the Four-Year Doctoral Fellowship, providing financial support of at least CAD 18,200 annually, along with full tuition coverage. This scholarship is open to international students and remains available based on admission.
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