If you’re an international student seeking study abroad opportunities, these Top undergraduate scholarships for international students in Canada may be your ticket to affordable, high-quality education. Read on to discover the most prestigious scholarships, eligibility rules, application tips, and reliable links to scholarship websites.
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What makes these the top undergraduate scholarships for international students in Canada
These scholarships are considered “top” because they generally:
- Award large sums (full or partial tuition, possibly room & board, books, etc.)
- Are open to international students (i.e. non-Canadian citizens or permanent residents)
- Are competitive based on merit, leadership, extracurriculars, or financial need
- Often renewable for multiple years, provided academic or other conditions are met
Major scholarships you should know
Below are some of the Top undergraduate scholarships for international students in Canada, including what they cover, who should apply, and how to access official application info.
1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship — University of Toronto
- Scholarship covers: Full scholarship for four years; includes tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support.
- Who Can Apply?: Exceptional high school students from outside Canada with strong academic records and leadership or creative achievement.
- Deadline & requirements: Usually requires nomination by your high school and early application to the University of Toronto.
- Official scholarship website: Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships
2. UBC International Leader of Tomorrow & Outstanding International Student Awards
- What they are:
- International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT): merit- and leadership-based scholarships with major financial support.
- Outstanding International Student (OIS): one-time entrance scholarships for international students.
- Scholarship Amounts: Range from CAD $10,000 to $25,000 (for OIS); ILOT can cover much higher cost depending on need and merit.
- Who should apply: Students with strong academics plus leadership, community service, achievements beyond the classroom.
- Official website: UBC International Student Scholarships & Awards
3. York University — International Entrance Scholarship of Distinction & Global Leader of Tomorrow
- Scholarship Worth
- International Entrance Scholarship of Distinction: up to CAD $35,000/year, renewable for four years (if meeting requirements).
- Global Leader of Tomorrow Award: about CAD $20,000/year, renewable for several years.
- Who Can Apply: Top-tier students with excellent grades and strong leadership or extracurricular profile.
- Official website: York University International Scholarships & Awards
Other universities and entrance scholarships
Many Canadian colleges and universities also offer scholarships specifically for international undergraduates. These may include:
- Automatic entrance scholarships (awarded based on admission grades)
- Merit-based scholarships (requiring essays or additional application materials)
- Renewable awards (if you maintain a minimum GPA)
- Smaller one-time awards (CAD $1,000–$5,000)
To find these:
- Visit the financial aid / scholarships section of each university’s website
- Look for keywords like International Entrance Scholarship, Merit Scholarship, Leadership Award
Helpful portals:
How to choose among the top undergraduate scholarships for international students in Canada
Use these criteria when deciding where to apply:
- Eligibility
- Is it open to international students?
- Are there restrictions by country, discipline (STEM / arts / business), or financial need?
- Amount and coverage
- Does it cover full tuition, residence, living costs, books?
- Is the award renewable over multiple years?
- Application complexity vs. reward
- Some require many essays, nominations, or interviews.
- Weigh effort vs. potential benefit.
- Deadline and timing
- Many top-tier scholarships have early deadlines or require separate scholarship applications.
- Plan ahead and track these dates carefully.
Application tips: make your scholarship application stand out
To improve your chances for the Top undergraduate scholarships for international students in Canada, follow these strategies:
- Maintain a strong academic record with high grades, especially in subjects relevant to your chosen field
- Demonstrate leadership and impact via extracurriculars, community service, or projects, show concrete outcomes
- Write clear, compelling essays/personal statements — focus on your motivations, your aspirations, and how you will contribute to the campus / community
- Secure strong recommendation letters from teachers or mentors who know you well and can speak to both character AND achievement
- Proofread thoroughly; tailor each application to the scholarship (don’t use generic submissions).
Reliable sources / portals to find more opportunities
Here are some trusted websites where you can search or verify the Top undergraduate scholarships for international students in Canada:
- EduCanada — national government portal for Canadian scholarships
- University of Toronto
- UBC international scholarships
- York University scholarships for international students
Application checklist before submitting
- Confirm that the scholarship is indeed for international undergraduate students in Canada
- Note all deadlines
- Prepare official transcripts and translations if necessary
- Draft essays in advance; revise and get feedback
- Request recommendation letters well ahead of time
- Ensure that you understand any conditions for maintaining the scholarship
What happens if successful?
After winning any Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students in Canada, it is good you consider the following steps:
- Read and follow the acceptance instructions from the scholarship website
- Check whether the scholarship is renewable, and what you need to do to renew it (e.g. maintain certain grades, take specific courses)
- Understand how the scholarship interacts with other funding sources (some scholarships cannot be combined)
- Use university resources (international student office, financial services) to manage logistics: housing, health insurance, study permit etc.
Pursuing the Top undergraduate scholarships for international students in Canada takes effort, planning, and strong applications .
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