Types of Scholarships You Can Apply for in Canada (And How They Actually Work)

Thinking about studying in Canada but worried about the cost? You’re not alone. Tuition, flights, housing—it all adds up fast. The good news? There are lots of scholarships out there.

But here’s the part that gets confusing: not all scholarships are the same.

So let’s break down the different types you’ll see—without the jargon or brain fog.

1. Merit-Based Scholarships

Ever wonder if your good grades or leadership experience could actually pay off? That’s what merit-based scholarships are for.

These are awarded based on stuff like:

• Academic performance (GPA, exam scores)

• Community service

• Leadership or extracurriculars

• Arts or athletic talent

💡 Tip: You don’t need to be perfect—just show effort and achievement in something you're passionate about.

Who gives them? Colleges, universities, and private organizations. Some are automatic (no application needed), others require an essay or portfolio.

2. Need-Based Scholarships

These are for students who really need the financial help to afford studying in Canada.

They look at:

• Your (or your family’s) income

• Your living situation

• Any extra responsibilities or challenges you’ve faced

To apply, you’ll usually fill out a financial needs form and sometimes submit documents (bank statements, letters, etc.).

Who gives them? Mostly universities and education foundations. They're meant to make sure talented students don’t miss out because of money.

3. Government Scholarships

These come from the Canadian government or your home country’s embassy or agency.

Some big ones:

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships – for Master’s/PhD students

• Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program – for students from certain countries

• Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) – for Latin American & Caribbean students

Government scholarships are usually competitive and may cover full tuition, living costs, or even flights.

💡 Tip: Check with your country’s Canadian embassy or international education board—they often post calls for applications.

4. University-Specific Scholarships

Every Canadian university (and even many colleges) offers its own set of scholarships for international students.

Some examples:

• UBC International Scholars Program

• University of Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson Award

• Concordia International Tuition Awards

You’ll find:

• Entrance scholarships (when you first apply)

• In-program awards (for current students)

• Faculty or department-specific funding

Where to find them? Check the official website of the university you’re applying to—there’s usually a section just for international scholarships.

Final Thoughts

Not all scholarships are about being the smartest or the most talented. Some are about effort. Some are about need. Some are just about being at the right place at the right time.

The key? Start early, stay organized, and apply to more than one.

You never know what could open a door.

Need help applying? Check out our next blog post on how to write a scholarship essay that actually sounds like you.

Types of Scholarships You Can Apply for in Canada (And How They Actually Work)