Are you searching for The Top 10 Canada PhD Scholarships For International Students to pursue your academic dreams.
Then you’ve come to the right place.
The Canada PhD Scholarships for International Students 2025 (Fully Funded) provide a unique chance for talented individuals worldwide to pursue their doctoral studies in Canada.
These scholarships offer full financial coverage, including tuition, living expenses, and research funding, ensuring that students can focus on their research.
With access to top-tier universities and advanced research opportunities, Canada is an ideal destination for scholars looking to excel in their PhD studies and contribute globally.
Grab a chilled glass of water as I walk you through The Top 10 Canada PhD Scholarships For International Students.
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PhD Scholarships Funding in Canada
Canada, as the second-largest country in the world, offers diverse opportunities for PhD funding.
While student loans are typically for citizens, many Canadian universities provide scholarships for international students.
Some universities ensure fairness by offering the same tuition fees to both local and international PhD students.
Others have a baseline funding standard, guaranteeing every PhD student receives minimum financial support.
Canada PhD Scholarships For International Students
1. University of Alberta Scholarships
- Award Grant: CA$ 21,000 (plus an additional CA$ 10,000 for international students)
- Deadline: March 28, 2024
- Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
- Duration/Time Period: Full-time
The University of Alberta, a popular choice since its founding in 1908, offers PhD candidates the Graduate Entrance Scholarship, providing CA$ 21,000. International applicants also receive an extra CA$ 10,000.
Good news: IELTS is not required for many students. Be mindful of the scholarship deadline, which depends on your admission date.
Start your academic adventure at the University of Alberta!
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Must be newly admitted to a doctoral program in January, May, July, or September 2024
- GPA of 3.7 or higher
- Full-time student
2. University of Waterloo Scholarships
- Award Grant: CA$ 10,000
- Deadline: Varies by course
- Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
- Duration/Time Period: Full-time
Ranked as the 8th Best Global University in Canada, the University of Waterloo offers international students fully funded PhD scholarships. T
he University of Waterloo Graduate Scholarship provides up to CA$ 10,000, while the International Master’s Award of Excellence offers CA$ 2,500 per term, for up to 6 terms.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Enroll in a full-time program
- Maintain a cumulative average of 80%
- Nominated by the department based on funds allocation
3. University of Saskatchewan Scholarships
- Award Grant: CA$ 20,000
- Deadline: Varies
- Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
- Duration/Time Period: Full-time
The University of Saskatchewan is a leader in collaborative and water research. It offers fully funded PhD scholarships worth CA$ 20,000 over 36 months.
No extra application is required — once admitted, your academic achievements and financial needs are considered for the scholarship automatically.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Cumulative GPA of 80%
- Completed a master’s degree in a relevant field from a reputable university
4. McGill University Scholarships in Canada
- Award Grant: CA$ 3,000 annually
- Deadline: September 27 for Canadian students, August 24 for international students
- Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
- Duration/Time Period: Full-time
Ranked #31 globally by QS World University Rankings 2023, McGill University offers PhD students modest bursaries to ease financial stress.
Scholarship deadlines align with your admission dates. Pursue academic excellence at McGill University!
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Enroll full-time at the university
- Apply for and accept maximum government student aid
- Maintain satisfactory academic standing
- Demonstrate financial need
5. Montreal University Fully Funded Scholarship
- Award Grant: CA$ 21,593.35 annually
- Deadline: February 1, 2024
- Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
- Duration/Time Period: Full-time
As the second-largest university in Canada, University of Montreal offers fully funded PhD scholarships to international students. The UdeM Exemption Scholarship provides up to CA$ 21,593.35 annually, making it a great choice for students worldwide.
Eligibility requirements:
- International student (not a Canadian citizen or resident)
- Enrolled full-time at University of Montreal
- Meet academic requirements for the chosen program
Explore these amazing PhD scholarships and start your journey toward academic excellence in Canada.
ALSO READ: Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships: Fully Funded 2025/2026
Top 5 Scholarships to Study in Canada
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Award Grant: CAD 50,000
- Offered By: CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC
- Deadline: November 1, 2023
- Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
- Duration/Time Period: Full-time
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are prestigious awards for doctoral students with strong leadership and academic excellence in fields like social sciences, engineering, natural sciences, and health.
Designed to support research-driven PhD candidates, this scholarship encourages scholars to explore beyond their previous institutions.
Eligibility requirements:
- Nominated by a Canadian institution with a Vanier CGS quota
- Pursuing first doctoral degree
- Completed less than 20 months of doctoral studies by May 1, 2024
- First-class average in two years of full-time study
2. The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships
- Award Grant: CAD 40,000 per year for tuition and living expenses + CAD 20,000 annually for research/travel
- Offered By: Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation
- Deadline: December 1, 2023, 5:00 p.m. EST
- Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
- Duration/Time Period: Full-time
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships are highly regarded by PhD students in social sciences and humanities.
This program funds doctoral research connected to key topics such as human rights, responsible citizenship, Canada’s role in the world, and the natural environment.
Eligibility requirements:
- Enrolled or accepted into a full-time doctoral program
- Research linked to Foundation themes
- Canadian citizen or international student in a Canadian PhD program
3. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
- Award Grant: CAD 70,000
- Offered By: CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC
- Deadline: September 20, 2023
- Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
- Duration/Time Period: Full-time (2 years)
The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships offer substantial funding to both Canadian and international students conducting cutting-edge research in areas like healthcare, natural science, social science, and economics.
This taxable fellowship gives students the chance to elevate their research projects.
Eligibility requirements:
- Non-Canadians must hold the fellowship at a Canadian institution
- Canadians who earned their degree abroad must hold the fellowship in Canada
- Canadians with degrees from Canada can choose a Canadian or foreign institution
4. Ontario Trillium Scholarship
- Award Grant: CAD 40,000
- Offered By: Government bodies
- Deadline: November 24, 2024
- Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
- Duration/Time Period: Full-time (4 years)
The Ontario Trillium Scholarship is a top-tier PhD scholarship for international students studying in Ontario.
With funding from both the government and institutions, this scholarship is perfect for candidates enrolling in PhD programs at Ontario’s universities.
Eligibility requirements:
- International student with a valid Canadian visa
- Proficient in English
- Enrolled in a full-time PhD program at an Ontario university
- Strong academic record
5. Ontario Graduate Scholarship
- Award Grant: CAD 5,000 per term
- Offered By: Province of Ontario and the University of Toronto
- Deadline: January 31, 2024
- Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
- Duration/Time Period: Full-time
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) program is designed to recognize outstanding students in Ontario’s universities.
Offering merit-based support, the OGS has been rewarding academic excellence since 1975 across all fields of study.
Eligibility requirements:
- Enrolled in a full-time graduate program in Ontario
- At least an A- average
- Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or international student with a valid study permit
Can I get a 100% scholarship to study in Canada?
Yes, several programs and universities, such as the University of Toronto and UBC, offer 100% scholarships based on merit and other criteria.
How much does a PhD cost in Canada for international students?
In Canada, PhD programs are not free for all international students. Universities in Canada often charge higher tuition fees for international students compared to domestic or home students.
The annual tuition fee for PhD in Canada is 7,000 CAD to 15,142 CAD, equivalent to 4.29 lakhs to 9.28 lakhs INR.
CONCLUSION
To sum up, fully funded PhD scholarships in Canada provide excellent opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research while easing the financial burden of higher education.
These scholarships not only support your academic journey but also open doors to world-class research and global networking.
Canada offers a vibrant environment for PhD scholars, making it a top destination for academic and professional growth.
ALSO READ: McGill University Fully Funded Scholarships For International Students 2025
