pathway to permanent

Frequently Asked Questions for International students applying for scholarships to come to Canada


1. General Information

Where can I find information on International students applying for scholarships to study and conduct research in Canada?

Scholarships, fellowships and other funding opportunities to study and conduct research in Canada can be found through many sources, both in Canada and abroad.

Visit Opportunities for non-Canadians to find information on awards made available by Global Affairs Canada and other Canadian federal government departments. These awards are mostly offered to recognize academic achievements at the undergraduate, Master’s, PhD and postdoctoral level. Some awards are also available to professionals.

In addition, you may find awards intended to recognize academic achievements, leadership or financial need through the following sources:

  • Government and non-government organizations in your home country;
  • The institution where you plan on studying or conducting research; and
  • Private organizations in Canada, in your home country and internationally.

Where can I find information on grants for faculty to study or conduct research in Canada?

Visit Non-Canadian Faculty to find information on grants for faculty and research projects in Canada made available by Global Affairs Canada and other Canadian federal government departments.

In addition, you may find grants for faculty to study or conduct research in Canada through the following sources:

  • Government and non-government organizations in your home country;
  • The institution where you plan on studying or conducting research; and
  • Private organizations offering grants in Canada, in your home country and internationally.

Need more information? Visit Resources to find additional sources of information on grants and education in Canada.

Where can I find information on Canadian institutions (such as universities and colleges) and the programs they offer?

Information on Canadian institutions and the programs they offer is available through many sources.

EduCanada offers plenty information of on study and research in Canada including a three step search tool for postsecondary programs, visa and study permit information, and a study cost estimation.

The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials maintains a Directory of Universities, Colleges and Schools in the Provinces and Territories of Canada that you may also consult.

Need more information? Visit Resources to find additional sources of information on Canadian institutions and the programs they offer.

How do I stay up to date with international scholarship competition launches?

There are plenty of ways to stay up to date with the launches of international scholarship competitions offered and promoted by Global Affairs Canada’s International Scholarships Program.

Can I get a scholarship to learn English or French in Canada?

Global Affairs Canada’s International Scholarships Program does not offer scholarships for learning English or French.

However, you may find scholarships to learn English or French in Canada through the following sources:

  • Government and non-government organizations in your home country;
  • The language school where you plan on studying; and
  • Private organizations offering scholarships in Canada, in your home country and internationally.

Need more information? Visit Resources to find additional sources of information on scholarships and education in Canada.

2. Check eligibility of International students applying for scholarships

Am I eligible for an international scholarship to study or conduct research in Canada? 

Eligibility criteria vary between scholarship programs. To determine if you are eligible to apply for a specific scholarship, consult the eligibility and application sections of the scholarship program you wish to apply to.

If you are still unsure of your eligibility, contact the scholarship program’s designated administrating agency whose contact information can be found on the program’s webpage.

What are the language requirements to apply for a scholarship?

Canada is a bilingual country where universities, colleges and other Canadian institutions offer programs taught in English, French or both languages. Language requirements vary between scholarship programs and institutions. It is important to verify the language requirements of the specific scholarship program and institution you wish to apply to.

Once you have identified the scholarship program you wish to apply to, review the program’s application guidelines and eligibility criteria on the program’s webpage which generally indicate if there is a language requirement to fulfill in order to be considered for the award.

3. Visas and Study Permits information for International students applying for scholarships

Where can I find information on visa, study permits and work permits to Canada?

Citizenship and Immigration Canada is responsible for visas, study permits and work permits to Canada and offers all related information on its website.

Global Affairs Canada is not responsible for visas, study permits and work permits to Canada.

4. Application Process

How do I apply for an international scholarship to study or conduct research in Canada?

Application processes vary between scholarship programs.

Once you have identified the scholarship program you wish to apply to, review the program’s application guidelines on the program’s webpage to ensure that the competition is open and that you meet the eligibility requirements.

Give yourself enough time to complete the application process. Many scholarship programs require supporting documentation such as letters of recommendations and other important submissions which may take time to gather. Late or incomplete submissions are often not considered.

For International students applying for scholarships, it is the responsibility of the host institution to apply on your behalf; for these awards, be sure to advise your professor or international liaison officer of your interest.

1 Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *