Studying in Canada has become one of the top choices for Nepali and international students, but tuition and living expenses can feel overwhelming. That’s where scholarships come in. They help you reduce costs, access better universities, and focus on your studies.
Canada offers a wide range of scholarships, from government-funded programs to university entrance awards and fully funded postgraduate opportunities. However, securing a scholarship requires strong academic performance, good English proficiency scores, and a strong application. Before you dive into applications, it’s important to understand the basics of who can apply, what documents are needed, and how financial criteria work.
Before applying for scholarships, every student should meet some basic requirements. Here are the three key essentials you need to prepare.
Minimum 60%+ in +2 or bachelor’s, plus English proficiency.
Transcripts, IELTS/TOEFL, SOP, and references before deadlines.
Some awards require proof of need or GIC balance.
Scholarships in Canada are available through multiple sources, including government programs, universities, and private or NGO organizations. For international students—and especially Nepali students—these scholarships can significantly reduce tuition fees, provide living support, and open doors to top Canadian universities.
Each category has its own eligibility rules and application steps, so it’s important to understand where opportunities come from and how to apply effectively.
These are funded by the Government of Canada to attract talented international students.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships – Supports PhD students with outstanding academic and research achievements. (Note: this program has been harmonized; check the page for updates.)
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships – For postdoctoral researchers in health, natural sciences, engineering, and social sciences.
Study in Canada Scholarships (SICS) – Short-term exchange program for undergraduate and graduate students.
International Scholarships Program Hub – Official Government of Canada portal listing all current scholarships.
Almost every Canadian university offers its own scholarships for international students. Here are some of them.
Université de Montréal Exemption Scholarship – Tuition fee exemption for international students, extended until 2026.
University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship – Up to CAD 20,000, renewable for international undergraduates.
University of Toronto Awards & Funding – A range of merit-based entrance awards for undergraduates.
Several private foundations, NGOs, and community groups also provide funding:
EduCanada – Scholarships for International Students – Lists NGO and third-party scholarships open to developing country students.
International NGOs sometimes sponsor South Asian students (check updates via the above hub).
Some Nepal-based organizations also co-sponsor students abroad; details vary annually.
Designed for Master’s, PhD, and research-level students.
Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program (CGS-M) – Supports high-performing Master’s students in Canada.
Canada Graduate Scholarships – Doctoral Program (CGS-D) – Funding for PhD students after Vanier’s harmonization.
Mitacs Globalink Research Awards – Short-term research projects in Canada.
Graduate-level scholarships are usually more generous and may cover research funding, tuition, and living costs. These scholarships are often available for Master’s and PhD students with strong academic and research backgrounds.
No, not every international student automatically receives a scholarship in Canada. While thousands of students from Asia receive partial or full financial support each year, most scholarships are competitive and awarded based on academic merit, leadership, or financial need.
In many cases, universities offer partial scholarships or entrance awards rather than full funding. These scholarships are usually obtained by students with strong academic scores, high IELTS results, and well-prepared applications.
Canada offers many scholarships ranging from government-funded programs to university entrance awards. Below are some of the most recognized options you should explore.
The Government of Canada and national research bodies offer a range of scholarships for international students. These awards are usually more competitive but provide higher funding amounts, making them ideal for master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral candidates. Below are some of the key national-level scholarships available.
| Scholarship | Eligibility / Level | Benefit |
| Study in Canada Scholarships (SICS) | UG & PG Exchange | Tuition + living support (4–6 months) |
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships* | PhD (Research) | CAD 50,000 per year × 3 |
| Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s (CGS-M) | Master’s | CAD 17,500 (1 year) |
| Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships | Postdoctoral | CAD 70,000 per year × 2 |
| Canada-ASEAN Scholarships | UG, PG (ASEAN students, incl. Nepal regionally eligible in some streams) | Short-term exchange funding |
*Note: Vanier is being harmonized into Canada Graduate Scholarships–Doctoral program; check status before applying.
Apart from national-level awards, many Canadian universities provide their own entrance and merit-based scholarships for international students. These scholarships are highly popular among Nepali students because they directly reduce tuition fees and, in some cases, cover living costs. Below are some of the top university and entrance scholarships you can apply for.
| Scholarship | Eligibility / Level | Benefit |
| Université de Montréal Exemption Scholarships | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD | Partial to full tuition exemption |
| University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship | Undergraduate Freshmen | Up to CAD 20,000 (renewable) |
| UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award | Undergraduate | Needs-based, full tuition + living costs |
| York University Global Leader of Tomorrow Award | Undergraduate | CAD 20,000 × 4 years |
| McGill University Entrance Scholarships | Undergraduate & Graduate | Varies: CAD 3,000 – CAD 12,000 |
| University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship | Undergraduate | Full tuition + books + incidental fees for 4 years |
| Carleton University Entrance Awards | Undergraduate | CAD 4,000 – CAD 16,000 per year (renewable) |
| Humber International Entrance Scholarships | Undergraduate | CAD 1,500 – CAD 4,000 (renewable based on GPA) |
| H.Y. Louie and Lohn Entrance Awards (Simon Fraser University) | Undergraduate | Around CAD 5,000 merit award |
| Carleton Prestige Scholarships | Undergraduate | Up to full tuition depending on award tier |
Before applying, it’s important to know if you qualify. Each program has its own rules, but most scholarships in Canada for international students — including those for Nepali applicants — share some common requirements.
Academic Performance
Most scholarships in Canada for international students require good grades. For bachelor’s programs, Nepali students typically need at least 60–70% in +2. Graduate programs often expect higher GPAs or class standings. Research-based scholarships may also check publications and prior academic awards.
Language Proficiency
Since most courses are taught in English (and sometimes French), you’ll need test scores like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. Competitive scholarships often require above-average scores, such as IELTS 7.0+.
Admission to a Canadian Institution
You must have an admission offer or full-time enrolment at a recognized Canadian university or college. Exchange scholarships like the Study in Canada Scholarships (SICS) require nomination from the Canadian host institution.
Financial Need (for certain awards)
Some programs are need-based, so you may have to show financial documents proving limited resources. Nepali students should also prepare GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) proof, which doubles as a requirement for a Canadian study permit.
Leadership & Extracurriculars
Prestigious awards such as the UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award or the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at University of Toronto look beyond academics. They also value leadership roles, volunteer work, or unique achievements.
Research Potential (for Master’s/PhD)
Graduate and PhD scholarships often ask for a strong research proposal, publications, or academic projects aligned with your department’s research focus. The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (being merged into CGS-D) is a good example of this.
Nationality Restrictions
While most are open to all international students, some (like the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships) target specific regions. Nepali students usually apply under the “general international” category.
Understanding these eligibility rules will help you avoid rejections and save time. If you’re a Nepali student, our counsellors at Goreto Educational Consultancy can guide you step by step — from choosing the right scholarships to preparing documents that meet Canadian standards.
Prakash guides students like you to make smart study abroad choices, with expert advice on universities, scholarships, visas, and career planning. Friendly, experienced, and ready to help you every step of the way.
Applying for scholarships can feel confusing, but breaking it into steps makes it simple. Follow these stages to increase your chances of success.
Check official portals like EduCanada Scholarships, university websites, and trusted consultancy guides. Make a shortlist that matches your study level and profile.
Review academic, language, and nationality requirements carefully. For example, many awards need IELTS/TOEFL scores or proof of high academic merit.
Common requirements include transcripts, Statement of Purpose (SoP), reference letters, and proof of finances. Graduate programs may also ask for a research proposal.
Most scholarships require you to first gain admission into a Canadian university or be nominated by the host institution (e.g., Study in Canada Scholarships for exchanges).
Apply online through the official scholarship page or your university portal. Double-check deadlines — Canadian scholarships often close months before the intake.
Monitor your email and scholarship dashboard for updates. If selected, prepare to meet additional conditions like study permit documents or acceptance forms.
Remember: deadlines are strict, and incomplete files are the #1 reason students lose opportunities. If you’re applying from Nepal, our team at Goreto Educational Consultancy can help organize your documents and make sure your application meets Canadian standards.
Yes, but they are highly competitive. Awards like the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship (University of Toronto) and UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award can cover full tuition and living expenses. Most other scholarships are partial, helping reduce tuition costs.
In most cases, yes. English test scores like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE are required to prove language proficiency. High scores (7.0+ in IELTS) can make your application stronger.
No. While Canada has many postgraduate awards (e.g., Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships), several universities also offer entrance scholarships for bachelor’s students. Examples include McGill University Entrance Scholarships and University of Calgary International Entrance Award.
You usually need to first secure admission in a Canadian university, then apply for scholarships through their portal. For government programs like the Study in Canada Scholarships (SICS), your Canadian host institution must nominate you.
Good grades (60%+ in +2 or bachelor’s), proof of English proficiency, a strong Statement of Purpose, recommendation letters, and financial proof such as GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate).
Deadlines vary, but most close 6–10 months before the intake. For example, September intake scholarships usually close between December and March. Always check the official website early.
Absolutely. In fact, applying to multiple scholarships increases your chances. Just make sure you meet all eligibility criteria and can manage the different application processes.
Some do. For example, Lester B. Pearson and UBC awards cover tuition plus living costs. Others, like partial tuition exemptions, only reduce your fee. Always check the benefit details before applying.
Yes, many entrance awards are renewable if you maintain a minimum GPA. For instance, the York Global Leader of Tomorrow Award continues for four years if academic standards are met.
Scholarships themselves are not cancelled, but Canada’s new study permit cap and PAL requirement may limit admissions. Students should apply early to secure both admission and scholarship funding.
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