Canada's premier PhD scholarship program awarding doctoral students who demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership. Vanier scholars can pursue a PhD at any participating Canadian university, in any field. This is highly competitive, targeting top-tier PhD candidates from around the world. Nominees are selected by their universities and evaluated by the Vanier-Banting Secretariat.

A federal fellowship for post-doctoral researchers in health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, or humanities.

The International Development Research Centre (IDRC), a Canadian government initiative, offers awards for students from developing countries to pursue master's or doctoral research in Canada focused on development issues. These typically include a salary/stipend for a research internship attachment in Canada, giving recipients hands-on experience in Canadian research institutions.

Through partnership with Canada, Organization of American States (OAS) scholarships are available for students from Latin American and Caribbean member states to pursue graduate study or research in Canada. The program is competitive and often targets Master's degrees. Coverage includes tuition and some living expenses.

A scholarship for students from Latin America and the Caribbean to attend Canadian universities on exchange (short-term study or research, usually one semester). Similar short-term programs exist for students from Asia, Africa, and ASEAN countries. Note: These fund short exchanges or one-term studies, not full degree programs.

One of Canada's most prestigious full-ride undergraduate scholarships for international students. It covers full tuition, fees, and living expenses for four years of undergraduate study at U of T. About 37 new Pearson Scholars are selected each year; candidates must be nominated by their high school for their exceptional academics and leadership. It's effectively a completely free undergraduate education at one of the world's top universities.

UBC offers need-and-merit based awards — including the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award — that cover full tuition and living costs proportional to the student's financial need. These are given to outstanding international undergraduates with both proven financial need and academic merit. The amount of aid scales with demonstrated need, making it a strong option for high-achieving students from lower-income backgrounds.

McGill provides entrance scholarships for international undergrads ranging from a few thousand dollars to full tuition. For graduate students, Quebec's PBEEE (Quebec Merit Scholarship for Foreign Students) and McGill's internal fellowships offer significant funding to international Master's/PhD students. If you're accepted into a research-based program, you can often combine multiple funding sources.

Merit-based scholarships for high-achieving international students.

York University in Toronto offers the Global Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship for top international undergrads, plus the International Entrance Scholarship (CAD $35,000/year for 4 years) for the very highest achievers. These are automatic merit awards, meaning eligible students are considered during the admissions process without a separate application.

A distinguished award for PhD students, especially in social sciences/humanities and public policy, pursuing research aligned with the foundation's themes.

Mitacs, a Canadian organization, offers competitive research internships and fellowships. The Globalink Research Internship brings international undergrads for 12-week summer research in Canada with a stipend. Mitacs Elevate and Accelerate are for grad students/postdocs (open to all nationalities collaborating with industry). These aren't scholarships for degree programs per se, but they fund research opportunities that can supplement your study and build your network in Canada.