phd fully funded scholarship in canada

10 PhD scholarships in Canada for international students

Canada is well-known for being a safe, stable, open and welcoming country. The country is ranked the ninth best study-abroad destination in the world, according to the US News & World Report. 

That, however, is not all the Great White North is known for. 

Canada offers many beneficial opportunities for international students — from affordable universities to post-study work opportunities to seize. 

If you’re looking for PhD scholarships in Canada, you’re in luck! There are over 800 scholarships available for international students for the term 2024 to 2025 . 

With these many scholarships available, there may even be scholarships that you are eligible for that you didn’t know existed. 

So, don’t worry — we have listed down the top 10 PhD scholarships in Canada for international students for you. 

A list of PhD scholarships in Canada every international student should know about:

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1. University of Alberta Scholarships

The University of Alberta is a  comprehensive academic and research university  established in 1908. 

The university consistently ranks as one of Canada’s top destinations for international students due to the many funding opportunities available. 

Among the scholarships offered is the  Graduate Entrance Scholarship , available to all students enrolled in a master’s or doctoral programme. 

Recipients of the scholarship pursuing a PhD will receive a stipend of 21,000 Canadian dollars (US$15,317), and an additional 10,000 CAD (US$7,294) will be given to international students to help cover the cost of their fees. 

The deadline for the scholarship varies throughout the year, depending on your admission period.

2. University of Waterloo Scholarships

The University of Waterloo is a public research university in Ontario, Canada, and is ranked seventh   as the Best Global Universities in Canada, according to US News & World Report . 

The university offers scholarships for all international students in undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programmes. The University of Waterloo Graduate Scholarship awards 1,000 CAD (US$730) per term for up to three terms. Students must have a minimum first-class (80%) cumulative average in their current programme or over the last two full-time academic years and be within the time limits of their graduate programme.

The best thing? No application is required as graduate departments will nominate eligible students automatically based on their allocation of funds.

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3. University of Saskatchewan Scholarship

The University of Saskatchewan is renowned for its highly collaborative research environment and is ranked number one in Canada for water research . 

Here, the Dean’s Doctoral Scholarship for International Students has a scholarship value of 24,000 CAD (US$17,505) per year for two years, totalling 48,000 CAD (US$35,010).

To apply, applicants must be continuing international students in a doctoral-level program at the university, have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 80.00%, and have completed no more than 24 months in a doctoral programme at the time of application.

The call for applications for this award is distributed annually in the winter term.

4. McGill University Scholarships

McGill University is a leading university, placing second in all of Canada and ranking #29 globally according to the QS World University Rankings 2025 . The best news? Funding packages are offered to all PhDs, and 95% of PhD students have their full tuition costs covered. Even better — all international PhD students receive funding to cover the difference between Quebec resident and International tuition. Most PhDs will also receive funding to offset other university fees, health insurance and living costs.

The university has a comprehensive list of funding opportunities that you can find here .

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5. University of Montréal exemption scholarship

If you’ve got any proficiency in French or wish to truly immerse yourself in the unique culture of Montréal, Québec, the University of Montréal (UdeM) is the place to be. Note that to be eligible for a graduate programme, you must demonstrate that your knowledge of French meets the requirements for your study programme.

Here, you’ll find the UdeM exemption scholarship programme , designed to ensure students from all over the world can attend one of the top research universities in Canada. 

For PhD students, a complete waiver of the additional tuition fees normally charged to international students is available, allowing you to benefit from the same tuition fees as Québec graduate studies students.

A full-time programme of 45 credits will be 22,909 CAD (US$16,709), and the amount of the scholarship is deducted from the tuition fees.

6. University of Toronto Scholarship

Canada’s best university, according to the QS World University Rankings 2025, is the University of Toronto located in Ontario. 

As a PhD student, you will receive a base funding package for up to five years of their study period . If selected, international recipients will receive 30,858 CAD (US$22,507) including a University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) of 756 CAD (US$551). 

Applicants would need to maintain their academic performance in their programme to remain eligible for the funding throughout the five years.

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7. University of Ottawa Scholarships

The University of Ottawa offers an International Doctoral Scholarship to all international students who are enrolled in a PhD programme.

Students get 45,000 CAD (US$32,821) over five years — a maximum value of 3,000 CAD (US$2,188) per term, for 15 consecutive terms, which will be credited to the student account.

The university also offers a Special Merit Scholarship that you won’t have to submit an application for; you will be automatically considered at the time of admission, and if chosen, you will receive a scholarship offer along with your admission offer.

The value and duration of this scholarship vary depending on the programme you enrol in.

8. The University of Lethbridge Graduate Research Award

The University of Lethbridge is one of Canada’s top three research universities and is ranked among the 6% of world universities for research performance.

The Graduate Research Award aims to provide financial support to all graduate students at the university. This financial support is provided to all students except those within the Faculty of Education.

Applicants will be considered upon admission and can receive up to 21,000 CAD (US$15,317).

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9. Concordia University Canada Scholarships

Concordia University is one of the  top public universities in Montréal, Canada. 

The university offers awards and scholarships to all students pursuing a PhD programme , including ones that eliminate out-of-province fees, bringing them down to the Quebec rate, or provide a significant reduction in these fees.

The International Tuition Award of Excellence , for example, reduces tuition for international students pursuing a PhD by approximately 44,893 CAD (US$32,743). Meanwhile, the Doctoral Graduate Fellowship grants exceptional doctoral students a highly sought-after entrance award that is valued at 14,000 CAD (US$10,211) per year for four years.

10. University of British Columbia

The  University of British Columbia is one of the top universities in the world, ranked #38 by the QS World University Rankings 2025 . 

The  Four Year Doctoral Fellowship is an outstanding choice for students wanting to pursue a PhD at this university. This programme ensures that students who have achieved academic excellence will receive financial support of at least 18,200 CAD (US$13,274) annually on top of full tuition coverage. 

This scholarship is available to all international students and is ongoing based on admission.

Aside from universities, the government offers several PhD scholarships in Canada. Source: AFP

PhD scholarships in Canada offered by the government

Aside from universities, the Canadian government offers scholarships that are available for international PhD students.

Here is a list of two PhD scholarships in Canada offered by the government:  

1. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships 

The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship is offered to international students undertaking postgraduate programmes within the field of health research, natural sciences or engineering and social sciences and humanities. 

Apply by the end of April to stand the chance to receive this scholarship of up to 70,000 CAD (US$51,055) per year.

2. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships 

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship is one of the most prominent scholarships offered by the Canadian government. This fully funded scholarship is open to all international PhD students.

Applicants will be selected based on academic excellence, research potential and leadership abilities. This scholarship is valued at 50,000 CAD (US$36,468) per year for three years.

Many PhD scholarships in Canada aim to provide financial assistance to international students. Source: AFP

Frequently asked questions when applying for PhD scholarships in Canada

The scholarship application process in Canada can be a little daunting, especially for first-time applicants. Not to worry. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions to guide you through the process: 

1. How to apply for a scholarship in Canada for international students?

In Canada, the scholarship application process begins with first receiving an acceptance letter into a Canadian university.

Once you have that sorted, shortlist the scholarships that you are eligible for and best fit your needs. Contact your university’s financial aid representative or head over to the website for more details on deadlines and requirements before submitting your application.

2. Is it hard to get a scholarship in Canada for international students?

Your chances of receiving a scholarship depend on the scholarship’s nature and eligibility. Most scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements.

However, you have a higher chance of receiving a scholarship if you have work or volunteer experience.

3. What are the requirements for PhD scholarships in Canada?

The requirement for a PhD scholarship in Canada differs for each. However, the basic requirement is first to be accepted into a PhD programme. To do so, you must have a  GPA of 3.0 or higher . 

4. How can I get a fully funded scholarship in Canada?

Start applying early to stand a chance at scoring a scholarship. By starting early, you will have more time and opportunities available to you.

The second tip would be to apply for as many scholarships as possible. The more you apply, the higher your chances of winning a scholarship.

5. Can a PhD student work full-time in Canada?

As a PhD student in Canada, you will be eligible to work on and off campus as long as you have a valid study permit. However, while the semester is running, you will only be able to  work part-time for up to 20 hours per week . During semester breaks, students can work full-time. 

Disclaimer: This article was last updated on October 10, 2024.

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International doctoral scholarship

This scholarship is intended for international doctoral students. An important contribution to the financing of their studies.

The information on this page is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment from the University of Ottawa.

As of May 2023

A value of $45,000 over five (5) years, the International Doctoral Scholarship supports  full-time international students, admitted in May 2023 or beyond, during their doctoral studies. A maximum value of $3,000 per term, for 15 consecutive terms, will be credited to the student account. Please note that the scholarship will only be paid if international tuition fees are charged.

Before May 2023

If you began your  full-time doctoral studies at uOttawa before May 2023  and you’ve received the International Doctoral Scholarship, your tuition fees are equivalent to those for Canadian students residing outside Ontario.

NB This scholarship cannot be combined with the Differential Tuition Fee Waiver or the Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship.

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Canada Graduate Scholarships — Doctoral program

Description, agency-specific doctoral awards, eligibility, program of study, application procedures, application deadlines, selection process, indigenous student researchers, black student researchers, selection criteria, san francisco declaration on research assessment, notification of results, conditions of the award, official languages, related opportunities.

The objective of the Canada Graduate Scholarships — Doctoral (CGS D) program is to promote continued excellence in Canadian research by rewarding and retaining high-calibre doctoral students at Canadian institutions. By providing support for a high-quality research training experience to awardees, the CGS D program strives to foster impacts within and beyond the research environment.

The Canada Graduate Scholarships — Doctoral (CGS D) program is a federal program of scholarships administered by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). Scholarships are awarded through national competitions by these three granting agencies.

The CGS D program supports and promotes research excellence in a wide variety of disciplines and broad fields of natural sciences and engineering, health and social sciences and humanities, including interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research. This support allows scholars to concentrate on their doctoral studies more fully, to seek out the best research mentors in their chosen fields and to contribute to the Canadian research ecosystem during and beyond the tenure of their awards.

In addition to the CGS D, each agency has its own doctoral awards.

For all three agencies, only one application must be completed and submitted to be considered for both a CGS D award and either an agency-specific doctoral award (for NSERC/SSHRC applications) or any available doctoral Priority Announcements (for CIHR applications). CGS D awards are then offered for the top-ranked eligible applications in each agency’s competition.

CIHR applicants who intend to hold their doctoral award abroad need to apply to the Doctoral Foreign Study Award (DFSA ) program.

Some eligibility requirements for CGS D differ from those of the agency-specific doctoral awards. Refer to the appropriate literature for NSERC , CIHR and SSHRC for further details as well as information on doctoral awards tenable at foreign institutions.

Consult the eligibility flowchart to confirm your eligibility.

To be eligible to apply, you must

• be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada or a Protected Person under subsection 95(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) as of the application deadline
• have completed no more than 24 months of full-time study in your doctoral program or the PhD portion of your joint professional undergraduate/PhD program (such as MD/PhD, JD/PhD, DVM/PhD) by December 31 of the calendar year of application if previously enrolled in a graduate program
• direct-entry applicants who are not enrolled in their doctoral program should contact the appropriate agency for further guidance.
• if you have not previously completed or enrolled in another graduate program, you must be enrolled in your joint MD/PhD program at the time of application
• if you fall into this category, you have access to the 36-month window whether or not you were previously enrolled in a master’s program

Note: If you are eligible to apply to the Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s (CGS M) program, you may be able to maximize your potential period of funding by applying to the CGS M program for your first year of doctoral funding instead of the CGS D program. You are responsible for choosing the type of award for which you apply. See Other restrictions below for more information.

Number of months

Eligibility for CGS D is based on the number of months of full-time study, including summer months, toward the degree for which you are requesting funding by December 31 of the calendar year of application . Two terms of part-time study count as one term of full-time study.

Note: The agencies count all studies toward the doctoral degree for which funding is requested, whether or not they were completed in the same program or at the degree-granting institution.

Fast-track and joint programs

Fast-track: If you were registered in a master’s program and subsequently transferred to a doctoral program (fast-track), the months of study completed are calculated starting from the date on which you transferred into the doctoral program.

Joint programs: If you are registered in a joint program and a master’s degree is obtained as part of the program (for example, MA/PhD, MSc/PhD), the months of study are calculated starting from the date on which you officially registered in either portion of the joint program (including the master’s portion of the program).

If you are registered in a joint professional undergraduate/PhD program (such as MD/PhD, JD/PhD, DVM/PhD), only the months of study in the PhD portion will be counted.

Other restrictions

• You can submit a maximum of one scholarship or fellowship application per academic year to either NSERC, CIHR or SSHRC. Should more than one application be submitted, the eligible application submitted first chronologically will be retained. Nominations to the Vanier CGS program and applications to the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships program do not count toward this limit (other exceptions may apply to CIHR internships)
• You cannot have already received a doctoral-level scholarship from NSERC, CIHR or SSHRC (does not apply to CIHR Fellowships)
• You cannot hold a tenure or tenure-track appointment or be on leave from such an appointment concurrently with your CGS D award

An eligible doctoral program must include a significant research component that leads to the completion of a thesis, major research project, dissertation, scholarly publication, performance, recital and/or exhibit that is merit/expert-reviewed at the institutional level as a requirement for completion of the program.

Joint programs with a professional degree (for example, MD/PhD, DVM/PhD, JD/PhD, MBA/PhD), as well as clinically oriented programs of study , including clinical psychology, are eligible if they have a significant autonomous research component as described above.

For programs that include arrangements with universities abroad (for example, exchanges or cotutelles), your primary institution must be an eligible Canadian institution.

Selecting the appropriate agency

You should complete the agency application that is best aligned with your research subject matter to ensure that it is reviewed by experts in disciplines closest to your field(s) of study. For more information, refer to  Selecting the appropriate federal granting agency . If you are still unsure after consulting this resource, contact the relevant agencies.

To complete the application process, refer to the appropriate agency’s application website and instructions.

NSERC: Online system and instructions CIHR: ResearchNET and instructions SSHRC: Online system and instructions

Your application must be complete to advance in the competition.

Where to submit an application

You must apply either through a Canadian institution or directly to the appropriate agency, depending on your registration status on the application deadline date and/or your registration status during the calendar year of application. Where you intend to hold the award has no impact on the channel through which you must apply. Failure to submit an application through the correct channel will result in your application being rejected .

To determine the correct channel, you must

• determine your registration status for the calendar year of application
• determine if that institution has a  quota  for your selected agency
• refer to the chart and supporting information in the three-page document,  Where should I submit my application?  

If you are unsure of your registration status in the calendar year of application, contact your faculty of graduate studies (or its equivalent).

The term “quota” refers to the maximum number of applications an institution can forward to each agency’s national competition. Institutions receive separate quotas from each agency ( NSERC , CIHR and SSHRC ).

Late applications will not be accepted.

Institution deadlines

If you are applying through an institution, you must submit your application by the deadline set by the institution, which may be well in advance of the agency deadline.

For more information about institutional deadlines, you should contact your faculty of graduate studies (or its equivalent).

Agency deadlines

If you are eligible to apply directly to one of the agencies (consult the three-page document: Where should I submit my application? ), you must submit your application using the appropriate agency application portal before 8:00 p.m. (ET) on October 17. If the deadline falls on a weekend, applications can be submitted the following business day before 8:00 p.m. (ET).

Institutional review

The faculty of graduate studies (or its equivalent) at each Canadian institution is responsible for coordinating the institutional evaluation of CGS D applications. Institutions then submit applications according to their  quotas  to each agency for consideration.

Agency review

Agency review committees evaluate applications (whether sent directly to the agencies or via the institutions).

Institutions may recommend applications from self-identified Indigenous student researchers to the doctoral awards competition beyond their application quota. Self-identified Indigenous student researchers must agree to their personal information being used for this purpose by making the appropriate selection in the application form.

The Government of Canada has deployed additional funds to  increase direct support for Black student researchers . CGS D applicants who self-identify as Black and provide consent to be considered for funds targeted toward specific groups may be selected to receive this funding. Each agency has a limited number of additional CGS D awards reserved for this initiative.

For more information, consult the Frequently asked questions about the new Black scholars funding .

The evaluation of CGS D applications, whether by institutions or the agencies, is based on the following criteria:

In 2019, NSERC, CIHR and SSHRC, along with other Canadian research funding agencies, signed the  San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) . The agencies are committed to meaningful assessment of excellence in research funding and to ensuring that a wide range of research results and outcomes are considered and valued as part of the assessment process. They will continue to work to ensure that their strategies, policies and guidance align with DORA.

You will be notified of the results by April 30 if your application was submitted to the agencies directly or via your institution.

The agencies will publish the names (and other basic award information) of scholarship recipients on their respective websites.

For more information, see the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act .

Award holders must comply with the policies and guidelines set out in the Tri-agency research training award holder’s guide and in any other documents related to scholarship applications and awards.

The agencies reserve the right to interpret and enforce the policies and guidelines for their funding opportunities set out in their published materials.

Award holders may be eligible to hold their awards part time. Refer to the Tri-agency research training award holder’s guide for further information.

You may submit your application in the official language of your choice; institutions must have mechanisms in place to review both English and French applications. For concerns about the review of applications in the official languages, applicants and institutions may contact the agencies.

CGS D holders may be eligible for:

• Canada Graduate Scholarships—Michael Smith Foreign Study supplements
• Canada Graduate Scholarships to Honour Nelson Mandela
• SSHRC supplements and related initiatives
• NSERC supplements
• CIHR related initiatives

For further information, contact the appropriate agency:

NSERC [email protected]

CIHR contact centre [email protected]

SSHRC [email protected]

Bureau des bourses et de l'aide financière (BBAF)

Doctoral program funding

Admission Scholarships

Scholarships for students, research scholarships, other sources of funding, other international programs.

• Sample annual expenses

Supplemental tuition fee exemption scholarships

Citizens of the world scholarships.

Scholarship Directory

Search engine for finding scholarships that match your profile.

FGPS Student Success Scholarships

The FGPS Success Scholarships support students at every stage of their graduate studies.

Find out about your award plan

Merit Scholarship

The Government of Québec awards merit scholarships to international students for doctoral studies and postdoctoral fellowships.

Funding from your research supervisor

In many fields, research supervisors provide funding to students who work on their research projects. For information, contact your faculty program director.

On-campus jobs

Allows students to obtain subsidized employment on campus.

Available to undergraduate and graduate students

Jobs helping teaching staff or research teams with course- or research-related tasks. Learn more

Government of Canada International scholarships

China Scholarship Council (CSC) scholarship program

Université Laval (UL) and the China Scholarship Council (CSC) have signed an agreement to offer a joint grant program allowing Chinese students who are eligible for UL programs to pursue higher education in research. The grants cover tuition fees, living expenses, and health insurance for up to 48 months, as well as a round-trip flight to Québec City (by the least expensive route) and visa application fees.

Scholarship programs resulting from agreements with the CALDO consortium

Agreements signed between the CALDO consortium, of which Université Laval is a member, and the governments of certain Latin American countries with a view to providing scholarships to resident students so they can pursue their studies and develop their expertise in their field at our university. The signatory countries at this time are Brazil , Chile , Colombia , Costa Rica ,  Ecuador , Mexico , Panama , Paraguay , Peru and Uruguay .

For more information, please email us at: [email protected] .

Consult the CALDO consortium website for more details .

Sample annual expenses – Person from abroad

Nora’s expenses for a year of her doctoral program at université laval.

Moroccan Doctoral’s degree, Faculty of Social Sciences

Last updated on July 31 st , 2024.

Amounts are in Canadian dollars. This budget reflects a modest lifestyle and is only meant to serve as a guide. It may vary depending on the economic context and the student’s situation.

**Université Laval has a Supplemental Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship Program for doctoral students so that all international students enrolled in a full-time regular PhD program are eligible. Find out more about the terms and conditions .

Top 10 PhD Scholarships In Canada!

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You're in for an academic journey if you've decided to pursue a PhD and the maple leaf is calling your name. With its stunning scenery and welcoming, multicultural communities, Canada is more than simply a destination to study—it's a place where your research aspirations can come true. We're exploring the world of PhD scholarships in Canada in this blog, which is meant to serve as a resource for all of you intelligent people looking for the ideal chance to establish yourself in Canadian academia. 

Why Study PhD in Canada?

Ever wondered why so many folks choose Canada for their Ph.D. journey? Well, let's spill the tea on that! Here are some cool reasons why students pick the Great White North for their study abroad:

1. Top-Notch Universities : Canada houses some of the coolest universities globally, and many of them rock the charts in the top 100.

2. Work Perks : Now, this is a game-changer! In Canada, PhD students not only get paid during their studies (score!), but they can also hustle up to 10 hours a week. And guess what? After you complete your PhD, you get a shot at staying for up to 3 more years with a post-graduation work permit. Talk about levelling up your game!

3. Budget-Friendly Vibes : Let's be real – PhD adventures in countries like the US or the UK can put a dent in your wallet. But fear not, pursuing a PhD won't break the bank in Canada. Tuition fees range from a sweet CAD 6,000 to 30,000, making it a pocket-friendly option compared to some other academic hotspots. Adding to that, students can find a plater of PhD scholarships in Canada for international and domestic students.

If you’re keen to know more about why you should pursue a PhD, here are some great advantages of getting a PhD in 2024!

PhD Funding in Canada 

Canada, being the second-largest country globally, flaunts its impressive size, including a lake bigger than Denmark, Scotland, and Switzerland. Now, let's connect the dots to PhD scholarships in Canada. Canada's vastness, split into provinces and territories, brings nuances to funding. Student loans, mainly for citizens or residents, play a role. With 10 provinces shaping their educational policies, funding options vary among universities. While international doctoral fees are often higher, some universities opt for fairness, charging the same for everyone. Notably, certain institutions establish a baseline funding standard, ensuring every PhD student receives minimum support. Explore our guide for a deeper dive into PhD scholarships in Canada!

Universities that offer PhD Scholarships in Canada: 

1. university of alberta scholarships.

Award Grant: CA$ 21,000 (an additional CA 10,000 for international students) Offered By: University of Alberta Deadline: March 28, 2024 Type of Scholarship: Merit-based Duration/Time Period: Full time

This is one of Canada's best PhD scholarships. Due to its numerous funding alternatives, the University of Alberta, which was established in 1908, is a well-liked option for international students. PhD candidates can get a large CA$ 21,000 stipend through the Graduate Entrance Scholarship, which is open to master and doctorate candidates.. International applicants will also get an additional CA$ 10,000 to help with tuition. Good news: this year, applicants from a wide range of nations will not need to take the IELTS exam. Be quick—the scholarship deadline differs depending on when you are admitted. Come experience an engaging academic adventure with us at U of A!

Eligibility requirements for this PhD scholarship in Canada:

• You have to be admitted in Jan 2024, May 2024, July 2024 and Sept 2024
• You have to be newly admitted in one of the above-mentioned terms in a doctoral program
• You must have a GPA of 3.7 or higher 
• You have to be a full-time student

2. University of Waterloo Scholarships  

Award Grant: $10,000

Offered By: University of Waterloo Deadline: Depends on your course, check out here Type of Scholarship: Merit-based Duration/Time Period: Full time

This is considered one of the best PhD scholarships in Canada for international students. Ranked 8th as the Best Global University in Canada, the University of Waterloo is a top choice for students worldwide. Offering fully funded PhD scholarships in Canada, including the University of Waterloo Graduate Scholarship worth up to $10,000, the perks extend to the International Master’s Award of Excellence, valued at $2,500 per term for a maximum of 6 terms. Deadlines vary by program, so check for yours and seize the opportunity to make your academic journey exceptional!

• You have to take a full-time program.
• Your cumulative average must be at least 80% or first class in your current program.
• You will be nominated by the department based on your allocation of funds.

3. University of Saskatchewan Scholarships

Award Grant: CA$ 20,000 Offered By:  University of Saskatchewan Deadline: Type of Scholarship: Merit-based Duration/Time Period: Full-time

Discover excellence at the University of Saskatchewan, a leader in collaborative research and Canada's top for water research. Deemed among the finest fully funded PhD scholarships in Canada. Recognised as an outstanding PhD scholarship in Canada, you can unlock opportunities with the fully funded University of Saskatchewan Graduate Scholarship, available for all international master's and Ph.D. students. Here's the kicker: PhD candidates can snag up to CA$ 20,000 over 36 months. No extra paperwork – once you're in, your academic achievements and financial needs automatically put you in the running for this fantastic scholarship!

• You must have a cumulative of 80% grade point average 
• You should have completed your masters in a relevant study field form a well known university

Amberscholar September 2024 Edition is Here!

4. mcgill university scholarships in canada.

Award Grant: CA$ 3,000 annually Offered By: McGill University Deadline: Canadian students can apply by  27 Sept, other applicants have to apply by 24th Aug. Type of Scholarship: Merit-based Duration/Time Period: Full time

Join the ranks of excellence at McGill University, placed at #31 globally by QS World University Rankings 2023. Striving for accessibility, McGill provides scholarships for international students across undergraduate, master's, and Ph.D. programs. Specifically for Ph.D. aspirants, there are modest bursaries to ease financial burdens. Act promptly, as scholarship deadlines align with your admission schedule. Make your mark at McGill – where world-class education meets support for your academic journey! This stands out as a leading PhD scholarship in Canada.

• Enrolled full-time at the University
• Apply for and accept maximum government student aid
• Maintain satisfactory academic standing
• Show financial need

5. Montreal University Fully Funded Scholarship

Award Grant: CA$ 21,593.35 annually Offered By: Montreal University Deadline: 1st February 2024 Type of Scholarship: Merit-based Duration/Time Period: Full time

This holds a distinguished position as one of the top fully funded PhD scholarships in Canada. Meet the University of Montreal, the second-largest in Canada with 36,000 students. The UdeM Exemption Scholarship opens doors for global students, ensuring access to a top Canadian research hub. Open to all international students in undergrad, master's, or PhD programs, the Montreal University Scholarships offer up to CA$ 21,593.35 annually. 

• International student (not Canadian citizen or resident)
• Admitted to full-time program at UdeM
• Meet the academic requirements of the university and chosen program

Want to know more about PhD in Canada? Here’s a guide that tells you all! Dive into more university and scholarship options using this guide on PhD In Canada .

Top 5 Scholarships to Study in Canada

1. vanier canada graduate scholarships.

Award Grant: CAD 50,000 Offered By: the Canadian Institutes of Health Research [CIHR], the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council [NSERC] and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council [SSHRC]) Deadline: 1 November 2023 Type of Scholarship: Merit-based Duration/Time Period: Full time

Considered one of the elite PhD scholarships in Canada, the Vanier CGS program wants awesome doctoral students! They're all about helping those with leadership skills and excellent academic achievements in social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, engineering, and health. Here's the cool part: Vanier encourages you to explore beyond where you got your last degree. If you're a smart cookie in social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, engineering, or health, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships might just be waiting for you! Time to step into the world of research with Vanier!

• Nominated by a Canadian institution with a Vanier CGS quota
• Pursuing first doctoral degree (only eligible for PhD part of combined degree)
• Completed less than 20 months of doctoral studies by May 1, 2024
• Maintained a 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 to cover tuition and reasonable living expenses and CAD 20,000 per year as research and travel allowance Offered By:   Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation  Deadline: December 1, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. EST Type of Scholarship: Merit-based Duration/Time Period: Full time

Many students highly respect this PhD scholarship in Canada, which is considered to be among the best. International students studying in Canada through the University of Waterloo may apply for the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships. For people now enrolled in two- or three-year PhD studies in social science or the humanities, there is a chance. Your doctoral research ought to be connected to topics such as responsible citizenship, human rights, Canada and the world, or people and their natural environment. The scholarship comes with a pretty sweet package: CAD 20,000 for research and travel, plus CAD 40,000 for tuition and living expenses annually. 

• Enrolled or accepted into a full-time doctoral program, expecting to finish studies in 2027 or later.
• Studying humanities or human sciences relevant to Canada's future.
• Doctoral work linked to Foundation's Themes: Human Rights, Citizenship, Canada in the World, and Natural Environment.
• Canadian citizen or non-Canadian in a Canadian doctoral program.

3. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships  

Award Grant: CAD 70,000 Offered By: (CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC) Deadline: September 20, 2023 (20:00 EDT) Type of Scholarship: Merit-based Duration/Time Period: Full time

This PhD scholarship in Canada is for both Canadian and international students who are doing amazing research in healthcare, natural science, social science, and economics for their PhD. The deal? Well, the Canadian university is giving out funds to 70 lucky students, and they get a sweet CAD 70,000 each. Keep in mind it's taxable, and you get this support for two years. It's like a boost for your awesome research journey! 

• Non-Canadian citizens must hold Banting Fellowship at a Canadian institution.
• Canadians who earned their degree abroad must have Fellowship in Canada.
• Canadians who earned their degree in Canada can choose Canadian or foreign institution for their Banting Fellowship.

4. Ontario Trillium Scholarship

Award Grant: CAD 40,000  Offered By: Government bodies Deadline: November 24 for the year of 2024-25 Type of Scholarship: Merit-based Duration/Time Period: Full time

The Ontario Trillium Scholarship (OTS) is Ontario's way of helping international Ph.D. students financially. The Ontario Trillium Scholarship is acknowledged as one of the most esteemed PhD scholarships in Canada. Since 2010, this initiative has been supporting scholars with a 2/3 government to 1/3 institution funding setup. Each year, 15 Ontario Trillium Scholarships go to Ph.D. students at the University of Toronto. Eligible universities in Ontario pick candidates based on program criteria and merit. The scholarship lasts four years and gives partial funding for a PhD in any subject at Ontario's top universities. To qualify, you need to be an international student, good in English, not currently in an Ontario school, and have a strong academic record.

• International student with a Canadian student visa.
• Proficient in English during application.
• Intent to join a full-time doctoral program.
• Cannot hold other Canadian scholarships, like QEII-GSST, UW Provost.
• Willing to enroll in an Ontario university's doctoral program.
• Minimum 8.0 average in a full-time master’s degree.
• Not completed a degree in Ontario post-application.
• Not currently a student in Ontario.

5. Ontario Graduate Scholarship

Award Grant: CAD 5,000 per term Offered By: Province of Ontario and the University of Toronto Deadline: January 31 for the year 2024-25 Type of Scholarship: Merit-based Duration/Time Period: Full time

This is acclaimed as a standout PhD scholarship within the Canadian context. The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) program is all about cheering on awesome graduate students in Ontario's universities. Since 1975, OGS has been giving out merit-based scholarships to the brightest minds across all academic fields. At U of T, this scholarship team-up is powered by both the Province of Ontario and the University of Toronto. The Province shares OGS awards with universities, saying how many each can give their students every year. If you've been to one of Ontario's universities, whether you're from there or from afar, OGS is there to support you in any subject you're passionate about!

• Enrolled in a full-time graduate program in Ontario.
• Academic excellence with at least an A- average.
• Must be in a master's or doctoral program for 2 or 3 years.
• Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or international student with a valid study permit.
• Submit an OGS application by the university's deadline.

To sum it up, fully funded PhD scholarships in Canada open doors to diverse academic journeys. From financial aid to research opportunities, these scholarships not only support your studies but also fuel your passion for exploration and knowledge. Canada welcomes you to a world of educational excellence and promising research endeavours! 

Now that you are looking for Scholarships for PhD in Canada, you should know the best university you can apply to, right? To help you out, here are the 10 best universities in Canada .

Frequently Asked Questions

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