Studying in Canada is a dream for many international students who want access to respected universities, advanced research facilities, and international career opportunities. However, tuition fees, accommodation, transportation, and other living expenses can make studying abroad expensive.
The good news is that international students may qualify for scholarships, research awards, and government-funded educational exchange programmes that help cover some of these costs.
The important thing is knowing where to look. The Government of Canada does not offer one universal scholarship that pays every international student’s tuition and living expenses. Many federal awards are designed for students from specific countries, while others support short-term academic exchanges or doctoral research. Provincial governments and Canadian universities also administer competitive awards.
This guide explores eight government-funded or government-supported scholarship opportunities for international students in Canada in 2026, including eligibility considerations, application steps, and official websites.
Important: The opportunities below do not all operate as full-degree scholarships, and not every programme is open to every nationality. Some calls may be closed, paused, or subject to annual funding and eligibility changes. Always check the current official announcement before applying.
1. Study in Canada Scholarships
The Study in Canada Scholarships programme is a Canadian government-funded initiative that supports short-term study or research exchanges at eligible Canadian post-secondary institutions.
It is particularly useful for students who want international academic experience without necessarily relocating to Canada for an entire degree.
What does the scholarship cover?
Depending on the current programme rules and award duration, funding may contribute towards expenses such as:
- Visa or study permit-related costs.
- Airfare.
- Health insurance.
- Living expenses.
- Books and supplies, where permitted.
Award values and eligible expenses depend on the applicable funding call. Students should not assume the programme will cover every expense or provide funding for a complete bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.
Who can apply?
Eligibility depends on the participating country, the student’s current institution, the Canadian host institution, and the programme requirements. The opportunity is generally structured around eligible international students undertaking short-term study or research in Canada.
In many cases, students apply through their home institution or work with a Canadian institution that submits the application. Check the current call to establish who is responsible for submitting the application.
How to apply
- Visit the official Government of Canada scholarship information page.
- Confirm whether your country is eligible under the current call.
- Speak with your home university’s international office.
- Identify an eligible Canadian host institution.
- Prepare your academic records and any required study or research plan.
- Follow the host institution’s application instructions and deadline.
Best for: International students seeking a funded short-term academic exchange or research opportunity.
Official information: https://www.educanada.ca/scholarships-bourses/non_can/index.aspx?lang=eng
2. Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP)
The Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program is a Canadian government-funded scholarship initiative supporting eligible students from Latin America and the Caribbean who undertake short-term study or research at participating Canadian institutions.
It is designed to strengthen educational cooperation and academic partnerships between Canada and eligible countries in the Americas.
What can students receive?
Depending on the applicable award and programme duration, funding may help with:
- International travel.
- Living expenses.
- Health insurance.
- Books and study materials.
- Other eligible costs specified in the award conditions.
The exact value depends on the current funding rules. This should not be treated as a guaranteed full-degree scholarship.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants generally need to be citizens of an eligible country and meet the academic and institutional conditions established by the programme. Participation normally involves an eligible Canadian institution and a short-term academic exchange or research placement.
The programme is not intended for applicants from every country worldwide.
For Nigerian students: Nigeria is not a Latin American or Caribbean country, so Nigerian citizens should not assume they qualify for ELAP based on nationality alone. Investigate opportunities specifically open to Nigerian applicants instead.
Application process
- Check the latest ELAP eligibility list.
- Contact your university’s international office.
- Ask whether the institution participates in the programme.
- Explore possible Canadian partner institutions.
- Prepare the documents requested by the participating institutions.
- Follow the official submission process.
Best for: Eligible students from Latin America and the Caribbean seeking short-term Canadian academic experience.
Official information: https://www.educanada.ca/scholarships-bourses/non_can/elap-pfla.aspx?lang=eng
3. Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED)
The Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development programme supports educational exchanges between Canada and eligible member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
It aims to strengthen educational relationships and contribute to development through academic cooperation.
What makes this programme useful?
Eligible students may receive funding for a short-term study or research placement at a Canadian post-secondary institution. The award may help cover eligible travel, living, insurance, and study-related costs under the current programme rules.
The funding duration, award value, and eligible academic activities depend on the particular call.
Who is eligible?
The programme targets citizens of eligible ASEAN member states. Applicants must also meet the programme’s academic and institutional requirements.
A Canadian institution generally plays an important role in the application process, so applicants should investigate potential institutional partnerships before preparing an application.
For Nigerian applicants: Nigeria is not an ASEAN member state. This programme is therefore not a general scholarship route for Nigerian citizens unless a specific official announcement establishes otherwise.
How to apply
- Confirm the eligible countries listed in the current call.
- Contact your home institution.
- Find out whether it has a suitable partnership with a Canadian institution.
- Discuss an appropriate short-term study or research plan.
- Obtain the required supporting documents.
- Follow the current application instructions.
Best for: Eligible students from participating ASEAN countries.
Official information: https://www.educanada.ca/scholarships-bourses/non_can/asean-anase.aspx?lang=eng
4. Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program
The Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program supports academic exchanges between Canada and China. It is intended for eligible Chinese scholars and students undertaking approved academic or research activities in Canada under the programme’s current conditions.
Unlike a general scholarship available to students of every nationality, this opportunity has a specific country focus.
What might the award support?
Depending on the current terms, successful participants may receive support for approved study, research, or academic exchange activities. Applicants should check the official programme description to determine the funding amount, eligible expenses, duration, and any restrictions.
Who should consider it?
This programme is primarily relevant to applicants who satisfy the current nationality and academic eligibility rules for the Canada-China exchange initiative.
Students should also check whether their proposed host institution, field of study, and academic activity qualify.
Application steps
- Read the current programme announcement.
- Verify nationality and academic requirements.
- Identify an appropriate Canadian academic host, if required.
- Prepare the requested academic and supporting documents.
- Submit the application according to the official instructions.
Best for: Eligible Chinese students and scholars pursuing approved academic exchange opportunities.
Official information: https://www.educanada.ca/scholarships-bourses/non_can/ccsep-pccse.aspx?lang=eng
5. Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS D)
For international students interested in advanced research, the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral programme is worth investigating.
This federal research scholarship supports doctoral students conducting eligible research at participating Canadian institutions. It is administered through Canada’s federal research funding system.
However, eligibility rules differ from those of many international exchange programmes, and international applicants are subject to specific restrictions.
What does it support?
The scholarship provides financial support for eligible doctoral research. The award amount, duration, eligibility conditions, and application procedures are determined by the current programme rules.
It is intended for doctoral-level research rather than ordinary undergraduate study or a short tourism-style educational visit.
Can international students apply?
Some international doctoral students may be eligible, but eligibility is limited and subject to specific conditions, including enrolment at an eligible Canadian institution and the applicable allocation rules.
Do not assume that an applicant living overseas can apply directly for a funded doctoral position simply by submitting a general scholarship form. Check the programme’s current rules and the institution’s process.
How to improve your application
- Identify Canadian universities offering doctoral research in your field.
- Review faculty research interests and available supervisors.
- Confirm admission requirements for the doctoral programme.
- Ask the university’s graduate studies office about CGRS D eligibility for international students.
- Prepare a strong research proposal and academic references.
- Follow the university and funding agency’s application instructions.
Best for: Eligible doctoral researchers with strong academic records and a clear research plan.
Official information: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Students-Etudiants/CGS/CGSD-BESDD_eng.asp
6. Ontario Trillium Scholarship (OTS)
The Ontario Trillium Scholarship is a provincial government-supported scholarship designed to help attract highly qualified international doctoral students to Ontario universities.
It is an option for students who intend to undertake doctoral studies at a participating Ontario university and who meet the relevant academic and programme criteria.
What is the scholarship for?
The award is intended to support international doctoral students with strong academic potential. Its value, duration, number of awards, and availability depend on the applicable provincial and university rules.
Not every Ontario university necessarily offers the award in every year, and individual universities may have their own nomination procedures.
Who may qualify?
Applicants should investigate whether they:
- Meet the academic requirements for a doctoral programme.
- Qualify as international students under the current rules.
- Have an offer of admission or are applying to an eligible doctoral programme.
- Meet the university’s nomination and scholarship requirements.
Strong academic results and research potential may be important, but they do not guarantee selection.
How to apply
- Identify Ontario universities offering doctoral programmes in your field.
- Visit the university’s official graduate funding page.
- Check whether the Ontario Trillium Scholarship is available for the relevant intake.
- Ask whether international applicants must be nominated by a department or supervisor.
- Prepare your academic records, references, and research materials.
- Submit your application before the institution’s deadline.
Best for: High-achieving international students pursuing eligible doctoral programmes in Ontario.
Official starting point: https://www.ontario.ca/page/graduate-scholarships
7. Quebec Merit Scholarship Program for Foreign Students
Quebec offers scholarship opportunities for international students through its merit scholarship arrangements, including programmes intended to attract outstanding foreign researchers and students.
These opportunities may support research or advanced studies, depending on the programme category and current funding call.
The exact award structure and eligible study levels can change, so applicants should identify the specific scholarship that matches their academic plans.
Why consider Quebec?
Quebec has universities and research institutions in areas such as engineering, artificial intelligence, health sciences, environmental research, business, and social sciences.
Applicants should remember that French may be important for daily life, employment, and certain academic programmes, although language requirements vary by institution and course.
What may be covered?
Depending on the award, funding may contribute towards eligible study or research expenses. The official call should specify the award amount, duration, covered costs, and any obligations attached to the funding.
How to apply
- Review the current Quebec government scholarship information.
- Identify the scholarship category relevant to your study level.
- Find an eligible university or research institution.
- Check whether a host institution or supervisor must nominate you.
- Prepare your academic documents and research proposal, if required.
- Follow the programme’s official application procedure.
Best for: International students and researchers who meet the requirements of a current Quebec scholarship call.
Official information: https://www.quebec.ca/en/education/study-quebec/scholarships
8. IDRC Research Awards
The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is a Canadian federal Crown corporation that supports research addressing development challenges. Its research awards are worth investigating for eligible applicants interested in research careers and development-related subjects.
These awards are not a universal scholarship for international students to study any course in Canada. They are competitive opportunities with specific eligibility conditions, research themes, and application requirements.
What do IDRC awards support?
Depending on the current competition, awards may support research activities or professional development in eligible fields. The funding amount, duration, location, and eligible expenses are specified in each call.
Some opportunities may require applicants to be enrolled in a particular degree programme or to meet citizenship, residency, or institutional conditions.
Who should consider applying?
This option may suit students or early-career researchers whose academic interests align with an advertised research opportunity and who satisfy all the stated requirements.
Research areas can vary by competition, so applicants should not assume that every discipline or nationality is eligible.
How to apply
- Visit the official IDRC website.
- Find the current research awards and funding opportunities.
- Read the specific call carefully.
- Confirm nationality, degree, research, and institutional eligibility.
- Prepare the requested proposal and supporting documents.
- Submit before the published deadline.
Best for: Eligible applicants interested in research and international development rather than a general tuition scholarship.
Official website: https://www.idrc-crdi.ca/en/funding
Which Canadian Government Scholarship Is Best for You?
The best option depends on your nationality, academic level, research interests, and whether you want a short-term exchange or a full degree.
| Scholarship or award | Main focus | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Study in Canada Scholarships | Short-term study and research exchanges | Country and institutional eligibility apply |
| Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program | Exchange opportunities for eligible students from Latin America and the Caribbean | Not a general worldwide programme |
| Canada-ASEAN SEED | Exchanges for eligible ASEAN students | Limited to eligible ASEAN countries |
| Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program | Academic exchange linked to China | Specific nationality and programme rules apply |
| CGRS D | Doctoral research funding | International eligibility is restricted |
| Ontario Trillium Scholarship | International doctoral study in Ontario | Availability and nomination depend on university rules |
| Quebec merit scholarships | Eligible international study and research | Category-specific requirements apply |
| IDRC Research Awards | Research related to advertised development opportunities | Not a general scholarship for every degree |
Before applying, confirm whether the award is currently accepting applications and whether your nationality is eligible. An award that exists does not necessarily have an open application round.
How to Apply for Canadian Scholarships Successfully
Winning a scholarship can be competitive. The following steps can help you prepare a stronger and more realistic application.
1. Choose your academic level
Decide whether you want to pursue an undergraduate degree, master’s programme, doctorate, or short-term research exchange.
Many federal international scholarship initiatives focus on short-term exchanges or graduate research rather than full undergraduate degrees. Choosing the correct award category saves time.
2. Check your nationality and eligibility
Read the official requirements carefully. Confirm your country of citizenship, current university, academic level, field of study, and any host-institution conditions.
If you are applying from Nigeria, prioritise programmes that explicitly accept Nigerian applicants. Do not assume a scholarship is open to all international students simply because it is advertised as a Canadian scholarship.
3. Research eligible Canadian institutions
Identify universities that offer your intended programme and have relevant academic staff or research facilities.
For research awards, contact potential supervisors professionally and explain your academic background and proposed research interests. A supervisor’s interest may help you explore admission or nomination requirements, but it does not guarantee scholarship funding.
4. Prepare the required documents
Depending on the award, you may need:
- A valid passport or identity document.
- Academic transcripts and certificates.
- A CV or résumé.
- A statement of purpose.
- A research proposal.
- Letters of recommendation.
- Language test results, where required.
- An admission letter or evidence of contact with a host institution.
- Additional forms specified by the scholarship provider.
Use genuine documents and follow the official format and submission requirements.
5. Meet the deadline
Scholarship deadlines can differ from university admission deadlines. Some programmes require a Canadian institution to submit the application on behalf of the candidate.
Create a schedule for collecting references, preparing research documents, and completing any language tests. Submit early enough to correct missing information.
6. Budget for expenses the scholarship may not cover
Even if you win an award, it may not cover every cost associated with studying in Canada. Check the award’s terms and prepare for possible expenses such as additional tuition, accommodation, travel, insurance, and study permit-related costs.
You must also meet the applicable immigration requirements. A scholarship award does not automatically grant permission to enter Canada or study there.
How to Avoid Canadian Scholarship Scams
Fake scholarship adverts often promise guaranteed funding, demand upfront fees, or use the names of genuine universities and government departments to appear legitimate.
Protect yourself by following these rules:
- Do not pay for a guaranteed scholarship. A legitimate competitive award cannot be guaranteed by a private agent.
- Use official websites. Verify the award with the government agency, university, or research organisation responsible for it.
- Check email addresses. Look carefully for misspellings and unrelated email domains.
- Do not share sensitive information carelessly. Provide identity and financial documents only through legitimate, secure application channels.
- Never submit false documents. Fraudulent certificates, invented research experience, or misleading financial evidence can damage your application and future immigration prospects.
- Verify the award amount. Compare any offer with the official programme information.
- Separate scholarship approval from visa approval. You may still need to meet Canada’s study permit or other immigration requirements.
If an agent claims that a scholarship is guaranteed for every Nigerian applicant, ask for the exact official programme name and eligibility page before paying or signing anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can international students get fully funded scholarships in Canada?
Yes, some awards can provide substantial funding, and certain research scholarships may cover major eligible costs. However, not every programme is fully funded, and many government initiatives support short-term exchanges rather than entire degrees. Always review the award’s official funding terms.
2. Can Nigerian students apply for Canadian government scholarships?
Yes, Nigerians may be eligible for certain Canadian scholarship or research opportunities, depending on the programme’s nationality rules and current call. However, programmes restricted to ASEAN countries or Latin American and Caribbean countries are not general scholarship options for Nigerian applicants.
3. Can I get a Canadian scholarship without IELTS?
It depends on the scholarship and the university. Some awards may not require IELTS directly, while the host institution may still require proof of English or French proficiency. Check both the scholarship rules and the admission requirements for your chosen programme.
4. Do Canadian government scholarships cover accommodation and flights?
Some programmes may contribute towards travel and living expenses, while others provide a different type of research funding. Coverage varies by award, so check the official terms before assuming that accommodation, airfare, tuition, and insurance are all included.
5. Can I apply without an admission letter?
Some exchange scholarships are submitted through participating institutions, while doctoral awards and university-based scholarships may require admission, enrolment, or institutional nomination. Follow the exact application process for the award you choose.
6. Are Canadian scholarships available for undergraduate students?
Some opportunities support undergraduate students through short-term exchanges. However, many of the research awards discussed in this guide focus on graduate study or specific academic activities. International applicants seeking a full undergraduate degree should also investigate university-specific entrance awards and other funding opportunities.
7. Does winning a scholarship guarantee a Canadian study permit?
No. Scholarship selection and immigration approval are separate processes. You must still satisfy the applicable study permit requirements, provide genuine documents, and follow the instructions of Canadian immigration authorities.
8. Where can I find official Canadian scholarship opportunities?
Start with the Government of Canada’s EduCanada scholarship pages and then check the relevant university or funding agency for current calls, eligibility rules, deadlines, and application procedures.
Official starting point: https://www.educanada.ca/scholarships-bourses/index.aspx?lang=eng
Conclusion
Canadian government-funded scholarships and research awards can help international students access educational and research opportunities, but the right option depends on your nationality, academic background, and intended programme.
The eight opportunities in this guide include short-term exchange initiatives, doctoral research funding, provincial scholarships, and research awards. They have different eligibility rules, and some are restricted to applicants from specific countries or to students at particular academic levels.
If you are applying from Nigeria or another country outside the programmes’ regional eligibility groups, focus on opportunities that explicitly accept your nationality. Also investigate university-specific scholarships and research funding rather than relying on one government award.
Start with official sources, prepare strong and truthful documents, confirm deadlines, and budget for expenses that the award may not cover. Most importantly, avoid anyone promising guaranteed scholarship funding or visa approval in exchange for a fee.
With careful research and a well-prepared application, you can identify legitimate funding opportunities and make a more informed plan for studying in Canada.