21 Scholarships For Canadian Students Studying Abroad

For Canadian students looking to study abroad, it can be an exciting and life-changing experience. But, the cost of studying abroad can be daunting. However, there are scholarships for Canadian students to study abroad whether in the US, UK, or Europe. These scholarships will provide financial assistance that can make your dreams of studying abroad a reality. This guide will explore the various scholarships available for Canadian students to study abroad, as well as the application process and other important details. So, let’s get started.

Studying abroad has its perks. It presents an exciting and life-changing experience for students, it also presents various opportunities to expand your horizons, create a new network of friends, learn a new culture and language, and learn more about the world. So, yes, it is an exciting experience and many students wish to experience it, I do too.

However, one of the crippling factors hindering students to get an abroad education is expenses and the rigorous application process but we will concentrate more on the financial aspect because it is the main hindrance here. Studying abroad costs so much money, you would have to pay for everything. Tuition fees, accommodation, flight tickets, shopping for new clothes, living expenses, and so much more.

There is just so much finances involved and many whose dream is to study abroad cannot afford it and gradually that dream slips away. But hey, it doesn’t have to be the same for you especially if you are a Canadian student. The world is your oyster when you’re a Canadian student looking to study abroad.

If you’re a Canadian student looking to study abroad, there are a variety of scholarships available to help you study abroad. Whether you’re interested in studying in the United States, Europe, or elsewhere, you can find financial assistance to make your dreams a reality.

With so many scholarships available, you can find the perfect one to help you reach your goals. From exchange programs to full-ride scholarships, there are plenty of options to make your dreams of studying abroad a reality. With our curated list of scholarships for Canadian students studying abroad, you can easily find the right scholarships without breaking a sweat.

Note that there are scholarships in Canada for international students as well as for domestic students but the ones curated here are scholarships for Canadian students studying abroad or about to study abroad. Do not get confused. Having said that, let’s dive into the main topic…

scholarships for Canadian students studying abroad

Scholarships For Canadian Students Studying Abroad

  • Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program
  • Faculty Mobility for Partnership Building Program
  • Foreign Government Awards Program – Global Korea Scholarship for Graduate Degrees
  • Organization of American States Academic Scholarships Program
  • Organization of American States (OAS) Professional Development Scholarship Program
  • Mitacs Globalink Research Award
  • DAAD Scholarships
  • ThinkSwiss Research Scholarship Program
  • Canada-Australia Partnerships and Scholarships
  • Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP)
  • UCD Scholarships for International Students

1.     Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program

The Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program is a program that offers scholarships to Canadians who wish to pursue academic study, research, Chinese language training, or a combination of all at a Chinese institution. The program is a partnership between Global Affairs Canada and the Chinese Ministry of Education.

This program – the Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program – was established in 1973 and has since been offering scholarships to Canadian students who wish to study abroad in China. Who knows? You might be next in line to receive the scholarship. To be eligible, you must be a citizen of Canada, have Chinese language proficiency as required by the host institution, and be under the required age range depending on the category of scholarship you are applying for. The scholarships are awarded for 4-12 months for students and 8 weeks to 12 months for mid-career professionals, faculty members, and researchers.

Scholarship Link

2.     Faculty Mobility for Partnership Building Program

Here is another program that offers scholarships to Canadian students to study abroad. The Faculty Mobility for Partnership Building Program was established in 2017 by the Canadian government to support the efforts of Canadian post-secondary institutions to expand and diversify their international collaborations. The program funds the expenses of Canadian professors to pursue short-term research and/or teaching activities in Latin America and the Caribbean.

To be eligible, you must be a full-time professor at a Canadian higher institution and the host institution must be located in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Mexico. The scholarship value is $7,000 for a minimum of 3 weeks and a maximum of 8 weeks. Additionally, Canadian institutions will provide funds to the recipient to cover transportation, insurance costs, living expenses, and visa or study/work permit fees.

Scholarship Link

3.     Foreign Government Awards Program – Global Korea Scholarship for Graduate Degrees

If you are a Canadian student seeking to study abroad in Korea this is the scholarship for you. It is an annual scholarship provided by the Government of Korea through the National Institute for International Education (NIIED). The program offers 4 scholarships for study or research at the Master’s or PhD level in Korean studies, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and other fields of study.

The scholarships are tenable only at eligible universities designated by the NIIED. The scholarship duration is up to 2 years at the master’s level plus up to 12 months for language training or up to 3 years at the doctoral level plus up to 12 months for language training if necessary.

Scholarship Link

4.     Organization of American States Academic Scholarships Program

Each year, the Organization of American States (OAS) will award at least one scholarship to Canadians for study or research abroad at the master’s or PhD level. There are two types of scholarships namely; Scholarships in an OAS Consortium University and Scholarships in a Non-OAS Consortium University. The academic study or research must be a full-time program either done on-site, online, or hybrid.

The Organization of American States Academic Scholarships Program is made available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada who have completed the prerequisite degree(s) for the proposed program of study at the time of applying. The candidate must be in good academic standing with a GPA that is above the minimum standard required by the host university, and be in good physical and mental health to complete the proposed program of study successfully.

Candidate must also be proficient in the language of instruction used at the institution in the country of study. The scholarship value is $10,000 for a minimum of one academic year, it can be renewed for an additional year. Also, note that this amount is subject to change.

Scholarship Link

5.     Organization of American States (OAS) Professional Development Scholarship Program

This is a scholarship made available every year to citizens of OAS member states which Canada is also part of. Canadian students with the dream of studying abroad to enhance their knowledge and gain further experience can apply for the professional development scholarship program from the Department of Human Development, Education and Culture (DHDEC) of the General Secretariat of the OAS.

The programs are short-term courses for specialized training and they can take place on-site, by distance education, or a combination of both. To be eligible, you must be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, meet the course requirements, and be proficient in the language in which the course is delivered. The funding varies according to the type and length of the professional development course.

Scholarship Link

6.     Mitacs Globalink Research Award

The Mitacs Globalink Research Award offers scholarships for Canadian students studying abroad. The award supports research collaboration between Canada and select partner organizations and eligible countries and regions. The award is made available to undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows to receive $6,000 to conduct a research project in another country between 12 to 24 weeks.

The international partners include Argentina, Germany, Japan, France, the EU, the USA, South Africa, Ukraine, Chile, Latvia, Denmark, Malaysia, Finland, Switzerland, Spain, Israel, Hong Kong, Italy, and many more countries.

Scholarship Link

7.     DAAD Scholarships

DAAD Scholarship is provided by the German Government and it is one of the most popular scholarships for those seeking to study abroad in Germany. Therefore, if you are a Canadian student who wants to study abroad, you may want to consider Germany so that you can apply for the DAAD scholarship and receive free funding for your studies.

The scholarships are available to undergraduate students who recently completed high school, as well as for graduate students at the master’s or Ph.D. level. There are varieties of research grants from DAAD as well. You must have good German speaking skills and have a clearly defined plan for research and study in Germany to be eligible.

Scholarship Link

8.     ThinkSwiss Research Scholarship Program

ThinkSwiss is a scholarship program that gives American and Canadian students the chance to explore research opportunities in Switzerland. Managed by the Science Office at the Embassy of Switzerland in Washington, D.C., this program is funded by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) and supported by the Embassy of Switzerland in Ottawa, Canada. It aims to foster connections between Swiss, U.S., and Canadian universities and research institutions while providing students with a unique and enriching experience

The ThinkSwiss Research Scholarship Program presents an awesome opportunity for Canadian students in their second year of university to study abroad in Switzerland. The scholarship is open to students from all fields provided they have an acceptance letter from a professor at a Swiss university for a research stay in their group.

To be eligible for the ThinkSwiss Research Scholarship you must be currently enrolled at an accredited college or university in Canada or the US, be a graduate or undergraduate student completing your second year, and provide written confirmation from a professor at a Swiss university. The program will offer you $1,800 every month for 2-3 months.

Application materials include a CV of not more than 2 pages, a completed application online form, a research project outline, a letter of motivation, a letter of acceptance from a host professor in Switzerland, a letter of recommendation from a current professor who can attest to the applicant’s abilities, and a copy of your current university transcripts and diplomas.

Scholarship Link

9.     Canada-Australia Partnerships and Scholarships

A collaboration between the governments of Australia and Canada brought about the Canada-Australia Partnerships and Scholarships. As a result of this partnership, both countries provide a variety of funding opportunities to students who want to carry out research at institutions between both countries.

Canadian PhD students can apply for this scholarship to receive funding to carry out research in Switzerland and Switzerland PhD students can also do the same for research in Canada. Aside from PhD students, individual researchers, and professors can also apply for the scholarship.

Scholarship Link

10.  Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP)

The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) was established in 1959 to enable commonwealth countries to offer university scholarships and fellowships to citizens of other member nations. Canada is a member of the commonwealth nations and as such Canadian students are eligible to receive the commonwealth scholarships and fellowships to study at other member nations.

The countries offering commonwealth scholarships are the UK, New Zealand, Pakistan, Malta, Gibraltar, and India. The Commonwealth scholarships are funded in two ways: by individual governments and universities, for study within those countries or institutions, and by the CSFP endowment fund.

Scholarship Link

11.  UCD Scholarships for International Students

The University College Dublin offers scholarships to international students who have applied for a program at UCD and then been offered a place in the program. It is only when you are offered admission into the UCD program that you can apply for scholarships.

Canadian students who wish to study abroad and apply for admission at UCD and apply for scholarships when they are offered a place.

Scholarship Link

These are scholarships for Canadian students studying abroad but there are even more specifically in the UK and US. Let’s dive into them below.

5 Scholarships for Canadian Students Studying in the UK

The UK is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities and many students in Canada dream of pursuing academic study or research at one of the UK’s institutions however, the cost can be a crippling factor for students which is why we have curated a list of scholarships for Canadian students studying in the UK to have access to a variety of funding opportunities to support their education in the UK.

Canadian students who dream of studying in the UK, here are scholarships for you to apply:

  • British Chevening Scholarships
  • The McEuen Scholarship
  • The Royal Society Grants
  • The Rhodes Scholarship
  • University College Birmingham High Achievers Scholarship

1.     British Chevening Scholarships

The British Chevening Scholarships offer full scholarships for international students from Canada, the US, and any other country to study for a one-year master’s degree at a leading UK university. Interested candidates are welcome to apply to the British Embassy/High Commission or The British Council in the country of which you are a citizen.

The Chevening scholarship is one of the most popular funding programs in the UK for international students to study at any UK university on scholarship.

Scholarship Link

2.     The McEuen Scholarship

The McEuen Scholarship is one of the best scholarships for Canadian students studying in the UK. It is made available by The McEuen Scholarship Foundation to encourage Canadian students to pursue their studies at the University of St. Andrews in Fife, Scotland. It is awarded to a Canadian student aged 21 years old or younger for a 3 or 4-year undergraduate honors degree program at the above-mentioned university.

It is a fully-funded scholarship, covering all tuition, accommodation, and a book allowance of £200. You must be a resident of Canada to be eligible and be in good academic standing as well as extracurricular achievement. Application for the McEuen Scholarship is online.

Scholarship Link

3.     The Royal Society Grants

The Royal Society is a Fellowship of many of the world’s most eminent scientists and is the oldest scientific academy in continuous existence. The society receives support from foundations, corporations, and donors which are then offered as grants to researchers from different countries to conduct their research project in the UK.

The Royal Society Grants presents an opportunity to Canadian students who wish to carry out a research project in the UK. The society can offer them grants to fund their research projects.

Scholarship Link

4.     The Rhodes Scholarship

The Rhodes Scholarship is made available by the Rhodes Trust. It is a fully-funded scholarship for young, talented postgraduate students from around the world to study at the University of Oxford, UK. Canadian students are welcome to apply for this life-changing opportunity to join outstanding young people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford.

The scholarship covers course fees as well as providing an annual stipend for the academic year the student is enrolled in.

Scholarship Link

5.     University College Birmingham High Achievers Scholarship

The High Achievers Scholarship at University College Birmingham is for international undergraduate students with excellent academic records enrolled in a full-time undergraduate program. Applicants must achieve a minimum academic score of 70% or higher to be eligible for the award. The scholarship is not for students from specific countries, it is for international students from different parts of the world including Canada.

To be eligible, you must have been accepted into a full-time undergraduate degree program at University College Birmingham, paid your 50% tuition fee deposit to the university, and you must be an overseas student.

There are many universities in the UK offering scholarships to international students. Canadian students who wish to study in the UK are automatically international students when they are accepted into an academic degree program at one of the accredited universities in the UK. The universities listed below offer scholarships to international students and as a Canadian student, you can take advantage of them as well:

  • The University of Bristol
  • Aston University
  • Cardiff University
  • The University of Manchester
  • The University of Nottingham
  • The University of Chester
  • Teesside University
  • Coventry University
  • Plymouth University
  • The University of Portsmouth
  • The University of Hertfordshire
  • The University of South Wales
  • The University of Huddersfield
  • Kingston University
  • The University of Derby
  • The University of Sheffield
  • Birbeck University of London
  • The University of Northampton
  • The University of Dundee
  • Queen’s University Belfast
  • The University of Westminster
  • Manchester Metropolitan University
  • The University of West London

All of these universities in the UK offer scholarships to international students and Canadian students who want to study in the UK.

5 Scholarships for Canadian Students Studying in the US

Universities in the US are among the world’s best globally recognized for their reputation in teaching and research. Canadian students who wish to study in the US should prepare themselves for an exciting world of opportunities. I’m sure you are worrying about the cost but that is where the scholarships curated here comes in.

Below are scholarships for Canadian students studying in the US or wish to study in the US:

  • The Canada-U.S. Fullbright Program
  • The University of Kentucky Scholarships for International Students
  • Miami University International Student Scholarships
  • The Humphrey Fellowship Program
  • University College Birmingham High Achievers Scholarship

1.     The Canada-U.S. Fullbright Program

The Canada-U.S. Fullbright Program is a program of the Foundation for Educational Exchange Between Canada and the United States of America. The program provides funding opportunities for outstanding Canadian students to study and/or conduct research in the US. The award is for citizens of Canada who are graduate students, prospective graduate students, or junior professionals.

Fullbright Canada is awarded based on merit. To be eligible, you must be a citizen of Canada, hold a bachelor’s degree, be proficient in English, be in compliance with all J. William Fullbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB) guidelines, and be in compliance with all governmental regulations regarding visas, immigration, travel, and residence. The scholarship award is $25,000.

Scholarship Link

2.     The University of Kentucky Scholarships for International Students

Every international freshman enrolling in the University of Kentucky is considered for scholarships worth up to $16,000 to cover the cost of their education. Canadian students who intend to study abroad in the US can take advantage of this opportunity and receive funding to study abroad in the US on scholarships.

Scholarship Link

3.     Miami University International Student Scholarships

Miami University in Florida, USA offers scholarships to incoming first-year undergraduate students. Admission into the school is highly competitive as well as the scholarship. Canadian students with an intent to study abroad in the US on scholarships can apply for an undergraduate degree program at Miami University to be considered for the entrance scholarship.

There is no separate application for the scholarship, you will be considered based on your application for admission.

Scholarship Link

4.     The Humphrey Fellowship Program

The Humphrey Fellowship Program was established in memory of the late senator and Vice President, Hubert H. Humphrey to address pressing global challenges ranging from climate change to protection of human rights to increasing access to education through their scholarship programs, and many others.

Canadian students who want to study public health in the USA can key into this program to get an awesome experience of professional development, networking, and academic pursuit. Eligibility includes being a citizen of an eligible country for the program, possessing an undergraduate degree, showing proficiency in the English language, and many others.

Scholarship Link

5.     The University of Kansas International Scholarships

The University of Kansas provides different kinds of merit scholarships to international students intending to study in the school. Their scholarships range from $3,000 to $16,000 annually or $12,000 to $64,000 over four years. Here is an opportunity for Canadian students to study abroad in the US on a scholarship.

There are many more colleges in the US offering scholarships for international students, Canadian students who intend to study in the US can also apply for the scholarships offered by those institutions. Below are universities in the US with scholarships for international students:

  • Stanford University
  • Clark University
  • Montana State University
  • Boston University
  • The University of Oregon
  • Duke University
  • New York University
  • Amherst College
  • The University of Arizona
  • The University of Minnesota
  • Cornell University
  • The University of Miami
  • Wesleyan University
  • Columbia University
  • The University of Chicago
  • Harvard University

All of these universities in the US offer scholarships to international students and Canadian students who want to study in the US.

Conclusion

Studying abroad can be a valuable and transformative experience, and for Canadian students, the scholarships curated here offer a chance to expand their horizons in more ways than one just like the ThinkSwiss scholarships and the many others on this list.

Not only does the program provide financial support for tuition and living expenses, but it also offers a window into learning other cultures and a network of connections that can last a lifetime. So, for Canadian students looking to make the most of their university experience, scholarships will go a long way to make your education abroad a wonderful experience.

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