11 universities offering entrance scholarships for 2027 in Canada (funded). Apply for fully funded scholarships here. Canada remains one of the top destinations for a fully funded scholarship search, thanks to generous entrance awards offered directly by universities. Many of these scholarships are automatic and require no separate application.
This guide covers 11 Canadian universities offering entrance scholarships for the 2027 intake, along with visa steps, costs, and post-study work options for international students.
Entrance Scholarships in Canada 2027 Details:
| University: | Canadian Universities |
| Degree level: | Bachelors, Masters, PhD |
| Scholarship coverage: | Funded |
| Eligible nationality: | All Nationalities |
| Award country: | Canada |
| Last date: | Varies |
University of Toronto Lester B Pearson Scholarship in Canada (Fully Funded)
Entrance scholarships differ from full scholarships in one key way: they reward strong grades at the time of admission rather than requiring a lengthy separate application process. This makes them accessible to a much wider pool of applicants.
Canada’s 11 featured universities span both large research institutions and mid-sized campuses, giving students flexibility in choosing a city, programme, and funding level that fits their goals.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Scholarship Type | University Entrance Scholarships (Merit-Based) |
| Level | Mainly Undergraduate, some Graduate awards |
| Award Range | CAD 3,000 to CAD 180,000 (varies by university) |
| Application Method | Mostly automatic; some require a separate form |
| Number of Universities Covered | 11 |
Financial Benefits
Entrance scholarships in Canada range from small one-time awards to renewable, full-tuition packages. Some cover four years of study, while others are a single payment in year one.
| University | Award Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| University of Waterloo | Automatic Entrance Award | CAD 10,000 (one-time) |
| York University | Presidential International Scholarship | Up to CAD 180,000 (4-year, renewable) |
| University of Calgary | International Entrance Scholarship | CAD 10,000 to CAD 60,000 |
| University of British Columbia | IMES / OIS Award | CAD 10,000 to CAD 25,000/year |
| McGill University | Automatic Entrance Award | Around CAD 3,000 |
Renewable awards usually require students to maintain a minimum grade average every year. Non-renewable awards are paid once and do not depend on later academic performance.
It helps to read the fine print for each award. Some scholarships apply only to tuition, while others can also be used toward student accommodation or general living costs during the academic year.
A handful of universities also offer stacked funding, meaning students can hold a smaller automatic award alongside a separately awarded need-based grant, as long as the two funding sources don’t overlap in purpose.
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Available Study Programs
Undergraduate Degrees: Most entrance scholarships target first-year international students entering directly from secondary school across all faculties.
Graduate Master’s Programmes: Several universities, including UBC and Waterloo, extend merit-based funding to incoming master’s students in STEM and business fields.
Co-op and Professional Programmes: Schools like Waterloo combine entrance awards with paid co-op placements, giving students both funding and work experience.
Business and Commerce Programmes: McGill, McMaster, and Toronto Metropolitan all extend entrance funding to incoming business students, often alongside internship opportunities built into the curriculum.
Engineering and Applied Science: Calgary and McMaster offer some of their largest scholarship tiers to engineering applicants, reflecting strong demand in that field.
Top Universities
Here are three of the eleven universities featured in this guide, with quick reference details.
| University | City | World Ranking (Approx.) | Tuition Range (International) | Scholarship Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | Toronto | Top 25 Globally | CAD 45,000–65,000/year | Lester B. Pearson Scholarship (Full Ride) |
| McGill University | Montreal | Top 35 Globally | CAD 30,000–50,000/year | Automatic and Major Entrance Awards |
| University of British Columbia | Vancouver | Top 40 Globally | CAD 40,000–55,000/year | IMES and OIS Entrance Awards |
The 11 Universities Offering Entrance Scholarships
1. University of Toronto: Offers the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, covering full tuition, books, and residence for four years for a small group of top applicants.
2. McGill University: Provides automatic entrance awards worth around CAD 3,000, plus major entrance scholarships requiring a separate application for higher amounts.
3. University of British Columbia: Runs the International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) and Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award, both automatic upon admission.
4. University of Waterloo: Gives eligible international first-year students CAD 10,000 automatically, with no separate application needed.
5. York University: Offers the Presidential International Scholarship, worth up to CAD 180,000 over four years for high-achieving undergraduates.
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6. University of Calgary: Provides the International Entrance Scholarship, with tiers reaching CAD 60,000 for exceptional incoming students.
7. University of Manitoba: Offers entrance scholarships plus graduate funding packages worth up to CAD 100,000 for master’s and PhD applicants.
8. McMaster University: Awards scholarships across engineering, business, and science, with some packages valued up to CAD 200,000 over a degree.
9. University of Winnipeg: Offers the President’s Scholarship for World Leaders alongside dozens of smaller entrance awards valued between CAD 3,500 and 5,000.
10. Dalhousie University: Provides entrance funding for international undergraduates along with dedicated support for master’s and PhD researchers.
11. Toronto Metropolitan University: Offers partial entrance scholarships for incoming international undergraduates based on academic performance.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility varies by university, but most entrance scholarships share a few common conditions for international students.
- Must be a new student entering directly from secondary school or a recognised equivalent programme.
- Must hold or be studying on a Canadian student visa (study permit).
- Must meet the university’s general admission average, often 85% or higher for top-tier awards.
- Must apply for admission before the university’s stated deadline, since most awards are tied to admission timing.
- Some scholarships, like McGill’s major awards, require a separate written application or interview.
Deadlines matter more than most applicants realise. Missing a university’s general admission deadline usually means automatic disqualification from entrance scholarships, even if your grades would otherwise qualify.
Students applying from countries where grading scales differ from Canada’s should ask the admissions office how their marks convert, since this can affect which scholarship tier they qualify for.
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Required Documents
| Document | Required |
|---|---|
| Completed University Application Form | Yes |
| Academic Transcripts | Yes |
| Proof of English or French Proficiency | Yes |
| Passport Copy | Yes |
| Statement of Purpose (for major awards) | Sometimes |
| Letters of Recommendation (for major awards) | Sometimes |
| Proof of Financial Support (for visa stage) | Yes |
Application Process
Step 1: Shortlist universities from this list based on your programme, budget, and target scholarship type.
Step 2: Check each university’s admission deadline, since scholarship eligibility usually depends on applying on time.
Step 3: Prepare transcripts, English or French test scores, and a passport copy well in advance.
Step 4: Submit your undergraduate or graduate application directly through the university’s admissions portal.
Step 5: For automatic scholarships, wait for your admission offer, which will include scholarship details if awarded.
Step 6: For application-based awards like McGill’s major entrance scholarships, submit a separate scholarship form or essay.
Step 7: Once admitted, accept your offer and pay any required deposit to confirm your seat.
Step 8: Apply for your Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) if required for your programme level and province.
Step 9: Begin your student visa application once you have your letter of acceptance and, where applicable, your PAL.
Step 10: Arrange health insurance and student accommodation before your travel date.
Throughout this process, keep copies of every submitted document. Universities and IRCC may both request the same records at different stages, and having them ready saves time.
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Student Visa Guide
All international students staying longer than six months need a Canadian study permit, commonly called a ‘student visa’. The process has become more document-intensive in recent years.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Proof of Funds (Single Applicant, Outside Quebec) | CAD 22,895 for living costs, plus first-year tuition |
| Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) | Required for most college and undergraduate applicants; master’s and PhD students at public institutions are exempt as of January 2026 |
| Application Fee | CAD 150 |
| Biometrics Fee | CAD 85 |
| Processing Time | Roughly 4 to 16 weeks, depending on country and season |
Since the Student Direct Stream ended in late 2024, every applicant now goes through the regular study permit process, so building in extra time before your intake start date is wise.
A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) remains a common and reliable way to prove funds, though bank statements and scholarship letters are also accepted.
If your scholarship covers full tuition, include the official award letter with your visa application. It strengthens your financial proof and can reduce follow-up requests from IRCC.
Working with a licensed immigration consultant is optional but can help first-time applicants avoid common mistakes, such as inconsistent figures across financial documents.
Health Insurance
Canada has no single national health plan for international students, so coverage depends on the province where you study.
British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan generally include international students in their provincial health plans. Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia require private or university-run coverage instead.
Health insurance is mandatory in every province, one way or another, and typically costs between CAD 600 and CAD 900 per year through a university health plan.
New students should enrol in their province’s plan or the university health plan within the first few weeks of arrival, since delays can leave a gap in coverage during an emergency.
Some scholarships bundle a health insurance credit into the award package, so it’s worth checking whether your entrance scholarship includes this benefit before purchasing separate coverage.
Accommodation & Living Costs
- University Housing: On-campus residence generally costs CAD 8,000 to 12,000 per academic year, often including a meal plan.
- Private Rentals: Off-campus apartments range from CAD 800 to 1,800 per month depending on the city and whether it’s shared.
- Student Accommodation Near Campus: Purpose-built student housing sits between university residence and private rentals in both price and privacy.
Total monthly living costs, including food, transit, and utilities, typically fall between CAD 1,200 and CAD 2,500, with Toronto and Vancouver at the higher end.
Smaller university cities such as Winnipeg or Halifax tend to offer noticeably lower rent and grocery costs compared to Canada’s largest metro areas, which can stretch a scholarship further.
First-year students are often encouraged to book on-campus residence for at least their first term, giving them time to explore neighbourhoods before signing a longer private lease.
Post-Study Work Opportunities
Graduates of eligible programmes can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows open work authorisation in Canada for up to three years for master’s and doctoral graduates.
Since November 2024, most PGWP applicants must meet a language requirement, and non-degree graduates must also show their programme appears on IRCC’s approved list of fields of study. Degree holders are exempt from the field-of-study rule.
Average entry-level salaries for international graduates range from CAD 45,000 to CAD 70,000 depending on the field, with strong hiring in technology, healthcare, engineering, and finance.
Many PGWP holders eventually pursue a PR pathway through Express Entry or a provincial nominee programme after gaining Canadian work experience.
IRCC confirmed in January 2026 that the list of PGWP-eligible fields of study will stay frozen for the rest of the year, giving graduating students more certainty when planning their post-study career path.
Sectors like technology, healthcare, and engineering continue to report strong hiring demand for recent graduates, particularly in cities with established tech corridors such as Toronto, Waterloo, and Vancouver.
Frequently Asked Questions (Latest Google FAQs)
Do I need to apply separately for entrance scholarships in Canada?
Most are automatic upon admission, though a few, like McGill’s major awards, require a separate application.
Which Canadian university offers the highest entrance scholarship?
York University’s Presidential International Scholarship, worth up to CAD 180,000 over four years, is among the largest.
Can I use an education loan alongside a scholarship?
Yes, many students combine a partial entrance scholarship with an education loan to cover remaining tuition and living costs.
Do I need an immigration consultant to apply for a Canadian study permit?
It’s not required, but a licensed consultant can help avoid documentation errors, especially with proof-of-funds rules.
Is the Provincial Attestation Letter still required in 2026?
Yes, for most college and undergraduate applicants, though master’s and doctoral students at public institutions are now exempt.
How much money do I need to show for a Canadian study permit?
CAD 22,895 in living costs for a single applicant outside Quebec, plus your first year of tuition.
Can I work in Canada after finishing my degree?
Yes, through the post-graduation work permit, which can grant up to three years of open work authorisation for eligible graduates.
Are entrance scholarships renewable every year?
Some are, provided you maintain the required grade average; others are one-time payments in your first year only.
Conclusion
These 11 Canadian universities show that fully funded scholarships and partial-funding options are within reach for well-prepared international applicants. Entrance scholarships reward strong academics, so a polished application matters as much as the award itself.
Always confirm scholarship values, deadlines, and study visa sponsorship steps directly on official university and government websites before applying.
Official Resources
| Website Type | Official Website | Latest Application Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto – Pearson Scholarship | U of T International Scholarships | Expected to Open (Next Intake) – Check Official Website | Opening Soon |
| University of Waterloo – Entrance Award | Waterloo International Scholarships | Tied to September 2026/2027 admission cycle | Applications Open |
| University of British Columbia – IMES/OIS | UBC Scholarships and Awards | 2026/2027 cycle confirmed; 2027/2028 expected next | Applications Open |
| Student Visa (Study Permit) | IRCC – Study Permit | N/A (Rolling) | Official |
| Immigration Services | Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada | N/A | Official |
Scholarship values, deadlines, and eligibility rules can change without notice. Always confirm the latest details on each university’s official admissions page before applying.
1# University of Toronto Entrance Scholarships
The University of Toronto Awards Automatic Entrance Scholarships. Overall the university, its colleges, faculties, and divisions award approximately 4500 entrance scholarships.
- For More Details: University of Toronto Entrance Scholarship
2. York University Entrance Scholarships
York University has a lot of options to offer in terms of scholarships for future students. York University has a lot of entrance scholarships too for international students. Such as York University Automatic Entrance Scholarships and York University Talent Entrance Scholarships.
- For More Details: York University Entrance Scholarships
3. UBC Entrance Scholarships
As soon as you receive an offer of admission to UBC, you’ll automatically be considered for these merit-based awards. Consideration is based on your demonstrated academic achievement and your extracurricular involvement.
- For More Details: UBC Entrance Scholarships
4# University of Waterloo Entrance Scholarships
Each year, the University of Waterloo offers numerous entrance scholarships and awards to outstanding students. You’ll automatically be considered for the majority of scholarships when you apply.
- For More Details: University of Waterloo Entrance Scholarships
5# University of Alberta Entrance Scholarships
The University of Alberta should be your preferred choice. It has a lot to offer. You could be starting with scholarships you don’t even have to apply for. If you are eligible for an admission-based scholarship, the university staff will contact you directly.
- For More Details: Bachelor’s Entrance Scholarships
- For More Details: Graduate Entrance Scholarships
6# University of Ottawa Entrance Scholarships
The University of Ottawa offers entrance scholarships. It is the largest bilingual (English-French) university in the world. Located at the heart of Canada’s capital.
- For More Details: University of Ottawa Entrance Scholarships
7# McMaster University Entrance Scholarship
At McMaster University, there are two types of entrance scholarships: automatic awards and awards by application.
- The McMaster University Award of Excellence: $3000
- Marjorie Anderson Financial Award for Indigenous Students: $80,000
- Provost Entrance Scholarship for International Students: $7500
- The Woo Family International Entrance Scholarships: $3,000
- The McMaster Chinese Alumni – Peter George International Entrance Scholarships: $3,000
- The Access Award: $25,000 per year
- The McMaster Brighter World Entrance Award for Black Students: $2,500
- The Faculty of Humanities Entrance Awards: $1200-$5000
- Loran Award: $100,000 over four years
- Schulich Leader Scholarships: $80,000 – $100,000 over four years
- For More Details: McMaster Entrance Scholarship
8# University of Calgary Entrance Scholarships
The University of Calgary offers hundreds of opportunities to local and foreign students. Search through their database of undergraduate awards and scholarships.
- For More Details: University of Calgary Entrance Scholarships
9# Western University Entrance Scholarships
Western University delivers an academic experience second to none. Western provides one of the best entrance scholarships among Canada’s leading research-intensive universities.
- For More Details: Western University Entrance Scholarships
10# McGill University Entrance Scholarships
The McGill Scholarships and Student Aid Office offers merit-based entrance scholarships to first-time university students entering a full-time undergraduate degree programme.
- For More Details: McGill University Entrance Scholarships
11# University of Guelph Entrance Scholarships
The University of Guelph has extremely diverse entrance scholarship programmes that recognise academic achievements and support students in their continuation of study. There are 106 scholarship programmes for undergraduate studies and 129 for graduate ones.
- For More Details: University of Guelph Entrance Scholarships