Canada: full scholarships for international students

Undergraduate: apply early, with your school's help

Canada's biggest undergraduate awards need your secondary school's involvement and deadlines far earlier than normal admissions. The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship at the University of Toronto requires a school nomination; nominations for 2027 entry closed on 9 October 2026. UBC's International Scholars Program needs a nominator and an application by 15 November 2026.

Master's: Mastercard Foundation at McGill

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill funds master's degrees for citizens living in African countries who have not yet started a master's. The autumn 2027 cohort has closed; the next cycle is expected to be announced in spring 2027.

Doctoral: the end of Vanier

The Vanier scholarship has been folded into the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral, worth $40,000 a year for three years. International students can compete, but only once they are enrolled in a PhD at a Canadian university.

Application fees, and who waives them

Canadian universities charge international applicants about CAD 130 to 170 per application, and most never waive it.

University	Application fee	Waivers
University of Toronto, graduate	CAD 130 for starts up to May 2027; CAD 135 from September 2027	None, and no refunds
UBC, graduate	CAD 168.25 for international applicants	Automatic if your citizenship and address are both in one of the UN's least developed countries
McGill, graduate	CAD 143.82 for Summer 2027; one fee covers two programmes in the same term	None
University of Alberta	CAD 150	Non-refundable

For undergraduates, McGill charges CAD 140.16, and a second application in the same term is free.

Compare other countries in our guide to universities with no application fee.

Study permits and proof of funds

Canada caps the number of study permits it issues. For applications from 1 September 2026, a single applicant must show CAD 23,448 for living costs, in addition to tuition and travel. Master's and doctoral students at public institutions no longer need a provincial attestation letter. Rules change often. Check Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada before you apply.

Working while you study

With an eligible study permit you can work off campus up to 24 hours a week during regular academic sessions, and without limit during scheduled breaks such as the winter and summer holidays.

After you graduate: the post-graduation work permit

Graduates of eligible programmes can apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). For a programme of at least eight months but less than two years, it can last as long as the programme; for a programme of two years or more, it can last three years. It never runs past your passport's expiry. Since 1 November 2024 most applicants must also submit language test results.

Common questions

How much does it cost to apply to a Canadian university?

Usually CAD 130 to 170 per application: CAD 135 at the University of Toronto's graduate school from September 2027, CAD 168.25 for international graduate applicants at UBC, and CAD 140.16 for an undergraduate application to McGill.

Can I get a Canadian application fee waived?

UBC waives its graduate application fee for citizens of the UN's least developed countries who also live there. Toronto's graduate school and McGill's graduate office do not offer waivers.

How much money do I need for a Canadian study permit?

For applications from 1 September 2026, a single applicant must show CAD 23,448 for a year's living costs, on top of tuition and travel.

Can I work in Canada as an international student?

Yes, up to 24 hours a week off campus during term and without limit during scheduled breaks, if your study permit allows it.

Can I work in Canada after graduating?

Graduates of eligible programmes can get a post-graduation work permit of up to three years, depending on the length of the programme.

Canada: the full scholarships worth applying for, and the new rules

Funded routes in Canada