International Graduate Scholarships for Canadian Students

Are you a Canadian in need of study abroad funding for your graduate studies? Look no further. Here we have a list of current graduate scholarships for Canadian students, including government scholarships, commonwealth scholarships, fellowships, bilateral partnerships and other opportunities open to Canadian students applying for a master’s  or PhD abroad.

For more information about graduate study abroad, you might be interested in attending one of our upcoming QS World Grad School Tour events in Canada over the coming weeks. Scroll to the bottom of this article for more details.

Or, for scholarships to study in Canada as an international student from another country, visit this article.

To study anywhere in the world:

• Arts Graduate Scholarships – regional government scholarships for Canadian students from Alberta to study anywhere in the world in selected arts fields (music, drama, dance etc.) at master’s level or equivalent.
• UNESCO-L’Oréal for Women in Science – graduate scholarships and fellowships open to female Canadian students undertaking major research in the life sciences anywhere in the world.
• NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowships Program – government scholarships for postdoctoral Canadian students to study anywhere in the world within the natural sciences or engineering fields. Canadian applicants can only study abroad if they previously studied for their doctorate at a Canadian university. The scholarship is up to the value of $45,000 per year for up to two years.
• The Rabin Scholarship Fund for the Advancement of Peace and Tolerance – a $15,000 fund for doctoral and post-doctoral Canadian students (at any university worldwide) to further their studies into peace and tolerance by undertaking a year abroad at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel for research and study.

To study in Asia:

• Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program– various non-degree awarding initiatives for Canadian students to undertake study or research at participating universities in China. Language studies emphasized.
• Commonwealth Scholarship Plan – India– master’s and PhD scholarships for Canadian students and researchers to study in India. Funded by the ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations).
• MEXT Scholarship Program – Japan– Japanese government scholarships for Canadians wishing to gain funding for study in Japan. Funds also available for those undertaking Japanese studies.
• Foreign Government Awards – Korea – Six scholarships for Canadian students looking to study or research at Master’s or PhD level in Korean studies, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering or several other fields of study.

To study in Australia & New Zealand:

• Canada-Australia Partnerships and Scholarships– various initiatives set up by the Australian and Canadian governments to promote cross-cultural relations. PDF list available.
• Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) – New Zealand – commonwealth scholarships to study in New Zealand open to doctorate-level Canadian students and researchers.

Click here for more scholarships to study in Australia.

To study in Europe:

• Commonwealth Scholarships for PhD students – UK– PhD scholarships for students of developed commonwealth countries (including Canada) to study in the UK.
• DAAD Scholarships – Germany – a wide range of undergraduate and graduate scholarships for North American students to study in Germany at selected universities..
• Saltire Scholarships – scholarships for students from Canada,  the US, India and China to study in Scotland, UK, at any degree level.

Click here for more scholarships to study in the UK.

To study in the US:

• Canada-US Fulbright Program– award opportunities for Canadian students to study or conduct research in the US. Open to prospective and enrolled graduate students and junior professionals.
• Frank Knox Memorial Fellowships– commonwealth scholarships to study at Harvard University, US, at all levels.
• OAS Academic Scholarships Program – master’s and PhD scholarships for Canadian students and researchers to study at a university in an OAS Member State outside of Canada. *Applications are currently closed, but will soon be reopened for the 2020-2021 academic year. Keep an eye on the website for details.

Click here for more scholarships to study in the US.This article was originally written in January 2015 and was updated in January 2020.