MatthewPursuing a master’s degree in Canada is a dream for many international students, thanks to the country’s world-class universities, vibrant multicultural environment, and high-quality education system. However, the cost of tuition and living expenses can be a significant barrier. The good news? Canada offers numerous scholarships that can make your master’s degree essentially free by covering tuition, accommodation, and sometimes even living stipends. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top entrance scholarships for international students in 2025, focusing on opportunities at prestigious Canadian universities like the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, University of Waterloo, and more. Whether you’re aiming for a fully funded master’s program or partial financial aid, this article will help you navigate the scholarship landscape to achieve your academic goals.
Why Study a Master’s Degree in Canada?
Canada is a top destination for international students, with over 900,000 studying there in 2023, according to Immigration Minister Marc Miller. Here’s why a master’s degree in Canada is worth considering:
- World-Class Education: Universities like the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia (UBC), and McGill consistently rank among the top globally.
- Affordable Tuition: Compared to the US and UK, Canadian tuition fees are relatively lower, especially when paired with scholarships.
- Post-Graduation Opportunities: Canada offers post-graduation work permits (PGWP), allowing students to work for up to three years after their studies.
- Multicultural Environment: Canada’s diverse society makes it welcoming for students from all backgrounds.
- Scholarship Opportunities: Many universities and government programs provide fully or partially funded scholarships for international students.
By securing a scholarship, you can reduce or eliminate the financial burden, making your master’s degree in Canada practically free.
Top 10 Entrance Scholarships for a Free Master’s Degree in Canada
Below, we highlight the top entrance scholarships for international students pursuing a master’s degree in Canada in 2025. These scholarships are offered by leading universities, including the University of Toronto, UBC, University of Waterloo, and others, and are designed to attract bright, high-achieving students.
1. University of Toronto Scholarships
The University of Toronto, one of Canada’s top-ranked institutions, allocates approximately $36 million annually for scholarships, including awards for international graduate students. While many scholarships are merit-based and automatically awarded upon admission, specific programs like the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) and Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship are highly sought after.
- Value: Up to $15,000 per year (OGS) or $50,000 per year for three years (Vanier).
- Eligibility: Open to international students with excellent academic records (minimum A- average) enrolled in research-based master’s programs.
- Application Process: For OGS, apply through the university after admission. Vanier requires nomination by the university and a strong research proposal.
- Fields of Study: Available across disciplines, including humanities, sciences, and engineering.
Tip: Check the University of Toronto’s Award Explorer tool on their website to find additional graduate funding opportunities.
2. University of British Columbia (UBC) Graduate Scholarships
UBC, located in beautiful Vancouver, offers a range of scholarships for international master’s students, including the Graduate Support Initiative and Four Year Doctoral Fellowship Program (available for combined master’s/PhD programs). UBC invests over $10 million annually in international student awards.
- Value: Ranges from $10,000 to $20,000 per year, renewable for up to two years.
- Eligibility: Open to international students with strong academic records and leadership skills. Must hold a Canadian study permit.
- Application Process: Automatic consideration upon admission for most awards. Some require a separate application through UBC’s graduate studies portal.
- Fields of Study: All graduate programs, including business, engineering, and social sciences.
Tip: Apply by UBC’s admission deadline to ensure eligibility for merit-based awards.
3. University of Alberta Graduate Scholarships
The University of Alberta, ranked among Canada’s top five universities, provides generous funding for international master’s students, including the International Student Entrance Scholarship and Graduate Entrance Scholarship.
- Value: Up to $5,000 for entrance scholarships; additional awards range from $10,000 to $26,400 (e.g., University of Alberta Research Scholarships).
- Eligibility: Requires a minimum GPA of 3.7 and full-time enrollment in a master’s program.
- Application Process: Automatic consideration upon admission for most scholarships. Some require a separate application with a statement of intent.
- Fields of Study: Strong focus on engineering, natural sciences, and health sciences.
Tip: Explore the University of Alberta’s scholarship database for program-specific awards.
4. University of Saskatchewan Guaranteed Entrance Scholarship
The University of Saskatchewan offers the Guaranteed Entrance Scholarship for high-achieving international students, ensuring financial support for those with top grades.
- Value: Up to $16,000 for master’s students.
- Eligibility: Minimum 85% admission average and full-time enrollment.
- Application Process: Automatic consideration upon admission.
- Fields of Study: All master’s programs, with emphasis on agriculture, engineering, and health sciences.
Tip: Maintain an 80% average to renew the scholarship for the duration of your program.
5. McGill University Scholarships
McGill University in Montreal offers the McCall MacBain Scholarship, a fully funded program for master’s and professional degree students, covering tuition, living stipends, and leadership development.
- Value: Up to $8,500 for master’s students; McCall MacBain covers full tuition and provides a $2,000 monthly stipend.
- Eligibility: Exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and community involvement.
- Application Process: Separate application required, including essays and interviews.
- Fields of Study: All master’s programs, particularly in public policy, education, and health.
Tip: Highlight your leadership experience in your application to stand out.
6. University of Waterloo Master’s Awards of Excellence
The University of Waterloo is renowned for its co-op programs and research opportunities. The International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE) is a key scholarship for international students.
- Value: $2,500 per term for up to five terms (total $12,500).
- Eligibility: Open to research-based master’s students with a minimum 80% average.
- Application Process: Automatic consideration upon admission.
- Fields of Study: Strong emphasis on engineering, computer science, and mathematics.
Tip: Combine the IMAE with co-op earnings to fully fund your degree.
7. University of Calgary Graduate Awards
The University of Calgary offers a variety of scholarships for international master’s students, including the International Entrance Scholarship and program-specific awards.
- Value: Up to $40,000, with some awards covering full tuition.
- Eligibility: Minimum GPA of 2.6 and demonstrated leadership skills.
- Application Process: Automatic consideration for most awards; some require a separate application.
- Fields of Study: All graduate programs, including energy, medicine, and social sciences.
Tip: Check the University of Calgary’s graduate awards database for additional funding.
8. University of Virginia International Entrance Scholarship
While primarily known for undergraduate scholarships, the University of Virginia (likely a confusion with Canadian institutions in the transcript) offers graduate funding through partner programs. For clarity, we’ll focus on a similar Canadian university, University of Victoria, which provides graduate entrance scholarships.
- Value: From $3,000 to $10,000.
- Eligibility: Open to international students with strong academic records.
- Application Process: Automatic consideration upon admission.
- Fields of Study: All master’s programs, with strengths in environmental studies and humanities.
Tip: Apply early to maximize your chances of receiving an award.
9. Carleton University Graduate Scholarships
Carleton University in Ottawa is known for its generous scholarship program, offering over $31.9 million annually. The International Award of Excellence and Graduate Entrance Scholarships are available for master’s students.
- Value: $4,000 to $16,000.
- Eligibility: Minimum 80% admission average.
- Application Process: Automatic consideration upon admission.
- Fields of Study: Strong focus on public policy, journalism, and engineering.
Tip: Maintain a high GPA to renew your scholarship.
10. York University International Student Scholarship
York University in Toronto offers automatic entrance scholarships for international master’s students, making it an accessible option for funding.
- Value: Up to $2,000, with additional awards up to $180,000 for select programs.
- Eligibility: Strong academic performance and full-time enrollment.
- Application Process: Automatic consideration upon admission.
- Fields of Study: All master’s programs, including business, arts, and social sciences.
Tip: Explore York’s graduate funding portal for additional bursaries.
Government-Funded Scholarships for International Students
In addition to university-specific scholarships, the Canadian government offers prestigious awards to attract top talent:
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship: $50,000 per year for three years, open to doctoral and combined master’s/PhD students with exceptional research potential.
- Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships: Up to $60,000 per year for three years, focusing on social sciences and humanities.
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS): $15,000 per year, available at Ontario universities like Toronto, Waterloo, and York.
- Quebec Merit Scholarships for Foreign Students: Supports master’s and doctoral students in Quebec universities like McGill.
Application Tip: Most government scholarships require a nomination from your university, so contact your graduate program coordinator early.
How to Apply for Scholarships in Canada
Securing a scholarship requires careful planning and preparation. Follow these steps to increase your chances:
- Research Early: Visit university websites and scholarship databases like ScholarshipsCanada.com to identify eligible awards.
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet academic, language, and program-specific requirements.
- Prepare Documents: Common requirements include transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of intent, and proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL). Some scholarships, like those at Carleton and Waterloo, waive IELTS for students from English-speaking countries.
- Apply for Admission: Most entrance scholarships are awarded automatically upon admission, so submit your application by the university’s deadline.
- Submit Separate Applications: For scholarships like McCall MacBain or Vanier, complete a separate application with essays and research proposals.
- Highlight Achievements: Emphasize your academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement in your application.
- Seek Guidance: Contact university scholarship offices or mentors for advice.
Pro Tip: Apply to multiple universities to increase your chances of receiving a scholarship.
Tips for a Successful Scholarship Application
- Tailor Your Application: Customize your statement of intent to align with the scholarship’s goals.
- Showcase Leadership: Highlight extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or professional experience.
- Meet Deadlines: Submit applications well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.
- Proofread: Ensure your application is free of errors and clearly communicates your qualifications.
- Follow Up: Check with the university to confirm your application status.
Challenges and Solutions
- Challenge: High competition for fully funded scholarships.
- Solution: Apply to multiple scholarships and consider partial awards to supplement funding.
- Challenge: Complex application processes.
- Solution: Break down requirements into manageable tasks and seek help from university advisors.
- Challenge: Maintaining scholarship eligibility.
- Solution: Maintain the required GPA (e.g., 80% for Waterloo) and enroll full-time.
Conclusion
A free master’s degree in Canada is within reach for international students in 2025, thanks to generous entrance scholarships offered by top universities like the University of Toronto, UBC, and Waterloo, as well as government-funded programs. By researching opportunities, preparing a strong application, and showcasing your academic and leadership potential, you can significantly reduce or eliminate the cost of your graduate education. Start exploring these scholarships today, and take the first step toward achieving your academic and career goals in Canada.
For more information, visit university websites and scholarship databases. Your dream of studying in Canada is closer than you think!
Matthew