Top 15 PhD Scholarships In Canada!

Marcel IfeanyichukwuNovember 22, 2024

0 61 11 minutes read

If you have chosen to pursue a PhD scholarships in Canada, you are in for an academic adventure. One of the top ten countries in the world for international students is Canada. Canada is one of the top 10 countries in the world for accepting more than 20,000 new PhD candidates each year, with around 12% of its students coming from other countries.

The nation is home to more than 100 research-intensive universities, including the University of British Columbia, McGill University, and the University of Toronto, all of which routinely place in the top 50 worldwide. Additionally, considerable PhD funding and scholarships are available to PhD students in Canada, with typical awards ranging from CA$15,000 to CA$50,000 annually, depending on the program and institution.

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Why Study PhD in Canada?

Have you ever wondered why so many Ph.D. candidates pick Canada? Let’s examine the main factors that make this stunning nation a top choice for academic success:

1. Top-Rated Universities: Some of the world’s most prominent universities are located in Canada. Many of them routinely place in the top 100 worldwide, providing excellent research opportunities and knowledgeable instructors to help you advance academically.

2. Employment Prospects: The best part is that Canadian PhD students are not only learning but also making money! In addition to receiving payment for your study, you are permitted to work up to ten hours per week while you are enrolled in classes. You can apply for a post-graduation work permit to remain and work in Canada for a maximum of three years after receiving your degree. It’s a great opportunity to maximize your time overseas and obtain professional experience.

3. Affordable Education: The cost of tuition for PhD programs in nations like the US or the UK can be high. On the other hand, Canada provides a more affordable choice. With annual tuition costs usually between CA$ 6,000 and CA$ 30,000, it’s a cost-effective option without sacrificing quality. It is even more accessible because Canada offers a large number of fully paid scholarships to both native and foreign students.

15 Top PhD Scholarships in Canada

PhD Scholarships In Canada

Let’s examine PhD scholarships in Canada in detail, including everything from award amounts to scholarship types. The list includes the kind of PhD scholarship available in Canada.

1. University of Alberta Scholarships

Award Grant: $21,000 CA (foreign students receive an extra $10,000 CA).
Offered By: University of Alberta
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration: Full time

This is one of the top PhD scholarships in Canada offered by the University of Alberta. Founded in 1908, the University of Alberta is a popular choice for overseas students because of its many funding options. Both master’s and doctoral applicants are eligible for the Graduate Entrance Scholarship, which offers a substantial CA$ 21,000 stipend to PhD candidates. International applicants will receive an additional CA $10,000 to help with tuition.

Qualifications needed to be eligible for this PhD program in Canada:

The required admission dates are January 2025, May 2025, July 2025, and September 2025.
It would help if you were admitted to a PhD program for the first time during one of the terms mentioned earlier.
Your GPA must be at least 3.7.
You must attend classes full-time.

2. University of Waterloo Scholarships

Award Grant: $10,000
Offered By: University of Waterloo
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration: Full time

This is regarded as one of Canada’s top PhD scholarships available to foreign students. The University of Waterloo, ranked eighth among Canada’s Best Global Universities, is a popular choice for students from all over the world. Full-funding PhD scholarships in Canada are available, including the $10,000 University of Waterloo Graduate Scholarship. Benefits also include the International Master’s Award of Excellence, which is worth $2,500 per term for a maximum of six terms. Check your program’s deadlines and take advantage of the chance to make your academic path truly remarkable!

Qualifications needed to be considered for this PhD scholarship in Canada:

You must enroll in a program full-time.
In your present program, you must have a cumulative average of at least 80% or first class.
The department will nominate you in accordance with your funding allocation.

3. University of Saskatchewan Scholarships

Award Grant: CA$ 20,000
Offered By: University of Saskatchewan
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration: Full-time

The University of Saskatchewan is regarded as Canada’s premier water research institution and a pioneer in collaborative research. Considered one of the fully financed PhD scholarships In Canada provider. The University of Saskatchewan Graduate Scholarship, which is open to all international master’s and doctoral students, is acknowledged as one of Canada’s best PhD scholarships. The worst part is this: Up to CA$ 20,000 over 36 months is available to PhD candidates. No additional paperwork is required once you apply; your financial needs and academic accomplishments will immediately get you in the running for this wonderful prize!

Qualifications needed to be considered for this PhD scholarship in Canada:

A cumulative grade point average of 80% is required.
You ought to have graduated from a reputable university with a master’s degree in a related subject of study.

4. McGill University Scholarships in Canada

Award Grant: CA$ 3,000 annually
Offered By: McGill University
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration: Full time

McGill University ranked #31 in the world by the QS World University Rankings 2023, invites you to join its ranks of greatness. In an effort to be accessible, McGill offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral scholarships to international students. There are small scholarships available specifically for Ph.D. candidates to lessen financial strains. Scholarship deadlines coincide with your admissions process, so move quickly. At McGill, where top-notch instruction and academic support are combined, you can leave your mark! McGill University is also a top provider of PhD Scholarships In Canada.

Prerequisites needed to be considered for this PhD scholarship in Canada:

Enrolled in the university full-time
Request and accept the most government student aid available.
Continue to maintain a good academic standing
Prove your need for money.

5. Montreal University Fully Funded Scholarship

Award Grant: CA$ 21,593.35 annually
Offered By: Montreal University
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration: Full time

As one of Canada’s best fully supported PhD scholarships in Canada, this one is in a unique position. Presenting the University of Montreal, the second largest university in Canada with 36,000 students. For international students, the UdeM Exemption Scholarship provides admission to a premier Canadian research center. The Montreal University Scholarships, which are available to all international students enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs, provide up to CA$21,593.35 each year.

Prerequisites needed to be considered for this PhD scholarship in Canada:

Foreign student (not a resident or citizen of Canada)
Accepted into UdeM’s full-time program
Fulfill the academic standards of the selected program and the university.
Are you curious about PhD programs in Canada? This is a comprehensive guide! Use this PhD in Canada resource to learn more about additional university and scholarship choices.

Link to scholarship

6. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Award Grant: CA$ 50,000
Offered By: The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council [NSERC], the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council [SSHRC], and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research [CIHR]
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration: Full time

The Vanier CGS program, which is regarded as one of the PhD Scholarships In Canada, is looking for fantastic PhD candidates! They are all focused on supporting individuals who possess strong leadership qualities and outstanding academic performance in the natural sciences, engineering, health, social sciences, and humanities. The best thing is that Vanier urges you to move beyond the place where you earned your most recent degree. If you have a keen interest in the scientific sciences, engineering, health, social sciences, or humanities, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships may be yours!

Requirements needed to be considered for this PhD scholarship in Canada:

A Canadian company nominated with a Vanier CGS quota
Pursuing a doctorate for the first time (only the PhD portion of a combined degree is eligible).
Finished PhD studies in fewer than 20 months by May 1, 2024
Maintained an A+ grade point average for two years of full-time coursework.

7. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships

Award Grant: CA$ 20,000 annually for research and travel expenses, and CA$ 40,000 annually for tuition and appropriate living expenses
Offered By: Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration: Full time

This PhD Scholarships in Canada stands out as one of the best and is highly respected by many students. The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships are available to international students enrolled in the University of Waterloo’s program in Canada. There is an opportunity for those currently enrolled in two- or three-year PhD programs in the humanities or social sciences. Topics like human rights, Canada and the globe, responsible citizenship, and people and their natural environment should all be related to your PhD research. The scholarship package includes CA$ 40,000 for tuition and living expenses each year, in addition to CA$ 20,000 for research and travel.

Prerequisites needed to be considered for this PhD scholarship in Canada:

Accepted or enrolled in a full-time PhD program to complete their studies by 2027 at the latest.
Studying humanities or human sciences that are pertinent to the future of Canada.
The Foundation’s themes—human rights, citizenship, Canada in the world, and the environment are connected to doctoral work.
Enrolled in a Canadian PhD program, whether a Canadian citizen or not.

8. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships

Award Grant: CA$ 70,000
Offered By: (CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC)
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration: Full time

Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships is also among the PhD Scholarships In Canada, Both Canadian and foreign students pursuing PhDs who are conducting outstanding research in the fields of healthcare, economics, natural science, and social science are eligible for this prize. The agreement? The 70 fortunate students who receive funds from the Canadian institution will each receive a handsome CA$ 70,000. Note that this support is taxable and is provided for two years. Your amazing research adventure will benefit greatly from it!

Requirements needed to be considered for this PhD scholarship in Canada:

Non-Canadian nationals must complete a Banting Fellowship at a Canadian institution.
A fellowship in Canada is required for Canadians who obtained their degrees overseas.
Canadians can select a Canadian or foreign institution for their Banting Fellowship if they received their degree in Canada.

9. Ontario Trillium Scholarship

Award Grant: CA$ 40,000
Offered By: Government bodies
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration: Full time

For international PhD candidates, there is a financial aid program called the Ontario Trillium Scholarship (OTS). In Canada, the Ontario Trillium Scholarship is regarded as one of the most prestigious PhD Scholarships in Canada. Supporting researchers with a 2/3 government to 1/3 institution funding system has been the focus of this effort since 2010. Fifteen Ontario Trillium Scholarships are awarded annually to University of Toronto Ph.D. candidates. Ontario’s eligible institutions select applicants based on merit and program requirements. The four-year grant provides partial financing for a PhD program in any field at prestigious universities in Ontario.

Prerequisites needed to be considered for this PhD scholarship in Canada:

A foreign student on a student visa to Canada.
English proficiency at the time of application.
Desire to enroll in a PhD program full-time.
Not eligible for UW Provost or other Canadian scholarships, such as QEII-GSST.
Willing to enroll in a PhD program at a university in Ontario.
A minimum 8.0 GPA is required for a full-time master’s program.
Not finished an Ontario degree after applying.
Not a student in Ontario at the moment.

10. Ontario Graduate Scholarship

Award Grant: CA$ 5,000 per term
Offered By: The University of Toronto and the Province of Ontario
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration: Full time

This PhD scholarship is regarded as exceptional in the Canadian setting. In Ontario’s institutions, the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) program is all about supporting outstanding graduate students. Merit-based scholarships have been awarded by OGS to the most talented students in all academic disciplines since 1975. This scholarship partnership at U of T is supported by the University of Toronto and the Province of Ontario. Universities share OGS awards with the Province, stating the annual number of prizes each can provide their students.

Requirements needed to be considered for this PhD scholarships in Canada:

Enrolled in a graduate program in Ontario full-time.
Academic distinction with a minimum A-average.
Must spend two or three years enrolled in a master’s or doctorate program.
An international student with a valid study permit, Canadian citizen, or permanent resident.
Apply for OGS by the deadline set by the university.

Link to scholarship

11. Simon Fraser University Scholarships

Award Grant: CA$ 25,000 annually
Offered By: Simon Fraser University
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration: Full time

Simon Fraser University, one of the best options for fully financed PhD Scholarships In Canada, offers international PhD students a lot of assistance. Students can obtain a CA$ 25,000 stipend through the Graduate Fellowship, which will cover their living expenses and tuition. Candidates with a variety of academic backgrounds are encouraged by the university. With this fellowship, you’ll have access to a research-intensive environment and a road to fully financed PhD studies in Canada.

Prerequisites needed to be considered for this PhD scholarship in Canada:

You need to get accepted into a full-time PhD program.
Academic distinction is necessary, with a GPA of 3.5 or above.
Available to students who have just been admitted for the September intake.

12. University of Toronto Fellowships

Award Grant: CA$ 18,000 – CA$ 25,000
Offered By: University of Toronto
Type of Scholarship: Merit and need-based
Duration: Full time

Among the well-known financed PhD scholarships in Canada is available to both domestic and foreign students at the University of Toronto. Eligible students may earn a stipend of CA$ 18,000 to CA$ 25,000, though award amounts vary. This scholarship is perfect for foreign students seeking a fully supported PhD degree in Canada. It provides a variety of advantages, including financial support and academic resources.

Requirements to be eligible for this PhD fellowship in Canada:

You have to be enrolled full-time in a PhD program.
Excellent academic standing and research capacity are required.
accessible to first-year PhD applicants.

13. University of British Columbia Graduate Scholarships

Award Grant: CA$ 30,000
Offered By: University of British Columbia
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration: Full time

One of the PhD Scholarships In Canada, the highly coveted Graduate Fellowship at UBC is a PhD award that provides a sizeable salary of CA$ 30,000 to assist with living expenses, research expenditures, and tuition. Renowned for its worldwide influence, UBC cultivates a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere, which makes it a great option for foreign students looking to pursue a fully financed PhD in Canada.

Qualifications needed to be eligible for this PhD program in Canada:

Enrollment in a PhD program at UBC that is full-time.
A GPA of at least 3.7 indicates high academic standing.
Leadership and involvement in the community are required.

Link to scholarship

14. University of Ottawa Excellence Scholarships

Award Grant: CA$ 20,000 annually
Offered By: University of Ottawa
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration: Full time

One of the best PhD scholarships in Canada is offered by the University of Ottawa, which awards CA$ 20,000 per year. For foreign students who wish to pursue a fully supported PhD in Canada, this grant is perfect. Awardees receive financial assistance as well as access to research resources, networking opportunities, and academic mentorship.

Qualifications needed to be considered for this PhD scholarship in Canada:

You need to be accepted into a PhD program.
Students with a GPA of 3.7 or above, both Canadian and foreign, are eligible.
Proven ability to contribute to research is crucial.

15. Dalhousie University Graduate Scholarships

Award Grant: CA$ 22,000
Offered By: Dalhousie University
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration: Full time

With an annual stipend of CA$ 22,000 to cover tuition and living expenses, Dalhousie University provides competitive PhD scholarships in Canada. Dalhousie is well-known for its research programs and welcomes international students, which makes it a great choice for anyone searching for a fully financed PhD program in Canada.

Prerequisites needed to be considered for this PhD scholarship in Canada:

Has to be admitted to a PhD program.
A GPA of 3.5 or higher is necessary.
Available to students who have demonstrated brilliance in their studies.

Link to scholarship

In conclusion, fully financed PhD scholarships in Canada provide access to a wide range of scholarly paths. These scholarships, which range from financial assistance to research opportunities, not only help you with your studies but also feed your curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. Canada invites you to a world of fascinating research projects and top-notch education! You should be aware of the top universities to apply to now that you are searching for a PhD scholarship in Canada, right? Here are Canada’s top ten universities to assist you.