When I first started looking into master’s programs in Canada, I genuinely believed that the scholarships were reserved for domestic students or a handful of international applicants with perfect GPAs and decades of research experience. I assumed that my application wouldn’t even be looked at because I wasn’t Canadian, and I thought the cost of international tuition would be an insurmountable barrier. I spent weeks scrolling through university websites, feeling increasingly discouraged by the pages and pages of funding opportunities that seemed to be exclusively for citizens and permanent residents. It felt like I was chasing a dream that wasn’t designed for someone like me.
But the more I dug into the actual policies and available programs, the more I realized how wrong my initial assumptions were. Canada is actually one of the most welcoming countries in the world for international graduate students, and the funding landscape is far more accessible than I had ever imagined.
The Federal Landscape: What the Government Actually Offers
One of the biggest surprises in my research was discovering just how much the Canadian government invests in attracting international talent to its universities. The federal government, through agencies like the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), collectively fund a significant portion of graduate research across the country. These three agencies, often referred to as the Tri-Agencies, administer the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Master’s (CGRS-M) program, which is one of the most prestigious master’s funding opportunities in the country.
The CGRS-M program provides $27,000 for one year of master’s study, and it’s designed to help develop research skills and support students who demonstrate a high standard of achievement in undergraduate and early graduate studies. The application deadline for the 2026-27 academic year is December 1, 2026, which gives you a clear target to work toward. However, there’s an important distinction that many international students miss: the CGRS-M program is primarily for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Some universities, like the University of British Columbia, explicitly state that “international students are not eligible for the CGRS M and should refer to Affiliated Fellowships Master’s Program, which runs in parallel”. This doesn’t mean international students are excluded from federal funding entirely; it just means you need to know which specific programs are open to you.
For example, at the University of Toronto, the CGRS-M competition starts accepting applications for NSERC, SSHRC, and CIHR master’s scholarships at the beginning of September each year, but international students need to be aware of the specific eligibility rules that apply to them. Some provincial programs, like the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS), are available to international students, with a maximum of two years of OGS awards for master’s students. The OGS is valued at $15,000 for one year, awarded as $5,000 per semester for up to three semesters. At the University of Toronto, the OGS program has been providing merit-based scholarships since 1975 to graduate students in all disciplines of academic study. However, you need to check individual university deadlines; at the University of Guelph, for instance, the deadline for 2026-27 OGS funding was February 6, 2026.
Another federal program worth watching is the broader Canadian Government Scholarships 2026, which are open to international students enrolling in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programmes. These scholarships support studies at Canadian universities, colleges, and technical institutes, and applications for the fully funded program were due by March 31, 2026. While the deadline for the current cycle may have passed, these programs typically run annually, so it’s worth marking your calendar for next year’s application window.
The Provincial Programs: Ontario Leads the Way
While federal funding is important, the provincial programs are where many international students find their most accessible opportunities. Ontario, in particular, has one of the most developed scholarship ecosystems for graduate students in the country. The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) program is funded jointly by the Province of Ontario and participating universities, and it’s designed to encourage excellence in graduate studies at publicly-assisted universities in Ontario.
For the 2026-27 academic year, the OGS program offers $5,000 per academic term for either two or three consecutive terms, totaling either $10,000 or $15,000 for the year. Both master’s and doctoral students are eligible, and the program is merit-based, meaning it rewards academic excellence rather than financial need. At the University of Toronto, the OGS application deadline for the 2026-27 cycle passed on March 16, 2026 for international students, but this gives you a clear timeline for future applications.
One thing I found particularly interesting is how the OGS interacts with other forms of funding. Master’s students may receive a maximum of two years of OGS awards, which is a useful limit to keep in mind when planning your funding strategy. The program is also available at other Ontario institutions, including the University of Waterloo, where it’s awarded as $5,000 per term, and at the University of Guelph, where the deadline was February 6, 2026.
There are also specialized provincial programs like the Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship (AGES), which is a fully funded graduate excellence award provided by the Government of Alberta and administered through the University of Alberta. This program offers between $12,000 and $30,000 per year for master’s students, making it a highly competitive and valuable opportunity. If you’re considering studying in Alberta, this is a program you should definitely investigate further.
The University-Specific Opportunities
This is where the real gold is for international students. Canadian universities have developed extensive funding packages specifically designed to attract the best talent from around the world, and many of these are available automatically or with minimal additional application steps.
University of British Columbia
UBC is a prime example of how universities are actively recruiting international master’s students. The university offers several funding streams that are specifically available to international applicants. The International Tuition Award, for instance, assists international graduate students with their tuition fees if they are registered full-time in research-oriented master’s and doctoral programs at the UBC Vancouver campus. The award is valued at up to $3,200 per year, and the best part? Students do not need to apply, as all eligible international students are automatically considered for this scholarship.
The deadline for master’s-level funding applications at UBC is December 1, 2025 before 5:00 pm PT, but it’s worth noting that the application process for UBC’s affiliated fellowships is managed directly through your graduate program. Additionally, the Graduate Support Initiative (GSI) is a program for funding graduate students through entrance scholarships, multi-year funding packages, tuition awards, and scholarship top-ups. GSI funding is available to both international and domestic students, and allocations are made to disciplinary faculties, who then distribute the funds amongst their graduate programs.
University of Toronto
U of T is another institution with extensive funding opportunities for international master’s students. The university’s School of Graduate Studies administers a variety of scholarships, fellowships, and teaching and research assistantships that are available to international students. There are also need-based awards available to both domestic and international students who demonstrate financial need.
One of the most significant opportunities at U of T is the Mastercard Foundation graduate scholarship recruitment for the 2026-2027 academic year. Up to 20 Mastercard Foundation scholarships will be awarded, split across various graduate programs. This scholarship opportunity is open to recent alumni and graduating students at Africa Health Collaborative partner universities, making it a fantastic option for African students in particular.
McGill University
McGill University in Montreal offers some of the most prestigious master’s scholarships in Canada, and international students are well-represented in these programs. The McCall MacBain Scholarships are Canada’s largest leadership-based scholarship for master’s and professional studies. In the 2026 cohort, nineteen Canadians and eleven international students received these scholarships, and the program is expanding its international reach.
The McCall MacBain Scholarship covers full tuition and fees, a $2,300 monthly living stipend during the academic year, and additional support for living expenses in Montreal. Up to 30 full scholarships and 100 one-time awards, ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 each, are offered for 2026 admission. The application deadline for international students is August 19, 2026, while Canadian and US applicants have until September 23, 2026. Additionally, McGill offers International Student Entrance Scholarships valued at $5,000 CAD for outstanding international candidates. The university also offers other funding opportunities; for example, the Max Bell School offers scholarships valued at $5,000 each, with applications due by June 1, 2026.
University of Waterloo
Waterloo is another institution with a strong commitment to international graduate funding. The International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE) is awarded to eligible international master’s students normally entering a research-based graduate program. The award is valued at $2,500 per term for a maximum of five full-time terms within the allowable program time limits (6 terms). This provides substantial support over the course of your master’s program.
Waterloo also offers other funding opportunities, including the Global Governance Master’s Fellowship, valued between $15,000 and $25,000 annually for students in the Master’s of Global Governance program. The Science Graduate Award provides $3,375 per year for international MSc students for a maximum of two years. The university has over 100 awards and funding opportunities in the Faculty of Environment alone.
University of Alberta
The University of Alberta offers strong funding for research-based master’s programs. The Graduate Entrance Scholarship provides an additional $10,000 to international students to help cover fees. This is on top of other funding packages that the university offers. The deadline for this scholarship varies, with eligible admission terms including January 2026, May 2026, July 2026, and September 2026.
The Scholarship Databases and Search Tools
One of the most valuable lessons I learned was to use the databases and search tools that universities provide. For instance, UBC’s Affiliated Fellowships Master’s Program runs in parallel to the CGRS-M competition and is specifically for international students. Applicants must submit their application materials to their UBC graduate program by December 1, 2025.
At the University of Waterloo, the full database of awards and scholarships can be found on the Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA) webpage. The university also has over 100 awards and funding opportunities in the Faculty of Environment alone, with some awards requiring an application while others are awarded through Faculty or Department selection. The key is to look at each university’s graduate studies website carefully and identify which funding opportunities you are eligible for.
What I Learned from Getting It Wrong
When I first started this journey, I genuinely believed that master’s scholarships in Canada were primarily for domestic students. I assumed that international applicants like me would be at a disadvantage, and I nearly gave up before I even started looking properly. But the deeper I dug, the more I realized how wrong my assumptions were.
The Canadian government, through programs like the Canadian Government Scholarships 2026, actively supports international students at the master’s level. Provincial governments, particularly in Ontario, have developed programs like the Ontario Graduate Scholarship that are available to international students. And Canadian universities have created extensive funding packages specifically designed to attract international talent.
The University of British Columbia’s International Tuition Award is automatic for eligible students. The University of Waterloo’s International Master’s Award of Excellence provides $2,500 per term. McGill’s McCall MacBain Scholarships are specifically designed to include international students. The University of Alberta’s Graduate Entrance Scholarship provides an additional $10,000 to international students.
The key lesson is this: don’t assume you’re not eligible until you’ve actually checked. Every university has different policies, and what’s restricted at one institution might be wide open at another. Start early, research thoroughly, and don’t let the initial complexity of the system discourage you. The opportunities are there, but they require patience, persistence, and careful attention to deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students get master’s scholarships in Canada?
Yes, absolutely. Many Canadian universities offer scholarships specifically for international master’s students. For example, the University of British Columbia’s International Tuition Award assists international graduate students with their tuition fees, and the University of Waterloo’s International Master’s Award of Excellence is awarded to eligible international master’s students. The McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill are also open to international students.
What is the average value of master’s scholarships for international students in Canada?
The value varies widely depending on the program. Entrance scholarships typically range from CAD 1,000 to CAD 35,000 per year. The McCall MacBain Scholarship covers full tuition and fees plus a $2,300 monthly living stipend. The Ontario Graduate Scholarship is valued at $15,000 for one year. The University of British Columbia’s International Tuition Award provides up to $3,200 per year.
Do I need to apply separately for scholarships, or are they automatic?
It depends on the scholarship. Some are automatic, like UBC’s International Tuition Award, where “all eligible international students are automatically considered”. Others require a separate application, like the McCall MacBain Scholarships. Always check the specific requirements for each scholarship you’re interested in.
What is the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Master’s (CGRS-M)?
The CGRS-M is a federal scholarship providing $27,000 for one year of master’s study. It’s administered by the Tri-Agencies (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC). However, it’s primarily for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. International students should look for parallel programs like UBC’s Affiliated Fellowships Master’s Program.
When are the application deadlines for master’s scholarships in Canada?
Deadlines vary significantly by program and institution. The CGRS-M deadline is December 1, 2026. The McCall MacBain Scholarship deadline is August 19, 2026 for international students. University-specific deadlines include UBC’s December 1, 2025 deadline for master’s-level funding and the University of Guelph’s February 6, 2026 deadline for OGS. Always check the specific deadline for each scholarship you’re applying for.
Are there scholarships specifically for African students?
Yes. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has a significant presence in Canada, with opportunities at the University of Toronto and McGill University. The program is designed to support talented students from Sub-Saharan Africa.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)?
The OGS is a merit-based scholarship available to graduate students in all disciplines at Ontario universities. It’s available to international students, with master’s students eligible for a maximum of two years of awards. The program is valued at $15,000 for one year.
Can I combine multiple scholarships?
In many cases, yes. Some universities allow you to hold multiple awards simultaneously, but there may be restrictions. For example, UBC’s International Tuition Award cannot be held with the International Doctoral Tuition Scholarship (IDTS). Always check the terms and conditions of each scholarship.
Do I need to speak French to study in Canada?
No. Many universities, particularly in Ontario and British Columbia, offer programs entirely in English. However, if you’re studying in Quebec (like at McGill), French can be helpful for daily life, but many programs are offered in English.
How competitive are these scholarships?
Many of these scholarships are highly competitive. The McCall MacBain Scholarships, for example, are Canada’s largest leadership-based scholarship for master’s and professional studies. However, universities also offer a wide range of other scholarships and awards, like McGill’s 127 entrance awards ranging from $5,000 to $40,000 each. The key is to apply broadly and not put all your hopes on a single program.
