Canadian Universities Expand Scholarship Opportunities for International Students
DHAKA — As Canada continues to rank among the world’s most popular destinations for higher education, scholarship opportunities offered by its universities are helping make an overseas degree more accessible for Bangladeshi students.
Every year, thousands of Bangladeshi students choose Canada for its internationally recognized universities, high academic standards, multicultural environment, post-study work opportunities, and potential pathways to permanent residency. While the cost of studying abroad remains a major concern, financial aid offered by Canadian universities has become an important source of support for academically talented international students.
“Students should begin researching scholarships as early as possible because many of the most competitive awards have application deadlines months before admission decisions are announced,” education advisers commonly recommend. “A strong academic record, leadership experience, and extracurricular involvement can significantly improve an applicant’s chances.”
Many Canadian universities automatically consider eligible applicants for entrance scholarships, while others require separate applications. Most awards provide partial financial assistance, although a limited number of prestigious scholarships cover full tuition and living expenses.
Here are six of the most popular scholarship opportunities available to international students.
University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan offers scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, PhD, postdoctoral, and selected certificate programs.
Its Guaranteed Entrance Scholarship provides awards ranging from CAD $500 to $3,000. Among its most prestigious awards is the George and Marsha Ivany President’s First & Best Scholarship, worth up to CAD $40,000 over four years. Other major awards include the Chancellor’s Scholarship, the U of S Entrance Scholarship, the Edwards Undergraduate Scholarship, and several faculty-specific entrance scholarships.
More information: https://admissions.usask.ca/requirements/deadlines.php
University of Montreal
The University of Montreal offers tuition exemption scholarships designed specifically for international students enrolled in undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs.
These scholarships help reduce tuition costs based on academic performance. However, recipients are generally expected to cover accommodation, living expenses, and other personal costs.
More information: https://admission.umontreal.ca/en/scholarship-for-international-students/
University of Toronto
The University of Toronto awards more than 4,500 admission scholarships each year, with total funding valued at approximately CAD $20 million.
Its internationally renowned Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is among Canada’s most competitive awards, covering full tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence expenses. The university also offers numerous entrance and merit-based scholarships that provide partial financial assistance.
More information: https://future.utoronto.ca/apply/
University of Alberta
The University of Alberta provides a wide range of scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students.
Merit-based entrance awards are available across various faculties, while graduate students may receive funding packages that include stipends of CAD $9,000 or more, depending on the program and research funding available.
More information: https://www.ualberta.ca/graduate-studies/prospective-students/international-admissions-protocol/international-application-deadlines.html
University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa offers scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and professional degree programs.
Its President’s Scholarship provides awards of up to CAD $30,000 over four years, while the Chancellor’s Scholarship offers up to CAD $26,000. Additional merit-based and faculty-specific awards are also available to international students.
More information: https://www2.uottawa.ca/en
McGill University
McGill University offers several entrance scholarships for high-achieving international students.
Undergraduate entrance awards typically range from CAD $3,000 to $8,500, while additional major scholarships are available for exceptional applicants. Most financial assistance is awarded on a merit basis and helps offset tuition costs.
More information: https://www.mcgill.ca/
“Scholarships can substantially reduce the financial burden of studying abroad, but they should not be viewed as guaranteed funding,” international education consultants often advise. “Applicants should prepare realistic budgets and explore multiple funding sources before making final study plans.”
Education experts also encourage students to rely on official university websites for the latest information, as scholarship values, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines may change from year to year.
For Bangladeshi students planning to pursue higher education in Canada, early preparation, strong academic performance, and carefully submitted applications remain the keys to securing valuable financial support.
