Canada continues to be a top destination for international students seeking to pursue their PhD programs. With world class universities, diverse cultural opportunities, and cutting-edge research environments, Canada remains an appealing option for academic advancement. To further support international students, numerous scholarships are available to assist with tuition fees, research funding, and living costs. Here’s an in-depth look at the top 10 PhD scholarships for international students in Canada in 2025, including eligibility criteria, benefits, application processes, and key challenges.
1. Canada Graduate Scholarships – Doctoral Program (CGS-D)
Overview:
The Canada Graduate Scholarships – Doctoral Program (CGS-D) is one of the most prestigious scholarships offered to doctoral students. Administered 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), it targets students in research-intensive doctoral programs.
Eligibility:
International students are eligible if they are enrolled in a Canadian university and have been offered admission to a doctoral program. This scholarship is awarded based on academic excellence, research potential, and leadership abilities.
Benefits:
- CAD 35,000 annually for up to three years
- Covers tuition fees, research expenses, and living costs
Application Process:
Students can apply through their university’s graduate studies office or directly via the CGS-D website. Applications usually require proof of academic excellence and a solid research proposal.
2. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Overview:
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are designed to attract and retain world-class doctoral students to Canadian institutions. The program aims to foster high-quality research environments across Canadian universities.
Eligibility:
Applicants must be pursuing their first doctoral degree and demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities and research potential. International students are encouraged to apply if they have been offered admission to a Canadian university.
Benefits:
- CAD 50,000 per year for up to three years
- Financial support for tuition fees, research costs, and living expenses
Application Process:
Applications for the Vanier Scholarships must be submitted through a Canadian institution. Each university has its specific application deadlines, which should be adhered to closely.
3. Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
Overview:
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation offers scholarships to exceptional international students in the humanities and social sciences. Named after former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, these scholarships aim to foster academic excellence and promote public policy engagement.
Eligibility:
International students enrolled in a Canadian PhD program with a focus on humanities or social sciences are eligible to apply.
Benefits:
- CAD 40,000 annually for up to three years
- CAD 20,000 research allowance
- Opportunities for networking, mentorship, and career development
Application Process:
Applications can be submitted through the Trudeau Foundation website. Applicants will be required to provide a research proposal and demonstrate their commitment to contributing to public policy.
4. University of Toronto School of Graduate Studies Fellowships
Overview:
The University of Toronto offers a range of fellowships and awards to international PhD students. The School of Graduate Studies provides financial support based on academic merit, research excellence, and financial need.
Eligibility:
International students admitted to the University of Toronto’s PhD programs are eligible to apply for these fellowships.
Benefits:
- CAD 10,000 to CAD 30,000 annually
- Research grants, travel funds, and teaching assistantships
Application Process:
Students must apply for these fellowships during the admissions process. The university automatically considers admitted students for these fellowships, and additional steps may include submitting a personal statement or research proposal.
5. University of British Columbia Graduate Scholarships
Overview:
The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers several scholarships for international PhD students. These scholarships recognize academic excellence and support students in their research endeavors.
Eligibility:
International students admitted to UBC’s PhD programs are eligible for these scholarships.
Benefits:
- CAD 5,000 to CAD 20,000 annually
- Additional research grants
Application Process:
Applications can be submitted online through UBC’s graduate school portal. Some scholarships are automatically awarded upon admission, while others may require additional documentation.
6. McGill University Scholarships
Overview:
McGill University, known for its research capabilities, offers several scholarships for international PhD students. These scholarships are aimed at students with outstanding academic records and research potential.
Eligibility:
International students who have been accepted into McGill’s graduate programs are eligible for these scholarships.
Benefits:
- CAD 10,000 to CAD 30,000 annually
- Research grants and assistantship opportunities
Application Process:
Students must apply through McGill’s graduate admissions portal. Some scholarships are merit-based, while others require a separate application.
7. Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarships
Overview:
Alberta Innovates provides scholarships to support graduate students in fields such as engineering, health sciences, and environmental studies. The scholarships aim to promote innovation and research excellence.
Eligibility:
International students pursuing a PhD at an Alberta-based institution are eligible if their research aligns with Alberta Innovates’ research priorities.
Benefits:
- CAD 20,000 to CAD 30,000 annually
- Research expenses and living allowances
Application Process:
Students must submit applications directly to Alberta Innovates and provide a detailed research proposal that aligns with the organization’s funding priorities.
8. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program
Overview:
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program is designed to support graduate students in Ontario universities, including international PhD students. It encourages academic excellence and research innovation.
Eligibility:
International students enrolled in a PhD program at an eligible Ontario university are eligible to apply for the OGS.
Benefits:
- CAD 5,000 per term
- Typically awarded for one to two terms per year
Application Process:
Applications must be submitted through the participating university’s graduate office. Applicants will need to submit their academic records and research proposals.
9. Simon Fraser University Graduate Fellowships
Overview:
Simon Fraser University (SFU) offers graduate fellowships to support international PhD students. These fellowships reward academic excellence and research contributions.
Eligibility:
International students accepted into SFU’s PhD programs are eligible for these fellowships.
Benefits:
- CAD 10,000 to CAD 25,000 annually
- Research grants and teaching or research assistantships
Application Process:
Students must apply through SFU’s graduate school portal. Fellowships are often awarded automatically to high-achieving students.
10. York University International Scholarships
Overview:
York University offers several scholarships to support international PhD students. These awards are based on academic merit and research potential.
Eligibility:
International students admitted to York University’s PhD programs are eligible for these scholarships.
Benefits:
- CAD 5,000 to CAD 20,000 annually
- Research grants and assistantship opportunities
Application Process:
Applications must be submitted online via York University’s graduate portal. Applicants may also need to submit their research proposal or personal statement.
Also read: Top universities in 2026 for international Students
Conclusion
Canada offers a wealth of opportunities for international students seeking to pursue a PhD. These scholarships not only provide financial support but also open doors to world-class research facilities, mentorship, and career development opportunities. Whether through government-funded scholarships like the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships or university-specific fellowships at institutions like UBC and McGill, the options are diverse and abundant.
International students should carefully review each scholarship’s eligibility criteria and application process to maximize their chances of securing funding. With the right preparation and persistence, studying in Canada on a fully funded PhD scholarship is an achievable goal.