Studying in Canada for free is not common because most universities and colleges charge international students for tuition. But the good news is that Canada has many scholarships and financial help available to make education more affordable for all the the students who are looking forward to their higher education in the country of Canada.
Well, If you want to study in Canada, you can check out different scholarship programs offered by schools, the government, and private groups. Some provinces might also have special programs to help international students with money.
It’s really important for students who want to study in Canada to look into these scholarships and apply early, before they start their studies. While getting totally free education might be hard, using financial aid options can help a lot with the costs of studying in this diverse and well-respected country. Well, in this
Is Education Free in Canada?
If you’re thinking about whether there are free universities or free education in Canada, here’s the scoop: there aren’t any universities without tuition fees in Canada. However, you can still get a scholarship that covers your full tuition, which is basically like having a tuition-free education! Unlike some countries in Germany, Canada doesn’t have a rule where international students don’t pay any fees. But, as mentioned earlier, there are different ways to lower the cost of studying in Canada, and that’s what we’ll talk about today.
Well, to answer this question is education free in Canada or not if you’re thinking about whether there are free universities or education in Canada then there aren’t any universities without their tuition fees.
However, you can save tons of money with scholarships which can cover your full tuition also which is basically like having free education only. Unlike some countries such as Germany, Canada doesn’t have a rule where international
What Kinds of Scholarships Can International Students Get in Canada?
There are many ways to help pay for your education in Canada, but a lot of students choose to apply for scholarships. We can group these scholarships into different types. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Government Scholarships
- Non-Government Scholarships
- Canadian University Scholarships
Now, let’s take a closer look at each type and explore the different kinds of scholarships you can apply for under each category
| Type of Scholarship | Scholarship Name | Eligibility and Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Government Scholarships | Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships | Given to national and international post-graduates to attract top-tier intelligent minds. Students receive 70,000 CAD annually for 2 years. |
| IDRC Research Awards | Open to students from developing countries. A sum amount is transferred throughout the course tenure. | |
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships Program | Government scholarships for students pursuing Masters in Science, Engineering, Humanities, etc. The scholarship presents 50,000 CAD annually to students for three years. | |
| Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute | Fellowships for various graduate and postgraduate Indian students studying at a reputed university. Eligible students can sign up for courses or take part of their coaching from any Canadian university under SICI online. | |
| Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan | Available to students from Commonwealth nations, offering several grants every year. This scholarship changes yearly to provide different privileges. | |
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program | Provides grants to students enrolling in Ontario public universities, ranging from 5000 CAD to 15,000 CAD. | |
| Ontario Trillium Scholarship | Awarded to international PhD students, providing up to 40,000 CAD across 4 years. | |
| Canada-ASEAN SEED | Global Affairs Canada offers scholarships covering the cost of Visa and/or study/work permit fees, airfare, health insurance, living expenses, ground transportation expenses, books, and supplies. | |
| Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship (Currently Paused) | Financial assistance to students studying in Quebec, offering scholarships of up to 40,000 CAD. | |
| National Research Council of Canada (NRCC) | Research grants for students pursuing their Masters or PhD, with the price and duration depending on the study level. | |
| Non-Government Scholarships | Anne Vallee Ecological Fund | AVEF offers two 1,500 CAD scholarships to support students registered in animal research at the master’s or doctoral level in Québec or British Columbia University. |
| Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship | A 2,000 CAD prize is available to undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in Canada. Requires the submission of an essay to apply for the scholarship. | |
| Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships | 15 international scholarships for students studying at the doctoral level. Offers 20,000 CAD – 40,000 CAD for three years, including a travel allowance. | |
| Canadian University Scholarships | University of Toronto Ontario Graduate Scholarship | 10,000 CAD-15,000 CAD awarded to students at the doctoral or Masters level of study at the University of Toronto. |
| University of Waterloo International Funding | International students are awarded various scholarships to study at the University of Waterloo, ranging from 2,500 CAD to 50,000 CAD per year. | |
| University of Calgary International Scholarships | Scholarships for international students to study in Canada at the University of Calgary, ranging from 500 CAD to 60,000 CAD. | |
| University of Alberta International Scholarships | Several scholarship opportunities for international students studying at the graduate/post-graduate level at the University of Alberta. | |
| UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award | Offers international students scholarships ranging from 1,500 CAD – 50,000 CAD to study at the University of British Columbia. | |
| Queen’s University International Scholarships | Queens provide financial aids such as bank loans, etc., to international students studying at the university. | |
| McGill University Scholarships and Student Aid | McGill University offers 3,000 CAD – 12,000 CAD every year to students studying at the university. | |
| Dalhousie University Scholarships | Merit-based scholarships are given to students at Dalhousie. | |
| Western University Scholarship | Scholarships starting from 2,000 CAD and ranging up to 100,000 CAD are awarded based on your excellence |
Working While Studying & Vocational Studies
Working while studying in Canada is a smart way for international students to handle the financial challenges of living abroad. The Canadian student permit allows part-time work during the course, allowing students to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during breaks and holidays. This flexibility helps students manage their expenses and even consider the possibility of covering their study costs through earnings and scholarships.
Additionally, vocational education in Canada is a great option for those looking to ease financial stress. These programs provide practical and specialized training in various industries, improving employability and income prospects. The focus on hands-on learning often leads to quicker job placements, allowing students to start earning sooner and offset educational expenses. With shorter durations and lower tuition fees compared to traditional university degrees, vocational programs offer a cost-effective alternative for many students.
What are Tuition Waivers in Canada?
In Canada, tuition waivers typically refer to programs or initiatives offered by educational institutions, provinces, or territories that exempt certain individuals from paying all or part of their tuition fees. These waivers are often designed to make education more accessible for specific groups of students who may face financial challenges. While the specifics can vary, common categories of individuals who may be eligible for tuition waivers in Canada include:
- Indigenous Peoples: Some programs aim to support Indigenous students by providing tuition waivers or financial assistance for post-secondary education.
- Foster Care Youth: In certain provinces, youth who have been in foster care may be eligible for tuition waivers or financial support to pursue higher education.
- Former Crown Wards: Individuals who were formerly Crown wards or in government care may qualify for tuition waivers or assistance programs.
- Refugees and Asylum Seekers: Some educational institutions or provinces may have programs to support refugees and asylum seekers by offering tuition waivers or reduced fees.
- Individuals with Disabilities: Certain provinces or institutions may provide tuition waivers or financial aid for individuals with disabilities to support their pursuit of education
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs )
Q: How much money do I need to study in Canada as an international student?
Well, the cost to study in Canada & their Designated learning institutions, you might need around CAD 20,000 to CAD 30,000 per year for tuition and living expenses. Moreover, this can also vary as per the student’s lifestyle & the province in which you’re living.
Q: What are the requirements to study in Canada as an international student?
Well, first of all, you need that offer letter or you can say the acceptance letter from a Canadian School, Proof of financial support, a valid passport, and a study permit. With this, you also need to prove your language proficiency in English or French through test scores like IELTS or TOEFL
Q: Are there tuition-free universities in Canada?
To answer this question I would like to tell you that Most universities in Canada charge tuition fees but some provinces offer lower fees for international students. These options are quite rare, but there are scholarships & financial aid opportunities in these provinces.
Q: How can I get PR in Canada while studying?
To Get a PR in Canada while studying, you can apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) which will allow you to work after your studies in Canada have been completed & through this permit, you’ll be able to qualify for permanent residency (PR) through programs like Express Entry or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Q: Is it hard to get a scholarship in Canada for international students?
Scholarships can be quite hard & difficult to get but there are many available, you need to check with the universities & colleges although we have given the list of all the scholarships that are offered by the government & non-government. You just need to make sure to meet eligibility criteria maintain good grades, and submit a strong application to improve your chances
