1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship – Undergraduate
Offered by the University of Toronto, this is a prestigious program that covers tuition, books, incidental fees, full residential support, and daily living expenses for up to four years. Eligibility hinges on academic excellence, leadership potential, and creativity. Applicants must be nominated by their high school. Approximately 37 scholarships are awarded annually.
2. Schulich Leader Scholarships – Undergraduate (STEM)
Aimed at students pursuing STEM disciplines, this scholarship awards $100,000–$120,000 CAD (for engineering and other STEM majors respectively) to outstanding high school graduates. Eligible universities are among a select group across Canada.
3. UBC International Entrance Scholarships – Undergraduate
The University of British Columbia offers several scholarships—such as the International Major Entrance Scholarship and Presidential Scholars Award—that can cover full tuition and living expenses for top international candidates demonstrating exceptional academic merit.
4. McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – Undergraduate
Available to students from developing countries like Pakistan, this program covers tuition, living expenses, books, and travel, along with leadership development opportunities.
5. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) – Doctoral
Open to international PhD candidates, including Pakistanis, this prestigious scholarship provides CAD 50,000 per year for three years, recognizing academic excellence, strong research potential, and leadership. Nomination is required through a sponsoring Canadian university.
6. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) – Masters & Doctoral
This merit-based award offers around CAD 10,000–15,000 per year for graduate students at eligible Ontario universities. International students, including Pakistanis, may apply through their university.
7. University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship – Undergraduate
Provides up to CAD 60,000 over four years to high-performing international students entering undergraduate programs.
8. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF) – Masters
Awarding CAD 14,000 per year for up to two years, this scholarship supports full-time master’s students based on academic excellence.
9. University of Alberta Graduate Scholarships – Masters & PhD
Generous funding packages—often fully funded—are available at the University of Alberta for graduate-level students across disciplines.
10. University of Waterloo International Master’s and Doctoral Awards
These awards cover tuition and a living stipend for graduate students, including international students from Pakistan, pursuing master’s or doctoral studies.
11. Canada–Pakistan Talent Scholarship Program (CPTSP)
A bilateral initiative targeting Pakistani students at undergraduate and graduate levels, offering financial aid for tuition, living expenses, and other related costs.
Additional Opportunities Worth Exploring
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Canadian Francophonie Scholarship Program (CFSP): Supports master’s and PhD studies in Canada for students from developing countries, including Pakistan
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Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships: Offers around CAD 40,000/year for up to 3 years for PhD students in social and public policy fields.
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Other Provincial/Merit Scholarships: Quebec government merit awards, Simon Fraser University, Peace Scholarships, and others provide partial to full funding across Canada
Quick Comparison Table
Scholarship / Institution | Level | Coverage |
---|---|---|
Lester B. Pearson (U of Toronto) | Undergraduate | Full tuition, residence, books, living |
Schulich Leader Scholarships | Undergraduate | $100k–$120k CAD (STEM) |
UBC Entrance Scholarships | Undergraduate | Tuition & living expenses |
McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholars | Undergraduate | Full financial + leadership training |
Vanier CGS | Doctoral | $50,000/year × 3 years |
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) | Graduate | $10k–$15k/year |
Univ. of Calgary Entrance Scholarship | Undergraduate | Up to $60k over 4 years |
UMGF (Univ. of Manitoba) | Masters | $14k/year for 2 years |
Univ. of Alberta Grad Scholarships | Graduate | Full funding packages |
Univ. of Waterloo Grad Awards | Graduate | Tuition + stipend |
CPTSP (Canada–Pakistan) | Undergrad/Grad | Tuition, living, other expenses |
CFSP, Trudeau, others | Graduate/Doctoral | Varies, often full funding |
Next Steps for Aspiring Applicants:
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Identify your study level (undergrad, master’s, PhD) and shortlist relevant scholarships.
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Check each scholarship’s official website for eligibility, nomination/automatic selection, deadlines, and required documentation.
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Contact prospective Canadian universities early—doctoral scholarships like Vanier require institutional nomination.
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Seek school support for nominations, especially for scholarships like Lester B. Pearson.
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Apply proactively, staying mindful of application deadlines (many fall in November–December).