Top 17 PhD Scholarships In Canada!

You're in for an academic journey if you've decided to pursue a PhD in one of the best countries in the world. Canada is one of the top ten global destinations for international students. With nearly 12% of its student population being international, Canada ranks among the top 10 welcoming over 20,000 new PhD candidates yearly. The country has over 100 research-intensive universities, with institutions such as the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia consistently ranking among the world's top 50. Furthermore, PhD students frequently benefit from generous PhD scholarships in Canada, with an average award range of CA$ 15,000 to CA$ 50,000 per year depending on the program and institution.

17 Top PhD Scholarships in Canada 

From award amounts to type of scholarship, let’s take a detailed look at PhD scholarships in Canada. The list contains the type of PhD scholarship in Canada, who offers it, deadlines, and many more aspects!

1. University of Alberta Scholarships

Award Grant: CA$ 21,000 (an additional CA $10,000 for international students)
Offered By: University of Alberta
Deadline: January 10, 2025
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration/Time Period: Full time

This is one of Canada's best PhD scholarships. Due to its numerous funding alternatives, the University of Alberta, which was established in 1908, is a well-liked option for international students. PhD candidates can get a large CA$ 21,000 stipend through the Graduate Entrance Scholarship, which is open to master and doctorate candidates. International applicants will also get an additional CA$ 10,000 to help with tuition. 

Eligibility requirements for this PhD scholarship in Canada:

• You have to be admitted in Jan 2025, May 2025, July 2025, and Sept 2025
• You have to be newly admitted in one of the above-mentioned terms in a doctoral program
• You must have a GPA of 3.7 or higher 
• You have to be a full-time student

2. University of Waterloo Scholarships 

Award Grant: $10,000
Offered By: University of Waterloo
Deadline: February 14, 2025
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration/Time Period: Full time

This is considered one of the best PhD scholarships in Canada for international students. Ranked 8th as the Best Global University in Canada, the University of Waterloo is a top choice for students worldwide. Offering fully funded PhD scholarships in Canada, including the University of Waterloo Graduate Scholarship worth up to $10,000, the perks extend to the International Master’s Award of Excellence, valued at $2,500 per term for a maximum of 6 terms. Deadlines vary by program, so check for yours and seize the opportunity to make your academic journey exceptional!

Eligibility requirements for this PhD scholarship Canada:

• You have to take a full-time program.
• Your cumulative average must be at least 80% or first class in your current program.
• You will be nominated by the department based on your allocation of funds.

3. University of Saskatchewan Scholarships

Award Grant: CA$ 20,000
Offered By: University of Saskatchewan
Deadline: March 3, 2025
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration/Time Period: Full-time

Being one of the most affordable universities in Canada, The University of Saskatchewan is seen as a leader in collaborative research and water research. Deemed among the finest fully funded PhD scholarships in Canada. Recognized as an outstanding PhD scholarship in Canada, you can unlock opportunities with the fully funded University of Saskatchewan Graduate Scholarship, available for all international master's and Ph.D. students. Here's the kicker: PhD candidates can snag up to CA$ 20,000 over 36 months. No extra paperwork – once you're in, your academic achievements and financial needs automatically put you in the running for this fantastic scholarship!

Eligibility requirements for this PhD scholarship in Canada:

• You must have a cumulative 80% grade point average 
• You should have completed your masters in a relevant study field from a well-known university

4. McGill University Scholarships in Canada

Award Grant: CA$ 3,000 annually
Offered By: McGill University
Deadline: 27 Sept, 2025
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration/Time Period: Full time

Join the ranks of excellence at McGill University, placed at #31 globally by QS World University Rankings 2023. Striving for accessibility, McGill provides scholarships for international students across undergraduate, master's, and Ph.D. programs. Specifically for Ph.D. aspirants, there are modest bursaries to ease financial burdens. Act promptly, as scholarship deadlines align with your admission schedule. Make your mark at McGill – where world-class education meets support for your academic journey! This stands out as a leading PhD scholarship in Canada.

Eligibility requirements for this PhD scholarship in Canada:

• Enrolled full-time at the University
• Apply for and accept maximum government student aid
• Maintain satisfactory academic standing
• Show financial need

5. Montreal University Fully Funded Scholarship

Award Grant: CA$ 21,593.35 annually
Offered By: Montreal University
Deadline: March 31, 2025
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration/Time Period: Full time

This holds a distinguished position as one of the top fully funded PhD scholarships in Canada. Meet the University of Montreal, the second-largest in Canada with 36,000 students. The UdeM Exemption Scholarship opens doors for global students, ensuring access to a top Canadian research hub. Open to all international students in undergrad, master's, or PhD programs, the Montreal University Scholarships offer up to CA$ 21,593.35 annually. 

Eligibility requirements for this PhD scholarship in Canada:

• International student (not Canadian citizen or resident)
• Admitted to full-time program at UdeM
• Meet the academic requirements of the university and chosen program

6. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Award Grant: CA$ 50,000
Offered By: the Canadian Institutes of Health Research [CIHR], the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council [NSERC] and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council [SSHRC])
Deadline: 30 October 2025
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration/Time Period: Full time

Considered one of the elite-funded PhD programs in Canada, the Vanier CGS program wants awesome doctoral students! They're all about helping those with leadership skills and excellent academic achievements in social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, engineering, and health. Here's the cool part: Vanier encourages you to explore beyond where you got your last degree. If you're a smart cookie in social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, engineering, or health, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships might just be waiting for you!

Eligibility requirements for this PhD scholarship in Canada:

• Nominated by a Canadian institution with a Vanier CGS quota
• Pursuing first doctoral degree (only eligible for PhD part of combined degree)
• Completed less than 20 months of doctoral studies by May 1, 2024
• Maintained a first-class average in two years of full-time study

7. The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships

Award Grant: CA$ 40,000 per year to cover tuition and reasonable living expenses and CA$ 20,000 per year as research and travel allowance
Offered By: Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation
Deadline: 25 November, 2024
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration/Time Period: Full time

Many students highly respect this PhD scholarship in Canada, which is considered to be among the best. International students studying in Canada through the University of Waterloo may apply for the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships. For people now enrolled in two- or three-year PhD studies in social science or the humanities, there is a chance. Your doctoral research ought to be connected to topics such as responsible citizenship, human rights, Canada and the world, or people and their natural environment. The scholarship comes with a pretty sweet package: CA$ 20,000 for research and travel, plus CA$ 40,000 for tuition and living expenses annually. 

Eligibility requirements for this PhD scholarship in Canada:

• Enrolled or accepted into a full-time doctoral program, expecting to finish studies in 2027 or later.
• Studying humanities or human sciences relevant to Canada's future.
• Doctoral work linked to the Foundation's Themes: Human Rights, Citizenship, Canada in the World, and the Natural Environment.
• Canadian citizen or non-Canadian in a Canadian doctoral program.

8. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships 

Award Grant: CA$ 70,000
Offered By: (CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC)
Deadline: September 17, 2024
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration/Time Period: Full time

This PhD scholarship in Canada is for both Canadian and international students who are doing amazing research in healthcare, natural science, social science, and economics for their PhD. The deal? Well, the Canadian university is giving out funds to 70 lucky students, and they get a sweet CA$ 70,000 each. Keep in mind it's taxable, and you get this support for two years. It's like a boost for your awesome research journey! 

Eligibility requirements for this PhD scholarship in Canada:

• Non-Canadian citizens must hold a Banting Fellowship at a Canadian institution.
• Canadians who earned their degree abroad must have a Fellowship in Canada.
• Canadians who earned their degree in Canada can choose a Canadian or foreign institution for their Banting Fellowship.

9. Ontario Trillium Scholarship

Award Grant: CA$ 40,000
Offered By: Government bodies
Deadline: To be announced
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration/Time Period: Full time

The Ontario Trillium Scholarship (OTS) is Ontario's way of helping international Ph.D. students financially. The Ontario Trillium Scholarship is acknowledged as one of the most esteemed PhD scholarships in Canada. Since 2010, this initiative has been supporting scholars with a 2/3 government to 1/3 institution funding setup. Each year, 15 Ontario Trillium Scholarships go to Ph.D. students at the University of Toronto. Eligible universities in Ontario pick candidates based on program criteria and merit. The scholarship lasts four years and gives partial funding for a PhD In Canada. 

Eligibility requirements for this PhD scholarship in Canada:

• An international student with a Canadian student visa.
• Proficient in English during application.
• Intent to join a full-time doctoral program.
• Cannot hold other Canadian scholarships, like QEII-GSST, or UW Provost.
• Willing to enroll in an Ontario university's doctoral program.
• Minimum 8.0 average in a full-time master’s degree.
• Not completed a degree in Ontario post-application.
• Not currently a student in Ontario.

10. Ontario Graduate Scholarship

Award Grant: CA$ 5,000 per term
Offered By: Province of Ontario and the University of Toronto
Deadline: January 31, 2025
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration/Time Period: Full time

This is acclaimed as a standout PhD scholarship within the Canadian context. The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) program is all about cheering on awesome graduate students in Ontario's universities. Since 1975, OGS has been giving out merit-based scholarships to the brightest minds across all academic fields. At U of T, this scholarship team-up is powered by both the Province of Ontario and the University of Toronto. The Province shares OGS awards with universities, saying how many each can give their students every year. 

Eligibility requirements for this PhD scholarship in Canada:

• Enrolled in a full-time graduate program in Ontario.
• Academic excellence with at least an A- average.
• Must be in a master's or doctoral program for 2 or 3 years.
• Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or international student with a valid study permit.
• Submit an OGS application by the university's deadline.

11. Simon Fraser University Scholarships

Award Grant: CA$ 25,000 annually
Offered By: Simon Fraser University
Deadline: March 31, 2025
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration/Time Period: Full time

One of the top choices for fully funded PhD scholarships in Canada, Simon Fraser University provides substantial support to international PhD students. Through the Graduate Fellowship, students can secure a CA$ 25,000 stipend, covering tuition and living expenses. The university encourages applicants from diverse academic backgrounds. With this scholarship, you’ll have a pathway to fully funded PhD studies in Canada, along with a research-intensive environment.

Eligibility requirements for this PhD scholarship in Canada:

• You must be admitted to a full-time doctoral program.
• Academic excellence with a GPA of 3.5 or higher is required.
• Open to newly admitted students for the September intake.

12. University of Toronto Fellowships

Award Grant: CA$ 18,000 – CA$ 25,000
Offered By: University of Toronto
Deadline: May 15, 2025
Type of Scholarship: Merit and need-based
Duration/Time Period: Full time

The University of Toronto offers a renowned funded PhD program in Canada, accessible to both domestic and international students. Award amounts vary, but eligible students can receive a stipend ranging from CA$ 18,000 to CA$ 25,000. Ideal for international students looking for a fully funded PhD program in Canada, this scholarship offers a range of benefits, from academic resources to financial support.

Eligibility requirements for this PhD scholarship in Canada:

• You must be a full-time student enrolled in a PhD program.
• Strong academic performance and research potential are necessary.
• Available to students in their first year of PhD studies.

13. University of British Columbia Graduate Scholarships

Award Grant: CA$ 30,000
Offered By: University of British Columbia
Deadline: January 15, 2025
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration/Time Period: Full time

UBC’s Graduate Fellowship is a sought-after PhD scholarship in Canada, offering a substantial stipend of CA$ 30,000 to help cover tuition, research costs, and living expenses. Known for its global impact, UBC fosters an inclusive and supportive environment, making it an excellent choice for international students seeking a fully funded PhD in Canada.

Eligibility requirements for this PhD scholarship in Canada:

• Admission into a full-time PhD program at UBC.
• High academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.7.
• Must demonstrate leadership and community engagement.

14. University of Ottawa Excellence Scholarships

Award Grant: CA$ 20,000 annually
Offered By: University of Ottawa
Deadline: March 1, 2025
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration/Time Period: Full time

The University of Ottawa offers one of the top PhD scholarships in Canada, granting CA$ 20,000 per year. This scholarship is ideal for international students who want to pursue a fully funded PhD in Canada. In addition to financial support, awardees gain access to academic mentorship, networking, and research resources.

Eligibility requirements for this PhD scholarship in Canada:

• You must be admitted to a doctoral program.
• Open to both Canadian and international students with a GPA of 3.7 or higher.
• Demonstrated potential for research contributions is essential.

15. Dalhousie University Graduate Scholarships

Award Grant: CA$ 22,000
Offered By: Dalhousie University
Deadline: January 15, 2025
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration/Time Period: Full time

Dalhousie University offers competitive PhD scholarships in Canada, providing a CA$ 22,000 annual stipend to cover tuition and living costs. Known for its research programs, Dalhousie supports international students, making it a top option for those looking for a fully funded PhD in Canada for international students.

Eligibility requirements for this PhD scholarship in Canada:

• Must be accepted into a doctoral program.
• Must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Open to students with a record of research excellence.

16. IDRC Research Awards

Award Grant: CA$ 42,000 – CA$ 48,000

Offered By: International Development Research Centre (IDRC)

Deadline: February, 2025

Type of Scholarship: Research-based

Duration/Time Period: Full-time

The IDRC Research Awards support PhD in Canada with scholarships that meet specific eligibility criteria. This research award provides a yearly stipend of CA$ 42,000 to CA$ 48,000 to support students conducting research in critical areas such as climate-resilient food systems, inclusive governance, global health, sustainable economics, and policymaking. 

Eligibility requirements for this PhD scholarship in Canada:

• Must hold a full-time work permit in Canada.
• Open to PhD students in Canadian universities or those who have completed a master’s degree from a recognized university.
• Must be actively involved in research.

17. Canadian Francophonie Scholarship Program

Award Grant: CA$ 42,000

Offered By: Government of Canada

Deadline: February 28, 2025

Type of Scholarship: Merit-based

Duration/Time Period: Full-time

The Canadian Francophonie Scholarship Program (CFSP) is a fully funded initiative aimed at students from Francophone developing countries. This scholarship supports master’s and PhD students, as well as professionals, providing funding for tuition, living expenses, and travel. The program focuses on capacity building by helping scholars develop skills in education, health, environmental sciences, and economic development. 

Eligibility requirements for this PhD scholarship in Canada:

• Must be a citizen of a Francophone developing country.
• Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to contributing to the development of their home country.

An incredible opportunity for students looking to ease their financial burden is amberscholar, which provides $12,000 in scholarships for those pursuing higher education at their dream university. Amberscholar scholarship helps you achieve your dream of studying at the most prestigious universities. 

Why Study PhD in Canada?

Ever wondered why so many students choose scholarship programs in Canada for their Ph.D. journey? Let’s dive into the top reasons why this beautiful country stands out as an ideal destination for academic success:

1. World-Class Universities

Canada is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world. Many of them consistently rank in the global top 100, offering high-quality research opportunities and expert faculty to guide your academic growth.

2. Work Opportunities

Here's a major bonus – PhD students in Canada aren't just studying; they're earning too! Not only are you compensated for your research work, but you're also allowed to work up to 10 hours a week during your studies. After earning your degree, you can apply for a post-graduation work permit to stay and work in Canada for up to 3 years. It’s a fantastic way to gain professional experience while making the most of your time abroad.

3. Affordable Education

PhD studies in countries like the US or the UK can often come with hefty tuition fees. Canada, however, offers a more budget-friendly option. With tuition fees typically ranging from CA$ 6,000 to CA$ 30,000 per year, it’s an affordable choice without compromising on quality. Plus, there are numerous fully funded scholarships in Canada available for both international and domestic students, making it even more accessible.

If you’re keen to know more about why you should pursue a PhD, here are some great advantages of getting a PhD in 2025!

To sum it up, fully funded PhD scholarships in Canada open doors to diverse academic journeys. From financial aid to research opportunities, these scholarships not only support your studies but also fuel your passion for exploration and knowledge. Canada welcomes you to a world of educational excellence and promising research endeavors! Now that you are looking for a scholarship for PhD in Canada, you should know the best university you can apply to, right? To help you out, here are the 10 best universities in Canada.