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Top PhD Scholarships In Canada 2026!
Fund Your PhD Dream!
Table of Content
- 17 Top PhD Scholarships in Canada
- 1. University of Alberta Scholarships
- 2. University of Waterloo Scholarships
- 3. University of Saskatchewan Scholarships
- 4. McGill University Scholarships in Canada
- 5. Montreal University Fully Funded Scholarship
- 6. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- 7. The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships
- 8. Ontario Trillium Scholarship
- 9. Ontario Graduate Scholarship
- 10. Simon Fraser University Scholarships
- 11. University of Toronto Fellowships
- 12. University of British Columbia Graduate Scholarships
- 13. University of Ottawa Excellence Scholarships
- 14. Dalhousie University Graduate Scholarships
- 15. IDRC Research Awards
- 16. Canadian Francophonie Scholarship Program
- 17. Mitacs Globalink Research Award
- Why Study a PhD in Canada?
If you’re planning to pursue a PhD at some of the world’s top universities while benefiting from best scholarships in Canada you’re setting yourself up for an enriching academic journey. 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 boasts more than 100 universities that are highly research-oriented, with universities like the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia. They are being ranked among the top 50 universities in the world every year. Additionally, the Canadian PhD scholarships available from the government provide an average award value of CA$ 15,000 to CA$ 50,000 per annum, depending on the field of study and the university applied to. Fully-funded PhD scholarships in Canada are all-encompassing scholarship programs that do away with any hurdles in pursuing research. It covers total tuition (CA$ 8,000 to 20,000 per year), competitive stipends in Canada for PhDs (CA$ 20,000 to 50,000 annually for 3 to 5 years), research/conference travel funding (CA$ 1,500 to 5,000) and mandatory health insurance.
17 Top PhD Scholarships in Canada
From award amounts to the 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 $10,000 for international students)
Offered By: University of Alberta
Deadline: January 10, 2026
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration/Time Period: Full time
This is one of the best PhD scholarships in Canada. Due to its numerous funding alternatives, the University of Alberta, which was established in 1908, is a well-liked option for international students. PhD candidates can get a large CA$ 21,000 stipend through the Graduate Entrance Scholarship, which is open to master's and doctoral candidates. International applicants will also get an additional CA$ 10,000 to help with tuition.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Admission Term | Jan, May, July, or Sept 2026 |
| Program Status | Newly admitted to doctoral program |
| GPA | 3.7 or higher |
2. University of Waterloo Scholarships
Award Grant: $10,000
Offered By: University of Waterloo
Deadline: February 1, 2026
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 $2,500 per term for a maximum of 4 terms. Deadlines vary by program, so check for yours and seize the opportunity to make your academic journey exceptional!
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Enrollment | Full-time doctoral program |
| Cumulative Average | 80%+ or first-class standing |
| Nomination Process | Department-nominated based on fund allocation |
3. University of Saskatchewan Scholarships
Award Grant: CA$ 20,000
Offered By: University of Saskatchewan
Deadline: March 3, 2026
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration/Time Period: Full-time
Being one of themost 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: these PhD scholarships in Canada can snag up to CA$ 20,000 over 36 months.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Cumulative Average | 80% grade point average |
| Prior Degree | Master's in a relevant field from a recognized university |
4. McGill University Scholarships in Canada
Award Grant: CA$ 3,000 annually
Offered By: McGill University
Deadline: 27 Sept, 2026
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration/Time Period: Full time
Be part of the elite scholars of McGill University, ranked at #29 internationally by the QS World University Rankings 2026. With an objective to ensure affordability, McGill offers scholarships to international students in undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. For those who wish to pursue a doctorate, there are small bursaries offered to reduce the financial pressure on them. Do not delay, as the deadline for these scholarships coincides with your admission process.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | Full-time at the University |
| Government Aid | Apply for and accept maximum aid |
| Academic Standing | Maintain satisfactory progress |
5. Montreal University Fully Funded Scholarship
Award Grant: CA$ 21,593.35 annually
Offered By: Montreal University
Deadline: March 31, 2026
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. 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.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Student Status | International (non-Canadian citizen/resident) |
| Program Admission | Admitted to full-time UdeM program |
| Academic Standards | Meet university and program requirements |
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 2026
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration/Time Period: Full time
Recognised as one of Canada’s most prestigious fully funded PhD programs, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships supports outstanding doctoral students with strong leadership potential and academic excellence. Open across fields like social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, engineering, and health, the program encourages candidates to pursue their PhD at institutions different from where they previously studied. If you have a strong academic profile and leadership drive, this scholarship could be a great opportunity to advance your research journey in Canada.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Institutional Nomination | Nominated by a Canadian institution with a Vanier CGS quota |
| Degree Status | First doctoral degree (PhD portion of combined programs only) |
| Study Duration | May 1, 2026 |
| Academic Average | First-class average in last 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, 2026
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration/Time Period: Full time
Many students highly respect this PhD scholarship in Canada. International students studying in Canada through the University of Waterloo may apply for the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships. The scholarship comes with: CA$ 20,000 for research and travel, plus CA$ 40,000 for tuition and living expenses annually.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Enrollment | Enrolled/accepted full-time PhD, completion 2027+ |
| Field of Study | Humanities/human sciences relevant to Canada's future |
| Thematic Alignment | Linked to Human Rights, Citizenship, Canada in the World, and Natural Environment |
| Citizenship | Canadian citizen or non-Canadian in Canadian PhD program |
8. Ontario Trillium Scholarship
Award Grant: CA$ 40,000
Offered By: Government bodies
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. Eligible universities in Ontario pick candidates based on program criteria and merit. The scholarship lasts four years and gives partial funding for aPhD In Canada.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Student Status | International with valid Canadian visa |
| Academic Average | Minimum 8.0 in full-time master's |
| Program Enrollment | Full-time doctoral at Ontario university |
9. Ontario Graduate Scholarship
Award Grant: CA$ 5,000 per term
Offered By: Province of Ontario and the University of Toronto
Deadline: January 31, 2026
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. 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 to their students every year.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | Full-time graduate program in Ontario |
| Academic Average | A- average minimum |
| Citizenship/Status | Canadian/PR/international with a study permit |
10. Simon Fraser University Scholarships
Award Grant: CA$ 25,000 annually
Offered By: Simon Fraser University
Deadline: March 31, 2026
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration/Time Period: Full time
Simon Fraser University is among the best universities that offer full scholarships to pursue a PhD in Canada. They provide generous funding for their international PhD students through the Graduate Fellowship program, which guarantees you CA$ 25,000 worth of stipend for your studies and living expenses. Students with varied academic interests are welcome to apply to Simon Fraser University.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Admission | Full-time doctoral program |
| Academic Excellence | GPA 3.5 or higher |
| Intake Eligibility | Newly admitted for September |
11. University of Toronto Fellowships
Award Grant: CA$ 18,000 – CA$ 25,000
Offered By: University of Toronto
Deadline: May 15, 2026
Type of Scholarship: Merit and need-based
Duration/Time Period: Full time
The University of Toronto PhD scholarships for international students offer a renowned funded PhD program in Canada, accessible to both domestic and international students. Award amounts vary, but eligible students can receive a Canada PhD 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.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | Full-time PhD program |
| Academic/Research | Strong performance and research potential |
| Year Eligibility | First-year PhD students |
12. University of British Columbia Graduate Scholarships
Award Grant: CA$ 30,000
Offered By: University of British Columbia
Deadline: January 15, 2026
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration/Time Period: Full time
The University of British Columbia (UBC) Graduate Fellowship is one of the highly-coveted PhD scholarships in Canada, providing a handsome stipend worth CA$ 30,000 towards the fulfillment of education costs, research costs, and living costs. Renowned globally, UBC provides a friendly atmosphere where international PhD students can pursue their studies with funding.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Admission | Full-time PhD at UBC |
| Academic Standing | Minimum GPA 3.7 |
| Leadership | Demonstrated leadership/community engagement |
13. University of Ottawa Excellence Scholarships
Award Grant: CA$ 20,000 annually
Offered By: University of Ottawa
Deadline: March 1, 2026
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration/Time Period: Full time
The University of Ottawa provides an excellent PhD scholarship in Canada, with CA$ 20,000 awarded annually. The scholarship is best for foreign students who wish to complete their PhD at no cost in Canada. Besides money, recipients also benefit from mentorship and networking opportunities, among other academic perks.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Admission | Must be admitted to a doctoral program |
| GPA | 3.7+ (Canadian/international) |
| Research Potential | Demonstrated contributions essential |
14. Dalhousie University Graduate Scholarships
Award Grant: CA$ 22,000
Offered By: Dalhousie University
Deadline: January 15, 2026
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration/Time Period: Full time
Dalhousie University offers competitive PhD scholarships in Canada, providing a CA$ 22,000 annual Canada PhD 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.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Admission | Accepted into doctoral program |
| Academic Standing | GPA 3.5 or higher |
| Research Record | Demonstrated research excellence |
15. IDRC Research Awards
Award Grant: CA$ 42,000 – CA$ 48,000
Offered By: International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
Deadline: February, 2026
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.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Work Permit | Full-time work permit in Canada |
| Program Eligibility | PhD at a Canadian university or master's from a recognized institution |
| Research Involvement | Active research participation |
16. Canadian Francophonie Scholarship Program
Award Grant: CA$ 42,000
Offered By: Government of Canada
Deadline: February 28, 2026
Type of Scholarship: Merit-based
Duration/Time Period: Full-time
The Canadian Francophonie Scholarships Program (CFSP) is a full scholarship program in Canada that offers PhD scholarships to students from Francophone developing countries. It is designed to help master's students, doctoral candidates, and professionals through scholarships in tuition fees, stipends, and travel costs. The main purpose of this scholarship is capacity building in terms of skill development in education, health, environmental sciences, and economic development.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Citizen of a Francophone developing country |
| Commitment | Dedication to the home country's development |
17. Mitacs Globalink Research Award
Award Grant: CA$ 15,000 (research funding for 12 weeks)
Offered By: Mitacs (funded by the Canadian government/universities)
Deadline: September 24, 2026
Type of Scholarship: Research-based
Duration/Time Period: Full-time (12-week research internship)
The Mitacs Globalink Research Award is offered to international undergraduates from partner nations to pursue summer research internships in Canadian universities. Doing a PhD from Canadian universities will help students to acquire firsthand research experience, establish a network, and pave their way towards graduate studies in Canada.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Student Status | International undergrad from partner countries |
| Academic Standing | Minimum GPA 3.5+ or equivalent |
| Research Commitment | Dedicated to collaborative Canadian research |
How to Apply for PhD Scholarships in Canada
Securing a PhD scholarship in Canada involves targeted preparation, as many awards are tied to admission and require supervisor support:
| Step | Actions | Required Documents |
|---|---|---|
| Research Programs/Funding | Identify 3-5 universities matching the field (e.g., U Toronto, McGill). Review scholarships like Vanier; note Oct-Mar deadlines. | None initially |
| Contact Supervisors | Email advisors 1-2 months pre-deadline with CV, proposal outline, transcripts. Secure commitment for nominations. | CV, transcripts, proposal outline |
| Prepare Documents | Gather and tailor all materials to the criteria. | SOP (1-2 pages), 2-3 LORs, research proposal (1-2 pages), CV, IELTS/TOEFL (if needed) |
| Apply for Admission | Submit online PhD application (CAD 100-200 fee). Indicate funding interest. | All prepared documents |
| Apply for Scholarships | Use portal/nomination for institutional; get institution nomination first for national awards (Vanier by Oct). | Admission docs + scholarship forms |
| Track/Follow Up | Use a spreadsheet for deadlines. Submit early; expect results 3-6 months later. Accept promptly. | None |
Why Study a PhD in Canada?
Curious as to why there is such a prevalence of scholarship programs in Canada among those seeking to obtain their Ph.D.? Here, we will explore some of the most compelling reasons that make Canada the perfect destination:
| Factor | Canada | UK | USA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees (Intl) | CA$6K-30K/year | £20K-35K/year | $25K-60K/year |
| Avg PhD Duration | 3-5 years | 3-4 years | 5-7 years |
| Work During Studies | 10 hrs/week + full-time summers | 20 hrs/week | 20 hrs/week (on-campus) |
| Post-Grad Work Permit | Up to 3 years | 2 years (Graduate Route) | 1-3 years (OPT/STEM) |
| Canada PhD stipend | CA$15K-50K + full funding common | £15K-25K stipends | $20K-40K, competitive funding |
| Global University Rank | Top 50 (U Toronto, McGill, UBC) | Top 10 (Oxford, Cambridge) | Top 10 (Harvard, Stanford) |
To sum it up, fully funded PhD scholarships in Canada open doors to diverse academic journeys. However, amber can help you with the best student housing in Canada, but 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 the10 best universities in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most prestigious PhD scholarships available in Canada?
Some of the most prestigious options include the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Trudeau Foundation Scholarships, and Ontario Graduate Scholarships.
Are PhD scholarships open to international candidates in Canada?
Yes, most of the scholarships for PhD studies in Canada are open to international candidates; however, the conditions may vary from one program to another.
Is full financial assistance provided by PhD scholarships in Canada?
While some PhD scholarships in Canada, such as Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, offer considerable funds to cover all the costs, other scholarships offer partial support.
What are the academic qualifications required for getting a scholarship in Canada?
Generally, applicants need to be able to prove their good academic performance, research experience, references, and write a well-prepared research plan.
When should students apply for PhD scholarships in Canada?
Application timelines usually begin a year in advance of the intended start date, with major scholarships like the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships having deadlines in the fall season.