Canada-Scholarships for International Master’s Students in Canada (2025–2026)

Scholarships for International Master’s Students in Canada (2025–2026)

International students aiming for a master’s degree in Canada have access to numerous fully funded and partially funded scholarships. These opportunities span STEM majors and other fields, offered by government programs, universities, and private organizations. Below is an overview of prioritized fully funded scholarships (covering full tuition and living costs) and notable partial scholarships, along with key details and deadlines.

Table: Key Scholarships for Master’s in Canada (June 2025 – Dec 2026)

Scholarship Name	Provider	Application Deadlines	Direct URL
McCall MacBain Scholarships	McCall MacBain Foundation (McGill)	Aug 20, 2025 (Fall 2026 intake); Aug 2026 (expected)	https://mccallmacbainscholars.org
Mastercard Foundation Scholars (McGill)	Mastercard Foundation (McGill Univ.)	Sept–Oct 2025 (Fall 2026 intake); Sept–Oct 2026 (expected)	https://mcgill.ca/mastercardfdn-scholars
Flight PS752 Commemorative Scholarship	Govt. of Canada (Global Affairs)	June 15, 2025 (annual call; ~June 2026 expected)	https://international.gc.ca/…/flight-vol-ps752-scholarship.aspx
Québec Merit Scholarship (PBEEE)	Govt. of Québec (FRQ)	Summer 2025 (for 2026 start); Summer 2026 (for 2027)	https://frq.gouv.qc.ca (via Québec universities)
Aga Khan Int’l Scholarship Programme	Aga Khan Foundation (AKDN)	Jan–Mar 2026 (2026–27 cycle); Jan 2027 (next cycle)	https://the.akdn/…/international-scholarships
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)	Ontario Government / Universities	Varies by university (e.g. Oct 2025 for 2026–27)	https://osap.gov.on.ca (see OGS details)
Univ. of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships	University of Manitoba	Dept. nominations (usually Spring 2026; annual)	https://umanitoba.ca/graduate-studies/funding-awards-and-financial-aid
Waterloo Int’l Master’s Award (IMAE)	University of Waterloo	No separate deadline (awarded during admission)	https://uwaterloo.ca/…/international-funding
OAS Academic Scholarships	Organization of American States	~March 2026 (country-specific deadlines vary)	https://www.oas.org/en/scholarships/
P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship	P.E.O. Sisterhood (NGO)	Mar 15, 2026 (annual call each spring)	https://www.peointernational.org/…/international-peace-scholarship-fund

Fully Funded Scholarships for Master’s in Canada (2025–26)

A street on McGill University’s campus in Montréal, home of the fully funded McCall MacBain Scholarships.

McCall MacBain Scholarships (McGill University) – Fully Funded

Provider & Description: The McCall MacBain Scholarship is a flagship full graduate scholarship at McGill University, created by a $200 million gift from John and Marcy McCall MacBain. It provides full funding for a master’s degree (or a second-entry professional degree) at McGill. This scholarship covers 100% of tuition and fees for the normal program duration, a living stipend of C$2,300 per month, a relocation grant, and enrichment like leadership training and mentorship. Up to 30 full scholarships are awarded each year, plus dozens of finalist and regional awards (worth $5,000–$20,000) for top candidates.

Prerequisites & Eligibility: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree (or be in their final year) and be 30 years old or younger by the year of application. Both Canadian and international students are eligible – deadlines differ by region. Importantly, you must apply for the McCall MacBain Scholarship before applying to McGill (the scholarship application precedes university admission). Candidates are selected on leadership, academic excellence, and community engagement.

Application Timeline: Opens in June each year and closes by late August/September for the following year’s Fall intake. For example, for Fall 2026 admission the application opens June 2025; international applicants must apply by August 20, 2025 (Canadian/U.S. applicants by September 24, 2025). Finalists are interviewed in late 2025, and scholarship winners are announced by March 2026. (Expect a similar cycle in 2026 for Fall 2027.)

Call-to-Action: Apply Now ➔ – Begin your McCall MacBain Scholarship application on the official site.

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (Graduate-Level at McGill) – Fully Funded

Provider & Description: The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (MCF) is a global initiative to train next-generation African leaders. At McGill University, this program offers fully funded master’s scholarships to talented Sub-Saharan African students who are committed to giving back. It specifically supports master’s studies in fields that will improve nutrition, public health, public policy, or sustainable agriculture in Africa. The scholarship covers full tuition, fees, living expenses, travel, and other necessities for awardees (forming a comprehensive package similar to other MCF programs). Scholars also benefit from leadership development, mentorship, and networking through the Foundation.

Prerequisites & Eligibility: Open only to citizens of Sub-Saharan African countries (who are not permanent residents of Canada/US/EU). Applicants must have a strong academic record (first-class honors or equivalent is advantageous), demonstrate leadership and service in their communities, and commit to returning to Africa to apply their education. You must qualify for admission to an eligible McGill master’s program (and have never completed a master’s degree before). Fields of study are limited to specific programs relevant to development (a list is provided by McGill).

Application Timeline: Annual call in early fall: For the 2025–2026 academic year, applications opened September 23, 2024 and closed October 25, 2024. (The next cycle is expected in Sept–Oct 2025 for Fall 2026 admission.) The process involves two stages: first apply to the MCF Scholars Program (with essays and references), and if pre-selected, you’ll be invited to apply to McGill University with an application fee waiver. Final scholarship decisions are made by March for the upcoming fall intake.

Call-to-Action: Apply Now ➔ – View McGill’s MCF Scholars Program page for eligibility and the next application cycle.

Flight PS752 Commemorative Scholarship – Fully Funded (1-Year)

Provider & Description: This scholarship is funded by the Government of Canada (Global Affairs) to honor the victims of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752. Starting in 2023, Canada committed to awarding 176 scholarships over 5 years in memory of the 176 victims of the tragedy. The PS752 Scholarship provides about C$25,000 for one academic year, covering tuition, living expenses, health insurance, travel, and other study costs. It is essentially a one-year full-ride award intended to remove financial barriers for the recipients. Eligible students may reapply in subsequent years (and indeed many scholarship holders renew for a second year of funding).

Eligibility: Both international and domestic students studying at Canadian universities or colleges can apply (international applicants must hold a valid Canadian study permit). Applicants must be enrolled full-time in a post-secondary program in Canada and have at least one year of studies remaining. Notably, all fields are welcome – from engineering and health sciences to business or arts – but students whose studies relate to the victims’ fields or to air safety will receive extra consideration. (Victims of Flight PS752 were primarily students and academics in fields like engineering, science, and medicine.)

Application Timeline: Annual deadline around mid-June: For the 2025–2026 academic year, the deadline is June 15, 2025. Applications typically open in the spring. The simple online form requires proof of identity and enrollment, transcripts, a budget, and a short motivation letter explaining how your studies align with the legacy of Flight PS752. (Another call is expected in spring 2026 for the 2026–2027 year, as the program runs until around 2027.)

Call-to-Action: Apply Now ➔ – Submit your application through the official PS752 Scholarship portal by the deadline.

Québec Merit Scholarship for Foreign Students (PBEEE) – Fully Funded

Provider & Description: The PBEEE (Programme de bourses d’excellence pour étudiants étrangers) is a prestigious scholarship program by the Government of Québec. It aims to attract top international talent to Québec’s universities. PBEEE awards are divided by level; for master’s-level research students, the scholarship is C$20,000 per year for up to 2 years, which can fully cover tuition and a large portion of living expenses. (Doctoral awards are $25,000/year for up to 3 years.) This is a merit-based scholarship – effectively a full-ride for many research-based master’s programs in Québec – and it’s open to all academic disciplines (with allocations across health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, arts, etc.).

Prerequisites & Eligibility: Candidates must be foreign nationals (not Canadian citizens or PR) and meet a host of academic criteria. You need to be enrolled or accepted into a Québec university for a research-focused graduate program (thesis-based master’s). Each university pre-selects a limited number of applicants to nominate to the provincial competition. Generally, you should have an excellent academic record (e.g. first-class GPA) and not have completed too many semesters of your master’s program yet (usually ≤ 1 year of study prior to the award start).

Application Process & Timeline: The process is coordinated by Québec universities. Typically, in summer (June–August), interested students submit applications to their university’s graduate awards office. For example, Concordia University’s internal deadline has been July 31 for PBEEE applications. Universities forward nominees to the provincial funding agency (FRQNT) by the fall, and final decisions are announced around early the next year. If you plan to start or continue a master’s in Québec in 2026, watch for the PBEEE competition opening by summer 2025. (Likewise, a summer 2026 competition will cover 2027 intakes.)

Call-to-Action: Learn More ➔ – Check the FRQ official call and contact the graduate studies office at your Québec university for application forms and deadlines.

Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme – Fully Funded (50% Grant, 50% Loan)

Provider & Description: The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) International Scholarship Program is a highly competitive award for outstanding students from select developing countries. It provides funding for postgraduate studies (master’s or doctoral) for students with no other means to afford education. The unique aspect is that the funding is 50% grant and 50% zero-interest loan (payable over five years after graduation). In practice, AKF will cover all educational expenses (tuition, living, travel, etc.) as needed, but recipients sign an agreement to repay half the amount. This effectively makes it a fully funded scholarship upfront, enabling scholars to study at any accredited university of their choice (including in Canada), while fostering a commitment to pay forward the opportunity.

Eligibility: The program is open to nationals of certain countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Currently, eligible countries include Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, several East and West African nations, Egypt, Syria, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, etc.. Candidates from these countries residing in other nations (like Canada, USA, etc.) may also apply if they are originally from the listed countries. Applicants must be under 30 (preference), have excellent academic records and admissions to a reputable graduate program abroad. Financial need is a major criterion – you must demonstrate that you truly require the funding and have exhausted other options.

Application Timeline: Annual cycle starting each January: The 2025–2026 award cycle closed on March 31, 2025. The next cycle opens January 2026, with deadlines typically by March 31, 2026 (deadlines may vary slightly by country). Applications are handled through local Aga Khan Foundation offices or Aga Khan Education Boards in your country. Tip: Begin preparing early – you’ll need proof of admission to a master’s program, academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a detailed personal statement. Only a limited number of new scholarships are granted each year, so the process is highly competitive.

Call-to-Action: Apply Now ➔ – Visit AKF’s official page for instructions and contact your local AKF office to obtain the application forms.

Partially Funded Scholarships for Master’s in Canada

Not every scholarship covers the full cost, but many partial scholarships can significantly offset tuition or living expenses. Below are notable partial funding opportunities open to international master’s students across Canada:

Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) – Partial Funding (~C$15,000)

Provider & Description: The OGS program is funded by the Government of Ontario in partnership with Ontario universities. It recognizes academic excellence in graduate studies across all disciplines. An OGS is worth C$5,000 per academic term – usually C$15,000 for one year (two or three consecutive terms). It’s a merit-based scholarship and can be held for up to two years at the master’s level (separate application each year). While OGS doesn’t fully waive tuition, a $15k award substantially reduces the financial burden and can often be combined with teaching/research assistantships.

Eligibility: International students are eligible at certain Ontario universities. (Each university is allotted a limited number of OGS awards for international students – often targeting top applicants from abroad.) You must have an A- or higher average in your last two years of study to apply, and be accepted into a full-time graduate program in Ontario. Both master’s and PhD students can apply. Note that you apply through the university you will attend – not directly to a provincial portal.

Application Timeline: Varies by institution: Generally, universities open OGS applications in the fall for the next academic year. For example, at University of Toronto the internal deadline might be late October 2025 for awards starting in 2026. Other schools may have deadlines from October 2025 through January 2026 for the 2026–27 OGS cycle. Check your university’s graduate funding webpage for exact dates and application forms. Results are usually announced in spring. (Similarly, an OGS competition will run in late 2026 for the 2027 academic year.)

Call-to-Action: Learn More ➔ – Read about OGS on the Ontario government site, and apply through your university’s graduate studies office.

University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF) – Partial Funding (C$20,000/year)

Provider & Description: The University of Manitoba offers these generous fellowships to attract top graduate students. A UMGF provides C$20,000 per year for a Master’s student (and C$25,000/year for PhD). Master’s fellowships are tenable for up to 2 years (total $40k) – a substantial amount that can cover tuition (which is relatively moderate at Manitoba) and contribute to living costs. UMGFs are funded by the university’s Faculty of Graduate Studies, and over $2 million is allocated annually to support both domestic and international students. All fields of study are eligible.

Eligibility: International students are eligible for UMGFs on the same footing as Canadians. You must have achieved a minimum GPA of 3.75 (approx A-) in your last 60 credits of study. Typically, students receive UMGF offers at admission or during their first year, based on academic merit and the recommendation of their department. You must be admitted as a full-time research-based graduate student (course-based programs are usually ineligible).

Application Process: You do not apply directly to a central entity; instead, departments nominate their top applicants or students. Each department at UManitoba has its own timeline and process – often aligning with admission applications. For example, if you apply for Fall 2026 admission, your department may automatically consider you for UMGF and submit a nomination in early 2026. In some cases, departments ask students to submit a separate fellowship application (usually by spring). It’s best to contact your program’s graduate advisor to express interest in UMGF and ensure you’re considered.

Call-to-Action: Learn More ➔ – See UManitoba’s official UMGF page for award details and ask your department about the nomination process.

University of Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE) – Partial Funding (C$2,500/term)

Provider & Description: The IMAE at University of Waterloo is a scholarship specifically for international master’s students in research programs. It is valued at C$2,500 per term for up to 5 terms, totaling C$12,500 for a two-year master’s. This award is automatically offered to a limited number of top international students – you do not need a separate application. It’s a supplement to any other funding your faculty may provide (such as supervisor grants or assistantships). Waterloo’s goal is to recognize high-achieving international students and ease the tuition differential they pay.

Eligibility: All international students admitted to a full-time research-based master’s program (thesis or major research paper) are eligible, in any faculty. Typically, recipients have excellent academic records (often minimum 80% GPA or higher) and meet the criteria set by their department. You must not be receiving external awards like OGS or fully funded sponsorship concurrently (as those may impact eligibility). Since IMAE is merit-based, ensure that your application for admission highlights your academic achievements.

Availability & How It Works: No separate deadline or form. When you apply to Waterloo, departments will nominate admitted students for IMAE consideration. Awards are then issued along with admission offers or shortly after. The funding is usually split across terms (e.g. $2,500 each term in year 1, possibly renewable into year 2). If you’re awarded an IMAE, it will be stated in your offer of admission or funding letter. (If not, it means another form of funding or no funding was given – you can still seek graduate assistant jobs on campus.)

Call-to-Action: Explore Waterloo Funding ➔ – Visit Waterloo’s graduate funding page for international students to learn about IMAE and other awards.

OAS Academic Scholarships (Organization of American States) – Partial Funding

Provider & Description: The OAS, a coalition of countries in the Americas, offers academic scholarships for graduate study in member states. This means a student from an OAS member country (Latin America & Caribbean, or other OAS states) can receive an OAS scholarship to study in Canada (which is an OAS member). These scholarships can fund Master’s or PhD programs up to two years. The OAS awards have a monetary cap (around US$10,000–$15,000 per year), which can cover a portion of tuition and living costs. In some cases, OAS scholarships also come with a tuition waiver arrangement or other benefits depending on partnerships with universities. While not full coverage, this is a significant regional opportunity for students from the Americas to afford Canadian graduate education.

Eligibility: Applicants must be citizens of an OAS member state (any country in the Americas, including the Caribbean). You apply through your country’s OAS National Liaison Office (often managed by the government or a scholarship authority). Typically, you must hold a bachelor’s degree, have a good academic record, and secure admission (or at least apply) to an accredited graduate program in Canada (or another OAS country not your own). Each country may impose additional criteria or quotas. Commitment to return home after studies for a period is usually required (to contribute back to your country).

Application Timeline: Yearly calls, usually opening in fall or winter: For instance, the 2025 OAS Scholarships had deadlines around March–April 2025 (varied by country, e.g. March 7 in some, April 4 in others). Expect the 2026 competition to be announced by late 2025 with deadlines in the first quarter of 2026. The application involves filling out the OAS online form, submitting academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and an admission letter or proof of application to the Canadian university. Your country’s OAS office will have specific instructions. Results are usually out by summer, for studies starting in the fall.

Call-to-Action: Apply Now ➔ – Check the OAS Academic Scholarships page and contact the OAS scholarship liaison in your home country for application guidelines.

P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (IPS) – Partial Funding (up to US$12,500)

Provider & Description: The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund is a longstanding program (est. 1949) that provides scholarships to women around the world to pursue graduate study in the U.S. or Canada. The maximum award is US$12,500 per year (approx. C$17,000). This funding is renewable for a second year. While IPS won’t cover full costs at a pricey university, it can substantially assist with tuition or living expenses, and many IPS scholars secure additional support from their universities. The philosophy of IPS is to foster global peace through education, so recipients are expected to return to their home countries after graduation and make a positive impact.

Eligibility: Only female students are eligible. You must be a citizen of a country other than the U.S. or Canada (i.e. international student) and already admitted to a full-time graduate program in the U.S. or Canada. Doctoral, Master’s, and even certain graduate certificate programs are eligible (so long as they are full-time and at an accredited institution). Selection is based on merit, need, and the potential of your chosen field to benefit others. You will need to demonstrate that you have secured adequate additional funding to cover the remainder of your expenses (the scholarship is not intended to cover everything, but to be one piece of your funding plan).

Application Timeline: Annual cycle with a spring deadline: Applications for the 2025–26 academic year were due by March 15, 2025. For the 2026–27 cycle, the deadline will be around March 15, 2026. The process involves first submitting an eligibility form (typically by early winter, e.g. December), after which eligible candidates are invited to complete the full application. The full application includes personal essays, financial statements, and recommendation letters. Final award announcements are made by May. Important: You must have an admission offer from a university before the award is paid out, and the funds are sent directly to the institution.

Call-to-Action: Apply Now ➔ – Visit the P.E.O. IPS page for instructions and submit the preliminary application form to start the process.

---

Conclusion & Tips: Pursuing a master’s in Canada is an exciting goal, and with the right scholarship, it can be financially attainable. Start early – many fully funded scholarships (like McCall MacBain or PBEEE) have deadlines up to a year before your program begins. Focus on scholarships tailored to your background (e.g. region-specific programs for which you qualify, or university scholarships for which you’ll be automatically considered). Prioritize fully funded opportunities, but don’t overlook partial awards; stacking a few partial scholarships and assistantships can fully fund you as well. Be sure to check official websites for the most current information, as availability and deadlines can evolve each year. With diligent planning and a strong application, you could join the ranks of international scholars in Canada, benefiting from world-class education without the financial burden.

Sources:

• McCall MacBain Scholarships – McGill University (Full graduate scholarship details)
• Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – McGill (Graduate, fully funded for African students)
• Flight PS752 Commemorative Scholarship – Global Affairs Canada (Scholarship values and inclusions)
• Québec PBEEE Merit Scholarships – FRQ (Master’s award amount)
• Aga Khan Intl. Scholarship Programme – AKDN (50% grant/loan structure)
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship – Government of Ontario (merit scholarship amount)
• Univ. of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships – UManitoba (new master’s funding rates)
• Waterloo IMAE – University of Waterloo (award value per term)
• OAS Academic Scholarships – OAS / EduCanada (eligibility and purpose)
• P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship – P.E.O. International (max award and mission)