Study Abroad in Canada - Scholarship Awards (2024)

Accomodating Canadian College Life

Canada offers a unique opportunity for U.S. citizens wishing to study abroad. Since the United States and Canada share a border, travel between the two countries is relatively easy and students will have no trouble returning to the states to visit family during breaks. While parts of Canada are predominantly bilingual, the majority of its citizens speak English, eliminating any language barrier for Americans attending a Canadian university. American students studying in Canada will find much that is familiar, as the two countries share similar heritages. But like any melting pot, Canada has a flavor all its own. It is a nation as culturally diverse as our own, but with different European and Native influences.

Canada is home to some of the most highly regarded universities in the world, and American students will find many opportunities to expand their knowledge while broadening their cultural horizons. Studying abroad in any country can be expensive, and Canada is no different. Fortunately, there are scholarship and fellowship opportunities for exceptional American college students interested in continuing their studies in the Great White North.

Study Permits for Canada

American students interested in continuing their studies in Canada may need to apply for a study permit. Study permits are necessary for most international students attending a Canadian college or university. To obtain a study permit, students must be able to show proof of acceptance to a Canadian school, and demonstrate that they have the financial resources to pay for tuition, living expenses, and transportation to and from their country of origin. Students will also have to show proof that they are in good health, and do not present a security risk. Students with criminal records will not be issued a study permit.

Scholarships and Fellowships for Studying in Canada

Scholarships and fellowships for American students wishing to study in Canada are limited, and the competition for these awards is fierce. Consequently, scholarships and fellowships will only be available to students with exceptional academic histories. While some programs are available for general study, many are subject-specific and will only be available to students pursuing distinct fields of study. Any research fellowships will be reserved for post-graduate and doctoral students whose research proposals coincide with work being done at a Canadian college or university.

The following is a selection of scholarships and fellowships available to American students interested in continuing their college education in Canada.

• The Helen Darkovich Memorial Doctoral Fellowship is awarded annually to an international student writing a dissertation on a Ukrainian or Ukrainian-Canadian topic as it relates to education, history, law, the humanities, or women’s studies. The fellowship is administered by the University of Alberta. The total award amount is $12,500 CAD.
• Humber College offers three renewable full tuition scholarships for international students who have been accepted to the college. Eligibility is determined by academic achievement and community service. Applicants must submit letters of reference and a statement of their educational interests. The value of the scholarship ranges from $12,950 to $13,500 CAD.
• The University of British Columbia offers the International Major Entrance Scholarship for exceptional international students entering an undergraduate program at the university. Eligible students must be first time attendees of UBC, and must have a current Canadian study permit. Awards are determined on the basis of academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and intellectual promise. The total scholarship amounts is $28,000 CAD, to be divided over four years.
• The University of Waterloo offers a variety of scholarships for international graduate students involved in approved research leading to a master’s or doctoral degree. To be eligible, students must be accepted to one of the university’s master’s or PhD programs, and must have a current Canadian study permit. Awards range from $1690 CAD per term for students in a Master’s degree program to $3380 CAD per term for students in a PhD program.
• The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship was created to attract and retain world class doctoral students to Canada. The scholarship is offered to exceptional international students pursuing their doctoral degree, or combined master’s/PhD, at a participating Canadian college or university. Applicants must be nominated by a Canadian university, and must be pursuing a first time doctoral degree full-time at the nominating school. The total scholarship award is $50,000 CAD per year for three years.

Canada is a beautiful country that offers a diverse multicultural experience for American students studying abroad. From French-Canadian Quebec and the vibrant metropolis of Ontario to the frozen north and the rural outback, Canada is ready to welcome students from around the globe. American students eager to study in the Great White North will find that scholarships and fellowships may be the ticket they need to make their educational dreams come true.