MikeeCanada offers a broad portfolio of scholarships aimed at attracting world‑class international students from short-term study opportunities to graduate-level funding.
The Government of Canada knows the value of international students and the positive impact on the economy. However providing these great scholarships attracts talented individual both skilled and unskilled.
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
One of Canada’s most prestigious awards, the Vanier CGS is a doctoral‑level scholarship designed to attract and retain top doctoral candidates. Funded at $50,000 per year for up to three years for doctoral research in health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, or humanities, it supports up to 166 scholars annually. Candidates must be nominated by a Canadian institution holding a Vanier CGS quota and demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership. For the 2025 award cycle, nominations are due by around October 2024, with applications typically accepted between July and November.
2. Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program (CGS‑M)
This scholarship supports outstanding international students pursuing a master’s degree in Canada. Recipients receive $17,500 for one year (non‑renewable), and must be nominated by a participating Canadian university granting agency such as CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC.
3. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
Supporting postdoctoral researchers, Banting Fellowships are valued at $70,000 per year (for up to two years) and are open to both international and Canadian candidates. They are awarded based on research excellence and leadership potential in a broad range of fields including health, science, engineering, social sciences, and humanities. The deadline for the 2025 cycle is expected around September 2024.
4. Canada‑ASEAN Scholarships & Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED)
The SEED program fosters academic collaboration between Canada and ASEAN member states via short‑term exchanges or short academic visits. Awards cover costs up to around $15,900, supporting undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral candidates from eligible Southeast Asian countries. Application deadlines vary by country and host institution; typical cycles include early 2025 for exchanges starting later that year.
5. Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP)
ELAP supports students from Latin America and the Caribbean, offering funding to undertake short‑term or full-time study/research in Canada. Awards can range from about $8,200 to $11,100 depending on the program level. Eligible countries span Central, South America, the Caribbean, and Mexico. Deadlines typically fall in early‑to‑mid 2025 for academic year 2025–2026.
6. Study in Canada Scholarships (Short‑Term Exchange)
These federal awards support eligible international students in Canada for short‑term study or research of 4–6 months, at either undergraduate or graduate level. Funding ranges from $10,200 (undergraduate) to $12,700 (graduate). Eligible countries include Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Senegal, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Egypt, Turkey and several others. Applicants must not already be enrolled in a Canadian institution and must study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Other Scholarships & Supports
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Canadian Francophonie Scholarship Program (CFSP): Grants for citizens of developing Francophone nations for master’s or doctoral study, typically offering tuition, living costs, and some allowances—often around $28,000/year.
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Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan: Available through Commonwealth nations, for graduate-level academic and professional development. Funded by the government of Canada and administered regionally.
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Provincial government scholarships, such as the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS), valued at $5,000 per term (up to $15,000 per year), available at Ontario’s publicly assisted universities and open to international students under certain conditions.
Scholarships Opportunities Value
| Scholarship / Program | Level | Value (CAD) | Eligibility | Deadline (2025–26 cycle) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | PhD | $50,000/year × 3 years | Intl. doctoral candidates, university nomination | ~Oct–Nov 2025 |
| CGS–Master’s Program | Master’s | $17,500 (one year) | Intl. students, university nomination | varies by institution |
| Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships | Postdoctoral | $70,000/year × 2 years | Intl. postdoctoral researchers | ~Sept 2025 |
| Canada‑ASEAN SEED | Short‑term exchange | Up to ~$15,900 | ASEAN nationals | varies (2025 cycle) |
| Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) | UG / Graduate / PhD | $8,200–11,100 | Latin America / Caribbean nationals | early–mid 2025 |
| Study in Canada Scholarships (federal exchange) | UG / Graduate | $10,200–$12,700 | Selected eligible countries, short‑term only | varies |
| Canadian Francophonie Scholarship Program (CFSP) | Graduate | $28,000/year | Citizens of Francophonie developing countries | varies |
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) | Master’s / PhD | $5,000/term (max $15,000/year) | Intl. students in Ontario universities | varies by university |
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Apply early and carefully: Most deadlines fall many months before the academic year begins.
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Meet eligibility criteria: Many programs require you to be nominated by your Canadian institution or designated home institution (e.g., ASEAN, ELAP).
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Use DLIs: For short‑term federal scholarships, your host must be a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
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Prepare strong documentation: Academic transcripts, research proposals, recommendation letters, and proof of citizenship are key.
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Explore institutional awards: Many universities such as University of Toronto, UBC, University of Alberta, McGill, and Simon Fraser also offer fully funded scholarships to international students in addition to federal ones.
Conclusion
For early 2025 cycles, major federal scholarships such as Vanier CGS, Banting Fellowships, CGS‑M, ELAP, SEED, and Study in Canada Scholarships offer excellent funding opportunities tailored to various levels of study—doctoral, master’s, postdoctoral, or short-term exchanges.
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