Maple News reports that Canada continues to strengthen its appeal as a top destination for international students by offering a range of federal scholarships and bursaries designed to ease the financial burden of studying abroad. Known for its high-quality education system, global recognition, and immigration pathways, Canada now adds affordability to its list of advantages for prospective students.
One of the key draws is Canada’s relatively low tuition fees and favorable exchange rates compared to other popular education destinations like the United States. But beyond affordable costs, the Canadian government provides a robust array of financial aid options specifically aimed at international students, setting it apart from other countries.
The scholarships offered by Canada are merit- and region-based, and are meant to support short-term study or research exchanges at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs)—the only institutions permitted to host international students. Students must meet specific eligibility criteria including being enrolled full-time in a post-secondary institution in their home country, not holding Canadian permanent residency or citizenship, and not previously participating in Canadian government-funded scholarships.
The Study in Canada Scholarships program is open to students from select countries in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa. It offers awards of CAD $10,200 for undergraduate studies and CAD $12,700 for graduate studies, funding four- to six-month exchange programs.
The Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) program supports students from ASEAN member states, aligning with Canada’s commitment to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. Award values mirror those of the Study in Canada program—CAD $10,200 at the undergraduate level and CAD $12,700 at the graduate level.
Another flagship program is the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP), focused on building leadership capacity and human capital across Latin America and the Caribbean. This program provides funding of CAD $8,200 to undergraduate students and CAD $11,100 to graduate students for four- to six-month exchanges.
These scholarships cover various essential expenses including airfare, visa fees, health insurance, living costs, public transit, and required study materials. Importantly, applicants must be paying tuition to their home institutions during the exchange period, and scholarship recipients must use the funds responsibly for their studies and daily needs in Canada.
In addition to federal initiatives, many Canadian colleges and universities also offer institutional scholarships specifically for international students. When combined with government programs, these financial opportunities can significantly reduce the cost of studying in Canada.
Maple News advises students to begin their search through government tools like the EduCanada scholarship portal, which helps identify suitable awards based on student profiles. As international education becomes increasingly competitive, these programs underscore Canada’s strategic investment in global talent development.