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Why Canada for Higher Education?

Canada has firmly established itself as one of the most sought-after destinations for Bangladeshi students pursuing international degrees. Renowned for its inclusive society, world-class universities, and strong post-graduation pathways, Canada offers an education experience that is both globally valued and practically rewarding.

However, the cost of studying in Canada is a genuine consideration. Tuition fees typically range from CAD 16,000 to CAD 35,000 per year, and cities such as Toronto and Vancouver carry substantial living costs on top of that. Scholarships play a critical role in making Canadian higher education accessible – and Rico International is here to help you navigate every opportunity available.

Why Apply for Scholarships in Canada?

Make a World-Class Education Affordable

Even partial scholarships can significantly reduce the overall financial burden of studying in Canada. A well-chosen award can cover tuition fees, living allowances, or both – making the difference between a dream deferred and a degree earned.

Generous Funding from Multiple Sources

The Canadian scholarship landscape is exceptionally diverse. Federal and provincial governments, individual universities, and private foundations all offer funding for international students – including those from Bangladesh. There are awards at every academic level, from undergraduate to doctoral research.

Scholarships That Recognise Diversity and Merit

Canada actively prioritises students from developing countries in many of its scholarship programmes. Whether you excel academically, demonstrate leadership, or show a commitment to social impact, there is likely a Canadian scholarship aligned with your strengths.

Career and Immigration Benefits

Holding a Canadian scholarship strengthens your academic profile and career prospects significantly. Many scholarship recipients also benefit from enhanced post-study work rights and, in some cases, clearer pathways towards permanent residency in Canada.

Types of Scholarships Available in Canada

1. Canadian Government Scholarships

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Level: PhD only
Value: CAD 50,000 per year for up to 3 years
For: Outstanding doctoral researchers demonstrating academic excellence and leadership

Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships

Level: Postdoctoral
Value: CAD 70,000 per year for 2 years
For: Top postdoctoral researchers across all disciplines

Study in Canada Scholarships

Level: Undergraduate and Master’s (short-term)
Value: CAD 10,200 for one term of study or research
Eligibility: Students from eligible countries including Bangladesh

Canadian Commonwealth Scholarships

Level: Master’s and PhD
Coverage: Tuition fees plus monthly living stipend
For: Citizens of Commonwealth countries, including Bangladesh

IDRC Research Awards

Value: Up to CAD 20,000
For: Research-focused Master’s and PhD students from developing countries

Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

Value: CAD 15,000 per year
Level: Master’s and PhD students at Ontario universities

2. University Scholarships — Undergraduate

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto): Fully funded – covers tuition, books, accommodation, and living expenses for up to four years. For students with exceptional academic achievement and demonstrated impact.
UBC International Leader of Tomorrow / IMES (University of British Columbia): Covers tuition and living expenses; IMES worth up to CAD 40,000 across four years.
University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship: CAD 15,000 per year, renewable for up to 4 years (total CAD 60,000).
Dalhousie University Renewable Entrance Scholarship: Up to CAD 30,000 total based on academic merit.
McGill University Entrance Scholarship: CAD 2,000 to CAD 5,000, renewable.
Université de Montréal Exemption Scholarship: Reduces international tuition to rates close to Quebec student levels – automatically considered based on academic record.
University of Waterloo Scholarships: Up to CAD 10,000 for undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD students.

3. University Scholarships — Graduate

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: CAD 50,000 per year for PhD candidates.
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships: CAD 60,000 per year plus additional research and travel allowances.
University of Saskatchewan Graduate Scholarship: Up to CAD 20,000 for PhD and CAD 16,000 for Master’s students.
Other universities (Alberta, Queen’s, Simon Fraser, McGill): Programme-specific awards ranging from CAD 5,000 to CAD 30,000 per year.

4. Provincial and Private Scholarships

Provincial governments in Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and Nova Scotia all offer dedicated funding for international students
Private foundations such as the MasterCard Foundation fund students from developing countries at partner institutions
Industry-linked scholarships and subject-specific awards are also available across engineering, health sciences, business, and technology

Major Scholarships — Quick Reference

Scholarship Name	Level	Coverage	Amount (CAD)	Key Requirement
Lester B. Pearson (U of T)	UG	Full tuition, books, residence, living (4 yrs)	Full funding	Exceptional academics + leadership
UBC International Leader / IMES	UG	Tuition + living expenses	Up to CAD 40,000	Academic excellence + financial need
Calgary International Entrance	UG	Renewable tuition support	CAD 15,000/year	GPA 3.20+ with extracurriculars
Dalhousie Renewable Entrance	UG	Merit-based partial funding	Up to CAD 30,000	Academic merit
UdeM Exemption Scholarship	UG / PG / PhD	Tuition reduced to local rates	Variable	Automatic; based on GPA
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship	PhD	Living stipend	CAD 50,000/year (3 yrs)	Research excellence
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship	Postdoc	Living stipend	CAD 70,000/year (2 yrs)	Top research performance
Ontario Graduate Scholarship	Master’s / PhD	Partial tuition support	CAD 15,000/year	Ontario university enrolment
Pierre Trudeau Foundation	PhD	Stipend + travel/research allowances	CAD 60,000/year	Research + leadership
Study in Canada Scholarship	UG / Master’s	Short-term funding	CAD 10,200/term	Eligible country citizen

Rico International Partner University Scholarships

Rico International maintains close working relationships with leading Canadian universities. Through these partnerships, Bangladeshi students gain direct access to scholarship pathways, admissions support, and application guidance that maximise their chances of securing funding.

University	Scholarship Name	Level	Amount (CAD)	Key Requirement
University of Toronto	U of T International Merit Award	UG	Up to $7,500	Automatic; academic merit
University of British Columbia	International Major Entrance Scholarship	UG	Up to full tuition	High academic achievement
University of Alberta	International Admission Scholarship	UG	Up to $5,000	90%+ admission average
Ontario Tech University	Leadership Scholarship	UG	Up to $120,000	90%+ admission average
University of Calgary	International Entrance Scholarship	UG	$15,000/year (renewable)	GPA 3.20+ and extracurriculars
University of Manitoba	International Student Entrance Scholarship	UG	Up to $3,000	85%+ in final high school year
University Canada West	International Student Entrance Scholarship	UG / PG	Up to $12,000	Minimum CGPA 3.00
University Niagara Falls Canada	International Student Entrance Scholarship	UG / PG	Up to $50,000 (UG), $10,000 (PG)	Minimum CGPA 3.00
York University	International Entrance Scholarship	UG	Up to $2,000	85%+ admission average
Brock University	Brock Scholars Award	UG	$1,000–$4,000/year	80%+ admission average
Carleton University	Entrance Scholarships	UG	$1,000–$4,000/year	80%+ admission average
Lakehead University	International Entrance Scholarships	UG	Up to $40,000 (4 yrs)	90%+ for maximum award
University of Ottawa	Merit / Entrance Scholarships	UG	Up to $4,000/year	85%+ high school average
Trent University	International Global Citizen Awards	UG	Up to $3,000	Academic merit; auto-assessed
University of Regina	International Entrance Scholarship	UG	Up to $3,000	85%+ admission average
Memorial University	Entrance Scholarships	UG	Up to $4,400	80%+ average
Wilfrid Laurier University	Entrance Scholarships	UG	$1,000–$26,000	Based on admission average

How to Apply for Scholarships in Canada

Step 1: Begin Research Early

Start identifying suitable scholarships at least 10 to 12 months before your intended intake. Most major award deadlines fall between November and February for September enrolment. Use official university websites and government portals to build your shortlist.

Step 2: Maintain Strong Academic Performance

The majority of Canadian scholarships are merit-based. A higher CGPA significantly increases your eligibility for competitive awards. Where possible, aim for 85% or above to qualify for the most valuable university entrance scholarships.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

Academic transcripts and certificates from all previous institutions
English language proficiency scores: IELTS or TOEFL (required for both admission and most scholarships)
Statement of Intent or Motivation Letter tailored to each scholarship
Letters of Recommendation from academic or professional referees
Updated CV or resume highlighting academic achievements, leadership roles, and extracurricular involvement

Step 4: Apply to Universities First

Many of the major university scholarship awards — including those at UBC, University of Montreal, and York — are automatically assessed during the admission application process. You do not need to submit a separate scholarship application for these awards. Government and foundation scholarships, however, do require standalone applications.

Step 5: Observe Deadlines Carefully

Missing a deadline means missing a funding opportunity. Rico International helps students stay on top of all key application windows, including automatic scholarship consideration deadlines and standalone award submission dates.

Step 6: Highlight Extracurricular Achievements

Many Canadian scholarships take a holistic view of applicants. Volunteering, community leadership, sports, or creative pursuits all add significant weight to your application – particularly for awards that assess character and potential alongside grades.

Tips to Win a Canadian Scholarship

Apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously – there is no restriction, and casting a wider net improves your chances
Read eligibility requirements carefully – some awards are restricted by nationality, field of study, or degree level
Write a compelling personal statement – convey not only your academic ability but also your goals, values, and the impact you intend to make
Seek a professional review of your documents before submission – Rico International counsellors can help refine your application
Keep track of renewal conditions – many scholarships require you to maintain a minimum CGPA to retain your award each year
Check whether proof of funds is still required – most student visas require evidence of financial support regardless of scholarship status; IRCC minimum is approximately CAD 22,895 per year

Let Rico International Guide You

Navigating Canada’s scholarship landscape can be complex – but you do not have to do it alone. Rico International’s experienced consultants offer personalised, end-to-end support: from identifying the right scholarships for your profile to preparing a strong application and handling your student visa.

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