Studying abroad as an international student is a major investment, both in your future and from a financial angle. Fortunately, there are many scholarships that can reduce the costs. Here, we’ll explore scholarships that are open to a range of universities and colleges in the Canadian province of Ontario.
As you start applying, research your target schools to learn what scholarships they offer. Many institutions have dedicated entry or financial-need-based scholarships available to students enrolled in their programs.
Curious about scholarships for other Canadian study abroad destinations? This is the first in a series of blogs on provincial scholarships, so check back often.
Before You Apply
Pro tip: Create a calendar of scholarship and program application due dates. A calendar will help you know when to start preparing each application, and which scholarships to prioritize.
Some scholarships require reference letters, so reach out early to professional or academic connections who can provide a clear, positive, and specific reference. A weak reference can hurt your chances, so ensure you’re asking folks who will share your best qualities! Other scholarships require a personal essay, so set aside time to write those.
Whether applying for a program or scholarship, it’s important to use your own words. Check out our blog on how to prevent plagiarism and create an essay that stands out.
Featured Scholarships
As Canada’s largest province by population, Ontario is home to 23 public universities, 24 colleges, and over 400 registered private career colleges. Some provincial scholarships are funded by the Ontario Government, and others are granted by nonprofit organizations or associations.
Ontario Trillium Scholarships
- Scholarship Amount: C$40,000 per year
- Level of Study: Postgraduate (doctoral/PhD)
75 Ontario Trillium Scholarships are awarded yearly to international doctoral students. These are highly competitive scholarships, and may be renewed for up to four years. Eligible students should apply through their institution’s Office of Graduate Studies.
Ontario Graduate Scholarships
- Scholarship Amount:
- C$10,000 for two consecutive study terms (may be renewed) OR
- C$15,000 for three consecutive study terms (may be renewed)
- Participating Institutions:
- Brock University
- Carleton University
- University of Guelph
- Lakehead University
- Laurentian University
- McMaster University
- Nipissing University
- OCAD University
- University of Ontario Institute of Technology (Ontario Tech University)
- University of Ottawa
- Queen’s University
- Ryerson University
- University of Toronto
- Trent University
- University of Waterloo
- Western University
- Wilfrid Laurier University
- University of Windsor
- York University
- Level of Study: Postgraduate (master’s or PhD)
The Ontario Graduate Scholarships are a merit-based scholarship program funded by the Government of Ontario and 19 publicly-funded universities in Ontario. The province funds two-thirds, and each university funds one-third of the scholarships awarded to its students. Master’s or PhD students enrolled at one of the universities listed above are eligible.
Applying to multiple universities? Submit an application to each school! Application forms are usually available in October.
Look for scholarships at the national level as well. Check out our blog on government scholarships for international students studying across Canada.
BBPA Future Leaders Scholarships
- Scholarship Amount: Varies; many are C$3,000–C$5,000
- Levels of Study: Undergraduate and postgraduate
The Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA) Future Leaders Scholarships are funded by the Government of Ontario and an endowment fund from Canadian individuals and corporations. They are awarded to Black students who are the first in their family to attend university or college, as well as other qualified applicants.
These scholarships prioritize Canadian citizens and permanent residents, but international students may also apply. Per the BBPA: “The conditions of your participation in a Canadian educational institution must meet some reasonable standard of ownership on your part… such applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.” Applicants may also be considered for a sponsored scholarship, including scholarships dedicated to students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Jamaican Canadian Association Scholarships
- Scholarship Amount: Varies; starts at C$500
- Levels of Study: Undergraduate and postgraduate
The Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA) is a registered nonprofit whose scholarship program recognizes students of Caribbean and African heritage in full-time studies at Ontario colleges or universities. JCA scholarships available to international and domestic students include:
- Black African Museum STEM Scholarship
- Friends of JCA Scholarship (for international students only)
- Hugh and Ilene Lawson Charitable Organization Scholarship
- Rosemarie Dolly Memorial Scholarship (preference for students in education)
- Royal Senchi Design Award (for first- or second-year studies; preference to architecture students)
- Sunbelle Realty Ltd. Scholarship (preference for economics students)
- Yolande Davidson Scholarship
Successful candidates may receive one scholarship per year, and must participate in the JCA’s Scholarship Awards Recognition Event.
We hope that these featured provincial scholarships in Ontario are helpful, and encourage you to look into more scholarships as you develop a list of target programs.
Ontario has a long history of multiculturalism, so it’s worth looking for a provincial cultural or professional organization (like the JCA or BBPA, above) that celebrates your heritage and offers scholarships. Or, look into sports scholarships or ones offered by service clubs to offset the cost of studying abroad. These scholarships can have smaller monetary value, but they still help to make studying abroad more affordable!
Individual colleges and universities offer entry and merit-based scholarships as well. Refer to their program pages on the ApplyBoard Platform for up-to-date information.
