Canadian scholarships: What international students need to know

PTE Author
PTE Author
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Reading time: 7 minutes

For students wishing to study abroad, it doesn’t get much better than Canada. It is an incredible country with endless opportunities. Study in Canada and you’ll find a rich culture, world-famous universities, and generous Canadian scholarships to help you with costs and tuition.  

It’s no wonder that the North American nation is a magnet for intelligent, international students. In fact, a Statistics Canada study of the 2018-2019 school year found that Canada hosts students from 225 countries. The study also found that Chinese and Indian students represent more than 50% of that population.  

What’s more, Canada has been attracting more and more international talent in the past decade. The number of students from abroad has tripled in the past 10 years. International students account for 57.2% of the growth in all program enrollments.    

Canada is a global leader in terms of university education. But, with more than 100 universities and 15,000 programs of study, it can be difficult to know which are the best and most reputable.  

Read our guide about how to study in Canada. We’ll break down more about the best universities in Canada and their top programs. Most importantly, we’ll also explore ways to find a Canadian scholarship to fund your studies.  

Canadian scholarships: What to look for 

Of course, it’s important to have a plan to finance studies and the cost of living in Canada. That’s where Canadian scholarships come in. Whether you’re looking to fund your undergraduate program or you’re seeking a master's degree scholarship in Canada (or beyond), there are plenty of options.  

The Canadian government, foundations, and not-for-profit organizations all offer a number of scholarships and grants. The most common place to score scholarships in Canada though is likely from the university itself.  

Firstly, when looking for Canadian scholarships, international students need to know about the entrance scholarships. Most universities offer these scholarships, which are based on academic history. You’ll be pleased to read that entrance scholarships operate on an automatic consideration basis as part of the admissions process. This means you don’t have to apply for them.

To understand what those scholarships look like, consider what’s offered by top universities in Canada: 

The University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo in Ontario offers 20 entrance scholarships. These are worth $10,000 and are for international students who have at least a 90% average. In addition, you must demonstrate academic excellence and be starting year one of an undergraduate program.  

McGill University 

McGill University in Montreal, Quebec is another of Canada’s best universities. It gives entrance scholarships worth $3,000 to first-time university students starting their undergraduate program. The major entrance scholarship is worth more with some students being awarded as much as $12,000. These scholarships are renewable for three or four years for students who continue to meet scholarship criteria. International students can get this scholarship but short-term exchange students cannot.

McGill’s in-course awards are awarded automatically by each faculty. Students with excellent academic merit may earn one of these after the academic year is completed.

University of British Columbia 

The University of British Columbia is another reputable school. It gives $30 million annually in grants to international undergraduate students. Study there and you could be up for its International Major Entrance Scholarship, which is renewable for three years.  

Or you might even win its Outstanding International Student Award. This is a one-time award for a student with a strong academic background and involvement in activities beyond the classroom.  

Government grants 

The Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development program gives support to students from Southeast Asian nations. To be eligible you need to be studying short-term at the college, undergraduate, and graduate levels.  

They are awarded based on applications submitted by Canadian universities on a candidate’s behalf. These scholarships are part of Canada’s effort to reduce poverty and support sustainable development in the region.  

The Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program is for academically talented students from Commonwealth countries studying at the masters or PhD level. The scholarship is worth $10,000. This helps students pay for transportation, cost of living fees, and any expenses related to their studies in Canada.  

For students studying in Ontario, the Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program is for those at the masters or doctoral level. To qualify, you must be attending a participating Ontario university, be enrolled for at least two consecutive terms and be studying full-time. Students can get $10,000 for two consecutive terms or $15,000 if they are enrolled in three consecutive terms. This scholarship is funded by the province of Ontario and the participating universities.

A glimpse at the top universities in Canada 

One of the best sources that ranks Canada’s best universities is Maclean’s magazine. Each year, the Canadian publication surveys faculty members, senior administration, and successful business people across the country.  

The aim of the report is to find out their opinions in regards to quality and innovation at Canada’s academic institutions. The result is a published list of rankings of the best overall universities in Canada. In addition, it shares the best programs and best schools based on students’ experiences.  

In 2021, Maclean’s found the top five Canadian universities to be: 

Top-ranking specialist schools in Canada 

Of the international students in Canada, 47% study in the province of Ontario. Their most popular areas of study are business and management, followed by engineering. Considering this, it’s worth looking at the top-ranked schools in those categories as well.  

After the in-depth surveying of 1,000 professors, deans, and chairs at 80 Canadian institutions, Maclean’s found The University of British Columbia to be the best school for business. The University of Toronto followed in second place. As for engineering, University of Waterloo and The University of Toronto tied for first place.

How PTE can help you apply for a Visa 

Canada’s student visa requirements for international students include proof that you have: 

  • a university placement; 

  • the financial ability to live in Canada;

  • your high school transcript and a high level of English.  

On that last point, you will need to have taken an English language test to prove your abilities in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in order to get your visa.  

PTE Academic is a trusted English language test accepted by top institutions in Canada including The University of British Columbia, University of Waterloo, McGill University, and McMaster University. PTE Academic can help students study abroad in Canada because Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recognizes its tests as being one of the mandatory English tests for a study permit application.  

If you are planning to take a PTE Academic test to complete your Canada student Visa application, an exam center will not be far away. In Canada, centers currently exist in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Edmonton, Calgary, and Burnaby. 

Find your nearest exam center now!  

A home away from home 

There’s no doubt about it: Canada is a world-class country for getting a university education. It’s also a very multi-culturally diverse place. This means, for international students, it’s a country that offers rich experiences beyond just the classroom.  

With the recent increase in students coming from countries like India, China, and beyond, many international students find that Canada is an easy place to adjust to. It feels like a home away from home.  

Canadian universities offer not just top-quality academic institutions and programs, but also scholarships offering students a means to finance their education. That makes Canada an easy choice for furthering your education goals overseas.

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    Studying abroad is the experience of a lifetime. You’ll have an untold number of opportunities,  make friends, grow your network and broaden your horizons. But there are nerves too – and lots of questions before you start packing your bags.  

    So, if you’re considering moving to the UK to study for a pre-sessional English language course, a degree, or even a Ph.D., we have some top tips.  

    Read on to explore our short guide to studying in the UK for international students. 

    1. Setting up a bank account 

    Unless you plan to stuff your money in your mattress (not recommended), you’ll probably need to open a bank account in the UK. The process is usually completed in one or two days and is much simpler if you do it once you’re living in the country.   

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    2. Student accommodation in the UK 

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    On-campus accommodation 

    In the UK, on-campus student accommodation is often referred to as living in halls. When you apply to live in halls, you are given a room in shared accommodation. Your room is usually private, however you will often share bathrooms, kitchen, and other communal areas with other students.  

    Living in halls is recommended if you’re coming from abroad. Not only does the university manage the housing, but it will be easier for you to find a place with other students.  

    Shared student accommodation 

    You can also opt to go through the university and find a place in privately rented accommodation. Second and third year students usually choose this option and move in with friends. Generally, this type of housing has been approved by the university, but you will be responsible for paying rent to a private landlord.  

    Ask your university admissions department or student services about the right option for you.  

    Alternatively, you may wish to rent privately, through a real estate agent. However, this is likely to be a far more expensive option and you won’t necessarily have university support. 

    Average student rental prices 

    The cost of living in the UK varies from region to region. According to a Save the Student survey in 2021, the average rent for students in the UK is £146 per week.  

    Here’s the breakdown of costs: 

    • Scotland: £127 per week 

    • Northern England: £122  

    • Wales and the Midlands: £119 to £129 per week 

    • East Anglia: £132 per week 

    • Southwest: £147 per week 

    • Southeast:  £146 per week 

    • London:  £152 per week 

    Living cost in the UK for international students 

    On top of rent, you also have to consider how much food, leisure, transport, and other expenses will be. Our handy guide to living expenses in the UK for international students, outlines the following, and also compares costs in different cities: 

    • Groceries – £100 per month  

    • Going out – £46 per month  

    • Transportation– £46 per month  

    • Household bills (like electricity and water) – £37 per month 

    • University tuition fees for international students – £10,000–£38,000 per year (Reddin survey of university tuition fees) 

    3. Health care systems in the UK 

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    UK culture and traditions are rich and diverse – and it’s not all about drinking tea at 5 o’clock, we promise. There are lots of British festivals and events, and you’ll never find yourself stuck for things to see and do. If you’re studying at a British university, you’ll definitely want to make your time as memorable as possible.  

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    Do interviews make you nervous? You feel under the spotlight. Every answer is important – and it’s even scarier when something big is at stake, like a place at your dream university.

    But college interviews really don’t have to be nerve-wracking!  

    First, remember that not every UK university or subject will ask you to do an admissions interview. Only some universities, like the University of Oxford, Imperial College London and University College London always interview their applicants.  

    For others, it will depend on the course you are taking. Dentistry, teaching, social work and medicine, tend to feature admissions interviews, for example.  

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    1. Take care of the practical preparation 

    If you’re attending an in-person interview, research how to travel there and make sure you have your ticket organized. It might even be worth doing a trial run a few days before. This will  just to make sure you know exactly where you’re going.  

    University campuses can be confusing, and departments can be spread out over different buildings. So, make sure you know the exact street address, floor and office number where your university interview is being held.  

    What if you are doing an online university interview? Well, the standard Zoom interview tips apply! Make sure that your laptop is connected to charge, that your microphone is working properly, that you have a good Wi-Fi signal and a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted. You might also want to set up a neutral virtual background, if you think your surroundings look unprofessional. That way, you won’t get distracted during the interview and you’ll be able to do your best to answer the student interview questions you’ll be asked.  

    It’s also a good idea to do a bit of research into the academics who will be interviewing you. You don’t have to read all their published works, but showing that you are at least familiar with their research will create a good impression. It will tell them that you have a genuine interest in the subject and in their work.  

    On that note, it’s important to dress smartly. You don’t need to wear a suit, but wearing something smart like a shirt or a blouse shows that you are taking the interview seriously and that you want to give the interview panel a good impression.  

    2. Prepare some relevant student interview questions and answers  

    Preparation is key when it comes to how to impress in an interview. That being said, it’s not a good idea to learn answers off by heart. Even if the exact question you have prepared for comes up, you’ll be so focused on trying to remember your answer that your answer will seem stilted. It’s better to make notes about the things you’d like to talk about, and then your answers will flow more naturally, and you’ll be able to convey your enthusiasm and excitement.  

    So, what are some common student interview questions that you might be asked? Let’s take a look: 

    • Tell us about yourself.  

    • Why do you want to study at this university? 

    • Why have you applied to study this particular course?  

    • What are your academic strengths and weaknesses?  

    • Tell us about someone you admire.

    • What would you like to be doing ten years from now?

    • What are you reading at the moment?

    • What do you like doing in your free time?

    • What will you contribute to our institution?  

    When you’re preparing, it’s important to remember there are no right or wrong answers. The interviewers want to get to know you, so try to give full, detailed answers to the questions. The final question you are likely to be asked is:  

    • Do you have any questions for us?  

    It’s really important to prepare some thoughtful questions for your student interview panel in response. This is where your research can come in handy! You can ask the panel about their work and how it informs the course, or any questions you have about the university.  

    A well-informed question shows the panel that you are well-prepared and you’ve done your research. Again, this will create a good impression.  

    And if there is a question you don’t understand, don’t panic! Just ask the interviewer to repeat the question, or ask for clarification. Likewise, if you make a mistake when you’re speaking, try not to worry or get embarrassed. Everyone makes mistakes sometimes - even fluent English speakers!  

    3. Read over your personal statement just before the interview  

    Your personal statement is what got you the interview, and it’s likely to set the agenda for the conversation. So, it’s a good idea to read it over before your interview as part of your interview preparation, and remind yourself of the talking points.  

    Your interviewers will refer to the things that you said in your personal statement when they are asking you questions, so it’s worth refreshing your memory - after all, you probably wrote it a few months ago.  

    Rereading your personal statement will also help you feel more confident. It will remind you of everything you’ve achieved so far. Seeing your qualifications, talents and attributes written down in black and white can have a powerful effect. It will help you to shake off any lingering imposter syndrome and you’ll go into the interview feeling that you deserve to be there.  

    Get tips on how to write a great personal statement for your UCAS application.  

    4. Do a power pose 

    Research has found that power posing - standing in an open, expansive stance for two minutes - can change your body chemistry and make you feel more confident. In a job interview experiment, researchers found that people who did a two minute power pose before the interview projected more confidence, seemed less flustered, and were more dynamic and enthusiastic when speaking. As a result, the interviewers scored their performance higher than people who didn’t do the power pose.  

    So even if you’re doing an interview over Zoom, it’s worth doing a power pose beforehand. Just stand with your legs wide apart and your arms held up and out in a wide, expansive pose. The idea is to take up as much space as possible. Hold this pose for two minutes - and you’ll be ready to impress!  

    Learn more 

    If you need to prove your level of English as part of the UCAS application process, PTE Academic can help you. You’ll typically receive your score in typically just 48 hours, and PTE Academic is accepted by the UK Home Office for student visas, as well as by 99% of universities in the UK.  

    Learn more about how PTE Academic can help you achieve your dream of living and studying in the United Kingdom.