Studying in Canada does more than just provide education—it can be your ticket to permanent residency. Here’s how scholarships support different immigration paths:
- Extra CRS Points – Canadian education adds up to 30 points to your Express Entry score.
- Work Opportunities – Many scholarships allow you to work while studying, gaining valuable Canadian experience.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility – Most scholarships require enrollment in PGWP-approved programs, letting you work for up to 3 years after graduation.
- Provincial Nomination Advantages – Some provinces prioritize graduates for PR through their PNPs.
Choosing the right scholarship for your immigration path can save you thousands while accelerating your journey to Canadian PR.
Best Scholarships for Express Entry Applicants
If you’re aiming for Express Entry, these scholarships help you gain Canadian education and work experience—key factors for ranking high in the CRS system.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Value: $50,000 per year for 3 years
- Best For: PhD students with strong academic records
- Why It Works: Covers tuition and living expenses while boosting your Express Entry profile with a Canadian degree.
University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson Scholarship
- Value: Full tuition + living costs for 4 years
- Best For: Undergraduate students with leadership experience
- Immigration Benefit: U of T’s reputation enhances job prospects, making Express Entry applications stronger.
Humber College International Entrance Scholarships
Top Scholarships for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Applicants
Some provinces offer scholarships that make it easier to qualify for their PNPs. These are especially valuable if you plan to settle in a specific region.
University of British Columbia (UBC) International Leader of Tomorrow Award
- Value: Full tuition + living expenses
- Best For: Undergrads planning to stay in BC
- PNP Advantage: BC’s Tech Pilot and International Graduate streams favor UBC grads.
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
- Value: Up to $18,000
- Best For: Master’s/PhD students
- Why It’s Great: Manitoba’s PNP has dedicated streams for local graduates, often with lower CRS requirements.
Memorial University of Newfoundland Scholarships
- Value: $5,000–$20,000
- Best For: Budget-conscious students
- PNP Perk: Newfoundland’s immigration program actively recruits Memorial University graduates.
Scholarships for Students Eyeing Work Permit Routes
If your goal is to secure a work permit after studies (rather than direct PR), these scholarships help reduce costs while keeping PGWP eligibility.
Seneca College President’s International Scholarship
- Value: Up to $5,000
- Best For: Career-focused diploma students
- Work Permit Benefit: Seneca’s co-op programs provide early Canadian work experience.
Conestoga College International Excellence Scholarships
- Value: $2,000–$5,000
- Best For: Skilled trade and technology students
- Why It Works: Conestoga’s industry connections help graduates secure jobs quickly.
George Brown College International Scholarships
- Value: $2,000–$10,000
- Best For: Toronto-bound students
- PGWP Advantage: George Brown programs are designed to meet Ontario’s labor market needs.
How to Choose the Right Scholarship for Your Immigration Path
Not all scholarships are equal when it comes to immigration. Follow these steps to pick the best one for your goals:
- Decide Your Immigration Pathway First – Express Entry? PNP? Work permit? Your choice affects which scholarships are most useful.
- Check PGWP Eligibility – Ensure your program qualifies for a post-graduation work permit.
- Look for Regional Incentives – Some provinces offer extra scholarships to attract international students.
- Calculate the Long-Term ROI – A $20K scholarship at a PNP-friendly school may be better than a $30K award elsewhere.
What If You Don’t Get a Scholarship?
No scholarship? You still have options:
- Apply for Cheaper Colleges – Some schools offer quality education at half the cost of universities.
- Use Part-Time Work – 20 hours/week during studies can cover significant expenses.
- Consider Loans – Many Canadian banks offer international student loans.
Final Tip: Apply Early and Strategically
Scholarship deadlines are often 6–12 months before programs start, and immigration programs change frequently. The sooner you plan, the better your chances of success.
Ready to begin?
- Research scholarships at your target schools
- Match them to your preferred immigration path
- Prepare standout applications
Canada’s waiting—make your move wisely!
Frequently Asked Questions: Scholarships for Canada Immigration Paths
1. How do scholarships help with Canadian immigration?
Scholarships reduce education costs while helping you qualify for immigration programs. Canadian study experience gives you:
- Extra CRS points for Express Entry
- Eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit
- Potential nomination through Provincial Nominee Programs
2. What’s the best scholarship for Express Entry applicants?
For Express Entry, focus on scholarships that:
- Fund degrees at recognized institutions (like Vanier for PhDs)
- Cover programs in high-demand fields (STEM, healthcare)
- Offer substantial amounts ($20K+) to minimize student debt
3. Are there scholarships specifically tied to Provincial Nominee Programs?
While no scholarships are PNP-exclusive, these strategies help:
- Target schools in provinces with graduate-friendly PNPs (like BC, Manitoba)
- Apply for regional scholarships (e.g., UBC for BC PNP)
- Choose programs matching provincial labor needs
4. Can I get a scholarship for a 1-year program that qualifies for PGWP?
Yes, though options are more limited:
- College entrance scholarships (like Humber’s $5K-$20K awards)
- Field-specific awards (especially in tech/trades)
- Some university graduate certificates offer funding
5. Do I need to maintain certain grades to keep my scholarship for immigration purposes?
Most scholarships require:
- Minimum GPA (often B+ or 3.0/4.0)
- Full-time enrollment
- Some may require community involvement
6. How early should I apply for scholarships if planning immigration?
Start 12-18 months before your program:
- University deadlines: Often 8-12 months pre-term
- Government scholarships: Typically 1 year in advance
- College awards: Sometimes 6 months before
7. Can scholarship funds affect my proof of financial resources for a study permit?
Yes, but positively:
- Scholarship letters can reduce the funds you need to show
- Combine with other financial documents
- Ensure awards are from approved institutions
8. Are there scholarships for mature students (30+ years) immigrating to Canada?
Options exist:
- Graduate research scholarships (no age limits)
- Career-change programs with industry funding
- Some provinces offer retraining scholarships