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Scholarship amounts, deadlines and eligibility change every year, and many awards open eight to twelve months before the start of the programme. The figures below are typical values from recent years. Always confirm details on the official website of each university or awarding body before you apply.
Scholarships In Canada For Bangladeshi Students: What Is Realistic
"Full free scholarship" is one of the most searched phrases among students who want to study in Canada. The honest picture is this: Canada does not have a general government scholarship that pays for any international undergraduate student. Funding exists, but it comes mainly from universities, provinces and research funders, it is competitive, and it is far more common at master's and PhD level than at undergraduate level.
- Undergraduate: a small number of large, fully funded awards, and many smaller entrance awards that reduce tuition.
- Master's: fellowships, research assistantships and teaching assistantships, usually with a thesis-based programme and a supervisor.
- PhD: most funded PhD offers cover tuition and a stipend, so a PhD is the most realistic route to a fully funded Canadian education.
Undergraduate Scholarships For International Students
| Scholarship | What it covers | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto) | Tuition, books, incidental fees and residence for four years | Nominated by your school; very few awards each year |
| University entrance awards (UBC, Waterloo, McGill, Alberta, York, Concordia, Simon Fraser and others) | Partial tuition, usually a one-time or renewable award | Many are awarded automatically on admission based on grades; others need an application |
| College entrance bursaries | Smaller awards for diploma and degree students | Check each college's international awards page |
Most awards look at academic results (strong HSC or A-level results), leadership, community involvement and a well-written personal statement. Applying early improves your chances because some funds are limited.
Master's And PhD Funding
| Award | Level | Typical value |
|---|---|---|
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | PhD | CAD 50,000 a year for up to three years (nominated by the university) |
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) | Master's and PhD at Ontario universities | Usually CAD 10,000 to 15,000 a year |
| Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships | PhD in social sciences and humanities | Up to CAD 40,000 a year plus research and travel funds |
| University fellowships (for example McGill, UBC, Toronto, Alberta, Waterloo) | Master's and PhD | Vary widely; many bundle tuition support and a stipend |
| Research and teaching assistantships | Master's and PhD | Paid work with your supervisor or department, often with tuition support |
The strongest route to funding a thesis-based master's or PhD is a supervisor. Identify professors whose research matches your interests, read their recent papers and send a short, specific email. Attach a CV and mention your research plan. Funding decisions are often made by the supervisor.
Scholarships You May See That Are Not For Bangladesh
Several lists online include awards that only apply to certain countries or are no longer active, for example programmes for Indian, Latin American or ASEAN students, and postdoctoral fellowships aimed at researchers rather than students. Check eligibility carefully so you do not waste time or pay for "scholarship guarantee" services.
How To Apply For A Canadian Scholarship
- Decide your level and field. Undergraduate, master's or PhD each has different funding.
- Shortlist universities that offer international awards for your level and profile.
- Prepare early. Deadlines are often between November and February for September entry.
- Write a strong personal statement that shows your goals, achievements and fit with the programme.
- Collect recommendation letters from teachers or supervisors who know your work.
- Submit the university application and the scholarship application on time, following each site's instructions.
- Plan a backup budget. Even with an award, IRCC still requires proof of living costs for the study permit.
Scholarships And The Study Permit
A scholarship letter can count toward proof of funds if it clearly states the amount and the period it covers. However, immigration officers focus on whether you can actually support yourself and pay for your studies, so an unclear or conditional award may not be enough. Keep supporting documents ready and explain the source of any additional funds.
Talk to a NIEC counsellor
Free profile evaluation. We will tell you honestly what your realistic options are.
Other Ways To Reduce The Cost
- Choose a lower-cost city or a public college with co-op options
- Start at a college and transfer to a university
- Apply for on-campus jobs and part-time work within the 24-hour weekly limit for off-campus work
- Look at Quebec, Prairie and Atlantic institutions, where living costs are lower
Read more in our full guide to studying in Canada from Bangladesh.
