Canadian Provinces with the Best Scholarships

If you’re dreaming of studying in Canada but worried about costs, you’re not alone. The good news? Canada offers some of the most generous scholarships for international and domestic students—but some provinces stand out more than others.

Whether you’re looking for full-ride awards, merit-based funding, or need-based bursaries, this guide will walk you through the top Canadian provinces for scholarships and how to maximize your chances of securing financial aid.

Ontario: The Scholarship Powerhouse

Ontario is home to some of Canada’s top-ranked universities, and it also leads in scholarship opportunities. Here’s why:

• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS): Offers up to $15,000 per year for master’s and PhD students.
• Ontario Trillium Scholarship: Awards $40,000 per year for doctoral students.
• University-Specific Scholarships: Schools like U of T, Waterloo, and Western offer generous entrance awards.

Tip: If you’re applying to Ontario schools, check both provincial and university-specific scholarships—many students miss out by only looking at one.

British Columbia: A Hub for International Student Funding

BC is a top choice for students who want stunning landscapes along with financial support. Key scholarships include:

• BC Merit Scholarships: Up to $5,000 for high-achieving students.
• University of British Columbia (UBC) Awards: Offers the International Leader of Tomorrow Award, covering full tuition and living costs.
• Simon Fraser University (SFU) Entrance Scholarships: Ranging from $5,000 to $30,000.

Bonus: BC has a lower cost of living compared to Ontario, making scholarships go further.

Quebec: Unique Funding for French-Speaking Students

Quebec’s education system is distinct, and so are its scholarships. Many require French proficiency, but the rewards are worth it:

• Quebec Merit Scholarships for Foreign Students (PBEEE): Up to $25,000 per year for PhD students.
• McGill University Scholarships: Offers need-based aid and major entrance awards.
• École de Technologie Supérieure (ETS) Scholarships: Specialized funding for engineering students.

Note: If you’re open to learning French, Quebec’s scholarships become even more accessible.

Alberta: High Scholarships + Lower Living Costs

Alberta combines affordability with strong scholarship programs, especially in STEM fields:

• Alberta Innovates Graduate Scholarships: Up to $31,000 for research-based master’s and PhD students.
• University of Calgary & University of Alberta Awards: Both schools offer automatic entrance scholarships (up to $60,000 over four years).
• Jason Lang Scholarship: $1,000 for continuing undergrads with high GPAs.

Why Alberta? If you want big funding without Toronto or Vancouver’s high rents, this is the place.

Manitoba & Saskatchewan: Hidden Gems for Scholarships

These provinces may not be as famous, but they offer incredible financial aid:

• University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships: Up to $18,000 for master’s students.
• Saskatchewan Innovation & Opportunity Scholarship: $10,000+ for international undergrads.
• Lower Tuition Fees: Both provinces have cheaper education costs than Ontario or BC.

Best for: Students who prioritize affordability and smaller class sizes.

How to Win These Scholarships

Apply Early

Many scholarships have deadlines months before the academic year starts.

Tailor Your Applications

A generic essay won’t cut it—research each scholarship’s criteria and adjust your application accordingly.

Look Beyond Grades

Leadership, community service, and unique experiences can make you stand out.

Use Scholarship Search Engines

Websites like ScholarshipsCanada and Yconic can help you find lesser-known awards.

Merit-Based Scholarships in Canadian Provinces: Your Complete Guide

If you’re a high-achieving student looking to fund your Canadian education, merit-based scholarships offer some of the most rewarding opportunities. Unlike need-based aid, these awards recognize academic excellence, leadership, and special talents. Here’s what you need to know about provincial merit scholarships across Canada.

What Are Merit-Based Scholarships?

Merit scholarships reward students for:

• Outstanding academic performance
• Leadership achievements
• Research potential
• Artistic or athletic excellence
• Community involvement

The best part? Most don’t require financial need documentation, making them accessible to high-performing students from all backgrounds.

Provincial Breakdown of Top Merit Awards

Ontario: Excellence Rewarded

Ontario offers some of Canada’s most prestigious merit awards:

• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS): $10,000-$15,000 for grad students with A- averages
• President’s Scholars of Excellence (U of T): $10,000 entrance award for 95%+ averages
• Western Scholars Award: Up to $50,000 over 4 years for top undergraduates

The Canadian Province Where Scholarships Are Easiest to Win

If you’re looking for the path of least resistance to scholarship funding in Canada, the answer might surprise you. After analyzing acceptance rates, competition levels, and award structures, one province stands out as having the most accessible scholarships.

The Clear Winner: Saskatchewan

Why Saskatchewan?

• Lower GPA requirements (many awards start at 80% average vs 90%+ in other provinces)
• Smaller applicant pools = less competition
• Guaranteed entrance scholarships at both major universities
• Special provincial programs for domestic and international students

University of Saskatchewan Advantages:

• Automatic $3,000-$24,000 awards for 80-95% averages
• 85% of entrance scholarship applicants receive funding
• Additional $20,000 “Excellence Awards” for 95%+ averages

Saskatchewan Polytechnic Benefits:

• Vocational program scholarships with minimal competition
• $1,000-$5,000 awards often go unawarded due to lack of applicants

Runners-Up: Other Accessible Options

2. Manitoba

• University of Manitoba’s automatic awards (from 85% average)
• More need-based awards with flexible requirements
• Indigenous scholarship opportunities with less competition

3. Atlantic Canada (NB/NS/PEI/NL)

• Memorial University’s automatic scholarships (from 75% average)
• Dalhousie’s smaller applicant pool for regional awards
• PEI’s niche awards that few students apply for

Why These Beat Ontario/BC

Factor	Saskatchewan	Ontario/BC
Average GPA Cutoff	80%	90%+
Competition Level	Low	Extremely High
Automatic Awards	Yes	Rare
International Student Odds	Good	Poor

3 Little-Known Saskatchewan Scholarships Almost Anyone Can Get

1. Saskatchewan Innovation Scholarship
   • $10,000 for international undergrads
   • Only requires 80% average
2. Indigenous Achievement Awards
   • Up to $24,000 at U of S
   • Separate pool from general awards
3. Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship
   • $500-$2,000 for all grads of SK high schools
   • Virtually automatic if you apply

Government vs. Private Scholarships in Canada: A Provincial Breakdown

When funding your Canadian education, understanding the difference between government and private scholarships can help you maximize your financial aid. Here’s how these two types of scholarships compare across Canada’s provinces:

Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	Government Scholarships	Private Scholarships
Funding Source	Provincial/federal budgets	Corporations, foundations, individuals
Award Amounts	Typically larger ($5,000+)	Often smaller ($500-$2,000) but more numerous
Eligibility	Strict residency/academic rules	More varied (specific majors, backgrounds)
Renewability	Often renewable	Usually one-time
Application	Centralized processes	Diverse application requirements

Provincial Breakdown

Ontario

Government:

• Ontario Graduate Scholarship ($15,000)
• Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) grants
• Trillium Scholarships for international students

Private:

• TD Scholarships for Community Leadership
• Scotiabank STEM scholarships
• Hundreds of university-specific awards

British Columbia

Government:

• BC Access Grant (need-based)
• BC Merit Scholarships
• International Education Awards

Private:

• VanCity Community Scholarships
• Teck Resources Mining awards
• Coastal Community Credit Union awards

Alberta

Government:

• Jason Lang Scholarship ($1,000 renewable)
• Rutherford Scholarships (high school merit)
• Alberta Innovates awards

Private:

• ATCO Indigenous Scholarships
• Enbridge Awards for trades/technology
• Calgary Foundation community awards

Quebec

Government:

• PBEEE for international students
• Quebec Merit Scholarships
• Provincial loan remission program

Private:

• Bombardier Engineering awards
• Power Corporation management scholarships
• Montreal Community Foundation awards

Final Verdict: Which Province is Best for You?

• For prestige & high-value awards: Ontario
• For international students: British Columbia
• For French speakers & research funding: Quebec
• For affordability + STEM scholarships: Alberta
• For budget-friendly options: Manitoba & Saskatchewan

Frequently Asked Questions About Canadian Scholarships by Province

Which Canadian province offers the most scholarships?

Ontario consistently ranks #1 for scholarship availability, especially for graduate studies. Between provincial programs like OGS and university-specific awards at schools like U of Toronto and Waterloo, students have hundreds of funding options. However, British Columbia and Quebec also offer exceptional scholarship opportunities, particularly for international students.

Do I need to speak French to get scholarships in Quebec?

While many Quebec scholarships (like PBEEE) prioritize French-speaking applicants, some major awards at English-language universities like McGill don’t require French proficiency. That said, learning even basic French significantly expands your funding options in Quebec.

Are there automatic scholarships in Canada?

Yes! Many universities (especially in Alberta and Saskatchewan) offer automatic entrance scholarships based on your grades. For example:

• University of Alberta: Up to $5,000 for 90%+ averages
• University of Calgary: $15,000 over 4 years for top students
• University of Saskatchewan: $24,000 over 4 years for 95%+ averages

Which province is best for international student scholarships?

British Columbia leads for international funding, with awards like:

• UBC’s International Leader of Tomorrow Award (full tuition + living costs)
• SFU’s Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarship ($120,000 over 4 years)
• BC Provincial Merit Scholarships