Top 10 Scholarships for International Students in Canada & USA (2025)


🌍 Top 10 Scholarships for International Students in Canada & USA (2025)

📌 Introduction

Dreaming of studying in Canada or the USA but worried about the cost? You're not alone. Tuition fees, living expenses, and travel can quickly add up — especially for international students. Thankfully, both countries offer a range of prestigious scholarships to help ease the financial burden.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 scholarships available in 2025 for international students looking to study in North America. These scholarships are merit-based, need-based, or fully funded, covering tuition, living expenses, and more.

🎓 Top Scholarships in the United States

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program

  • Type: Fully Funded

  • Eligibility: Graduate students and young professionals from 160+ countries

  • Covers: Tuition, airfare, living stipend, and health insurance

  • Apply by: Varies by country

  • Website: foreign.fulbrightonline.org

2. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

  • Type: Non-degree fellowship

  • Eligibility: Mid-career professionals with leadership potential

  • Benefits: Tuition, travel, professional development, living allowance

  • Duration: 10 months

  • Website: humphreyfellowship.org

3. AAUW International Fellowships

  • Type: Women-only scholarship

  • Eligibility: Non-U.S. citizens pursuing full-time graduate or postgraduate study

  • Award Amount: $20,000 to $50,000

  • Field: Any field of study

  • Website: aauw.org

4. Stanford University – Knight-Hennessy Scholars

  • Type: Fully Funded

  • Eligibility: Any nationality; pursuing graduate study at Stanford

  • Covers: Tuition, stipend, travel, leadership training

  • Focus: Innovation, leadership, and cross-disciplinary learning

  • Website: knight-hennessy.stanford.edu

5. Yale University Scholarships (USA)

  • Type: Need-Based

  • Eligibility: Undergraduate, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs

  • Coverage: Up to full tuition with additional financial aid

  • Website: yalecollege.yale.edu

🍁 Top Scholarships in Canada

6. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

  • Type: Government-funded

  • Eligibility: Doctoral students demonstrating leadership & academic excellence

  • Award Amount: CAD 50,000/year for 3 years

  • Fields: Health, Natural sciences, Engineering, Social sciences, Humanities

  • Website: vanier.gc.ca

7. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto)

  • Type: Undergraduate, Fully Funded

  • Eligibility: Exceptional international students with leadership potential

  • Covers: Tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence support

  • Website: future.utoronto.ca

8. University of British Columbia (UBC) International Leader of Tomorrow Award

  • Type: Need and merit-based

  • Eligibility: Undergraduate international students

  • Coverage: Proportional to financial need (can cover full cost)

  • Website: you.ubc.ca

9. McGill University Scholarships

  • Type: Merit-Based and Need-Based

  • Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate international students

  • Awards: CAD 3,000 to CAD 12,000+

  • Application: Some automatic; others require separate application

  • Website: mcgill.ca

10. University of Alberta International Scholarships

  • Type: Various scholarships

  • Eligibility: All levels – UG, PG, PhD

  • Coverage: Up to CAD 9,000/year depending on award

  • Website: ualberta.ca

Eligibility Criteria (General)

While criteria may vary, most scholarships require:

  • Strong academic performance

  • Leadership qualities

  • Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)

  • Letter(s) of recommendation

  • Statement of Purpose or Essay

📋 Required Documents

Prepare the following documents before applying:

  • Academic transcripts

  • Proof of language proficiency

  • Passport copy

  • Recommendation letters

  • Resume or CV

  • Financial documents (for need-based scholarships)

💡 Pro Tips to Secure a Scholarship

  • Apply early – Many deadlines close 6–12 months before intake.

  • Customize your essay – Tailor it for each scholarship provider.

  • Highlight leadership – Most programs value initiative and social impact.

  • Use clean, professional formatting for documents.

🔚 Conclusion

Securing a scholarship to study in Canada or the USA can turn your dreams into reality. With the right preparation, strong academics, and timely applications, you can win funding to study at world-class institutions.

Don't wait—start researching and applying for these top scholarships today!

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