Scholarships in Canada for Sri Lankan Students

Here are some of the most valuable and prestigious Canadian government scholarships available:

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)

  Valued at CA $50,000 per year for 3 years (non-renewable). Awarded to doctoral students demonstrating academic excellence, research potential, and leadership. Open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and foreign nationals, including Sri Lankan students.

• Canada Graduate Scholarships – Doctoral Program (CGS D)

  Provides CA $40,000 per year for up to 36 months. Supports high-achieving doctoral students in research-based programmes. International students, including those from Sri Lanka, are eligible if enrolled in a doctoral programme at a Canadian institution at the time of application. Up to 15% of awards are allotted to international applicants.

Many universities in Canada offer dedicated funding for international students. Here's a snapshot:

These university-specific scholarships in Canada offer tailored support for Sri Lankan students across different levels of study.

Looking to study in Canada with scholarship opportunities? Whether you're starting a bachelor’s programme or pursuing a graduate degree, there is a wide range of scholarships in Canada available to international students, including those from Sri Lanka. While undergraduate scholarships in Canada exist, graduate-level funding, especially for research-based programmes, tends to offer higher value and more frequent availability.

• UdeM Exemption Scholarship (Université de Montréal)

1. Covers part of the international tuition fee

2. Up to CA $13,740.60 per year based on academic excellence

3. Only applicable to full-time undergraduate degree programmes

4. No separate application is needed

5. This is a leading university-specific scholarship in Canada, highly recommended for high-achieving students from Sri Lanka

• Douglas International Regional Entrance Award

1. Valued at $1,000–$2,000

2. Automatically assessed during admission

3. Open to all countries, including Sri Lanka

4. Requires a strong GPA and English proficiency (IELTS 7.0+ or equivalent)

• University Canada West (UCW) Entrance Awards

1. Offered to students admitted to undergraduate programmes

2. One award per student; disbursed as tuition credit

3. Applicants with conditional offers are not eligible

4. Not applicable to online programmes

These are some of the most accessible undergraduate scholarships in Canada for Sri Lankan students planning to study in Canada with scholarship.

• UdeM Exemption Scholarship for International Students

1. Partial exemption for international master’s students

2. Research programmes: Up to CA $15,150/year

3. Non-research programmes: Up to CA $10,788.75/year

4. Must remain full-time with valid study permits

• A great option under university-specific scholarships in Canada for students pursuing a graduate degree.

• International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE) – University of Waterloo

1. For students in research-based master’s programmes

2. Valued at CA $2,500 per term, up to five terms

3. Selection is based on academic excellence at admission

4. This award is ideal if you are searching for Master’s scholarships in Canada tied to research and innovation.

• A.S. Mowat Prize – Dalhousie University

1. Valued at CA $1,500

2. Open to international students in their first year of any master's programme

3. Recognises outstanding academic performance

• Dr. Paul Anthony & Thelma Johnstone Bursary – Dalhousie University

1. CA $1,000 in bursary supporting students in humanities or social sciences

2. Requires academic standing, financial need, and a demonstrated interest in social justice.

• Glendon Chase McCormick Scholarship – Dalhousie University

1. Minimum of two awards worth CA $4,000 each

2. Open to all disciplines at the master’s or PhD level

3. Requires GPA of 3.7/4.3 over the past two academic years

Dalhousie offers a solid range of Canada study abroad scholarships for international master’s students, including students from Sri Lanka.

• Aspire Global Graduate Grant – University Canada West (UCW)

1. Programme: Master of Business Administration

2. Eligibility: Open to all international MBA applicants starting in Fall 2025 or any 2026 term.

3. Value:

4. 2025: CA $12,045 grant (student pays CA $31,230)

5. 2026: CA $13,305 grant (student pays CA $32,790)

6. Disbursed as a tuition credit from the first term

7. Students pay the equivalent of domestic tuition

8. Conditions include maintaining full-time status and good academic standing

9. One of the most accessible university-specific scholarships in Canada for MBA students seeking fee parity.

• UBC Sauder School of Business – Regional Top Talent Scholarships

1. Value: CA $10,000 – Full Tuition

2. Region-Specific: Includes awards for top talent from Asia

3. Recognises academic excellence and leadership potential

• UBC Sauder – Hari Varshney MBA Entrance Scholarship

1. Value: Up to 50% of tuition

2. Targeted at high-performing international students

• UBC Sauder – Dean’s Entrance Scholarship

1. Value: CA $20,000 – Full Tuition

2. For students with an excellent academic track record and community involvement

• UBC Sauder – International Talent Scholarships

1. Value: CA $10,000 – $60,000

2. For top-performing MBA candidates with global potential

• UBC Sauder – Madhu Varshney MBA Entrance Scholarship

1. Value: Up to 50% of tuition

2. For one outstanding international MBA applicant

• UBC Sauder – Women in Business Leadership Scholarships

1. Value: CA $10,000 – $60,000 (international)

2. For applicants committed to gender equity in business leadership

• Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship

1. Doctoral students in humanities and social sciences
2. Up to CA $50,000/year for 3 years (tuition + living expenses)
3. Additional CA $20,000/year for 3 years for research, travel & networking
4. Eligibility: Canadian citizens or international students enrolled in a Canadian institution
5. Must demonstrate leadership and engagement beyond academia

• Dr. Edgar Z. Friedenberg Award – Dalhousie University

1. Value: Minimum CA $750
2. Eligibility: Doctoral students from any discipline
3. Open to both Canadian and international students

• Killam International Research Award – Dalhousie University

1. Value: CA $6,000
2. For current Killam Doctoral Scholars
3. Funds short-term research abroad linked to doctoral research
4. Emphasises global engagement and scholarly exchange

• Canada Graduate Research Scholarships – Doctoral (CGRS D) - McGill University

1. Value: CA $40,000 per year for 3 years
2. Administered through CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC
3. Now open to all citizens (with some registration conditions for non-Canadians)

• Tomlinson Doctoral Fellowships – McGill University

1. Value: Up to $35,000 annually for 3 years
2. Includes Differential Fee Waiver for international students
3. For new doctoral candidates starting Winter, Summer, or Fall 2025

• Harold A. Robertson Scholarship in Parkinson Research – Dalhousie University

1. Value: $5,000 annually
2. Focuses on Parkinson’s Disease at the basic science or caregiving level
3. Available to Master’s and PhD students

Sri Lankan students looking to apply for scholarships to study in Canada should note that even though there are thousands of grants available at the government, university and private organisation levels, the competition is fierce and your application will have to be exceptionally good to stand out and get shortlisted. Below mentioned are steps to ensure that your scholarship applications make the cut.

• Maintain a strong academic record – Aim for excellence in school or undergraduate coursework.

• Apply early – Deadlines can close months in advance. Early applications are often prioritised.

• Write a compelling personal statement – Highlight your goals, achievements, and reasons for choosing Canada.

• Secure powerful recommendation letters – Choose referees who know your academic or leadership strengths well.

• Research thoroughly – Visit university and scholarship portals regularly for updates on Canada scholarships for Sri Lankan students.

Sri Lankan students looking to study in Canada and are looking for scholarships in Canada are advised to use this guide for reference purposes. Scholarship deadlines, grants and eligibility are subject to change. The scholarships mentioned here are part of a larger poll of scholarships that are available to Sri Lankan students looking to study in Canada. We strongly advise students to get in touch with our AECC counsellors for a list of the best scholarships in Canada suited to their student profile and university.

Studying in Canada is no longer out of reach for Sri Lankan students. With a wide range of Canadian scholarships for Sri Lankan students from government schemes to university-based support, your academic future can be both bright and affordable.

Start by exploring scholarships in Canada today with AECC Sri Lanka. Whether you're applying for an undergraduate course or a master’s programme, these opportunities can make way for a transformative academic experience. Take that first step towards your Canadian education now.