Canada has firmly established itself as one of the world's premier destinations for higher education. With English spoken everywhere, a multicultural society, and world-class universities, it's no wonder that students from across the globe are setting their sights on Canadian campuses. And here's some great news: Canadian visa approval rates jumped by 15 percentage points in the first half of 2027, making it easier than ever to turn your study abroad dreams into reality.
If you're planning to study in Canada, the very first type of funding you should be looking at is entrance scholarships also known as admission scholarships. These are awards offered to international students at the time of admission, covering Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD programs. The best part? Most entrance scholarships don't require a separate application you're automatically considered when you apply for admission.
Here's a comprehensive look at 11 Canadian universities offering entrance scholarships for 2027.
1. University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is a powerhouse when it comes to entrance scholarships. Overall, the university, its colleges, faculties, and divisions award approximately 4,500 entrance scholarships annually. Many of these are automatic, meaning you'll be considered as soon as you apply.
For international students with exceptional academic records, the Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships are worth special attention. These prestigious awards cover tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years. The deadline to apply for admission and be considered for the Pearson Scholarship is October 16, 2026, for a September 2027 start.
2. York University
York University offers a wide range of options for future students, including multiple entrance scholarships specifically for international students. These include:
York University Automatic Entrance Scholarships – awarded based on your admission average
York University Talent Entrance Scholarships – recognizing outstanding achievements in areas like arts, athletics, or community involvement
3. University of British Columbia (UBC)
At UBC, the process is refreshingly simple: as soon as you receive an offer of admission, you'll automatically be considered for merit-based awards. Consideration is based on your demonstrated academic achievement and your extracurricular involvement. This holistic approach means UBC values not just your grades, but who you are as a person.
4. University of Waterloo
Each year, the University of Waterloo offers numerous entrance scholarships and awards to outstanding students. Like many other institutions, you'll automatically be considered for the majority of these scholarships when you apply for admission.
5. University of Alberta
The University of Alberta should be on your radar—it has a lot to offer. One of its biggest advantages? You could be starting with scholarships you don't even have to apply for. If you're eligible for an admission-based scholarship, the university staff will contact you directly. No applications, no stress—just recognition of your achievements.
6. University of Ottawa
Located at the heart of Canada's capital, the University of Ottawa offers entrance scholarships and holds a unique distinction: it's the largest bilingual (English-French) university in the world. For international students, the university also offers the International English Academic Excellence Scholarship, available to newly admitted students in approved English-language undergraduate programs across various faculties.
7. McMaster University
McMaster University offers two types of entrance scholarships:
Automatic awards – granted based on your admission average
Awards by application – requiring a separate submission, such as the McMaster University Award of Excellence
This dual approach gives students multiple pathways to secure funding.
8. University of Victoria (UVic)
UVic offers automatic entrance scholarships based on your admission average. For the 2026-2027 academic year, Canadian citizens and permanent residents with averages of 90% or higher (or 32 IB points or equivalent) can receive between $3,000 and $6,000 as a one-time award. International students should check with the university for equivalent eligibility criteria.
9. Dalhousie University
For those targeting the 2027/2028 academic year, Dalhousie University's General Entrance Awards/Scholarships program will open for submissions on October 1, 2026. Mark your calendars and prepare your applications early!
10. Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)
International students attending a Canadian secondary school with a final average of 86% and higher are guaranteed a renewable entrance scholarship. This guarantee provides peace of mind for students who have worked hard to achieve academic excellence.
11. University of Winnipeg
The University of Winnipeg offers Special Entrance Scholarships for international students, with automatic awards based on your admission average. Entering international students must have the equivalent of a Canadian 85% grade average, based on Grade 12 academic courses used for admission. Additionally, the Joan Barbara Turek Entrance Scholarship for Women in STEM is available for Grade 12 graduates identifying as female who have been admitted to first-year studies.
Other Notable Options
Beyond these 11 universities, several other institutions are also offering attractive entrance scholarships for 2027:
Seneca Polytechnic – Receive up to $5,000 when you begin a full-time program in September 2026, January 2027, or May 2027
Durham College – Global Entrance Scholarships of up to CAD $3,000 are available
George Brown College – Onshore International Student Scholarship of $2,000 for eligible students applying from within Canada
Key Details at a Glance
Category Details
Degree Levels Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
Scholarship Coverage Funded (varies by institution)
Eligible Nationalities All nationalities
Award Country Canada
Application Deadlines Varies by university
Pro Tips for Applicants
Apply early:
Many scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis or have early deadlines. For example, U of T's Pearson Scholarship requires admission applications by October 16, 2026.
Check automatic eligibility:
With most universities automatically considering you for entrance scholarships, simply submitting a strong admission application is your first step toward funding.
Don't forget extracurriculars:
UBC and other universities consider extracurricular involvement alongside academics. Your volunteer work, leadership roles, and community engagement matter.
Watch for application-based awards:
While many scholarships are automatic, some like McMaster's Award of Excellence require a separate application. Don't miss out on these opportunities.
Stay organized:
Deadlines vary by institution. Create a timeline for each university you're applying to.
Final Thoughts
Canada's entrance scholarships represent an incredible opportunity for international students to access world-class education at a more affordable cost. With nearly half of Canadian universities offering these awards, and most requiring no separate application, the path to funding your Canadian education has never been more accessible.
Whether you're aiming for the prestigious Lester B. Pearson Scholarship at U of T, the automatic awards at UBC and Waterloo, or the specialized programs at smaller institutions, there's a scholarship out there for you. Start your research early, prepare a strong application, and take the first step toward your Canadian academic journey in 2027.
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