Studying in Canada is a dream for many Bangladeshi students, but the high cost of international tuition, accommodation and living expenses can make it challenging. The good news is that many Canadian universities offer entrance scholarships, merit-based awards, leadership scholarships and need-based financial support for international students.
However, it is important to understand that not every Canadian scholarship is fully funded. Some awards cover only part of tuition, while a few prestigious scholarships can cover tuition, residence and other major educational expenses.
This guide highlights 15 Canadian universities where international students, including eligible Bangladeshi applicants, can explore scholarships and financial aid opportunities.
Important: Scholarship eligibility, deadlines, award values and required documents can change from one admission cycle to another. Always check the official university scholarship page before applying.
Canada Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students at a Glance
| University | Scholarship/Opportunity | Potential Value | Main Eligibility | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship | Full support for 4 years | Exceptional international students, school nomination | Scholarship application + admission |
| University of British Columbia | International Scholars Program | Need-based, potentially substantial | International students with outstanding academics and significant financial need | Separate scholarship process |
| University of Waterloo | International Student Scholarships | Up to $80,000+ for selected awards | International undergraduate applicants, depending on faculty | Some automatic, some require application |
| McGill University | Entrance Scholarships & Bursaries | Varies | Newly admitted undergraduate students | Admission + financial aid application where applicable |
| University of Alberta | International Admission & Entrance Awards | Varies | International undergraduate applicants | Admission/application-based awards |
| University of Calgary | International Entrance Scholarship | $20,000 renewable | New international undergraduate students | UCalgary application portal |
| University of Manitoba | International Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship | Varies | International high-school graduates | Admission/award process |
| University of Saskatchewan | International Excellence Award | $10,000 | International undergraduate students | Automatic consideration with timely admission |
| Carleton University | President’s Welcome Award | $2,000–$5,000 | International undergraduate applicants | Automatic consideration |
| York University | International Entrance Scholarships | Up to $37,500 for listed awards | International students based on admission average | Automatic consideration for eligible applicants |
| Toronto Metropolitan University | International Student Leadership Award | $10,000 | First-year international undergraduate students | Scholarship application |
| Dalhousie University | International Entrance Awards | Varies | International undergraduate applicants | Admission + General Entrance Award application |
| Memorial University | International Entrance Scholarship | Up to $6,000 annually for listed award | International undergraduate students | Admission/scholarship process |
| Concordia University | International Tuition Entrance Scholarship | Varies by program | Eligible international undergraduate applicants | Program/admission-based |
| Queen’s University | International Admission Awards | Up to $100,000 for selected awards | Eligible international applicants in specified programs | Automatic consideration for some awards |
1. University of Toronto — Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
The University of Toronto offers the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, one of Canada’s best-known undergraduate scholarships for international students.
The scholarship covers tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years for selected scholars. Approximately 37 students are named Pearson Scholars each year.
Eligibility
Applicants generally need to:
- Be an international student requiring a Canadian study permit.
- Be in the final year of secondary school or have graduated within the specified eligibility period.
- Be beginning undergraduate studies at U of T in the specified intake.
- Demonstrate exceptional academic achievement.
- Demonstrate leadership and creativity.
- Receive a nomination from their secondary school.
For the 2027 intake, U of T lists specific nomination and application deadlines, so applicants should check the current cycle before applying.
Required Documents
Depending on the application stage, applicants may need:
- Academic transcripts
- School nomination
- University admission application
- Personal information and scholarship responses
- Supporting academic documents
- Other documents requested through the application portal
Application
University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson Scholarship
2. University of British Columbia — International Scholars Program
The University of British Columbia (UBC) provides the International Scholars Program for outstanding international students who have significant financial need.
Applicants must demonstrate excellent academic achievement and meet UBC’s admission and English-language requirements. UBC also assesses the applicant’s financial situation, including family income, expenses and assets.
Eligibility
Generally, applicants must:
- Be an international student.
- Be entering UBC directly from an accredited secondary school.
- Be applying for their first undergraduate degree.
- Demonstrate superior academic achievement.
- Demonstrate significant financial need.
- Meet UBC admission requirements.
- Meet UBC’s English Language Admission Standard.
Required Documents
Common documents can include:
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of family income
- Financial documents
- Admission documents
- English-language proficiency documents, where required
- Other supporting financial documents requested by UBC
Application
UBC states that the International Scholars application is connected to the undergraduate admission process and has specific annual deadlines.
UBC International Scholars Program
3. University of Waterloo — International Student Scholarships
The University of Waterloo offers a range of scholarships for international undergraduate students. Some scholarships are automatic, while others require a separate application.
Waterloo currently lists new $10,000 scholarships for eligible international fee-paying students entering full-time first-year degree studies in September 2026.
Its Faculty of Science also lists international scholarships ranging from $25,000 to $80,000 for eligible students.
Eligibility
Eligibility depends on the specific scholarship, but may include:
- International fee-paying student status
- Admission to an eligible undergraduate program
- Strong academic performance
- Faculty-specific requirements
- Application through the applicant portal for awards requiring an application
Required Documents
- Academic transcripts
- Admission application
- Proof of international student status
- Personal statement or scholarship responses, if required
- Additional faculty-specific documents
Application
University of Waterloo Scholarships
4. McGill University — Entrance Scholarships and Bursaries
McGill University offers merit-based entrance scholarships as well as need-based financial support for newly admitted undergraduate students.
McGill says its Entrance Scholarship Program is available to newly admitted undergraduate students, including eligible international students.
The university also has an Entrance Bursary Program for students who demonstrate financial need. International students may be considered if they meet the relevant requirements.
Eligibility
Depending on the award:
- Newly accepted first-year undergraduate student
- Full-time degree program
- Strong academic record
- Demonstrated financial need for bursary programs
- International student eligibility where applicable
Required Documents
- Academic transcripts
- Admission documents
- Financial information
- CSS Profile for eligible international applicants where required
- Supporting financial documentation
Application
McGill Scholarships and Student Aid
5. University of Alberta — International Scholarships
The University of Alberta provides a wide range of scholarships and financial support. The university says it administers more than $46 million in scholarships and financial support each year.
International students may be considered for admission-based and application-based awards. The International Admission Scholarship can be worth up to $5,000 CAD, depending on admission average.
Eligibility
Depending on the award:
- International undergraduate applicant
- Admission to an eligible program
- Strong academic performance
- Leadership, extracurricular activities or financial need for selected awards
Required Documents
- Academic transcripts
- Admission application
- Personal information
- Leadership/extracurricular information where applicable
- Financial information for need-based awards
Application
University of Alberta Scholarships and Financial Support
6. University of Calgary — International Entrance Scholarship
The University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship is available to eligible international students entering their first year of an undergraduate degree.
The current award is listed at $20,000 and renewable, with eligibility including international status, academic merit and fulfillment of the university’s English-language requirement.
Eligibility
Applicants generally need to:
- Be an international student paying international tuition.
- Be entering first year of an undergraduate degree.
- Meet the English Language Proficiency requirement.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance.
- Meet the specific scholarship conditions.
Required Documents
- Academic transcripts
- English-language proficiency documents where required
- Admission application
- Other documents requested by UCalgary
Application
University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
7. University of Manitoba — International Undergraduate Scholarships
The University of Manitoba offers International Undergraduate Student Entrance Scholarships to reward academic excellence among international students graduating from international high schools.
Eligibility
Generally:
- International student
- Graduating from an international high school
- Entering undergraduate study
- Strong academic performance
- Meeting university admission requirements
The university also notes that international students may be eligible for entrance scholarships, bursaries and other awards.
Required Documents
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of graduation
- Admission documents
- Study permit-related documents where applicable
- Other documents requested by the university
Application
University of Manitoba International Student Awards
8. University of Saskatchewan — International Excellence Award
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) offers International Excellence Awards for international students based on academic achievement.
The university currently lists an International Excellence Award valued at $10,000 and an International Baccalaureate Excellence Award valued at $20,000. Eligible students are considered automatically when they meet the applicable admission deadline.
Eligibility
- International student
- Applying for eligible undergraduate studies
- Strong academic achievement
- Admission application submitted by the applicable deadline
Required Documents
- Academic transcripts
- Secondary school certificate
- Admission documents
- IB documents, if applicable
- English-language proficiency documents where required
Application
University of Saskatchewan Scholarships
9. Carleton University — President’s Welcome Award
Carleton University offers entrance scholarships and awards to international undergraduate students.
For students applying for September 2027, Carleton lists the President’s Welcome Award for International Students, valued at $2,000–$5,000 CAD, with automatic consideration based on grades at admission.
Eligibility
- International undergraduate applicant
- Admission to an eligible Carleton program
- Strong academic performance
- Meeting the university’s entrance requirements
Required Documents
- Academic transcripts
- Admission application
- Proof of academic qualifications
- Additional documents if required for a specific award
Application
Carleton University Scholarships and Bursaries
10. York University — International Entrance Scholarships
York University provides several scholarships and awards for international undergraduate students.
For Fall 2026, York lists automatic entrance scholarships based on final admission average. For example, the York International Scholarship of Distinction is listed at up to $37,500 total, while the York International Merit Award is listed at up to $25,000 total for the stated award structure.
Eligibility
- International student
- Applying for undergraduate admission
- Strong final admission average
- Meeting York’s admission requirements
- Specific conditions depending on the award
Required Documents
- Academic transcripts
- Secondary school certificate
- Admission documents
- English-language test results where required
- Additional documents for specific scholarships
Application
York University International Scholarships
11. Toronto Metropolitan University — International Student Leadership Award
Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) offers the International Student Leadership Award for high-achieving international undergraduate students.
For Fall 2026, TMU lists the award at $10,000 CAD for up to 53 recipients. Applicants need a minimum 86% final admission average or equivalent, must be entering post-secondary education for the first time and must submit a personal statement.
Eligibility
- International student
- First-time post-secondary student
- Full-time undergraduate applicant
- Paying international tuition
- Minimum 86% admission average or equivalent
- Leadership, volunteering and extracurricular involvement
- Personal statement
Required Documents
- Academic transcripts
- Admission application
- Personal statement
- Supporting information about leadership and extracurricular activities
- Other admission documents
Application
Toronto Metropolitan University Scholarships and Awards
12. Dalhousie University — International Entrance Awards
International students applying to Dalhousie can be considered for entrance awards by completing the university’s General Entrance Award application.
Dalhousie states that applicants must apply to an undergraduate program and complete the General Entrance Award application before the relevant deadline.
Eligibility
- International undergraduate applicant
- Application to an eligible Dalhousie program
- Strong academic achievement
- Completion of the General Entrance Award application
- Meeting individual scholarship criteria
Required Documents
- Academic transcript
- Admission application
- General Entrance Award information
- Supporting documents requested for specific awards
Dalhousie notes that references, resumes and SAT/ACT/IELTS documents are not required for consideration for the general entrance awards unless a particular award specifies otherwise.
Application
Dalhousie University Scholarships and Financial Aid
13. Memorial University of Newfoundland — International Entrance Scholarships
Memorial University of Newfoundland offers entrance scholarships for international undergraduate students.
The university lists an International Entrance Scholarship for international undergraduate students, with awards varying by year and scholarship; one listed international entrance scholarship can be worth up to $6,000 annually.
Eligibility
- International student
- New undergraduate applicant
- Meeting Memorial’s admission requirements
- Strong academic performance
- Specific scholarship requirements where applicable
Required Documents
- Academic transcripts
- Secondary school certificate
- Admission application
- English-language proficiency documents where required
- Other supporting documents requested by Memorial
Application
Memorial University International Student Scholarships
14. Concordia University — International Scholarships
Concordia University offers scholarships and entrance awards for undergraduate students, with some awards specifically available to international students.
For example, Concordia’s Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science lists an International Tuition Entrance Scholarship with a $5,000 value that can renew for up to four years for eligible Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Computer Science students, subject to the stated GPA requirements.
Eligibility
Eligibility varies by faculty and scholarship, but may include:
- International student status
- Admission to an eligible undergraduate program
- Strong academic performance
- Full-time enrollment
- Faculty-specific GPA requirements
Required Documents
- Academic transcripts
- Admission application
- Proof of academic qualifications
- English-language documents where required
- Personal statement or additional materials if requested
Application
Concordia University Scholarships
15. Queen’s University — International Admission Awards
Queen’s University offers scholarships and awards for eligible international students. Some international admission awards are automatically considered based on the student’s admission application.
Queen’s currently lists International Admission Awards in selected programs with values ranging from $40,000 to $100,000, depending on the award, as well as an International Admission Scholarship with a listed total value of $9,000.
Eligibility
Depending on the award:
- International applicant
- Undergraduate admission
- Strong academic record
- Application to an eligible program
- Meeting the award-specific criteria
Required Documents
- Academic transcripts
- Secondary school certificate
- Admission application
- English-language proficiency documents where required
- Additional documents for specific awards
Application
Queen’s University International Scholarships and Awards
What Documents Are Usually Required for Canadian Scholarships?
Bangladeshi students applying for Canadian university scholarships should generally prepare the following documents:
- Academic transcripts
- SSC certificate and transcript
- HSC certificate and transcript
- Passport copy
- English-language proficiency certificate, such as IELTS/TOEFL where required
- Statement of Purpose or personal statement
- CV/resume, where required
- Letters of recommendation, where required
- Leadership and extracurricular activity records
- Proof of financial need, for need-based scholarships
- Proof of family income/assets, where requested
- School nomination, for scholarships such as the Lester B. Pearson program
- Admission application documents
- Portfolio, for programs that require one
- Additional faculty-specific documents
The exact document list is not the same for every scholarship, so students should always follow the checklist shown in the official scholarship portal.
How to Get a Scholarship in Canada from Bangladesh?
If you are searching for how to get a scholarship in Canada, following a planned approach can significantly improve your chances.
Step 1: Choose your study level
First decide whether you want to apply for:
- Undergraduate
- Master’s
- PhD
- Diploma or certificate programs
The 15 universities above mainly include opportunities for international undergraduate students, because many of the most prominent Canadian entrance scholarships are targeted at first-year students.
Step 2: Build a strong academic profile
A strong academic record is one of the most important factors in Canadian scholarship selection.
Students with excellent SSC/HSC or equivalent results should prioritize merit-based awards.
Step 3: Prepare your English-language score
Many Canadian universities require proof of English proficiency. Depending on the university and program, accepted tests may include IELTS, TOEFL or other approved examinations.
Step 4: Develop your leadership profile
For competitive scholarships, academic results alone may not be enough.
Include:
- Volunteer work
- Leadership positions
- Olympiads and competitions
- Clubs and organizations
- Community service
- Research
- Entrepreneurship
- Extracurricular achievements
Step 5: Apply early
Some scholarships are automatically considered when you apply for admission, while others require a separate scholarship application.
For example, U of T’s Pearson Scholarship requires school nomination and a separate scholarship application, while several other universities automatically consider eligible students based on admission results.
Step 6: Apply to multiple universities
Do not depend on one scholarship.
A better strategy is to apply to several universities and combine:
University scholarship + external scholarship + personal/family funding + other permitted financial resources.
Is There a Full Free Scholarship in Canada?
Yes, fully funded or near-fully funded opportunities do exist, but they are highly competitive.
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto is one example of a scholarship that covers tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years.
However, many scholarships advertised online as “Canada full free scholarships” are actually partial tuition scholarships.
For example:
- $5,000 scholarship ≠ fully funded
- $10,000 scholarship ≠ necessarily fully funded
- $20,000 scholarship ≠ necessarily fully funded
The total cost of tuition, accommodation, food, health insurance, books, transportation and other expenses must be considered before deciding whether an award is fully funded.
Canada Scholarship Application Tips for Bangladeshi Students
Before submitting an application, check the following:
- Academic requirements
- English-language requirement
- Scholarship deadline
- University admission deadline
- Whether separate scholarship application is required
- Whether school nomination is required
- Transcript requirements
- Personal statement requirements
- Recommendation letter requirements
- Financial documents
- Passport validity
- Program-specific requirements
- Scholarship renewal requirements
Important Note About “Full Free Scholarship”
Students searching for Canada full free scholarship should be careful about websites or agents promising guaranteed scholarships.
No legitimate university can guarantee a competitive scholarship simply because an applicant pays an agent or processing fee.
For example, the University of Toronto specifically warns applicants about fraudulent Pearson Scholarship offers and says the program does not use agencies to recruit scholarship recipients.
Therefore, always use the official university website and official application portal.
For Bangladeshi students, Canada offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities at both highly competitive research universities and other public institutions. The best option depends on your academic results, English proficiency, intended subject, extracurricular profile and financial situation.
Among the opportunities discussed above, the University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship stands out as a major full-support undergraduate scholarship, while UBC, Waterloo, Alberta, Calgary, York, TMU, Saskatchewan and other universities offer a range of merit-based and international student awards.
If you are a Bangladeshi student planning to study in Canada, do not wait until the final deadline. Start preparing your transcripts, passport, English-language test, recommendation letters, personal statement and financial documents early.
Always verify the latest eligibility criteria, scholarship value and deadline on the official university website before submitting your application.
