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Free Colleges in Canada for International Students – If you are aspiring to study in Canada at little or no cost as an international student, then this is for you. So, how can you get educated in Canada at no cost? Is that even possible? This post will look to answer these questions and any other question that you may have about free colleges in Canada.
The simple fact is that there are no universities in Canada that offer free tuition to International students. Even for students hailing from Canada, there is no such thing as a university that does not charge tuition.
On the other hand, if you are successful in obtaining a full-tuition scholarship or even a scholarship that covers all of your living expenses, you won’t have to worry about paying for your education. So, which are the best free colleges in Canada?
Best Free Colleges in Canada
The best free colleges in Canada are:
1. University of Toronto
At the University of Toronto, students have the opportunity to apply for non-repayable monetary awards in the form of scholarships and grants. These awards are granted on the basis of various criteria, including merit, financial need, community engagement, leadership, and athletic performance.
The University of Toronto gives away thousands of scholarships to students each year, totaling over $106 million in value. Student awards can be given out based on either academic achievement (for example, scholarships) or financial need (for example, grants), or they can be a combination of the two. These awards can be used as a tuition waiver to cover the cost of tuition.
2. University of Calgary
The University of Calgary Scholarship 2023-2024 is an opportunity for international students to receive fully-funded financial support. International students enrolling in any undergraduate degree program during the Fall Term are eligible for a scholarship in the amount of $20,000, which can be renewed annually.
The University of Calgary International Scholarship is a distinguished prize that acknowledges the remarkable achievements of an international student who is beginning their undergraduate studies at the University of Calgary. The links to the scholarship are available below:
- Energizing Canada International Entrance Scholarship
- University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
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3. University of Waterloo
Students who are beginning their first year of full-time study at Waterloo are eligible for a range of admission scholarships at our institution. Students who apply to any program will automatically be considered for many scholarships. The amount of financial aid to which they are entitled will be determined based on the student’s admissions average.
The database of undergraduate admission awards allows users to search for scholarships and awards that are available to students attending the University of Waterloo. You are able to narrow down the search results by award category, program, citizenship requirements, and whether or not an application is necessary by using this database.
4. Carleton University
If you have been accepted to Carleton University for the fall semester and have an entrance average of 80% or higher, you will be automatically eligible for a renewable Entrance Scholarship at the time of admission.
This scholarship is awarded to incoming first-year students. A revocable Entrance Scholarship may be made available to you if you are enrolling at Carleton University for the first time after graduating from high school or CÉGEP and if you have not attended any other post-secondary educational institutions in the past.
There are other scholarships that are specific to international students at Carleton, such as the:
5. York University
Undergraduate students from other countries are eligible to apply for the York University Scholarship 2023-2024, which provides full financial support. The recipients of this scholarship receive $35,000 Canadian dollars per year to go toward the cost of their undergraduate education in Canada. As a result, the total value of this prize comes to 140 thousand dollars.
To be eligible, you need to do the following
- Register for a bachelor’s degree program at York University.
- Complete the online application form
You can also get more information on the International students’ scholarship information page.
6. University of British Columbia
To complement your degree and prepare you to make a positive contribution to the flourishing community that surrounds the university, UBC provides a vast array of activities, both within and outside of the classroom, such as co-ops, undergraduate research, clubs, and study abroad programs.
Depending on the campus at which you will be studying, there are a number of scholarships available at the University of British Columbia. You can find the best possible program or you by checking:
- Scholarships and Awards at Okanagan campus
- Scholarships and Awards at Vancouver campus
- International Scholars Program
7. University of Manitoba
There is a total of $200,000 worth of funding available for the Manitoba Scholarships. Students at the university who are enrolled in any program of study are eligible for these scholarships offered by the university.
There are several scholarship options at the University of Manitoba and you can get full information here.
8. Simon Fraser University
Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarship applications at Simon Fraser University are now being accepted and may be found here.
Additionally, the calls for applications for the Entrance Awards and Bursaries are currently being accepted.
9. Mount Royal University
There are degree programs available in the arts and sciences, health and social services, education, communications, and business at Mount Royal University. There are also diploma programs available in the fields of aviation and social work.
Students who do not meet the English Language Proficiency requirement or who do not meet the competitive average for their intended program can take advantage of the alternative entrance options provided by the university. These options are available to students who do not meet any of the admission requirements.
You have the opportunity to submit an application for scholarships at the University that will cover all of your educational expenses if you are an overseas student planning to attend this university.
10. McGill University
McGill is aware of the difficulties that may be presented to international students by the fact that they are studying in a foreign country. The Office of Scholarships and Student Aid is dedicated to providing financial assistance to qualified students from all over the world, regardless of their location, so that they may pursue academic programs offered by the University and successfully complete such programs.
This page provides links to the numerous sources for funding that will assist in the achievement of these aims.
11. The Dominican University College
Dominican University College (DUC) invites students from all around the world to study philosophy, theology, and ethics with the university throughout each and every semester.
The rigorous academic standards and unparalleled academic achievement of Dominican educational institutions located all over the world are well-known. Spending time in the classroom at DUC will provide you with a rich, multicultural, and multilingual experience.
You can fully funded scholarships at Dominican University by visiting the International students page here.
12. Saint Mary’s University
Over $15.7 million is distributed in the form of student scholarships, bursaries, and awards each year at Saint Mary’s University, which recognizes and promotes academic achievement. There are a number of initiatives that either recognize incoming students for their academic prowess or provide assistance to students who are struggling financially.
Questions regarding the Admissions Awards application or supporting documentation should be directed directly to the Admissions Office by contacting entranceawards@smu.ca. In the event that you have any further inquiries, the university would be happy to assist you.
13. Concordia University
The Concordia University Scholarships are open to international applicants from any part of the world, and we encourage everyone interested to apply. This scholarship is available to students pursuing degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, as well as diploma and certificate programs.
Concordia University is home to more than 600 distinct study programs, a global student body of more than 35,000, and an alumni network of more than 220,000 individuals. There is no restriction on the areas of study that are eligible for the Concordia Scholarships.
14. Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Students at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology can take advantage of approximately $5 million in scholarships and awards, which have been made possible by the generous support of the institute’s benefactors.
Scholarship Awards are made available to any SAIT student who meets the eligibility requirements in order to recognize academic achievement, financial need, community activity, and various other forms of success and assistance.
15. Canadian Mennonite University
Scholarships and awards are available to students at CMU as a way to recognize past academic performance, promote further academic pursuit, and give financial support.
A scholarship is a form of financial aid that is granted to deserving students mostly on the basis of their academic performance. In the selection process for certain scholarships, extracurricular and community involvement, traits of leadership, and possibly other factors may also be considered.
Awards are given out in the program areas of music, business, science, and athletics, as well as Academic Merit Awards, which are based on a short essay answering questions surrounding Central Michigan University’s vision and mission. Applicants are required to submit an application for these awards.
16. Brandon University
It is easy to submit an application for financial aid, such as scholarships, awards, and bursaries, at Brandon University if you follow the steps below:
1. Get a BU ID.
2. Sign in to the Student Information Portal.
3. Include awards in your application.
4. Upload any relevant supporting documentation.
5. Go through the materials and fill out the application.
17. Université de Saint-Boniface
There is a possibility that you will be awarded an admission scholarship even if you do not apply for one.
A significant number of scholarships are awarded by the Université de Saint-Boniface (USB) on an annual basis to first-year students who are enrolled in a university or college program offered by Université de Saint-Boniface.
You can submit an application here.
18. University of Guelph
The International Student Scholarships at the University of Guelph Hardy is open to any and all overseas students who are enrolling in undergraduate or graduate level programs to obtain the grant.
The studentship is available beginning with the 2022–2023 school year. The recipient of this scholarship will be awarded a total of $3,000 to use toward their education.
19. Memorial University of Newfoundland
International students who are accepted to Memorial University are given the opportunity to win scholarships and awards, provided that the funds is available. You will automatically be considered (although there is no assurance that you will be awarded) an admission scholarship (if you meet the eligibility criteria). That implies there is no need to submit any more paperwork.
International entrance grants are given out to students for their first year of study and are not renewed after that point. When determining whether or not to award an admission scholarship to an international transfer student, the number of transferred credits must be lower than 31.
20. University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan wishes to acknowledge not just your academic successes but also your personal accomplishments.
Therefore, your first step should be to educate yourself on the grants, scholarships, and prizes that are available on this page, since you might be qualified to win some of them.
21. Universite de Montreal
The University of Saskatchewan would like to acknowledge both your academic success and who you are as a person. In view of this, the Université de Montréal has announced the launch of a brand new scholarship program that will allow international students to avoid paying any additional tuition fees.
This brand-new program was designed with the intention of assisting bright students from all over the world in their pursuit of an education at one of the world’s leading francophone research universities. In return, these students from other countries will assist in the accomplishment of our educational goals by contributing to the growth of the community at the Université de Montréal in terms of its cultural variety.
The University of Delaware’s exemption scholarship program is intended to provide financial assistance to international students who have demonstrated academic achievements.
22. University of Prince Edward Island
International students who have graduated from high schools located in other countries or in Canada are eligible to apply for and receive entrance scholarships from the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI).
These scholarships are awarded on a yearly basis. The monetary sums of the awards range anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000.
23. University Of Winnipeg
The University of Winnipeg is committed to ensuring that all of its students are afforded the same opportunities for advanced education. Because of this requirement, there are now support services and programs available, such as financial help, to make it possible for it to take place.
As an international student, you can choose to finance your education through a broad number of different avenues. Entrance and In-Course prizes are open to all full-time and part-time students as long as those students match the criteria that have been published, unless it is specifically indicated otherwise.
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24. Acadia University
You may be qualified to receive admission scholarships, bursaries, awards, and prizes at Acadia University if you are a student from another country. You might also want to look into doing a co-op or getting a part-time job in order to help support your education.
Reasons to Study in Canada?
Why would you choose to Study in Canada? Well, there are quite a few compelling arguments in favor of relocating to Canada to study at one of the country’s educational institutions. Here are our top four reasons to pursue higher education in Canada, ranging from the safe nature of Canadian communities in different provinces, to the promise of world class education available at universities across Canada.
1. World-class education
The educational programs offered at Canadian universities are some of the most comprehensive and technologically advanced in the world. As a result, these institutions enjoy an excellent reputation across the globe.
When compared to other nations that also provide opportunities to study abroad, Canada is regarded as one of the best countries in the world due to the high standard and quality of its educational system. In addition, the country’s tuition costs for foreign students are significantly lower than those of other nations. University degrees earned in Canada are widely acknowledged across the globe and are suitable for employment in virtually any country.
In addition to educational opportunities, Canada provides students with the chance to gain work experience and financial support for themselves through internships and part-time jobs while they are still enrolled in an academic program.
2. Easy cost of living
The cost of living in Canada is rather low, which is another advantage of pursuing your education there. The cost of tuition is the second most important factor to consider when deciding whether or not to pursue higher education in Canada; the first is whether or not you intend to bring any members of your immediate or extended family with you. How much money do you anticipate needing in order to make this work?
The cost of living in several of Canada’s major cities is competitive with that of their American neighbors, while the cost of living in certain of Canada’s medium-sized cities, such as Winnipeg, is extremely competitive.
According to Economic Development Winnipeg, Winnipeg has continuously ranked as the most cost-competitive city in all of Western Canada and the United States, making it the number one city in both of those regions.
3. Permanent residency option
Not only is it a wonderful idea for students to attend school in Canada, but if they have all of their documentation in order and have gone through the proper procedures, they can also become citizens of the country. If you complete your education in Canada, there are two primary routes you can take to apply for Canadian citizenship: either through the Canadian workforce or through the government skilled worker program.
Having Canadian citizenship on a permanent basis not only enables you to work and live in Canada, but it also entitles you to all of the benefits that the Canadian government provides for its residents.
4. Safe and secured community
The Global Peace Index ranks Canada as one of the safest locations to live in the world. Canada maintains a low crime rate throughout the entire year, which contributes to Canada’s high ranking.
Not only are there world-class universities located in these cities, but the environment is student-friendly and there is so much fun to get from clubs, cinemas, ski resorts, sports clubs, and so much more. The cities of Vancouver, Ontario, Montreal, and Ottawa are rated as some of the best cities to live in Canada.
How to Study in Canada for Free
As was mentioned before, there isn’t a single university in Canada that does not require students to pay tuition. However, this does not preclude the possibility of receiving nearly free education, as there is a plethora of financial assistance available in the form of scholarships for foreign students who choose to pursue their education in Canada.
Your country of origin and the area of study or research that you choose to pursue will determine the opportunities that are open to you. However, the following steps will also help you to land scholarship opportunities in Canada as an international student:
Study Hard and Put Together Your Application Early
When it’s time to apply for scholarships, one of the factors that will be considered is the strength of the application that you put in. However, while a good application shows how good you are in school and what you have done over time, it is even more important to apply early.
This is because most scholarships operate on a first-come-first-serve basis and will likely give the scholarship to the early birds. So, get good grades, but also apply early. Remember that a good application is a combination of having good grades in your previous education and also applying early.
If you work hard at the level you are in now, you are making progress towards higher education. Your academic standing is shown by your grades, GPA, test scores, and academic awards, as well as how much you do in extra-curricular activities. Your target university’s admissions team will look at these parts, so it’s best to show them in a good way.
Apply for Scholarships in Canada
Canada is one of the few countries that offer international students and researchers generous scholarships and fellowships to study and work in Canada. Canada’s government, federal districts, universities, research centers, and foundations offer grants, awards, fellowships, and scholarships.
As an international student, it falls on you to dig deep and find the best scholarship opportunities to apply for so that you get the best possible deal. Application deadlines can be different, so you should also check each University, Foundation, and Federal district website to find out what their dates are.
Apply to Affordable Universities
While it is okay to apply for scholarships in Canada as an international student, there is always the likelihood that you may not get a Canadian scholarship in the long run!
We know you probably don’t like that reality (who will anyway), but it is what it is. Not every candidate for a scholarship will get it, which is why you need to give yourself some insurance by applying to affordable universities while you are waiting for the outcome of your scholarship applications.
Study Undergraduate in Canada for Free
Fully-funded scholarships, which are financial prizes that do not need to be repaid, are one of the ways that international students can assist contribute to the financing of their education in Canada. They are often awarded to students who have achieved exceptional success academically, however some also acknowledge job and volunteer activity as qualifying factors.
Study Master’s in Canada for Free
If you are seeking for Masters Scholarships in Canada, there are various scholarships available at Canadian top institutions for overseas students for the academic year 2022-2023. These scholarships are available for study at one of Canada’s best universities.
In fact, you get benefits ranging from a salary of approximately $2500 per month, tuition fees, housing costs, medical insurance premiums, and a spending allowance.
Study Ph.D. in Canada for Free
Are you seeking for funding for a doctoral degree? Canada, an increasingly desirable and multicultural study location, is an excellent choice to take into consideration for your doctoral studies because it provides a plethora of research options that can assist you in expanding your skills.
All About Free Colleges in Canada
Regardless of where you are from or what country you were born in, you have the opportunity to study in Canada for free if you submit an application for and are awarded a scholarship.
In point of fact, a significant number of Canada’s most prestigious colleges currently provide overseas students with the opportunity to enroll with fully-funded support. Therefore, as long as you satisfy the prerequisites and make sure to submit your application on time, you are eligible to submit a free application to study at any one of these colleges.
Some of the scholarships that are available to international students like you at the undergraduate, master and doctoral degree level includes:
- African Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship Program
- Awards, Scholarships, and Bursaries of the University of Calgary
- Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
- Canadian Association of Physicists Scholarships
- Canadian Francophonie Scholarship Program
- Elevate Post-Doctoral Fellowships, Mitacs
- Entrance Scholarships at the University of Waterloo
- Government of Canada Undergraduate, Graduate, Doctoral and Post-Doctoral Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries
- Graduate and Post-Doctoral Scholarships at the University of Guelph
- Graduate Scholarships & Awards at the University of Regina
- Health Canada Fellowship Programs
- International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)-A United Nations Agency-Fellowship and Scientific Visit Program in Canada
- International Council For Canadian Studies Postdoctoral Fellowships
- International Scholarship Opportunities for non-Canadians in Canada
- International Scholarships at the University of Regina
- International Student Scholarships at the University de Montreal
- Killam Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, University of British Columbia
- Merit Scholarships for Foreign Students in Québec
- Programs of the Canadian Bureau for International Education
- Scholarships for Refugees in Canada
- Scholarships, Awards, Bursaries and Grants in McMaster University
- Student Awards for International Students at Saskatchewan Polytechnic
- Student Financial Services at the University of Guelph
- The Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships, University of Toronto
- Top Scholarships at the University of Guelph
- Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Free Colleges in Canada FAQ
(a) Is there a free college in Canada?
There is no such thing as a university in Canada that does not charge tuition fees, and this is true for both domestic and international students. On the other hand, certain educational institutions are supported by fully-funded scholarships that will pay for the entirety of a student’s education.
(b) Which is the cheapest college in Canada?
With tuition costs ranging from 1,625 Canadian Dollars to 17,250 Canadian Dollars per year and 1,715 Canadian Dollars to 20,050 Canadian Dollars per year, respectively, Athabasca University and the University of Regina are considered to be the most affordable universities in Canada.
(c) How can I go to Canada for free?
Ideally, you cannot go to Canada for free. This is because no matter the immigration pathway that you choose to make your way into Canada, there are fees to be paid at different times in the application process. However, you may be able to make it to Canada for free, if you go through the visa sponsorship pathway such as Agricultural jobs in Canada on visa sponsorship. This is because your sponsor is responsible for every facet of your journey and will bear every single cost that you incur till you get to Canada.
(d) Is there Free Education in Canada for International Students?
We have answered this question in the post and will continue to reiterate that there is no university in Canada that does not charge tuition. However, international students who are aspiring to study in Canada will have access to a lot of scholarships and other funding opportunities.
Conclusion
While Canadian universities do not exactly offer tuition-free education, there is still the likelihood of studying for free in any Canadian university if you get a fully funded scholarship from the university or any other scholarship-awarding entity in Canada .
However, these scholarships are highly competitive and you will need to apply early so as to get a chance to win one. Alternatively, there are also several low-tuition universities in Canada and you can apply to them to get started on your Canadian academic journey.
Good luck!
