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Study in Canada

Canada is one of the most sought-after destinations for Arab students: strong universities (McGill, Toronto and UBC are in the QS 2026 top 40), study in English or French, the right to work up to 24 hours a week during studies, and a post-graduation work permit of up to 3 years. International tuition is high, but there are full undergraduate scholarships such as the Lester B. Pearson scholarship at the University of Toronto and UBC's International Scholars Program, and partial entrance awards at many universities. Since January 2026, master's and doctoral students at public institutions no longer need a provincial attestation letter (PAL).

13
universities listed
11
scholarships & discounts
4
government programmes
English, French
teaching languages
September
academic year starts

Government scholarships & national programmes

Scholarships funded by the state or its official bodies for international students.

Government of Canada – Tri-Agency (NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR)

Government of Canada – Tri-Agency (NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR)

Fully Funded3 scholarships

The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D) program is the official flagship federal scholarship replacing the former Vanier CGS under the Canada Research Training Awards Suite. Jointly administered by CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC, it provides $40,000 per year for up to 36 months to outstanding domestic and international doctoral scholars at eligible Canadian universities.

McCall MacBain Foundation

McCall MacBain Foundation

Check Scholarship Link1 scholarship

The McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill University in Montreal fund students with strong leadership potential to pursue a master's or professional degree, together with a mentoring and leadership development program. The scholarship usually covers full tuition and fees plus a monthly living stipend for the length of the program, and is open to Canadian and international students. Applicants go through several assessment stages and interviews before final selection.

Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation

Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation

Check Scholarship Link1 scholarship

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation in Canada awards doctoral scholarships in the humanities and social sciences to students working on issues of major importance to society; they are open to Canadian and international students enrolled at Canadian universities. The award usually includes annual study funding and a travel and research allowance, plus participation in a leadership program. Eligibility rules depend on nationality and place of study, so check the program page.

Study in Canada Scholarships (Government of Canada)

Study in Canada Scholarships (Government of Canada)

Fully Funded1 scholarship

The Study in Canada Scholarships are offered by the Government of Canada through EduCanada to students from eligible countries for a short-term exchange to study or do research at a Canadian institution during undergraduate or graduate studies. The award contributes to travel and living costs for a set period. Students do not apply directly: the Canadian institution applies on their behalf in partnership with their home institution.

Universities (13)

Fees for international students and the highest discount or scholarship available, from each university’s official sources.

McGill University

McGill University

جامعة ماكغيل

MontréalState university

CA$56,000 – CA$65,168 per year

1 scholarshipDetails
University of British Columbia

University of British Columbia

جامعة كولومبيا البريطانية

VancouverState university

CA$51,530 – CA$66,678 per year

1 scholarshipDetails
University of Toronto

University of Toronto

جامعة تورنتو

TorontoState university

CA$63,570 per year

1 scholarshipDetails
University of Waterloo

University of Waterloo

جامعة واترلو

WaterlooState university

CA$23,598 – CA$34,942 per semester

1 scholarshipDetails
University of Calgary

University of Calgary

جامعة كالغاري

CalgaryState university
1 scholarshipDetails
Dalhousie University

Dalhousie University

جامعة دالهاوزي

HalifaxState university
Details
McMaster University

McMaster University

جامعة ماكماستر

HamiltonState university
Details
Queen's University

Queen's University

جامعة كوينز

KingstonState university
Details
Simon Fraser University

Simon Fraser University

جامعة سايمون فريزر

BurnabyState university
Details
Université de Montréal

Université de Montréal

جامعة مونتريال

MontréalState university
Details
University of Alberta

University of Alberta

جامعة ألبرتا

EdmontonState university
Details
University of Ottawa

University of Ottawa

جامعة أوتاوا

OttawaState university
Details
Western University

Western University

جامعة ويسترن

London (Ontario)State university
Details

All scholarships & discounts (11)

Filter by funding type and study level.

Study guide

The study system

• Bachelor's degrees usually take 4 years, master's 1–2 years (research or professional), doctorates about 4–6 years. • Education is run by the provinces, each with its own system; Quebec uses French names (baccalauréat for bachelor's, maîtrise for master's). • Language: English at most universities, French at Quebec's francophone universities such as Université de Montréal and Laval, and some bilingual universities such as Ottawa. • The academic year starts in September; some programs also admit in January. • Co-op programs include paid work terms; since April 2026 mandatory placements of up to half the program no longer need a separate work permit.

How to get admitted

1) Apply directly to the university, or through OUAC for Ontario universities. Applications for fall 2027 are open at most universities. 2) Fall 2027 dates for international students: Lester B. Pearson at Toronto (admission 16 October 2026, scholarship 6 November 2026), UBC International Scholars (15 November 2026), Calgary International Entrance Scholarship (1 December 2026), McGill (admission 15 January, major entrance scholarships 21 January). 3) Proof of English (such as IELTS or TOEFL, depending on the university) is usually required, or French for Quebec's francophone universities. 4) For graduate study, contact a potential supervisor: many research master's and doctoral programs provide funding through supervisors or teaching assistantships.

Fees and living costs

Annual international bachelor's tuition (official examples): • UBC (2026/27): Arts CAD 51,530, Science 53,082, Engineering 66,200, Commerce 66,678. • McGill (admitted fall 2026): Arts 56,000, Engineering 65,168. • Toronto (2025-26): Arts & Science 63,570. • Waterloo (fall 2026): CAD 23,598 to 34,942 per term depending on the program. Research graduate study is often cheaper: a thesis master's at McGill is about CAD 10,674 per term, and many doctoral students receive university or supervisor funding. Living costs: the government requires proof of at least CAD 23,448 for one student per year (outside Quebec), on top of first-year tuition.

Visa, residence permit and health insurance

1) After admission to a designated learning institution (DLI), apply online for a study permit with IRCC. 2) Bachelor's students need a provincial attestation letter (PAL/TAL); master's and doctoral students at public institutions have been exempt since 1 January 2026. 3) Proof of funds for applications from 1 September 2026: CAD 23,448 for one student outside Quebec (29,192 for two people), plus first-year tuition and travel. 4) Fees: CAD 150 for the study permit and CAD 85 for biometrics. 5) To study in Quebec, first get a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) through Arrima — fee CAD 135, about 25 business days — and show CAD 24,617 for one student. The 2026 study permit cap is about 155,000 permits for new arrivals.

Working while studying

• During studies: up to 24 hours a week off campus in term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, if you study full time in a program of at least 6 months and have a Social Insurance Number (SIN). • After graduation: the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) lasts 8 months to 3 years depending on program length; master's graduates get 3 years. • PGWP language requirement: CLB/NCLC 7 in all four skills. • The field-of-study requirement applies only to college diplomas, not to university bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees.

Information last verified: October 13, 2026Official source

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Key questions and answers regarding eligibility, documents, and application steps for 2026 / 2027.

Yes, but they are very competitive: the Lester B. Pearson scholarship at the University of Toronto (tuition, books and residence for 4 years, about 37 awards a year, school nomination) and UBC's International Scholars Program. Other universities offer partial entrance awards, such as Calgary, Waterloo and McGill.

For applications from 1 September 2026: CAD 23,448 for one student outside Quebec, plus first-year tuition and travel. In Quebec it is CAD 24,617.