Canada study visa: ways to fund your degree

International students can study in Canada through funding strategies that reduce costs, as the country has no tuition-free universities. Key methods include university scholarships, government awards, part-time work, and online programmes.

Apply for university scholarships

Scholarships from Canadian universities are a primary method to offset study costs. The University of Toronto offers the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, awarded to 37 international undergraduates annually. It covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence for a four-year programme, but requires a nomination from the student's school.

The University of British Columbia provides several merit-based awards. These include the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award for academic excellence and leadership, the Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award for students from impoverished or war-torn areas, the International Impact Award for leadership in sustainability, and the Vantage One Excellence Award for students who do not meet the English language standard.

York University also offers scholarships. The Schulich Leader Scholarships are for entrepreneurial high school graduates entering STEM programmes. The Tentanda Via Award supports undergraduates who have faced personal barriers or are sustainability leaders. The President’s International Scholarship of Excellence is for academically excellent high school applicants with volunteer and leadership experience.

Seek government scholarships

Government-funded scholarships provide another avenue. The Canadian government offers programmes like the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) for ASEAN students on short-term exchanges. The Study in Canada Scholarships are for students from select regions in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa. The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships support world-class doctoral students across various disciplines.

Work while studying

International students in Canada can work part-time to ease financial burdens. Under a Canadian student permit, students can work up to 24 hours per week during semesters and full-time during scheduled breaks. Common jobs include roles as tutors, baristas, bartenders, or cashiers. Freelance work in writing or web design is also an option. Dog-walking services like Rover are cited as popular examples.

Consider online programmes

Enrolling in online programmes can lead to significant savings on relocation and commuting costs, though tuition is still paid. Students can access textbooks and resources online for less expense. Completing a degree virtually still allows eligibility for a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) if the student has a valid study permit.

Two universities offering online courses are Laurentian University, with over 27 degree programmes and 350 courses in fields like criminology and business administration, and Queen's University, which offers more than 140 online courses in engineering, law, and health sciences. Queen's records all classes for flexible pacing but sets fixed deadlines for assignments. Some courses include in-person components for experiential learning.