Scholarships and Grants for Newcomers in Canada (2026)

Why Scholarships and Grants Matter for Newcomers

Education is one of the most powerful tools for building a successful life in Canada. Whether you are pursuing a college diploma, a university degree, or a professional certification, having the right credentials opens doors to better employment, higher income, and greater stability for you and your family. But the cost of education in Canada can be a significant barrier for newcomers who are still establishing themselves financially.

The good news is that Canada offers a wide range of scholarships and grants for newcomer students. Many of these awards are available to permanent residents and protected persons, not just Canadian citizens. Some are specifically designed for people with immigrant or refugee backgrounds. This guide will walk you through the major funding opportunities available to you as a newcomer in 2026.

For general information about settling in Canada, visit our guide to your first weeks in Canada or explore the WelcomeAide programs page.

Understanding the Difference: Grants vs. Scholarships vs. Bursaries

Before we explore specific opportunities, it helps to understand the different types of financial aid available in Canada.

Grants

Grants are free money that you do not need to repay. They are usually based on financial need. The federal and provincial governments offer grants to students who demonstrate that they need financial assistance to attend school.

Scholarships

Scholarships are also free money, but they are typically awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, or specific criteria like your field of study or background. Some scholarships consider financial need as well, but many are merit-based.

Bursaries

Bursaries are similar to grants in that they are based on financial need and do not need to be repaid. Many universities and colleges have their own bursary programs for students who demonstrate financial need after enrolling.

Federal Government Grants

The Government of Canada provides several grants to help students pay for post-secondary education. These are administered through the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program.

Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students

This grant provides up to $4,200 per year for full-time students from low-income and middle-income families. The amount you receive depends on your family income and the province or territory where you live. You apply for this grant automatically when you apply for student financial aid through your province (such as StudentAidBC or OSAP).

Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Students

Part-time students from low-income families can receive up to $1,800 per year. This is helpful for newcomers who need to work while studying.

Canada Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities

Students with permanent disabilities can receive up to $4,000 per year, plus additional funding for disability-related educational expenses.

Canada Student Grant for Students with Dependants

If you are a student with children or other dependants, you may qualify for additional grant funding. This recognizes the extra financial burden of supporting a family while attending school.

Provincial Grants and Funding

Each province and territory in Canada has its own student financial aid program that provides additional grants and funding on top of the federal grants.

British Columbia

StudentAidBC administers provincial student grants for BC residents. The BC Access Grant provides up to $4,000 per year for students from low-income and middle-income families. There are also completion grants for students in specific programs and the BC Training and Education Savings Grant for long-term education savings.

Ontario

The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) provides provincial grants alongside federal grants. Many Ontario students receive a significant portion of their financial aid package as grants rather than loans. The Ontario Student Grant can cover tuition costs for many students from families earning under $50,000 per year.

Alberta

Alberta offers grants through the Alberta Student Aid program, including the Alberta Student Grant and grants for students with disabilities and dependants.

Other Provinces

Every province has its own program. Apply through your province's student financial aid office, and you will automatically be considered for both federal and provincial grants. Visit the Government of Canada student aid page for links to each province's program.

Major National Scholarships Open to Newcomers

Several prestigious national scholarships in Canada are open to permanent residents, which means newcomers can apply. These awards can provide full or substantial funding for your education.

The Loran Award

The Loran Award is one of Canada's most prestigious undergraduate scholarships, valued at $100,000 over four years. It covers tuition, plus provides an annual living stipend and funding for summer experiences. The Loran Scholars Foundation looks for students who demonstrate character, service, and leadership potential. Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligible. The application typically opens in September, and the deadline is in October.

Schulich Leader Scholarships

The Schulich Leader Scholarships are the largest STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) scholarships in Canada. Awards are valued at up to $120,000 for engineering students and $100,000 for science and math students. The scholarship covers tuition and provides a living stipend. Candidates must be nominated by their high school and must be entering an undergraduate STEM program at one of the participating Canadian universities. Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligible.

TD Scholarships for Community Leadership

TD Bank offers scholarships valued at up to $70,000 each for students who have demonstrated community leadership. The TD Scholarship for Community Leadership is open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are graduating from high school and plan to attend a post-secondary institution in Canada. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, and provides a mentorship component. The application deadline is typically in November.

RBC Scholarship for Newcomers

RBC (Royal Bank of Canada) has offered scholarships specifically for newcomers to Canada. Check the RBC website for current opportunities, as the program details and availability may change from year to year.

Horatio Alger Canadian Scholarships

The Horatio Alger Association of Canada provides scholarships to students who have overcome significant adversity, including immigration-related challenges. Awards range from $5,000 to $10,000. This scholarship recognizes resilience and determination, which many newcomer students demonstrate through their immigration journey.

University-Specific Scholarships for Newcomers

Many Canadian universities offer entrance scholarships that newcomers can access. Some universities have awards specifically designed for students with immigrant or refugee backgrounds.

Examples of University Scholarships

• University of British Columbia (UBC): UBC offers a range of entrance scholarships including the Major Entrance Scholarships (up to full tuition) and the Centennial Scholars Entrance Award for students who have overcome barriers including refugee experiences.
• University of Toronto: The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship covers tuition, books, and living expenses for exceptional students. The university also offers numerous faculty-specific scholarships.
• University of Alberta: Offers entrance scholarships based on academic achievement, plus need-based bursaries.
• York University: Offers the Tentanda Via Award and other entrance scholarships available to permanent residents.
• Simon Fraser University (SFU): Offers entrance scholarships and has a financial assistance program for students with demonstrated need.

How to Search for Scholarships

Finding scholarships requires research and persistence. Here are the best tools and strategies for your search.

Online Scholarship Databases

ScholarshipsCanada.com: This is one of Canada's largest free scholarship search databases. Create a profile with your information (education level, field of study, province, background) and the system will match you with relevant awards. Visit ScholarshipsCanada.com to get started.

Yconic.com: Another popular free scholarship database. Yconic allows you to search for scholarships, bursaries, and grants by province, school, and field of study. Visit Yconic.com to create your profile.

StudentAwards.com: Provides a searchable database of Canadian scholarships and financial aid resources.

Community and Cultural Organizations

Many community organizations, cultural associations, and newcomer-serving agencies offer scholarships specifically for members of their communities. For example, Chinese, South Asian, Filipino, Ukrainian, and other cultural organizations often have education funds. Ask your settlement agency or community centre about available awards.

Settlement Agencies

Settlement agencies like ISSofBC and MOSAIC can help connect you with scholarship opportunities and may know about awards that are not widely advertised.

Application Tips for Newcomer Students

Applying for scholarships is competitive, but there are strategies that can improve your chances of success.

Start Early

Most major scholarship deadlines fall between October and March. Start researching and preparing your applications at least three to four months before the deadlines. This gives you time to gather documents, request reference letters, and write strong essays.

Tell Your Story

As a newcomer, your life experience is unique and compelling. Scholarship committees value diversity, resilience, and overcoming challenges. Be honest and specific when writing about your journey to Canada, the obstacles you have faced, and what motivates you to pursue education. Your newcomer experience is a strength, not a weakness.

Get Strong References

Ask teachers, employers, settlement workers, or community leaders who know you well to write reference letters. Give them plenty of notice (at least three to four weeks) and provide them with information about the scholarship and your achievements so they can write a detailed, specific letter.

Proofread Everything

Spelling and grammar mistakes can weaken an otherwise strong application. Have someone review your application before you submit it. Many libraries and settlement agencies offer free help with writing and editing.

Scholarships for Refugee Students

If you came to Canada as a refugee, there are additional scholarship opportunities specifically for you.

The World University Service of Canada (WUSC) Student Refugee Program

WUSC sponsors refugees to come to Canada and attend post-secondary institutions. If you arrived through the Student Refugee Program, your tuition and initial settlement costs are covered.

Jumpstart Refugee Talent

Some organizations partner with universities to provide scholarships and support services specifically for refugees pursuing higher education in Canada. Check with your settlement agency for current programs in your area.

University Emergency Funds

Many universities have emergency bursary funds that can help students facing unexpected financial hardship. If you are a refugee student and encounter financial difficulties during your studies, contact your school's financial aid office to ask about emergency funding options.

Planning Your Education Funding Strategy

The best approach to funding your education as a newcomer is to combine multiple sources of funding.

A Recommended Approach

1. Apply for government student financial aid through your province (this automatically considers you for federal and provincial grants).
2. Apply for scholarships through databases like ScholarshipsCanada.com, your school, and community organizations.
3. Apply for bursaries at your school after enrolling.
4. Consider part-time work to supplement your funding (most students in Canada work part-time during school).
5. Only borrow what you need - if offered student loans, borrow the minimum amount necessary to cover your costs.

For more on student loans and repayment, see our comprehensive guide to student loans in Canada.

Your Education Is an Investment in Your Future

As a newcomer to Canada, pursuing education is one of the most impactful decisions you can make. The scholarships and grants available to you can make this journey more affordable and accessible. Take the time to research your options, apply broadly, and tell your story with confidence. Canada values the contributions of newcomers, and many organizations are willing to invest in your success.

WelcomeAide is here to support you at every stage of your settlement and education journey. Our AI Newcomer Navigator can help you find scholarship opportunities, understand financial aid processes, and connect with resources in your language. Explore more guides on our blog, learn about our mission, or find out how to get involved in supporting newcomer education in Canada.