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How much scholarship amount can one expect from Canadian universities or colleges in Canada for a Master's?

07 Sept 2026 · Answered by Syeda Uzma · 2 min read
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Scholarship amounts in Canada depend on your program type. Research-based Master's students can expect ten thousand to over thirty thousand Canadian dollars a year through combined funding packages, while course-based programs like an MBA typically see only two thousand to ten thousand dollars in one-time entrance awards instead.

Syeda Uzma
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How much scholarship money you can expect for a Master's in Canada depends heavily on whether your program is research-based or course-based, so check which track your target program falls under before you set expectations. Research programs fund far more generously than professional, course-based degrees.

Typical funding by program type

Program typeTypical fundingHow it usually works
Research-based (MSc, MA, MASc)$10,000 to $30,000+ CAD/yearCombination of entrance scholarships, Graduate Teaching Assistantships and Research Assistantships
Course-based / professional (MBA, MEng, MFin)$2,000 to $10,000 CAD, one-timeMerit entrance awards or partial tuition waivers, based on high undergraduate GPA
Canada Graduate Scholarships-Master's (CGS-M)Around $17,500 CAD for one yearMostly restricted to citizens/PRs; limited international spots

What international applicants should keep in mind

  • International tuition can run two to three times domestic rates, so even a $15,000 CAD scholarship may only partially offset your total cost.
  • University-specific international entrance awards, such as those at the University of Toronto, UBC, and McGill, can shave thousands off international tuition even without a full research funding package.
  • Research assistantships are tied to a specific professor's lab grant, so reaching out to potential supervisors early can directly improve your funding chances.

My Advice

If funding matters more to you than the specific program format, lean toward a thesis-based research Master's and start emailing potential supervisors about assistantship openings months before you apply, since that relationship often decides whether you get a funded package at all. For course-based programs, treat any entrance scholarship as a discount, not a plan, and budget the rest through savings or a loan.

More expert answers

Saru Sharma
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Leap Scholar's Counsellor
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You have several scholarship options for a Master's in Canada as an international student starting September 2027.

- McCall MacBain Scholarships (McGill University): Covers full tuition, fees, and a living stipend of $2,300/month. Open to international students. Next deadline: 19 Aug 2026 (subject to change).
- Study in Canada Scholarships (SICS): Supports short-term study or research exchanges for students from eligible countries. Award amounts and eligibility vary by program and duration; future cycles may open closer to your intake.
- University-specific scholarships: Many Canadian universities offer their own scholarships for international Master's students. Eligibility and deadlines differ by institution.

Some external scholarships from the Indian government or international organizations may also be available, with varying requirements and timelines.

Scholarship offerings and deadlines are subject to change. For tailored guidance and application support, connect with your LeapScholar counsellor.

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