Your search for graduate funding opportunities ends here. This guide provides a list of graduate scholarships for international students. These programs are often affiliated with reputable universities and are designed to offer exceptional education regardless of an applicant’s background.
In addition to financial aid, these scholarships can lead to life-changing opportunities that may be helpful beyond the classroom.
You’ll likely find a scholarship on this list that fits your profile. Once you do, ensure you check the specific eligibility requirements and apply promptly.
List of graduate scholarships for international students
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (VCGS)
This program was established in 2008 to honor Major-General Georges P. Vanier. It aims to attract and retain world-class students in Canada. The scholarship is available to both Canadian and international students pursuing postgraduate studies.
Eligibility criteria
- Must be enrolled for doctoral students
- Strong academic record
- Demonstrate leadership skills
- Pursuing a degree in health, engineering, or social sciences
Award value: CAD 50,000 per year for three years.
Closing date: November 1, 2025.
Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship
The Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation is a charity organization that supports researchers in making a meaningful impact on the world. It partners with universities to sponsor doctoral students committed to social engagement and empower leaders to tackle societal issues.
Eligibility criteria
- Open to Canadian and international students
- Must be pursuing a doctorate in social sciences and humanities
Award benefits
- CAD 20,000 for research and travel
- CAD 40,000 per year for three years
Closing date: December 21, 2025.
University of British Columbia Graduate Global Leadership Fellowship
The University of British Columbia offers funding for international students with a passion for humanitarian and development work. It aims to foster global leadership among graduate students.
Eligibility criteria
- Exceptional academic achievement
- Leadership skills
- Bachelor’s degree
Award value: CAD 100,000 for two years
Closing date: May 17, 2025.
Register your application through this website
The University of Surrey’s GREAT scholarship
The University of Surrey offers graduate scholarships for international students to reduce the cost of education. The program focuses on Nigerian students enrolled in postgraduate studies at the university. Through this program, students can study at a prestigious school and connect with a global alumni network.
Eligibility criteria
- Be a citizen and resident of Nigeria
- Have an unconditional offer of a full-time postgraduate course starting in September 2005 from the University of Surrey.
- Act as an ambassador of the GREAT brand and be willing to attend networking events.
Award value: 10,000 euros for tuition fees
Closing date: May 30, 2025.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge scholarship is funded by a donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. It is one of the best graduate scholarships for international students in the UK. As a fully funded award, students receive financial support that covers tuition and non-tuition expenses.
Eligibility criteria
- Non-UK citizens
- Full-time students at Cambridge
- Admitted to postgraduate degree programs
Scholarship benefits
- Full tuition coverage
- Travel allowance
- Living stipends
Application deadline: December 1, 2025.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program Scholarship
The Fulbright scholarship is an international educational exchange program funded by the U.S. government. This is one of the graduate scholarships for international students who wish to study or conduct research in the United States. The U.S. government aims to increase mutual understanding with other countries through this program.
Eligibility criteria
- Citizens of a participating country
- Proficiency in the English Language
- Hold a bachelor’s degree
- Be in good health
- Demonstrable leadership qualities
- Have a compelling study or research plan
Award value
- $35,000
- Full funding to last through the study period
- Membership in a prestigious global alumni network
- Access to professional development and cultural exchange opportunities
Closing date: June 1, 2025.
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
The University of Manitoba provides financial support as a reward to high-achieving students. Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate program to qualify. Funding will be given only to students nominated by a department or unit within the university.
Eligibility criteria
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 at the time of admission
- Have outstanding academic achievements
- Meet the eligibility criteria set by the department
- Should be a recipient of another award that offers equal or greater financial aid
Award Benefits
- Master’s student: $14,000 per year
- PhD students: $18,000 per year
Closing date: November 1, 2025.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme
This scholarship scheme was established in 1986 by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Through this program, CSS aims to develop Commonwealth countries. For this reason, they offer graduate scholarships for international students and skilled professionals.
Eligibility criteria
- Be a citizen or have been granted refugee status by an eligible commonwealth country.
- Candidates should not have studied or worked in a high-income country for one year or more.
- Demonstrate financial need
- Apply to an eligible course at a participating UK university
- Hold a first degree with at least upper second class 2:1 standard and relevant post-graduate qualifications.
- Be available to start academic studies in the UK by September 2025.
Award value
- Full tuition fees
- Warm clothing allowance
- Monthly stipend
- Airfare
- Study travel grant towards the cost of study-related travel within the UK or Overseas
- Thesis grant towards the cost of preparing a dissertation.
Closing date: December 12, 2025.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University
The Knight-Hennessy program is one of the prestigious funding programs for international students at Stanford University. This program aims to empower students with a strong academic foundation and the skills necessary to address global challenges. The benefits of the scholarship last for three years.
Eligibility criteria
- Be enrolled in a full-time Stanford graduate program
- Demonstrate proficiency in English
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution
- Strong leadership skills
Award benefits
- Full tuition
- Mentorship and leadership development opportunities
- Access to a diverse multidisciplinary community.
Closing date: October 9, 2025.
Ontario Graduate Scholarship
The Ontario government funds this merit-based scholarship to support students pursuing graduate studies. Students must be at the master’s and doctoral levels at any participating institution in Ontario, Canada.
Eligibility criteria
- Open to Canadian citizens, international students, or permanent residents studying in Ontario
- Foreign students must have a valid study permit
- Be in good academic standing
- Enrolled in a full-time graduate program
- Demonstrate research potential and communication skills.
Award value
- CAD 5,000 per term
- CAD 15,000 per academic year
Closing date: Varies by institution.
