As an international student, there are many scholarships available to you to help support the costs of studying in Canada. An excellent IELTS score can be a strong differentiator in your application and can help you secure funding. Here’s how to leverage your IELTS score and how IELTS by IDP Canada can help boost your confidence and preparedness for your test day, so you’re that much closer to getting financial support.
Key Takeaways
What is an IELTS Scholarship?
Why Study in Canada with a Scholarship?
What Types of Scholarships Are Available in Canada
Top 6 Scholarships in Canada Where IELTS Can Support Your Application
How Does IELTS Help with a Canadian Scholarship Application?
What IELTS Score Do You Need for Scholarships in Canada?
Who Can Apply for Scholarships in Canada?
Documents Needed for a Canadian Scholarship Application
How to Apply for Scholarships in Canada
How to Improve Your Chances of Receiving a Scholarship
How IDP Can Support Your IELTS and Study Journey
FAQs
What Is an IELTS Scholarship?
IELTS scholarships in Canada are funding opportunities offered to test-takers pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees. To qualify for a scholarship with an IELTS requirement, like the IDP IELTS Future Award, you need to meet eligibility criteria that include a minimum IELTS score.
Having a strong IELTS score is appealing to organizations and schools offering IELTS scholarships because it demonstrates your academic abilities and your ability to succeed in academic environments, which opens up opportunities for you within your program as well as funding.
Why Study in Canada with a Scholarship?
Financial relief
As an international student, you have to consider different costs that include student fees, textbooks, rent, and groceries. Scholarships give you consistent funding that can cover your living allowances and tuition, and are typically tax-free, alleviating your stress so you can focus on your studies.
Academic opportunities
Many Canadian scholarships include opportunities for mentorship and networking that provide immediate access to communities with other current and past scholarship winners, as well as collaboration opportunities across other disciplines around the world.
Career advantage
Scholarships in Canada often come with a reputation recognized by employers, which elevates you against the competition and can be a strong indicator of your abilities within your field of study and the workplace.
What Types of Scholarships Are Available in Canada?
Merit-based scholarships
Merit-based scholarships evaluate applicants based on criteria related to your academic experience and achievements, extracurriculars like sports, or leadership abilities. The SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship is an example, which is awarded to graduate students in the social sciences and humanities to support their studies.
Need-based scholarships
Need-based scholarships are given to students who have a certain level of financial need, which is verified through required documents specified for that scholarship. The Government of Canada offers the Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students, which offers up to $ 4,200 each year for students.
University entrance scholarships
Entrance scholarships are given to you upon acceptance to your program. They can be split into two categories:
Application-based
Students will be awarded these entrance scholarships based on criteria like grades, leadership, identity, or financial need. The University of Waterloo offers the Lyle S. Hallman Entrance Scholarship for students who have applied to all health programs and requires an application that highlights the student’s academic performance and recreation-based community impact and leadership.
Automatic eligibility
Students are automatically eligible for these scholarships once you’ve confirmed your acceptance to the program. The University of Guelph offers the President’s International Entrance Scholarship based on your application for admission.
Government-funded scholarships
Government-funded scholarships allow international students across different disciplines to receive funding directly from the government to cover expenses like cost of living, tuition, and more. Here’s a full list of scholarships offered by the Canadian government.
Research and graduate scholarships
Research and graduate scholarships, such as the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship, are made available exclusively for graduate students who are conducting research within their field through a thesis, dissertation or major project. Acceptance is typically based on your research impact and past and current academic achievement and output.
Country or region-specific scholarships
These scholarship opportunities are dedicated to students from specific countries or geographical areas. For example, Memorial University of Newfoundland offers the Emerging Leaders in the Americas scholarship exclusively for students who are citizens of Latin and South America.
Top 6 Scholarships in Canada Where IELTS Can Support Your Application
Second Language Excellence Scholarship
Scholarship detail | Information |
Institution | |
Study level | Postgraduate, Undergraduate |
Scholarship type | University entrance scholarships |
Main eligibility | Successful applicants must have a minimum IELTS overall score of 7.0, with no individual bands below 6.5. |
Award value | $2,000 |
What it covers | Fee waiver/discount |
Payment structure | A scholarship of CAN $1,000 to be awarded in the first semester, with an additional CAN $1,000 in the second semester if the student maintains an 80 percent average. |
Application route | Separate application required. For more information on this funding award, you can visit the institution's scholarship page. |
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships — Replaced by the CGRS D Program
Scholarship detail | Information |
Institution | Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada |
Study level | Graduate and postdoctoral |
Scholarship type | Research and graduate scholarships, Government-funded scholarships |
Main eligibility | Must complete, at most, 36 months of full-time equivalent study in your doctoral program, your PhD portion of a joint professional undergraduate/PhD program or your joint program by December 31 of the calendar year of your application. Your doctoral program must be primarily research-oriented, culminating in a thesis, major research project, dissertation, scholarly publication, performance, recital and/or exhibit reviewed by an expert panel. International applicants must be registered in an eligible doctoral program of study by the application deadline. A maximum of 15% of awards are available for international applicants. Location of tenure can be proposed at any eligible degree-granting institution in or outside of Canada, as long as you are: a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada or protected person under subsection 95(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) at the time of the application deadline The graduate of a previous undergraduate or graduate degree at a Canadian institution
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Award value | $40,000 per year |
What it covers | Provides funding, flexibility, and support to graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in the development of research skills and research excellence across health, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. The program allows scholars to find exceptional research mentors and contribute to Canada’s research profile more fully. |
Payment structure | Canadian institutions: Paid to you by your school on an installment schedule as determined by your school. International institutions: Paid bi-annually directly to the award holder, upon submission of request form. Read more here. |
IELTS requirement | No scholarship-specific IELTS score is required; however, international applicants must meet the English requirement of their Canadian doctoral program. |
Application route | CIHR: ResearchNET and instructions NSERC: Online system and instructions SSHRC: Registration and login and instructions
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Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship
Scholarship detail | Information |
Institution | University of Toronto |
Study level | Undergraduate |
Scholarship type | Merit-based scholarship |
Main eligibility | An international student Enrolled in your final year of senior secondary school in 2026/2027 or have graduated no earlier than June 2026; and Beginning your studies at the University of Toronto in September 2027. |
What it covers | Covers tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years. |
Payment structure | Disbursement on a term-by-term basis; coverage for books and incidental fees is around $1K per term. |
IELTS requirement | IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0, where IELTS is used to meet University of Toronto admission requirements. |
Application route | Contact your guidance counsellor, principal or head of school to receive a nomination (school must be eligible to nominate students for the Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship). Apply to at least one undergraduate program at the University of Toronto. Once your school has nominated you, you can submit your Pearson Scholarship application via a private link. |
Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award
Scholarship detail | Information |
Institution | University of British Columbia |
Study level | Undergraduate |
Scholarship type | Needs-based scholarships, merit-based scholarships |
Main eligibility | Educational background You are an international student who will be studying in Canada on a Canadian study permit. You are entering UBC directly from an accredited secondary school into your first undergraduate degree. Applicants for the upcoming Winter session must have graduated from high school no earlier than June of the previous year. Demonstrate a significant level of financial need demonstrated by official financial documents. Your family cannot afford a significant level of your educational costs and cannot access external funding. You meet admission requirements, including general and degree-specific requirements. Exhibit exceptional academic achievement (achieve all As or equivalent standard). You meet UBC’s English Language Admission Standard.
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What it covers | Proportionate to your financial need, this award covers your tuition, incidental fees, and living expenses. |
Payment structure | Credited and disbursed according to your student account and fee term schedule. |
IELTS requirement | IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, if IELTS is used to meet UBC’s undergraduate English admission standard. |
Application route | Select your UBC academic program and campus. Confirm your school can nominate you and that you meet the eligibility requirements. Apply to UBC and submit your UBC Admissions application. Discuss your nomination with one nominator (guidance counsellor, principal, administrator, etc.) and one teacher reference. Complete application requirements by the deadline of Nov 15. Complete your sections of the award application, including: Annual income and expenses, family wealth and assets, dependents and annual school fees, sources of financial support, calculate your family contributions and financial need using the cost estimator, extracurricular information, awards, 4 essay questions (approximately 150-250 words. Complete the video interview, if you receive an invitation. Check your email for results. Be sure UBC emails are marked safe so they don’t get automatically sent to your junk email folder. |
Important condition | Ineligible degrees include UBC International Scholars Program awards: Bachelor of Nursing degree (Okanagan and Vancouver), Bachelor of Dental Science in Dental Hygiene, Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science, Bachelor + Master of Management degree, dual degrees, joint degrees between UBC Okanagan and UBC Vancouver, and joint degrees with other post-secondary institutions. |
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation PhD Scholarship
Scholarship detail | Information |
Institution | Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation |
Study level | Doctorate |
Scholarship type | Merit-based |
Main eligibility | Field of study. PhD research must be related to one of the following areas: Human Rights and Dignity, Responsible Citizenship, Canada and the World, People and their Natural Environment A Canadian student enrolled at a Canadian university; a Canadian student enrolled at a university outside Canada; or an international student enrolled at a Canadian university. International students residing outside Canada or enrolled at a university outside Canada are not eligible. You must be in the first or second year of a PhD program Application demonstrates academic excellence, a compelling research project, a strong commitment to making a positive impact, and a willingness to engage in dialogue, interdisciplinary collaboration, and knowledge sharing. Provide 3 letters of reference For more information, consult the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation’s Become a Scholar page. |
Award value | Up to $50,000 per year for three years Up to $20,000 per year for research and travel Scholars will also receive: Mentorship and experiential learning An engaged multidisciplinary community A network of more than 500 alumni |
Payment structure | Over the course of three years, scholars will receive an annual stipend for tuition and living expenses alongside an annual allowance for travel, research, and networking. |
IELTS requirement | No fixed IELTS score is specified by the scholarship; however, applicants must meet the language requirements of their doctoral university and be able to participate in the Foundation’s activities. |
Application route | Applicants are required to complete an Eligibility Screening Form before submitting an application. See here for more information. |
IDRC Research Awards
Scholarship detail | Information |
Institution | International Development Research Centre |
Study level | Master’s or doctorate level |
Scholarship type | Government-funded, merit-based |
Main eligibility | Applicants must be Canadians, permanent residents of Canada, and citizens of developing countries, and be pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree at a recognized university OR have a completed master’s or a doctoral degree at a recognized university (within the last three years). Varies year to year, but research awards are related to these development areas or themes: Climate-resilient food systems (based in Nairobi) Democratic and inclusive governance (based in New Delhi) Ethics in development research Sustainable inclusive economies. Additionally, applicants should be sure the research topic is aligned withIDRC’s priorities and programming in such a way that: It relates to one of the Centre’s programming areas; Its intention is to generate new knowledge and avoid duplication of previous research; and It is evidence-based The right stakeholders are involved (ie not prohibited by Canadian law) The applicant is a legal entity and is financially solvent
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Award value | Awards in Ottawa - Salary for 1 year: CAD 47,301 - 54,756. Award in Nairobi - Salary for 1 year: 2,036,836 - 3,396,801 KES. Award in New Delhi - Salary for 1 year: 628,638 - 1,148,048 INR |
What it covers | Recipients of the IDRC award are able to join a one-year program fully funded by the IDRC to complete research on their selected topic; this includes hands-on research and program management experience and support, grant administration and using an international perspective to create, disseminate, and use research knowledge. Up to a maximum of CA$15,000 in travel and research expenses are covered. |
Payment structure | Funding is received as an annual salary. |
IELTS requirement | No specific IELTS band score is listed; however, applicants must be able to work and communicate in the language required by the position or research call. |
Application route | Applicants can apply via the IDRC website when the award is open (timing can vary). For specific details, see the full list of open funding opportunities here. |
How Does IELTS Help with a Canadian Scholarship Application?
Your IELTS test is not only a way to evaluate your language skills, but it can also be an indicator of your academic strengths. Here’s a breakdown of how IELTS can help you stand out as you’re applying for Canadian scholarships.
IELTS skill | How it may help during the application |
Reading | Your IELTS Reading score demonstrates your ability to understand jargon, complex topics, and synthesize ideas during your research, so you can keep up to speed with peers at a high level. Your IELTS score also demonstrates your ability to analyze material, extract data and make conclusions. |
Writing | A strong IELTS Writing score shows your ability to communicate your ideas with the clarity and innovative thinking that makes you stand out in a university environment. It also shows you can write in a concise, structured way, using clear logic and strong vocabulary. |
Listening | Your IELTS Listening score shows your ability to understand, integrate and execute on verbal instructions, as well as your ability to understand complex ideas and make meaningful contributions to research projects. |
Speaking | Scholarship applications sometimes involve an interview or video call component, which stresses the importance of being able to speak clearly, naturally, and with confidence. With a good IELTS Speaking score, you show your ability to perform academically, such as in presentations, but also leadership potential and ability to network and communicate with others. |
What IELTS Score Is Needed for Scholarships in Canada?
While not all Canadian scholarships require a specific IELTS score, you will need to show that you have a baseline understanding of English, which means you will need an IELTS score of at least 6.5, according to the requirements of top Canadian schools. To be competitive for merit-based scholarships, you will need to exceed this minimum IELTS score to show that you are performing at a higher level that demonstrates academic excellence.
Who Can Apply for Scholarships in Canada?
Generally, in order to apply for scholarships in Canada, you will need to meet the following minimum eligibility requirements:
You are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident; a refugee or protected person; OR an international student
You are currently enrolled in or have applied to a valid university program for the scholarship, OR you are in the final year of high school (for entrance scholarships)
You demonstrate financial need through official documents (needs-based scholarships)
Additional requirements as specified by the award, such as research project specifications or demographic criteria (ie such as being a permanent resident from a specific country)
Documents Needed for a Canadian Scholarship Application
Generally, you’ll need the following academic documents when applying for a Canadian scholarship:
Academic documents
Official transcript. This will show that you’ve completed the necessary courses and level of schooling at the minimum grade requirement to be eligible for the scholarship.
Proof of admission. You will need this for entrance scholarships if you are applying from your final year of high school. You will need to be enrolled in specific eligible programs to be able to apply for certain awards.
Please note that what’s required can vary, so always check the scholarship page to make sure you aren’t missing anything.
English-language documents
Language Test. Generally, you will need to meet and exceed the minimum language requirements for most universities, which is an overall IELTS score of 6.5. Make sure you book your language test in advance and practice using free resources like the IDP IELTS Practice Tests so your application is as competitive as possible.
Supporting application documents
Letters of Recommendation or Reference Letters. These can be from teachers, mentors, or your principal to show how you meet and exceed the requirements for your scholarship. This can include how you’ve demonstrated academic excellence, leadership skills, and community impact.
Statement of Purpose (SOP). This is typically a personal essay tailored to the scholarship requirements that shows why you stand out as an applicant and fully embody the criteria of the award, as well as how the funding will help you excel as a student and make a difference.
Resume. This provides an overview of your achievements thus far, including any awards, volunteer experience, extracurriculars, and research experience. This can help evaluators see an overall picture of your history as a student and who you are.
How to Apply for Scholarships in Canada
Step 1: Choose your study program and institution
Based on your career goals, your GPA, and your study and location preferences, select the right program and institution for you. Available scholarships may be a factor in which programs you choose, so review funding opportunities as you narrow down your choices.
Step 2: Review the scholarship eligibility criteria
It’s common to feel the urge to apply for as many scholarships as possible, but often, it’s better to be strategic and focus on creating strong applications for a specific pool of funding opportunities. Start by evaluating your needs and strengths as a student, so you know which scholarships are best fit for you, which can start by evaluating eligibility criteria. You may also reach out to your academic advisors at your school to help guide you.
Step 3: Check whether a separate application is required
Since some scholarships require an eligibility screening application before you submit your official scholarship application, it’s important to double-check if this is a requirement for securing funding. These deadlines are separate and months in advance of the application deadline. Without being screened, you won’t be able to submit a scholarship application.
Step 4: Take IELTS early
Strong language test scores can help you stand out from other applicants, since they help demonstrate your academic excellence and your ability to communicate, collaborate, synthesize information, and deliver concise and strong arguments and conclusions. Make sure you aren’t rushing at the last minute to complete your IELTS test, since completing the test early also means you can retake it if you’d like more competitive scores for your scholarship applications. Always give yourself ample time to study. How much time you need for your IELTS test will depend on who you are and your strengths and weaknesses. You can take a diagnostic test to help focus your IELTS study goals.
Step 5: Prepare your documents
Once you’ve completed your IELTS language test, it’s time to reach out for any academic and additional documents. This includes your transcript and letters of recommendation. Aim to give your references ample time to write their letters, and it’s recommended that you give them the eligibility criteria for the scholarship and award you’re applying for, as well as a copy of your CV, since this information can help with a more tailored letter. Be sure to retain copies for your records.
Step 6: Submit the application before the deadline
A month before the deadline, review all your materials to make sure you aren’t missing anything. You can submit your application as early as this point, but give yourself at least 1 week of buffer so you aren’t rushing. If you are approaching your application in a slow and measured way, you’re less likely to make minor mistakes that could invalidate your application.
Step 7: Track the application
Once your application is submitted, familiarize yourself with the post-submission timeline that is specific to your award or scholarship. Make sure that you have marked email addresses from the scholarship institution as safe so they don’t accidentally end up in your junk mail folder. While you wait, focus on your accomplishments and strengths and try your best to remain optimistic. Good luck!
How to Improve Your Chances of Receiving a Scholarship
Here are our top 8 tips for avoiding common mistakes when applying for scholarships to help boost your chances of securing funding.
1. Be strategic
Familiarize yourself with the different types of funding that are available to you, like grants, bursaries and scholarships, and rank these opportunities based on your skills and merits. Rather than trying to apply for as many as possible, consider eligibility criteria, the size of the award, and general application requirements like demographics or skill focus to make a strategic list of which opportunities are worth your time and energy. Be sure to take advantage of local scholarships, which often have a smaller pool of applicants, which gives you greater advantage.
2. Plan in advance
To avoid rushing at the last minute, start your application early and stay organized by writing out all the deadlines for scholarships you’d like to apply for in your calendar and work backwards to create milestones for yourself for all elements of the scholarship package, including a deadline for checking your materials and submitting. Make sure you double-check for any micro-deadlines associated with the scholarship, like eligibility applications and submit in advance of the deadline.
3. Read application and eligibility requirements
Take your time to carefully read over all application and eligibility requirements for the funding opportunities you’re interested in. Make a checklist for yourself to help you stay organized so you don’t need to worry if anything is missing.
4. Aim for strong IELTS test scores
A strong IELTS score demonstrates your academic abilities and strengths in a tangible way for evaluators and helps differentiate you from other applicants. Prepare in advance by taking a diagnostic test to identify your strengths and weaknesses and use resources to make a realistic study plan tailored to you. Check out the IDP IELTS Prep Hub to get started.
5. Build a strong narrative
Written portions of your scholarship application, such as your Statement of Purpose (SOP), are an opportunity for you to tell your story. Be honest, don’t plagiarize, and speak authentically from your heart. Focus on showing what drives you in life and how you want to make a difference in the world or your community. Include qualitative and quantitative details that can help substantiate who you are.
6. Select strong references
Try to be selective when picking your references and pick people who you’ve built a strong relationship with and who really understand your story. Focus on mentors or teachers who can provide extra details that expand on who you are and give dimension to your strengths and achievements.
7. Follow instructions thoroughly
As you complete your application, pay attention to details in the instructions like word count limits and keywords in questions that can help give you direction in writing a strong answer. Be sure to answer all parts of each question, since some may be veiled as a multi-part question.
8. Check for mistakes
Proofread your application for any grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. Double-check any formatting requirements like file size and file type, file name, font type and size, margins, etc. You may also want to ask a peer or someone you trust to review your application for you to ensure nothing is missing or incorrect.
How IDP Can Support Your IELTS and Study Journey
With 35+ years of experience, IDP IELTS empowers students like you to access opportunities for study and work with top universities, employers, and governments across the world. Here’s how:
1. Flexibility that Supports You
IDP IELTS is focused on supporting you with flexibility oriented towards your needs. You can access different test formats, locations, and tools that are focused on tailoring a study plan that fits you best. Eliminate stress from your test experience with IDP IELTS’ support.
2. Resources that Boost Your Confidence
Step into your IELTS test with confidence with IDP IELTS’ expert resources and guidance. With IDP IELTS, access unique diagnostic resources, study plans, practice tests, and more that understand the complexity of the IELTS test and give you the experience and skills so you feel fully prepared for your test day. Get started at the IDP IELTS Prep Hub.
3. One Skill Retake
If you have strong IELTS scores but fall short in one area, One Skill Retake is designed to give you another chance to redo that portion without having to complete the full test again.
Want to learn more about how you can succeed with IDP IELTS? Read more here.
Final Thoughts
Working ahead, understanding scholarship requirements, having a strategic plan, and focusing on achieving a strong IELTS score are all effective ways of helping you get ahead when securing IELTS scholarships for your studies.
As you navigate preparing and completing your scholarship applications, remember to take advantage of resources around you, like the IDP IELTS Prep Hub and the IELTS Community by IDP, where your top questions are answered by IELTS experts.
Want to stay in the loop on the latest tips and news for IELTS? Get top expert perspective on IELTS delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for the IDP IELTS newsletter.
