For many students in the Philippines, education in Canada represents not only academic development but also the potential to create a better future for themselves. The catch? Paying for it. That is where scholarships come in. These scholarships can alleviate some of the burden and provide students the opportunity to concentrate on studying and self-improvement.
This guide examines the top 5 scholarships to
study in Canada for Filipino students, which are highly competitive, well-funded, and available to foreign students. AECC Philippines is here to guide you through the journey, starting with selecting the most appropriate scholarship, then creating a winning application, should you need assistance.
Top 5 Scholarships to Study in Canada for Filipino Students
If you are considering studying in Canada and need financing options, these scholarships can serve as a starting point. They are highly reputable, have good benefits, and are available to foreign students, including Filipinos.
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
- University of British Columbia International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES)
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
- University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF)
These are some of the best scholarship opportunities available to Filipino students looking to study in Canada, covering undergraduate, graduate and PhD studies.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
provide high-quality funding support to foreign students pursuing a PhD, including students from the Philippines. They seek to bring and retain outstanding PhD students in Canadian universities.
Eligibility:
- Nomination by a Canadian university with a Vanier CGS quota
- Applying for a PhD program in health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, or humanities
- Proven academic excellence, leadership, and research potential
Scholarship Coverage:
- CAD 50,000 per year for up to 3 years
Application Deadlines:
- Varies by institution (typically August to November)
Application Requirements:
- Research proposal
- Academic transcripts
- Reference letters
- Documentation of leadership and academic achievements
Selection Criteria:
- Academic merit
- Research promise
- Leadership qualities
Renewal Requirements:
- Not renewable (maximum three years of funding)
Application Process:
- Submit application through your chosen Canadian university
- Complete a ResearchNet application
Bond or Obligations:
This is one of the top scholarships to study in Canada, ideal for highly motivated PhD (doctoral) students.
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
The University of Toronto (U of T) provides the , which seeks international students who have had a significant impact in their schools and in the broader community.
Eligibility:
- International students, including Filipinos
- In final year of high school or graduated no earlier than June of the application year
- Nominated by their current or former school
Scholarship Coverage:
- Full tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence for 4 years
Application Deadlines:
- School nomination: November
- U of T admission: December
- Scholarship application: January
Application Requirements:
- Academic transcripts
- Strong school recommendation
- Personal achievements and extracurricular activities
Selection Criteria:
- Academic excellence
- Leadership and commitment to service
Renewal Requirements:
- Maintain strong academic performance
Application Process:
- Secure a school nomination
- Apply to the University of Toronto
- Submit the scholarship application
Bond or Obligations:
This program stands out in any list of scholarships for Filipinos in Canada due to its full-ride support.
University of British Columbia International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES)
The IMES is given to outstanding international students joining UBC's undergraduate programmes. Strongly encouraged to apply are high-achieving students from the Philippines.
Eligibility:
- First-time international undergraduate student
- Excellent academic performance and extracurricular involvement
Scholarship Coverage:
- $10,000 鈥� $20,000/year for international students entering undergraduate programs at UBC
- $10,000 鈥� $25,000 for merit-based entrance scholarship awarded to qualified students when they are offered admission to UBC
- Renewable for up to 3 additional years
Application Deadlines:
- UBC admission deadline: January
- No separate scholarship deadline
Application Requirements:
- Admission application
- School transcripts
- Record of non-academic contributions
Selection Criteria:
- High academic achievement
- Community involvement and leadership
Renewal Requirements:
- Maintain good academic standing
Application Process:
- Automatically considered upon application to UBC
Bond or Obligations:
Among the Canada scholarships for Filipinos in 2025, IMES offers a flexible and ongoing reward for consistent performance.
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
The OGS program benefits international students who graduate at Ontario's universities, including master's and PhD candidates from the Philippines.
Eligibility:
- Enrolled or accepted into a full-time graduate programme at an eligible Ontario institution
- Minimum A- average over the last two academic years
Scholarship Coverage:
- CAD 5,000 per academic term (up to CAD 15,000/year)
Application Deadlines:
- University-specific (usually between October and January)
Application Requirements:
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
Selection Criteria:
- Academic achievement
- Research proposal quality (if applicable)
- Leadership or work experience
Renewal Requirements:
- Annual reapplication
- Maintain high academic performance
Application Process:
- Apply through the graduate school of the Ontario university of choice
Bond or Obligations:
This is one of the more flexible entries in any list of scholarships for Filipinos in Canada, especially for above graduate-level (master's and PhD) studies.
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF)
The UMGF provides solid financial support to graduate students at the University of Manitoba, as well as international students coming in from the Philippines.
Eligibility:
- Full-time master's or PhD student at U of Manitoba
- Minimum GPA of 3 in the last two years of study
Scholarship Coverage:
- CAD 20,000/year for master's students (up to 2 years)
- CAD 25,000/year for PhD students (up to 4 years)
Application Deadlines:
- Varies by department (usually December to March)
Application Requirements:
- Department recommendation
- Letter of intent
- Academic transcripts
Selection Criteria:
Renewal Requirements:
- Meet academic and departmental standards
Application Process:
- Submit application through academic department
Bond or Obligations:
This award is ideal for students seeking consistent, long-term support throughout their postgraduate studies in Canada.
Scholarships to Study in Canada: Application Tips
Applying for Canada scholarships in the year 2025 requires preparation, and being informed of the ins and outs will surely make a significant difference. So, here are some handy tips:
- Start early 鈥� Deadlines come up fast, especially for competitive programmes
- Understand the value for each Canadian scholarship 鈥� Tailor your essays accordingly
- Collect strong recommendations 鈥� Choose teachers or mentors who can write detailed, specific letters
- Polish your personal statement 鈥� Be authentic and clearly express your goals
- Prepare transcripts and test scores in advance
- Don't do it alone 鈥� Get feedback from trusted peers, teachers, or education counsellors
Still feeling unsure? AECC Philippines can guide you through each step鈥攆rom finding scholarships to submitting a polished application.
Scholarships facilitate studying in Canada to become more viable and attainable for numerous Filipino students. Whether it is undergraduate, graduate or PhD studies, the top 5 scholarships to study in Canada provide the required financial jump start you require.
Don't pass up the opportunity鈥�contact AECC Philippines today. We can guide you through your options, keep you on top of deadlines, and submit the best possible applications that catch the attention of the reviewers. Your Canadian education journey begins now.
Top 5 Scholarships to Study in Canada for Filipino Students FAQs
What happens if I miss the application deadline for the scholarships?
Missing a deadline typically will mean having to wait a year for the next application period. Scholarships happen once a year, so note crucial dates in advance and begin preparing at least a year in advance.
How long does it take to hear back after applying for the scholarships?
This varies by the scholarship. Some will write back in a matter of weeks, while some鈥攑articularly those that relate to college acceptances鈥攚ill require a couple of months. Consult every scholarship's page for timelines.
How do I know if a scholarship is legitimate and not a scam?
Legitimate scholarships do not require payment to apply. Only ever apply directly on the official website or reputable education partners such as AECC Philippines. If in doubt, cross-check through official contacts of the universities.
Are there any scholarships for Filipino students studying online programmes in Canada?
Most scholarships are designated for on-campus programmes, however, a minority of universities and private schools might cover partial tuition for online courses. It is advisable to directly contact the university or talk to an education counselor to discuss your possibilities.
Do I need to pay taxes on the scholarship money I receive in Canada?
In a great many instances, the money in a scholarship applied toward tuition and coursework expenditures is tax-exempt, but any sums applied toward living charges could potentially be taxed. It is a sound idea to talk with the financial department at the university or a tax consultant once you have received a scholarship.
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