Top 15 Scholarships for International Students in 2026 (USA & Canada)
A comprehensive list of the best scholarships available for international students studying in the United States and Canada in 2026, with application tips.
Money is one of the biggest barriers for international students. Tuition in the US and Canada can be steep, but the good news? There are hundreds of scholarships specifically designed for international students.
I've compiled the best ones for 2026 — including deadlines, amounts, and my personal tips for each.
US Scholarships#
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program#
- Amount: Full tuition + living expenses + flights
- Eligibility: Students from 160+ countries
- Deadline: Varies by country (usually February-October)
- My tip: This is the gold standard. Start your application early and get strong recommendation letters.
2. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship#
- Amount: Full funding for 10 months of non-degree study
- Eligibility: Mid-career professionals from developing countries
- Deadline: Varies by country
3. AAUW International Fellowships#
- Amount: $18,000 - $30,000
- Eligibility: Women who are not US citizens
- Deadline: November 15
- My tip: Excellent for women pursuing graduate or postdoctoral studies.
4. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship#
- Amount: Full tuition + monthly living allowance + travel
- Eligibility: Citizens of World Bank member countries
- Deadline: April each year
5. Rotary Peace Fellowships#
- Amount: Full funding for a master's degree
- Eligibility: Professionals committed to peace and conflict resolution
- Deadline: May 15
6. University-Specific Merit Scholarships#
Many US universities offer generous merit-based scholarships to international students:
- MIT: Need-blind admissions for international students
- Harvard: Meets 100% of demonstrated financial need
- Stanford: Need-based financial aid for all admitted students
- Amherst College: One of the most generous for international students
- Yale: Meets full demonstrated need regardless of citizenship
Pro tip: Don't overlook smaller private colleges -- they often have more scholarship money available per student than large universities. See my list of high acceptance rate schools with full scholarships for hidden gems.
Canadian Scholarships#
7. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships#
- Amount: $50,000 CAD/year for 3 years
- Eligibility: Doctoral students at Canadian institutions
- Deadline: November each year
- My tip: Highly competitive but worth applying — the prestige alone opens doors.
8. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships (University of Toronto)#
- Amount: Full tuition + books + living expenses for 4 years
- Eligibility: Outstanding international high school students
- Deadline: November 30
9. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships#
- Amount: $70,000 CAD/year for 2 years
- Eligibility: Postdoctoral researchers at Canadian institutions
- Deadline: September each year
10. University of British Columbia International Scholarships#
- Amount: Up to full tuition
- Eligibility: International students demonstrating academic excellence
- Deadline: January 15
11. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)#
- Amount: $15,000 CAD for 2-3 terms
- Eligibility: Graduate students at Ontario universities (international students eligible at some institutions)
- Deadline: Varies by university
12. Trudeau Foundation Scholarships#
- Amount: Up to $60,000 CAD/year plus travel allowance
- Eligibility: Doctoral students in humanities and social sciences
- Deadline: December
Global Scholarships (Applicable to Both US & Canada)#
13. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program#
- Amount: Full funding including tuition, accommodation, and living expenses
- Eligibility: Students from Sub-Saharan Africa
- Deadline: Varies by partner university
14. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships#
- Amount: Up to 50% grant, 50% loan (half doesn't need to be repaid)
- Eligibility: Students from select developing countries
- Deadline: March 31
15. Commonwealth Scholarships#
- Amount: Full funding
- Eligibility: Citizens of Commonwealth countries
- Deadline: Varies by country
How to Win Scholarships: My Top Tips#
1. Apply Early and Apply Often#
Most students only apply to 2-3 scholarships. I recommend applying to at least 10-15. It's a numbers game. Consider using Early Decision strategy at schools that meet full financial need to lock in your top choice.
2. Tailor Each Application#
Don't copy-paste the same essay. Each scholarship has different values and priorities — speak to them directly.
3. Get Strong Recommendations#
Build relationships with professors, mentors, and employers who can write compelling letters about your potential.
4. Show Leadership and Community Impact#
Scholarships don't just go to students with the highest grades. Show how you've made a difference in your community.
5. Start a Year in Advance#
Some scholarship processes take months. Create a calendar with all deadlines and work backwards.
6. Don't Ignore Small Scholarships#
A $500 scholarship might not cover tuition, but ten of them add up fast.
Need More Help?#
Finding and applying for scholarships can be overwhelming. If you want personalized guidance on which scholarships you're eligible for and how to strengthen your applications, join my community or book a one-on-one call.
If scholarships don't cover everything, student loans for international students like MPOWER Financing can fill the gap without requiring a cosigner.
More Guides#
- How to Study for Free in the USA -- the complete free education strategy
- Full Scholarship for Your Bachelor's Degree -- step-by-step application guide
- 60 Universities Offering Full Scholarships -- schools that cover everything
- What Is the CSS Profile and How to Complete It -- required for financial aid at many schools
Get More Help#
Join my free community -- thousands of international students figuring it out together.
Book a 1-on-1 Call With Me -- 60 minutes of focused guidance on your specific situation.
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