Embarking on a journey towards a PhD is a monumental decision, one that requires dedication, passion, and often, financial support. In Canada, renowned for its top-notch education system, there are numerous scholarships that can help alleviate the financial burden and make your academic dreams a reality. In this article, we will explore the 27 best PhD scholarships in Canada, opening doors to a world of possibilities.

1. The 27 Best PhD
Scholarships in Canada
The 27 Best PhD Scholarships in Canada

2. Embarking on a journey towards a PhD is a monumental
decision, one that requires dedication, passion, and often,
financial support. In Canada, renowned for its top-notch
education system, there are numerous scholarships that can help
alleviate the financial burden and make your academic dreams a
reality. In this article, we will explore the 27 best PhD
scholarships in Canada, opening doors to a world of possibilities.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships:
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are prestigious
awards designed to attract and retain world-class doctoral
students. Valued at $50,000 per year for three years, these
scholarships recognize academic excellence, research potential,
and leadership qualities.
Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships:

3. For those passionate about contributing to public policy and
social issues, the Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships
provide financial support and mentorship. With an annual value
of up to $60,000, these scholarships foster engagement with
critical societal challenges.
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship in Peace and
Conflict Studies:
This specific scholarship within the Trudeau Foundation focuses
on Peace and Conflict Studies. Valued at $40,000 per year for
three years, it supports doctoral students committed to
advancing research in this vital field.
Ontario Trillium Scholarship (OTS):
The OTS is a merit-based scholarship for international PhD
students studying in Ontario. Valued at $40,000 per year, this

4. scholarship aims to attract top talent and enhance Ontario’s
reputation as a global hub for academic excellence.
Canada Graduate Scholarships — Doctoral (CGS D):
Administered by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research
(CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council
of Canada (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities
Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), the CGS D is a
cornerstone of federal support for doctoral students across
disciplines.
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships:
Although not exclusively for PhD students, the Banting
Postdoctoral Fellowships are worth mentioning. These
prestigious awards offer $70,000 per year for two years,

5. supporting the most promising researchers in their postdoctoral
studies.
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS):
The OGS program provides merit-based scholarships for
graduate students in all disciplines. Valued at $15,000 per year
for two or three years, this scholarship aims to attract highly
qualified students to Ontario’s universities.
Quebec Merit Scholarship for Foreign Students:
Administered by the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ), this
scholarship supports international students pursuing a doctoral
degree in Quebec. The scholarship value varies depending on the
duration of the program.

6. Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges
for Development (SEED):
For students from ASEAN member states pursuing doctoral
studies in Canada, the SEED program offers scholarships
covering tuition, living expenses, and more. This initiative
promotes educational collaboration and development.
CIHR Doctoral Research Award:
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) provides
financial support to outstanding students pursuing a PhD in
health-related fields. This award encourages the development of
future health researchers.
IDRC Research Awards:

7. The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) offers
research awards for doctoral students from developing countries.
These awards focus on supporting research that addresses global
development challenges.
Mitacs Accelerate:
Mitacs Accelerate is a unique program that connects graduate
students with industry partners. Through internships, PhD
students can apply their research skills to real-world problems
while receiving financial support.
Vanier CGS — Indigenous:
This variation of the Vanier scholarship is specifically for
Indigenous PhD students who demonstrate leadership and a
commitment to their communities. It provides $50,000 per year
for three years.

8. Mackenzie King Memorial Scholarships:
Open to graduates of Canadian universities, the Mackenzie King
Memorial Scholarships support those pursuing graduate studies,
including PhD programs. The scholarships are valued at different
amounts, with a focus on academic excellence and community
involvement.
Trudeau Foundation Scholarship in Human Rights and
Social Justice:
Another specialized scholarship within the Trudeau Foundation,
this opportunity is for students dedicated to advancing human
rights and social justice through their doctoral research. It offers
financial support and a community of like-minded scholars.
Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP):

9. Canada participates in the CSFP, offering scholarships to citizens
of Commonwealth countries. These scholarships support
doctoral studies in various disciplines, fostering international
collaboration.
Ontario Women’s Health Scholars Awards:
For female PhD students conducting research in women’s health,
the Ontario Women’s Health Scholars Awards provide financial
support. These awards contribute to advancing knowledge in a
crucial area of research.
SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships:
Administered by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research
Council of Canada (SSHRC), these fellowships support
outstanding students pursuing a PhD in the social sciences and
humanities.

10. NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships — Doctoral (PGS D):
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of
Canada (NSERC) offers PGS D scholarships to students pursuing
doctoral studies in natural sciences and engineering. These
scholarships contribute to the development of skilled researchers
in these fields.
Killam Doctoral Scholarships:
Valued at $50,000 per year, the Killam Doctoral Scholarships
support outstanding doctoral students at select Canadian
universities. These scholarships recognize academic
achievements and research potential.
Trudeau Foundation Scholarship in Environmental Sciences
and Sustainability:

11. For PhD students committed to environmental sciences and
sustainability, this Trudeau Foundation scholarship provides
financial support. It encourages research that addresses pressing
environmental challenges.
Ontario Graduate Women’s Scholarship:
The Ontario Graduate Women’s Scholarship supports women
pursuing graduate studies, including PhD programs. This
scholarship aims to address gender disparities in higher
education.
CGS Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplements:
Administered by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research
(CIHR), these supplements support PhD students conducting
research abroad. The supplements enhance the international
experience of Canadian researchers.

12. Canada Graduate Scholarships — Michael Smith Foreign
Study Supplements:
Similar to the CIHR supplements, these supplements are part of
the CGS program and support international research experiences
for doctoral students in health-related fields.
Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship:
The Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship is awarded to
outstanding doctoral students across disciplines. Valued at
$30,000 per year, it supports research and contributes to the
intellectual and cultural life of Canada.
Rhodes Scholarship for Canada:

13. Although not specific to PhD studies, the Rhodes Scholarship is
worth mentioning. It supports exceptional students from Canada
pursuing postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford.
Ontario Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology:
For students pursuing a PhD in science and technology, this
scholarship provides financial support. It aims to foster
advancements in these critical fields.
Conclusion:
Embarking on a PhD scholarships in Canada journey can be both
intellectually rewarding and financially feasible with the support
of these prestigious scholarships. Whether you are passionate
about social justice, health research, or environmental
sustainability, there’s a scholarship tailored to your field of study.

14. Take the leap, explore these opportunities, and unlock the doors
to a brighter academic future in the Great White North.