Pursuing higher education in North America as an international student opens doors to world-class institutions, innovative research, and diverse cultural experiences that can shape a global career. The United States and Canada, the region’s educational powerhouses, host over a million international students annually, drawn by their academic excellence and vibrant campuses. However, the high costs of tuition, living expenses, and travel can pose significant barriers. That’s where scholarships come in—lifelines that not only ease financial burdens but also recognize talent, leadership, and potential impact.
For the 2025/2026 academic year, a wealth of opportunities awaits international students, from fully funded government programs to university-specific merit awards. These scholarships span undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels, covering fields like STEM, humanities, business, and social sciences. Many are need-based or merit-driven, prioritizing applicants from developing countries who demonstrate academic prowess and extracurricular involvement. Programs like the Fulbright in the US and the Lester B. Pearson in Canada exemplify how North American institutions foster global talent, often including stipends for housing, health insurance, and even airfare.
Top Scholarship Opportunities in North America for International Students 2025/2026
Scholarship Opportunities in the United States (North America)
The US leads in scholarship volume for international students, with government-backed initiatives and private endowments offering comprehensive support. Here’s a curated selection of the most competitive and generous programs for 2025/2026.
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Administered by the US Department of State, the Fulbright Program is a flagship initiative for graduate-level study and research. It targets non-US citizens pursuing master’s or PhD degrees, or even non-degree research, in any discipline. Fully funded, it covers tuition, airfare, living stipends (around $1,000–$3,000 monthly depending on location), health insurance, and professional development. Over 4,000 awards are granted yearly across 160 countries, emphasizing cultural exchange and leadership. Eligibility requires a bachelor’s degree, strong academic records, and proficiency in English. Applications are country-specific, often through US embassies, with deadlines varying from February to October 2025. Past recipients have advanced fields like public health and sustainable energy, returning home as change-makers.
2. AAUW International Fellowships
Offered by the American Association of University Women, this women-only program empowers international female students for full-time graduate or postgraduate research in the US. Awards range from $20,000 to $50,000 for master’s or PhD studies, covering tuition and living costs. It’s open to women from any non-US country who are not permanent residents, with priority for those from developing nations. Applicants need a commitment to women’s empowerment and must demonstrate financial need. The 2025 deadline is typically November, and fellows join a network of over 1,000 alumnae. This fellowship has supported trailblazers in engineering and policy, fostering gender equity globally.
3. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)
Partnering with top US universities like Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and Columbia, this program funds master’s degrees in development-related fields such as economics, public policy, and urban planning. Aimed at mid-career professionals from World Bank member developing countries, it provides full tuition, a $2,500 monthly stipend, travel, and insurance—totaling up to $120,000 per scholar. Eligibility includes two years of development work experience and a 3.0 GPA equivalent. Applications open in March 2025, with selections favoring those committed to poverty reduction. Over 3,000 alumni have influenced global policies, making it ideal for aspiring economists.
4. American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
For undergraduates committed to social change, this merit-based award at American University in Washington, D.C., covers full tuition, room, board, and books—valued at over $70,000 annually—for four years. It targets high-achieving students from underserved countries who plan to return home post-graduation. Applicants must show leadership through community service and apply directly to AU by January 2025. Only 10 spots open yearly, but recipients gain access to internships at NGOs and embassies, amplifying their impact.
5. Amherst College Scholarships
This liberal arts powerhouse in Massachusetts meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted international undergraduates, often through grants averaging $60,000 yearly. No separate application; aid is assessed post-admission based on family income and assets. Open to all nationalities, it prioritizes holistic profiles with strong essays and recommendations. Deadlines align with regular admissions in January 2025. Amherst’s small classes and alumni network have propelled scholars into diplomacy and tech.
Other notables include the ACI Foundation Scholarships for concrete engineering students (up to $10,000 for undergrads/masters) and Bold.org’s $10,000 Be Bold No-Essay Scholarship, which rewards bold profiles via a quick profile submission.
Scholarship Opportunities in Canada (North America)
Canada’s scholarships emphasize inclusivity and research excellence, with government and university funds making it a top destination for over 800,000 international students. Expect bilingual options and post-study work permits.
1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program
At the University of Toronto, this premier undergraduate award fully funds four years of study—tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence support—for 37 exceptional students worldwide. Nominated by schools, it seeks leaders with outstanding academics (top 1–2% globally) and global citizenship. Applicants must be in their final high school year and apply to U of T by November 2025; nominations close October 10, 2025. Recipients, from over 150 countries, engage in leadership seminars, embodying Pearson’s vision of peace and equity.
2. International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES) at UBC
The University of British Columbia awards these renewable merit scholarships (up to $20,000/year for four years) to incoming undergraduates showing academic excellence and extracurricular impact. Valued at $10,000–$20,000 initially, they’re automatic upon admission for top applicants. Open to all internationals, with 2025 applications due by January. UBC’s coastal campus offers research in sustainability, and scholars join a vibrant international community of 15,000 peers.
3. Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award at UBC
A one-time $10,000–$25,000 entrance merit award for undergraduates demonstrating classroom strength and outside involvement, like volunteering or arts. Automatic consideration post-admission; 2025 deadline is December. It’s stackable with IMES, easing the transition for first-year students.
4. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
For doctoral students, this $50,000 annual award (three years) supports research in health, natural sciences, engineering, or social sciences. Nominated by Canadian universities, it targets internationals with exceptional leadership and academics. Applications open September 2025 via institutions. Over 500 awarded yearly, fostering breakthroughs in AI and climate action.
5. Université de Montréal Exemption Scholarships
These tuition waivers (up to full exemption) for undergrad, master’s, or PhD students from any country cover major costs at one of Canada’s top French/English bilingual schools. Merit-based, with applications tied to program admission by February 2025. Ideal for Francophone applicants eyeing medicine or law.
Additional gems: Waterloo’s International Student Entrance Scholarships (up to $10,000, automatic) and the Study in Canada Scholarships for short-term exchanges (up to $12,700 for four months).
READ ALSO: Top Scholarships in Europe for Non-EU Students
FAQs
Can undergraduate students apply for these scholarships?
Yes, many like the Lester B. Pearson and AU Emerging Global Leader are undergrad-focused, while Fulbright and Vanier target graduates. Always check level-specific criteria.
Are there scholarships for students from specific regions?
Absolutely—Fulbright operates per country, and programs like Study in Canada prioritize Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Diversity drives selections.
What if I’m already studying in North America?
Most are for new admits, but renewals exist (e.g., UBC IMES). Transfer students should explore university aid offices.
Do scholarships cover family dependents?
Rarely; most fund the student only. However, some like Fulbright include health coverage that extends indirectly.
How competitive are these awards?
Highly—e.g., Pearson admits 37 from thousands. Focus on standing out through impact stories, not just grades.
What happens if I don’t get full funding?
Partial awards like OIS can combine with loans or part-time work (up to 20 hours/week on visas). Reapply next cycle.
