Best Canada Scholarships for Medical Students 2025/2026

In this detailed guide, you’ll learn about the best scholarships available for medical students in Canada for 2025, their eligibility requirements, and how to apply successfully.

Why Study Medicine in Canada

Canada is one of the best destinations for medical education because of its world-class universities, modern facilities, and high-quality teaching methods. Canadian medical degrees are recognized globally, and graduates often find excellent career opportunities worldwide.

Some of the top medical schools in Canada include:

• University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine

• McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

• University of British Columbia (UBC) Faculty of Medicine

• University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry

• McMaster University Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine

However, tuition fees for international medical students can range between $25,000 to $60,000 CAD per year, depending on the university. That’s where scholarships come in — to reduce or fully cover these costs.

1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship – University of Toronto

 

Overview:
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards in Canada. It’s offered to international students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance, creativity, and leadership skills.

Eligibility:

• You must be an international student (non-Canadian).

• You must be in your final year of secondary school or have graduated no earlier than June of the previous year.

• You must be nominated by your school.

Benefits:

• Full tuition coverage for four years.

• Accommodation and living allowance.

• Book and incidental fees.

How to Apply:

1. Ask your high school to nominate you.

2. Apply to the University of Toronto for an undergraduate program in medicine or related health sciences.

3. After applying, complete the separate Lester B. Pearson Scholarship application form (sent by email once you’re nominated).

Application Deadline: Typically December each year.

Official Website: future.utoronto.ca/pearson

2. University of British Columbia (UBC) International Leader of Tomorrow Award

 

Overview:
UBC’s International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award recognizes outstanding international students who show academic excellence, leadership potential, and involvement in community service.

Eligibility:

• Must be an international student applying for an undergraduate medical or health science-related program.

• Must show a record of leadership in school or community activities.

• Must demonstrate financial need.

Benefits:

• Covers tuition and living expenses, minus the amount the student and their family can contribute.

How to Apply:

1. Apply for admission to UBC before the scholarship deadline.

2. Complete the separate ILOT Award application, which includes financial documents and a nomination form from your school.

Application Deadline: Around November 15 each year.

Official Website: you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/international-scholarships/

3. McGill University Scholarships for International Students

 

Overview:
McGill University offers several scholarships for international students pursuing undergraduate and graduate programs in health sciences and medicine.

Types of Scholarships:

• Entrance Scholarships: Automatically considered upon admission.

• Major Entrance Scholarships: Based on academic excellence and leadership; separate application required.

Eligibility:

• Must be a newly admitted student to McGill University.

• Excellent academic record.

• Strong leadership and community service involvement.

Benefits:

• Scholarship values range from $3,000 to $12,000 CAD per year.

• Renewable for up to four years (for undergraduate students).

How to Apply:

1. Apply for admission to McGill University.

2. Submit the Major Entrance Scholarship application by the deadline if you wish to be considered for a higher-value scholarship.

Application Deadline: January each year.

Official Website: mcgill.ca/studentaid/scholarships-aid

4. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Overview:
If you’re a graduate student pursuing a Ph.D. in medical sciences or health research, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (Vanier CGS) is one of the best opportunities. This program is funded by the Canadian government to attract and retain top-tier doctoral students.

Eligibility:

• Open to both Canadian and international students.

• Must be pursuing a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in a medical or health-related field.

• Must demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.

Benefits:

• $50,000 CAD per year for three years.

How to Apply:

1. Check eligibility with your chosen Canadian university.

2. Your university must nominate you for the Vanier Scholarship.

3. Submit your application through the Vanier online portal, including research proposals, transcripts, and reference letters.

Application Deadline: Usually November each year (check university-specific deadlines).

Official Website: vanier.gc.ca

5. Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program

Overview:
This government-funded scholarship is for students from Commonwealth countries who want to pursue advanced studies or research in Canada, including in medicine and health sciences.

Eligibility:

• Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country.

• Must be applying for a master’s or doctoral degree in a Canadian university.

• Strong academic performance.

Benefits:

• Covers tuition fees, travel, living allowance, and health insurance.

How to Apply:

1. Apply to a Canadian university that participates in the Commonwealth Scholarship Program.

2. Submit your application to the scholarship program through your home country’s national scholarship agency.

3. Wait for selection results from the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE).

Application Deadline: Varies by country (usually between December and February).

Official Website: cbie.ca

6. University of Alberta International Student Scholarships

Overview:
The University of Alberta offers several scholarships for international students in the medical and health sciences fields.

Eligibility:

• Must be admitted to a full-time undergraduate or graduate program.

• Outstanding academic achievements.

• Leadership and community involvement are considered.

Benefits:

• Scholarship amounts range from $5,000 to $29,000 CAD.

How to Apply:

1. Apply for admission to the University of Alberta.

2. You’ll automatically be considered for most entrance scholarships.

3. For competitive scholarships, fill out the International Scholarship Application form through your student portal.

Application Deadline: Early January for Fall intake.

Official Website: ualberta.ca/financial-support

How to Improve Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship

 

1. Start early: Begin preparing your documents (transcripts, references, statement of purpose) months before deadlines.

2. Maintain excellent grades: Most scholarships are highly competitive and require top academic performance.

3. Write a strong personal statement: Explain your motivation for studying medicine and your future goals clearly.

4. Get strong recommendation letters: Choose referees who can speak about your academic and personal strengths.

5. Apply to multiple scholarships: Don’t depend on just one opportunity — apply to as many as you qualify for.

Final Thoughts

Studying medicine in Canada can open incredible opportunities for your future, and with the right scholarship, it can also become affordable. The scholarships listed above — from the Lester B. Pearson to the Vanier Graduate Scholarships — are among the best in 2025 for international medical students.

Research each program carefully, prepare your application early, and stay organized. With dedication and effort, you could soon be pursuing your medical dreams in one of the world’s best education systems — Canada.