The University of Toronto offers strong scholarship support for international students across undergraduate and graduate programs, helping reduce the high cost of studying in Canada. Every year, U of T gives out 5,700+ scholarships worth nearly CAD 36 million. For undergraduates, the top award is the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, which covers full tuition, books, incidental fees, and on-campus housing for 4 years (total value around CAD 80,000–100,000+, ₹53–67 lakh+). Other popular entrance awards include the University of Toronto International Scholar Award (up to CAD 100,000 / ₹67 lakh), International Merit Admission Award (up to CAD 50,000 / ₹33 lakh), and Arts & Science Entrance Award (CAD 10,000 / ₹6.7 lakh one-time)—most are granted automatically with admission.
For graduate students, funding is mostly merit-based and competitive. Key options include the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (CAD 50,000/year, ~₹33 lakh), Ontario Graduate Scholarship (CAD 15,000/year, ~₹10 lakh), and the Connaught International Scholarship (CAD 10,000/year top-up, ~₹6.7 lakh for PhD students). Many PhD and research master’s programs also provide funding packages of CAD 25,000–45,000+ per year (₹16–30 lakh+), through assistantships and tuition support.
In simple terms, U of T is expensive, but strong academics can unlock serious funding. Undergraduate students mainly get entrance scholarships, while graduate students rely on merit awards and program funding. Apply early, keep grades high, and follow instructions closely to improve your chances.
Also Check: University of Toronto Programs and Fees
University of Toronto Undergraduate Scholarships
The University of Toronto awards over 5,700 admission scholarships annually to both domestic and international students, totaling nearly 36 million CAD. These scholarships support academically outstanding students, with the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship being the only full-ride award available to international undergraduates. Some scholarships for international undergraduate students are as follows:
| Scholarship Name |
Who Can Apply (Key Eligibility) |
Value / Coverage |
Renewal |
How It’s Awarded |
| Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship |
Exceptional academics + leadership; international student with study permit; final-year high school; school nomination required |
Full tuition, books, incidental fees + full residence for 4 years (≈ CAD 80,000–100,000+) |
Yes (4 years) |
School nomination + separate application |
| Arts & Science Global Scholarship |
International student in Arts & Science; strong academics; financial need may be considered |
Covers international tuition + incidental fees + UHIP (up to 4 years) |
Yes |
Automatic during admission |
| University of Toronto International Scholar Award |
International students with high academic merit |
Up to CAD 100,000 over 4 years (e.g., CAD 40K Year 1 + CAD 20K/year after) |
Yes |
Automatic on admission |
| International Merit Admission Award |
International students with strong grades |
Up to CAD 50,000 over 4 years |
Yes |
Automatic on admission |
| Arts & Science International Entrance Award |
Full-time Arts & Science international students |
CAD 10,000 (one-time, first year) |
No |
Automatic on admission |
| President’s Scholars of Excellence Program (PSEP) |
Top academic achievers |
Recognition + monetary award (varies) |
Varies |
Automatic (top ~150 admits) |
| U of T Scholars Program |
Outstanding academic performance |
CAD 7,500–10,000 (one-time) |
No |
Automatic on admission |
Note: Except the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship, no additional scholarship application is required. Recipients are selected based on their admission application and academic excellence.
University of Toronto Scholarships for Master’s and Doctoral Students
Incoming international graduate students at the University of Toronto are expected to have a strong financial plan. Unlike undergraduate programs, admission-based funding is limited at the graduate level. However, a variety of competitive scholarships and fellowships are available through the University of Toronto, external donors, and the Governments of Ontario and Canada. The following scholarships support Indian students at both the master’s and doctoral levels and are typically merit-based.
| Scholarship / Funding |
Who Can Apply |
Value / Coverage |
Duration |
How to Apply |
Key Notes |
| Connaught International Scholarship |
Top international PhD applicants on study permit |
CAD 10,000/year top-up (total funding reaches ~CAD 50,000/year with base package) |
Up to 4–5 years |
Department nomination (no direct student application) |
Very competitive; mainly for PhD recruitment |
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) |
International Master’s or PhD students with strong grades |
CAD 15,000 for 1 year |
1 year (can reapply) |
Apply through graduate department |
Merit-based; limited international slots |
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship |
Exceptional PhD students with leadership + research potential |
CAD 50,000/year |
3 years |
National competition via U of T nomination |
One of Canada’s most prestigious doctoral awards |
| Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D) |
High-achieving PhD students (some streams open to internationals) |
Up to ~CAD 40,000+/year |
3–4 years |
Department nomination |
Research-focused federal award |
| China Scholarship Council (CSC) – U of T Program |
Chinese PhD applicants/students |
Full or major funding (tuition + living) |
Up to 4 years |
Apply via CSC + U of T |
Country-specific partnership |
| Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program |
Students from Sub-Saharan Africa (select Master’s programs) |
Fully funded (tuition + living + travel) |
Program length |
Separate application |
Limited programs; targeted regions |
| Country-Specific Awards (Taiwan, Mexico, Ghana, etc.) |
Nationals of partner countries |
Partial or full funding |
Varies |
Through home government + U of T |
Depends on bilateral agreements |
| SGS In-Course & University Awards |
Current international grad students |
CAD 5,000–20,000+ |
Usually 1 year |
SGS portal or department |
Includes travel + conference grants |
| Program Funding Packages (Research Streams) |
Most PhD + some research Master’s |
CAD 25,000–45,000+/year (TA/RA + tuition offset) |
Guaranteed for program length |
Automatic with offer |
Core support, not a scholarship |
The University of Toronto provides generous scholarship opportunities to international students, including those from India, across both undergraduate and graduate levels. With full-ride options like the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship and several merit-based awards for graduate students, high-achieving applicants can significantly reduce their financial burden. Students are encouraged to apply early, maintain strong academic records, and follow application instructions carefully to improve their chances of receiving funding.
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Our counselor will reach out to you very soon. However, in the meantime, check university website
Yes, if you have secured admission at the University of Toronto you will be able to apply various types of financial aids. You can check the available scholarships and their respective information from the University of Toronto Scholarships.
Yes, there are scholarships offered to international students who want to pursue PhD from the University of Toronto. Some of them are mentioned below: