Are you seeking information about Canada students’ scholarships? Our comprehensive analysis reveals how Canadian universities are investing in student success through scholarships and bursaries in 2025. This guide breaks down the financial support landscape across different university categories, helping you make informed decisions about your academic future.
Medical Doctoral Universities Lead the Way
The Medical Doctoral category showcases impressive scholarship commitments, with the University of Ottawa leading at 18.7% of operating expenditures dedicated to student financial support. Here’s the complete breakdown:
| University | Rank | Per cent |
| Ottawa | 1 | 18.7 |
| McGill | 2 | 17.3 |
| Alberta | 3 | 13.2 |
| Calgary | 4 | 12.9 |
| Queen’s | 5 | 12.7 |
| Toronto | 5 | 12.7 |
| Dalhousie | 7 | 12.2 |
| Western | 8 | 12.1 |
| Manitoba | 9 | 11.5 |
| Laval | 10 | 11.2 |
| Montréal | 11 | 10.9 |
| Saskatchewan | 12 | 8.5 |
| UBC | 13 | 8.3 |
| Sherbrooke | 14 | 8.0 |
| McMaster | 15 | 6.5 |
Comprehensive Universities: Exploring Canada Students’ Scholarships Options
In the Comprehensive category, the University of Waterloo stands out with its generous 14.5% allocation to scholarships and bursaries:
| University | Rank | Per cent |
| Waterloo | 1 | 14.5 |
| York | 2 | 10.9 |
| Victoria | 3 | 10.6 |
| Carleton | 4 | 10.5 |
| Brock | 5 | 9.7 |
| Guelph | 6 | 9.5 |
| Wilfrid Laurier | 6 | 9.5 |
| Memorial | 8 | 8.5 |
| Regina | 9 | 8.4 |
| Simon Fraser | 9 | 8.4 |
| Concordia | 11 | 7.8 |
| UQAM | 12 | 7.7 |
| New Brunswick | 13 | 7.3 |
| Toronto Metropolitan | 14 | 7.0 |
| Windsor | 15 | 6.2 |
Undergraduate Focused: Canada Students’ Scholarships at Smaller Institutions
The Primarily Undergraduate category offers unique opportunities, with Algoma University leading at 12.1%:
| University | Rank | Per cent |
| Algoma | 1 | 12.1 |
| Saint Mary’s | 2 | 11.6 |
| UPEI | 3 | 10.0 |
| Mount Allison | 4 | 9.6 |
| Trent | 5 | 9.3 |
| Lakehead | 6 | 8.9 |
| Acadia | 7 | 8.0 |
| St. Thomas | 8 | 7.9 |
| Bishop’s | 9 | 7.3 |
| Moncton | 10 | 7.1 |
| St. Francis Xavier | 11 | 6.7 |
| Brandon | 12 | 6.3 |
| Laurentian | 12 | 6.3 |
| Ontario Tech | 14 | 6.0 |
| Cape Breton | 15 | 5.9 |
| Nipissing | 16 | 5.6 |
| Mount Saint Vincent | 17 | 5.5 |
| Lethbridge | 18 | 5.2 |
| Winnipeg | 19 | 4.9 |
| UNBC | 20 | 3.3 |
Key Insights About Canada Students’ Scholarships
When exploring scholarship opportunities in Canadian universities, several important trends emerge:
- Medical Doctoral universities generally offer the highest percentage of financial support, with Ottawa and McGill leading at 18.7% and 17.3% respectively.
- Among Comprehensive universities, Waterloo stands out with 14.5% of expenditures dedicated to student financial support.
- Smaller institutions like Algoma University demonstrate strong commitment to student support, matching some larger institutions in scholarship offerings.
Making the Most of Canada Students’ Scholarships
To maximize your chances of securing financial support:
- Research early: Understanding each institution’s scholarship priorities can help inform your university choices
- Compare across categories: Don’t limit yourself to one type of institution
- Consider location: Some provinces may offer additional financial support programs
- Track deadlines: Many scholarships have early application requirements
Conclusion
The landscape of Canada students’ scholarships in 2025 shows significant investment in student success across all university categories. Whether you’re considering a large research-intensive university or a smaller undergraduate-focused institution, opportunities for financial support exist at various levels. Use this comprehensive guide to inform your decision-making process and maximize your chances of securing financial support for your education.
Data compiled from Maclean’s University Rankings 2025. For the most up-to-date information, please visit individual university websites or contact their financial aid offices directly.