The Government of Canada, provincial governments, and Canadian government-affiliated organisations fund a significant range of scholarship and fellowship programmes specifically for students from developing and low-to-middle income countries. These awards — distinct from university scholarships — represent Canada's broader commitment to international development, academic capacity building, and global student exchange. This guide maps every major government-funded scholarship programme for international students from developing countries in 2026. StudentBuddy helps all international students access the best Canadian opportunities — browse all scholarships, compare universities, and find student accommodation in Canada.
Key government-affiliated scholarships for students from developing countries studying in Canada: the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (56 Commonwealth countries, full funding), the IDRC Doctoral Research Award (PhD students, CAD $20,000 for field research), the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship (selected countries, 50% grant + 50% loan), and MasterCard Foundation Scholars (Sub-Saharan Africa, full funding at UBC and McGill).
| Programme | Funder | Eligible countries | Level | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan | Global Affairs Canada | 56 Commonwealth members (includes Nigeria, India, Kenya, Ghana) | Masters + PhD | Full funding (varies by host) |
| IDRC Doctoral Research Award | IDRC / Canada | Low and middle income countries | PhD | CAD $20,000 living allowance |
| IDRC Research Award (Masters) | IDRC | Low and middle income countries | Masters | CAD $15,000 |
| Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship | Aga Khan Foundation | Selected developing countries | Masters | 50% grant + 50% loan |
| MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program | MasterCard Foundation | Sub-Saharan Africa | Undergrad + Graduate | Full funding |
| Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute Fellowships | Shastri Institute / GAC | India | Graduate + faculty | Varies |
| WES Mariam Assefa Fund | WES | Immigrants and refugees in Canada | Various | CAD $5,000–$25,000 |
Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
Canada participates in the CSFP, funding students from Commonwealth developing countries to study at Canadian universities. Eligible countries include Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Jamaica, Trinidad, Cameroon, and many others. Awards typically cover tuition, living costs, travel, and health coverage — making them among the most financially comprehensive awards available. Applications are made through your home country's National Nominating Agency (typically the ministry of education), not directly to Canada. Deadlines vary by country but typically fall October to January.
IDRC Research Awards
The International Development Research Centre provides research awards for PhD candidates whose work directly addresses development challenges in low and middle income countries. The IDRC Doctoral Research Award provides CAD $20,000 for approximately one year of field research. Students enrolled at either a Canadian or developing country university are eligible. The research must address a development challenge relevant to an eligible country. Applications open annually — check idrc.ca for current cycles.
MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
The MasterCard Foundation funds full scholarships for academically talented students from Sub-Saharan Africa at several Canadian universities including UBC and McGill. Awards cover full tuition, accommodation, books, and living costs. The programme targets students who demonstrate academic excellence, commitment to giving back to their communities, and who face financial barriers to education. Apply through the specific university programme, not through MasterCard Foundation directly.
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Find student accommodation in Canada →Frequently asked questions
Applications are made through your home country's National Nominating Agency — typically the Ministry of Education or a designated Commonwealth scholarship body. Canada does not accept direct applications. Search '[your country] Commonwealth Scholarship nominating agency' to find the correct application portal. Deadlines are typically October to January for the following September intake.
Yes: the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (Nigeria is a Commonwealth member), MasterCard Foundation Scholars at UBC and McGill (Sub-Saharan Africa), the Aga Khan Foundation for eligible West African countries, and university-specific diversity entrance scholarships. Many Canadian universities also have bilateral exchange programmes with specific African institutions.
The International Development Research Centre is a Canadian Crown Corporation — a government agency — that funds development-focused research globally. Its Doctoral Research Award is significant because it funds students from both Canadian and developing country universities, making it one of the few awards accessible to students not yet enrolled in a Canadian institution. It is specifically for research focused on improving conditions in developing countries.
Yes. Global Affairs Canada (GAC) has bilateral scholarship programmes with Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and other Latin American countries, typically managed through those countries' education ministries. Students from these countries can also access the full range of university-specific scholarships and the IDRC research awards. Canada's OAS (Organization of American States) relationships also generate some fellowship opportunities.
In most cases, yes. Most programmes do not prohibit simultaneous applications. However, if you win multiple awards, some require you to choose only one, or may reduce one award in response to receiving another. Read each scholarship's terms regarding concurrent awards and disclose any other applications or awards where the application form requests it.
