Top Scholarships for IT & Computer Science Students in Canada

Canada is a global hub for technology and innovation, attracting thousands of students every year to pursue degrees in across IT and Computer Science disciplines. However, the cost of education can be a major concern. Fortunately, numerous scholarships, grants, and funding opportunities are available to help ease the financial burden.

Whether you’re a domestic or international student, this guide will walk you through the best scholarships for IT & CS students in Canada, including eligibility criteria, application processes, and expert tips to improve your chances of success.

Why Study IT & Computer Science in Canada?

Before diving into scholarships, let’s explore why Canada is an excellent choice for IT and CS students:

✅ World-Class Universities – Institutions like the University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, UBC, and McGill rank among Globally renowned for excellence in computer science.
✅ Thriving Tech Industry – Canada is home to tech giants (Google, Amazon, Shopify) and startups, offering internships and job opportunities.
✅ Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) – International students can work in Canada for up to 3 years after graduation.
✅ Education Funding Resources – Numerous funding options are available for high-achieving students.

With rising demand for AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and software engineering professionals, a degree in IT or CS from Canada can open doors to a lucrative global career.

Best Scholarships for IT & CS Students in Canada

Here’s a breakdown of the top scholarships available for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students in IT and Computer Science:

1. University of Waterloo David R. Cheriton Graduate Scholarship

Level of Study: Master’s and Doctorate
Maximum award: $10,000 annually
Eligibility: Exceptional academic record and research potential in computer science.
How to Apply: Automatically considered upon admission to the David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science.

2. University of Toronto Computer Science Scholarships

Level: Undergraduate & Graduate
Amount: $5,000 – $20,000 (one-time or renewable)
Eligibility: High academic achievement in STEM subjects; some require financial need.
Deadline: Varies (check UofT’s scholarship portal).

3. NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships

Level of Study: Master’s and Doctorate
Amount: $17,500 (Master’s) / $21,000 (PhD) per year
Eligibility: Open to students in natural sciences and engineering, including CS.
Application: Requires a strong research proposal and university nomination.

4. Vanier National Graduate Scholarship Program

Level: Doctorate
Amount: $50,000 per year for 3 years
Eligibility: Strong academic performance, demonstrated research capability, and proven leadership qualities.
Deadline: November 1 (university nomination required).

5. Mitacs Globalink Research Award

Level of Study: Master’s and Doctorate (International Students)
Amount: $6,000 for 12-24 weeks of research
Eligibility: Must collaborate with a Canadian university on a research project.

6. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

Level of Study: Master’s and Doctorate
Amount: $10,000 – $15,000 per year
Eligibility: Enrolled in an Ontario university with a minimum A- average.

7. Canada Graduate Fellowship for Master’s Students

Master’s and Doctorate
Amount: $17,500 for 1 year
Eligibility: High academic standing and research potential.

How to Apply for IT & CS Scholarships in Canada?

Winning a scholarship requires strategy and preparation. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Research Early

Consider exploring resources such as ScholarshipsCanada, Yconic, and EduCanada.
Consider utilizing platforms such as ScholarshipsCanada, Yconic, and EduCanada to explore available opportunities.

Step 2: Check Eligibility & Deadlines

Some scholarships have early deadlines (e.g., Vanier – November).
Ensure you meet GPA, nationality, and program requirements.

Step 3: Compile All Required Paperwork

Maximum scholarships require:
✔ Academic transcripts (official copies)
✔ Letters of Recommendation (LORs) from professors or employers
✔ Statement of Purpose (SOP) or personal essay
✔ CV/Resume (highlighting projects, internships, and skills)
✔ Research proposal (for graduate scholarships)

Step 4: Develop an Impactful Scholarship Ess

Explain your academic goals, career aspirations, and why you deserve the scholarship.
Keep it concise (500-1000 words) and error-free.

Step 5: Complete and Submit Before Time Runs Out

Double-check all documents.
Apply for several scholarships to boost your chances of success.

Eligibility Criteria for IT & CS Scholarships

Requirements can differ, but commonly, scholarships seek:
🔹 Academic Excellence – Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 (or equivalent).
🔹 Admission to a Canadian University – Must be enrolled in an IT/CS program.
🔹 Research Potential – Important for Master’s & PhD scholarships.
🔹 Extracurricular Activities – Leadership, hackathons, internships, or tech projects.
🔹 🔹 Financial Circumstances – Certain scholarships are awarded based on demonstrated financial need.

Pro Tips to Win a Scholarship

Kick things off early – Many scholarships have limited seats.
Customize each application – Avoid generic essays.
Collect powerful references from credible sources – Professors who know your work well are ideal.
Proofread thoroughly – Typos can hurt your chances.
Apply for external scholarships (e.g., Google Scholarships, Microsoft Diversity Scholarship).

Summing it Up

Canada offers abundant scholarship opportunities for IT and Computer Science students. By planning ahead, preparing strong applications, and meeting deadlines, you can secure funding and focus on building a successful tech career.

Start researching today and take the first step toward an affordable world-class education in Canada!

Looking for Assistance?

If you need assistance with applications, consider reaching out to:

University financial aid offices
Education consultants
Online scholarship forums