Canada Scholarship for Ethiopian Students

    Vanier, Trudeau, Mastercard Foundation, and university entrance scholarships at McGill, UofT, UBC and beyond — with IRCC study permit, SDS, and post-grad work permit pathway support.

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    CAD $50k
    Vanier annual stipend
    3 yrs
    Post-grad work permit
    120+
    Maraki students placed in Canada
    92%
    Visa success rate

    Scholarships in Canada open to Ethiopian students

    Funding amounts, deadlines, and degree levels — updated for the 2026 intake.

    Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS)

    Canada's flagship doctoral scholarship — open to international students at all Canadian universities. Highly competitive but the most prestigious PhD funding in Canada.

    Level: PhD
    Funding: CAD $50,000/yr for 3 years
    Deadline: Early November (university nomination first)

    Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship

    For doctoral candidates in human rights, responsible citizenship, Canada in the world, and people and their natural environment.

    Level: PhD (humanities & social sciences)
    Funding: CAD $40,000/yr + $20,000/yr research allowance for up to 4 years
    Deadline: December – January

    University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship

    U of T's most prestigious undergraduate scholarship for international students. Awarded to ~37 students/year globally — Ethiopian students have won it.

    Level: Bachelor's
    Funding: Full tuition + books + living expenses + residence (4 years)
    Deadline: Mid-November (school nomination first)

    UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES)

    Automatic merit consideration for all admitted international undergraduates at the University of British Columbia. No separate application required.

    Level: Bachelor's
    Funding: CAD $10,000–80,000 (renewable)
    Deadline: December – January

    McGill Entrance Scholarships

    Merit-based entrance awards for international students at McGill. Combinable with department-specific awards and external funding.

    Level: Bachelor's / Master's
    Funding: CAD $3,000–12,000/yr (renewable)
    Deadline: January (with admission application)

    Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (UofT, McGill, EARTH)

    Comprehensive scholarship for academically talented African students. Ethiopia is a priority country — open at multiple Canadian institutions.

    Level: Bachelor's / Master's
    Funding: Full tuition + travel + living + laptop + mentorship
    Deadline: December – February

    Eligibility for Ethiopian applicants

    Academic record

    Bachelor's: 80%+ in ESSLCE / 3.3+ GPA. Master's: 3.3+ from accredited bachelor's. PhD: master's with research output and publications strongly preferred.

    Language

    IELTS 6.5–7.0 (no band below 6.0) or TOEFL iBT 90–100 minimum. McGill, UofT, and UBC require the higher end.

    Standardized tests

    GRE recommended (often required) for graduate STEM and business programs at top universities. SAT optional but strengthens undergraduate applications.

    Proof of funds

    CAD $20,635/yr (outside Quebec) or CAD $15,078/yr (Quebec) minimum for visa, on top of tuition. Scholarship + family sponsorship combinations accepted.

    Recommendation letters

    2–3 letters from professors or supervisors on letterhead, signed and stamped. Critical for graduate admissions and Vanier nominations.

    Application checklist

    Everything you need before submitting your Canadian university and scholarship application.

    Notarized academic transcripts (English translation)
    Notarized degree certificate
    Passport copy (valid 18+ months)
    Statement of purpose / personal statement
    Research proposal (for master's/PhD applicants)
    2–3 recommendation letters
    IELTS / TOEFL certificate
    GRE / GMAT score (where required)
    Updated CV with publications and awards
    Proof of funds (CAD $20,635/yr minimum)
    Biometrics appointment confirmation (VFS Addis)

    Why Ethiopian students choose Maraki for Canada

    IRCC + SDS specialists

    We file via the Student Direct Stream (SDS) where eligible — the fastest pathway to a Canadian study permit for Ethiopian applicants.

    Vanier and Mastercard advisors

    We've placed Ethiopian students into Vanier, Trudeau, Mastercard Foundation, and UofT Pearson scholarships — we know how the nomination committees rank applicants.

    Profile building before you apply

    We strengthen your CV, research output, and recommendation letters 6–12 months before deadlines so your application stands out.

    PGWP + PR pathway planning

    Beyond admission, we map your post-graduation work permit and Express Entry permanent residency pathway — Canada is the fastest study-to-PR route in the world.

    Frequently asked questions