Scholarships in Canada That Value Your GRE Score in 2025

Scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad. When planning to study overseas, Canadian universities are usually a top choice for many students due to their affordability and high-quality education. But even then, the overall cost of tuition and living can be a challenge. This is where a strong GRE score can make a real difference. It can strengthen your profile and improve your chances of securing merit-based scholarships.

Read the full blog to get a brief overview of scholarships in Canada, where a competitive GRE score adds value to your application.

Types of GRE Scholarships in Canada

If you have scored a solid GRE score, you will be glad to know that there are various types of scholarships available in Canada that accept GRE scores for merit-based scholarships. These scholarships are typically of three types based on the organisations that fund them: 

• 
  Government-funded GRE scholarships, 
• 
  University-specific GRE scholarships, 
• 
  Privately-funded GRE scholarships

Each of these scholarships comes with its own eligibility criteria, benefits, and focus areas, giving students multiple pathways to support their academic journey.

Government-Funded GRE Scholarships in Canada

These are highly competitive scholarships offered by the Canadian federal or provincial governments. They support outstanding graduate students by providing substantial financial assistance. The following is a list of these scholarships:

Summary Table:

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (Vanier CGS):

The Vanier CGS is one of the most prestigious scholarships offered by the Canadian government to support top-tier doctoral students. It is awarded to candidates who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership skills, and a strong research background.

Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS):

Funded by the Government of Ontario and participating universities, the OGS supports graduate students with excellent academic records. It is open to both master’s and doctoral students.

Canada Graduate Scholarships - Master’s (CGS-M):

The CGS-M supports high-performing students enrolled in a research-based master’s program in Canada. It is jointly offered by Canada’s tri-council funding agencies. This scholarship is open to both domestic and international students (depending on university policy). It is one of the most competitive awards for first-year master’s students in research-intensive fields.

Canada Graduate Scholarships – Doctoral (CGS-D):

The CGS-D is a tri-agency program that supports doctoral students pursuing high-level research across various academic fields in Canada. Their goal is to promote continued excellence in Canadian research by helping scholars focus on their studies without financial stress. Applicants must be enrolled in or applying to an eligible doctoral program at a recognized Canadian institution.

Official Links:

• 
  CGS-D – NSERC
• 
  CGS-D – SSHRC

Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships:

This scholarship is offered by the Canadian federal government through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC). The Banting Fellowships support outstanding postdoctoral researchers in all fields. These fellowships aim to attract and retain top-tier research talent in Canada.

NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships (PGS):

Funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, PGS scholarships support top-tier Canadian and international students pursuing research-based master’s or doctoral degrees in natural sciences or engineering. They provide financial support to help students complete their graduate studies.

University-Specific GRE Scholarships in Canada

While many Canadian universities don’t require the GRE, it can still give your application a competitive edge, especially for research-based programs in STEM. Below is a breakdown of how top Canadian universities view the GRE and what scholarships you can target.

Summary Table:

University of Toronto:

The University of Toronto has been ranked at number 29 in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Ranking 2026. This university is a popular choice among students who want to pursue their Master’s and Ph.D. in Canada. 

University of British Columbia:

University of British Columbia is known for offering a wide variety of programs in fields related to science, technology, and liberal arts. It provides a supportive environment for academic growth, especially for international students who are pursuing master’s or PhD degrees.

McGill University:

McGill University is located in the heart of Montreal, a very vibrant city. The university offers strong graduate programs in science, medicine, engineering, and law. 

University of Waterloo:

The University of Waterloo is known for its STEM programs and cooperative education, which enable students to get hands-on learning. 

University of Alberta:

The University of Alberta is one of Canada’s top research universities, especially known for its strengths in engineering, health sciences, and energy research.

Privately Funded GRE Scholarships in Canada

These scholarships are supported by foundations, non-profit organizations, or private companies rather than the government or universities. They often focus on specific research areas, leadership potential, or social impact. While competitive, they offer unique opportunities for international students to access additional funding beyond traditional university or government sources. The following is a list of privately funded scholarships:

Summary Table:

Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship:

This prestigious scholarship supports exceptional doctoral students in the social sciences and humanities who are committed to public engagement and leadership. It offers both financial support and a leadership development program.

Aga Khan Foundation:

The Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP) is available for citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and Uganda to apply to universities in Canada, France, Portugal, and the USA.

Leakey Foundation:

The Leakey Foundation is a U.S.-based nonprofit supporting research on human origins, evolution, and primate behavior. It funds PhD and postdoctoral researchers through competitive grants awarded twice a year.

Who Can Apply for GRE-Based Scholarships in Canada?

To qualify for scholarships in Canada, where a GRE score adds value, students must meet specific academic and program-related criteria. Here's a quick overview of the common requirements:

• 
  GRE Score: A competitive GRE score of 160 and above in quantitative reasoning for STEM, 155 and above in verbal reasoning for other fields, strengthens your chances.

• 
  Academic Record: Minimum GPA of 3.0-3.5 (or 70%-75% in Indian grading).

• 
  Program Type: Must be applying to a research-based Master’s or PhD program.

• 
  University: Should be admitted to or applying to a recognized Canadian university.

• 
  Nationality: Most scholarships are open to international students, but a few may be limited to Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents.

What Students Often Miss in GRE-Backed Scholarship Applications

A lot of students skip applying for scholarships because they feel that their resume or academic score is not good enough. The process in itself also might feel a little overwhelming, but don’t worry, you are not alone. Here is a list of some practical tips that will prepare you in advance and give you a certain level of confidence when applying for GRE scholarships in Canada:

Be Confident that You Can Win Merit-Based Scholarships as an International Student:

Many students assume scholarships are only for domestic applicants. That’s not true. In fact, almost every major Canadian university offers dedicated funding for international students, including entrance awards, research assistantships, and need-based bursaries.

Your GRE Score Can Offset an Average GPA:

If your undergraduate GPA is not perfect or comes from a grading system that’s different from Canada’s, a strong GRE score (especially Quantitative 165+ for STEM) can help standardize and strengthen your profile in the eyes of admission and scholarship committees.

Convert Your Academic Scores Correctly:

Canadian universities may ask for your GPA on a 4.0 scale. If you're from India or another country using percentage systems:

• 
  Don’t guess. Use tools like the WES GPA calculator or follow each university’s conversion guidelines.
• 
  Some schools will convert your grades themselves during evaluation; don’t self-convert unless asked.

Don’t Skip Small Departmental Scholarships:

Not all scholarships are flashy or advertised widely. Sometimes, your department or faculty offers internal scholarships that are:

• 
  Easier to apply for
• 
  Less competitive
• 
  Auto-considered during admission

Example: At UBC, many master’s students receive the International Tuition Award by default, with no extra application.

Frequently Asked Questions