Discover Canada

Canada is committed to participation in international study and research partnerships that build understanding among peoples, develop global citizens and leaders, and contribute to the development of nations.

If you are an international student or researcher interested in studying in Canada, start your journey at educanada.ca.

Quick facts about studying in Canada

According to the United Nations, Canada offers one of the highest standards for quality of life in the world. This is reflected in the many benefits for the students studying in Canada.

• Canadian universities and colleges are ranked amongst the best worldwide for their high quality of education.
• There are more than 150,000 international students who go to Canada every year to study. Many people also come to Canada to learn English or French.
• Tuition fees for international students in Canada, and the cost of living, are among the lowest in the world.
• Eligible students can gain valuable Canadian work experience through off campus employment.
• Canada ranks among the most multicultural nations in the world. Regardless of ethnic origin, students feel at home in our diverse communities and campuses.

International scholarships and awards

Learn about funding opportunities for international students and postdoctoral researchers to study, conduct research or professional development in Canada.

Funded by the Government of Canada

Administered by Embassy of Canada to Japan

• The Prince Takamado Visiting Student Scholarship at Queen’s University
  This scholarship was established in memory of Prince Takamado, who studied at Queen’s University, to strengthen the relationship between Japan and Canada. It is awarded to a second or third-year student of Japanese nationality (citizen) who is currently enrolled in a Japanese university, and who will study at Queen’s University on a Letter of Permission from their home university.

Administered by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)

Over the last 10 years, NSERC has invested more than $7 billion in basic research, projects involving partnerships between postsecondary institutions and industry, and the training of Canada’s next generation of scientists and engineers.

NSERC has adopted an international strategy that aims to connect Canadian researchers and students with their counterparts abroad. Currently, it is estimated that about five percent of NSERC’s annual budget is used to directly support international activities, including:

• Visiting Fellowships in Canadian Government Laboratories Program

Administered by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

CIHR is the Government of Canada’s health research investment agency. CIHR’s mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to enable its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health care system. Composed of 13 institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 14,100 health researchers and trainees across Canada.

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships(Vanier CGS)
  The Vanier CGS was created to attract and retain world-class doctoral students and to establish Canada as a global centre of excellence in research and higher learning. It is worth $50,000 per year for three years and is available to both Canadian and international PhD students studying at Canadian universities.
• Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
  The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships Program provides awards to the very best postdoctoral researchers, both nationally and internationally, who will positively contribute to the country’s economic, social and research-based growth. The awards are two-year fellowships, worth $70,000 per year (taxable) for a total award of $140,000. Seventy fellowships will be awarded each year.

Administered by National Research Council Canada (NRC)

The National Research Council (NRC) is the Government of Canada’s leading resource for research, development and technology-based innovation. NRC comprises some 20 institutes and national programs, spanning a wide variety of disciplines and offering a broad array of services.

• Research Associate Program
  Funded by the NRC and available for non-Canadian faculty to study/research in Canada

Other funding programs

• Public Leadership Program(Funded by the Jeanne Sauvé Foundation)
  This scholarship exists to support young leaders from across the globe who want to change the world.
• Trudeau Fellowships(Funded by the Trudeau Foundation)
  Every year the Foundation selects up to five fellows who have set themselves apart through their research achievements, creativity and social commitment.
• Trudeau Scholarships(Funded by the Trudeau Foundation)
  Up to 15 Trudeau Scholarships are awarded each year to support doctoral candidates pursuing research of compelling present-day concern, touching upon one or more of the four themes of the Foundation.
• Princess Takamado English Essay Contest (Funded by the University of Alberta)
  As part of the Prince Takamado Japan Canada Memorial Fund’s initiatives to encourage student mobility and cultural exchange, an essay contest has been established in honour of Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado. The aim of the Contest is to encourage English language study and to facilitate a greater understanding and interest in Canada among Japanese university students.
• And that’s not all! Use EduCanada’s scholarships search tool to explore more scholarships offered by Canadian governments, foreign governments, non-governmental organizations and international organizations.

Other sites related to education in Canada

• Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC):maintains the only Canadian online and authoritative directory of universities, colleges and schools recognized and authorized by the Canadian provinces and territories. This site includes information on foreign credential evaluations and qualification recognition. CICIC is a unit of the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada.
• Universities Canada:represents 97 public and private not-for-profit universities and university-degree level colleges. Information about individual universities and a study programs database can be found on its ca website.
• College and Institutes Canada:represents colleges and institutes to government, business and industry, both in Canada and internationally.
• Languages Canada:offer information on English and French language programs and schools.
• Canadian Association of Public Schools – International (CAPS-I):is an association of 83 Canadian public school districts/boards that provide educational programs to international students from around the world.

If you’re 18 to 35 (18 to 30 in some countries), come work and travel in Canada through International Experience Canada (IEC)! It’s a government program designed to help you

• gain valuable international work experience
• improve your language skills in English and French
• work in Canada and fund the trip of a lifetime

IEC gives youth the opportunity to travel and work in Canada for up to 2 years. There are 3 different kinds of work and travel experiences available:

• Working Holiday
• Young Professionals
• International Co-op (Internship)

If you are interested in working in Canada through IEC, start your journey here: Work and travel in Canada with International Experience Canada

When a country has as much to offer as Canada, it is easy to see why hundreds of foreign investors have set up plants and operations here. Whether your company wants to establish operations in Canada or source Canadian products, services or technology, we can help.

Get in touch with the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, which also has offices in Japan (Tokyo, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Osaka, Sapporo) or consult one of the links below.

Find a Canadian importer for my products

Search the Canadian Importers Database.

Learn more about Canada’s export and import controls

Visit our Export and Import Controls website.

See also:

• Information about Canada’s economy, by sector
• Trade and economic analysis