Official Guidelines Updated: March 2026
About Federal Student Scholarships:
Federal student scholarships are merit-based and competitive — awarded based on academic achievement and demonstrated passion in a field, not financial need. They do not need to be repaid. Most programs require a nomination from your institution rather than a direct application. Check with your school’s awards office early.
Canada’s federal student scholarship programs reward academic excellence and leadership at the post-secondary level. Unlike Canada Student Grants or Canada Student Loans, federal scholarships are not based on financial need — they are competitive awards for students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their field. They are non-repayable and administered through federal organizations and partner agencies, not through the provincial student aid application process.
Scholarships, Grants, and Bursaries — What’s the Difference?
These terms come up together often, but they mean distinct things in the context of federal student aid:
- Scholarships are non-repayable awards based primarily on academic merit, demonstrated talent, or passion in a field.
- Grants are non-repayable funding based on financial need, available through the standard student aid application. See Canada Student Grants.
- Bursaries are non-repayable awards for students from specific communities or circumstances. See Canada Student Bursaries.
None of these need to be repaid. Scholarships are the most competitive — but unlike grants and loans, they don’t require you to demonstrate financial need.
Undergraduate Scholarships
These programs support students enrolled in undergraduate programs at Canadian colleges, CEGEPs, and universities.
International Business Scholarships
Offered by Export Development Canada (EDC), these scholarships are awarded to students studying international business, commerce, economics, accounting, or finance at a Canadian college, university, or CEGEP. Recognizes academic excellence and demonstrated passion for Canada’s role in the global economy. Up to 25 scholarships are awarded annually. The next application cycle opens in February 2026.
Pro Tip:
The EDC International Business Scholarship application opens each February and closes the same month. Make sure your transcripts, resume, and reference letter are ready in advance — the window is short.
How Do Federal Scholarships Work?
- Merit-based, not need-based. Eligibility is determined by academic achievement and demonstrated passion — not by household income or financial situation.
- Highly competitive. Federal scholarships attract applicants from across the country. A strong academic record is necessary but rarely sufficient — personal statements, reference letters, and demonstrated involvement in your field all carry significant weight.
- Non-repayable. Like grants and bursaries, scholarships do not need to be repaid under any circumstances.
- Can be combined with other funding. Receiving a scholarship does not automatically disqualify you from grants or loans, though it may affect your assessed need for need-based programs.
Other Funding Options
Federal scholarships are competitive and not the right fit for every student. If you’re looking for other ways to fund your education, the following programs are worth reviewing:
- Canada Student Grants — non-repayable, need-based funding assessed through your provincial application
- Canada Student Loans — permanently interest-free federal loans for eligible students
- Canada Student Bursaries — non-repayable funding for Indigenous post-secondary students
Your province may also offer its own scholarship and grant programs. Visit your provincial funding overview to see what’s available where you live.
Ready to find a school and take the next step? Explore eligible programs today.
