Apply Now: Laurentian University Scholarships Canada
If studying in Canada is on your list of goals for 2026, Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario is worth your full attention. Not just because of its academic reputation or its unique bilingual and tricultural environment, but because of one very practical reason: it offers some of the most generous scholarships available to both international and domestic students at a Canadian public university. Undergraduate students can receive up to CAD $60,000 in scholarship funding, and graduate students have access to competitive assistantships and fellowships that go well beyond token amounts.
In this complete guide, we are going to walk you through everything you need to know about the Laurentian University Scholarships in Canada 2026. We will cover who the university is, what scholarships are available, exactly how much money is on offer at each academic level, who qualifies, what documents you need, how to apply step by step, and what to expect after you submit your application. Whether you are an international student from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, or anywhere else in the world, or a domestic student in Canada, this article has everything you need.
About Laurentian University
Laurentian University is a public bilingual university located in Greater Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. It was established in 1960 under a provincial act that gave it a bilingual federated structure, bringing together institutions connected to the United, Roman Catholic, and Anglican churches. The university has grown significantly over the decades and now serves over 9,500 students from more than 62 countries around the world.
What makes Laurentian genuinely distinctive among Canadian universities is its tricultural mandate. It is the only university in Canada that operates with a tricultural commitment to English, French, and Indigenous communities. The university offers more than 50 French-language undergraduate and graduate programs and has a long-standing dedication to Indigenous education, research, and cultural preservation. This makes it a uniquely rich environment for students who value diversity and cross-cultural learning.
Laurentian is also known for its strong employment outcomes. According to the university, 92% of its graduates find meaningful employment within six months of graduation, and the two-year employment rate reaches 97.4%. These figures place Laurentian among the strongest performers in Ontario for post-graduation career outcomes.
The university hosts a broad range of faculties and schools, including the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Management, the Faculty of Education and Health, the Faculty of Science Engineering and Architecture, and the Goodman School of Mines, which is internationally recognized for its work in mining and earth sciences. Programs are available at the undergraduate, graduate (Master’s), and doctoral (PhD) levels across disciplines including engineering, computer science, nursing, business administration, social work, kinesiology, architecture, and more.
In a recent reporting year, Laurentian University awarded over CAD $8.7 million in scholarships and grants to undergraduate students, including international recipients. That figure reflects a genuine institutional commitment to making education financially accessible to the strongest applicants from around the world.
Overview of Laurentian University Scholarships 2026
The scholarships at Laurentian University are structured around two broad groups: undergraduate students and graduate students. Within each group, there are specific programs, award amounts, and eligibility requirements that apply.
For undergraduate students, the flagship award is the International Academic Excellence Scholarship, which is offered to international students and is worth up to CAD $60,000 over four years, paid at $15,000 per year. Domestic students (those entering from Canadian secondary schools) are also eligible for entrance and renewal scholarships based on their admission averages, with guaranteed entrance awards for students achieving an 80% average or above.
For graduate students, funding comes primarily through Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs), which combine an employment salary with a fellowship component. The 2025-2026 GTA values are $10,034 for Master’s (M.Sc.) students and $14,547 for PhD students. Travel grants and additional merit-based fellowships are also available for graduate students depending on program and faculty.
One of the most important things to know about the Laurentian University scholarship system is that for undergraduate students, no separate scholarship application is required. Scholarships are awarded automatically based on your admission average at the time of enrollment. This means that simply applying for admission and being accepted into an eligible program puts you in consideration for the scholarship immediately.
Undergraduate Scholarships at Laurentian University 2026
International Academic Excellence Scholarship
The International Academic Excellence Scholarship is the primary merit-based scholarship for international undergraduate students at Laurentian University. It is awarded to all eligible incoming international students based on their admission average, and the award amount scales with the strength of that average. Here is how the scholarship grid works:
Students entering with a 90% to 100% admission average are eligible for the maximum scholarship, which totals up to CAD $60,000 over four years at a value of $15,000 per year. Students entering with an admission average in the range of 85% to 89.9% receive a scholarship of $6,000 per year, totalling $24,000 over four years. Students entering with an average between 80% and 84.9% receive $8,000 per year, totalling $32,000 over four years.
Averages are calculated automatically using equivalency-adjusted GPA through the World Education Service (WES) tables. This means your marks from your home country’s educational system are converted using standardized international equivalency tables so that students from all countries are assessed on a consistent and fair basis. Midterm grades are used to give students an indication of where they fall within the scholarship grid before final results are in.
It is important to note that for scholarship purposes, averages are not rounded up. This is a firm policy. A 79.9% average does not qualify for scholarship consideration even if it rounds to 80%. Students must meet the threshold exactly as stated.
The scholarship is renewable for a maximum of three years beyond the first year, or until graduation, whichever comes first. To renew the scholarship at the same value in subsequent years, students must maintain a minimum average of 80% (GPA of 7.5) or 90% (GPA of 9.5), depending on their original award tier. If a student’s average drops but remains above 80%, the scholarship will be recalculated based on the grid rather than cancelled entirely. If a student fails to maintain an 80% average, they lose eligibility.
Scholarship payments are processed in November and February of each academic year, paid in two installments corresponding to the Fall and Winter terms.
Domestic Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships
For domestic students entering from Canadian secondary schools, Laurentian University guarantees an entrance scholarship to every newly admitted student who has graduated from full-time secondary school studies with an overall average of at least 80% on their top six U/M Grade 12 courses. The value of this entrance scholarship scales with the admission average in a similar way to the international scholarship grid.
Domestic scholarship renewal also requires maintaining a full-time course load of 30 credits per academic year, with at least 24 of those credits taken in the Fall and Winter terms. The academic year for scholarship renewal purposes runs from May to April.
Academic Pathways Scholarship
The Academic Pathways Scholarship is a separate award valued at $1,000 per year. It is designed for students who have transferred directly from another university or who are graduating from an Ontario College with a two or three-year Ontario College Diploma. To qualify, students must have a minimum GPA of 80% and must be registering at Laurentian University in a full-time first-degree undergraduate program. This scholarship is renewable at $1,000 annually for up to three additional years, provided the student maintains an 80% average and remains registered full-time.
Ontario-Ukraine Solidarity Scholarship
Laurentian University also offers the Ontario-Ukraine Solidarity Scholarship for students who have been directly or indirectly affected by international conflicts, including but not limited to the war in Ukraine. This scholarship provides $10,000 per selected student, and four scholarships are available per academic year. Students must be enrolled full-time or part-time in an undergraduate or graduate program, reside in Ontario during the academic year, and demonstrate both financial need and academic merit with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This is a non-repayable award.
Ontario eSports Scholarship
For students interested in the gaming and eSports industry, Laurentian offers the Ontario eSports Scholarship for high-achieving students pursuing studies related to video gaming and digital media. The typical award ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 annually. Eligible programs include Game Design, Game Development, Computer Science with a gaming focus, Digital Media, and Business with a gaming specialization. This award is non-repayable and is given annually.
Bursary for Students with Disabilities
Through the Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD) and the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment (CSG-DSE), students with disabilities can receive up to $2,000 through the BSWD and up to $20,000 through the CSG-DSE per academic year. These funds are intended to offset the additional educational costs that may arise from disability-related needs and are non-repayable.
Care-Experienced Youth Bursary
Former or current youth who have been in the care of the Children’s Aid Society and are pursuing their first postsecondary degree are eligible for a bursary of $2,000. Students must have been in extended society care in Ontario for at least one year to qualify.
First Generation Student Support
Students who are the first in their family to attend college or university anywhere in the world may be eligible for additional financial assistance through the First Generation Student support programs at Laurentian. Students must be enrolled in an eligible first-entry undergraduate program and meet the residency and financial need requirements as defined by OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program).
Excluded Undergraduate Programs
It is important to know that not all undergraduate programs are eligible for the International Academic Excellence Scholarship. The following programs are excluded from the international scholarship scheme: Architecture, Education, Forensic Science, Human Kinetics, Mechanical Engineering, Midwifery, Nursing, Orthophonie (Speech-Language Pathology in French), Radiation Therapy, Social Work, and Sports Administration. Students applying to these programs should check with the Financial Aid Office for alternative funding options that may be available to them.
Additionally, students who already hold a prior degree are not eligible for the International Academic Excellence Scholarship. The scholarship is strictly for students pursuing their first undergraduate degree at Laurentian University.
Graduate Scholarships and Funding at Laurentian University 2026
Graduate Teaching Assistantship and Fellowship
The Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) is the primary form of financial support for graduate students at Laurentian University. GTAs are available to qualified full-time international and domestic students who meet the minimum academic average requirements. The award is structured in two parts: an employment salary component and a fellowship component, which are paid separately.
For the 2025-2026 academic year, the total GTA value for M.Sc. (Master of Science) students is $10,034. This breaks down as $4,901 in salary, paid on a bi-weekly basis, and $5,133 as a graduate fellowship paid in a single installment directly into the student’s Laurentian University account. For PhD students, the total GTA value is $14,547, with $7,270 as the salary component.
GTAs are available to Master’s students for up to two years and to PhD students for up to four years. To be eligible, students must be registered full-time in a thesis-based or course-based graduate program and must have a minimum B+ average, which corresponds to 75%, for incoming Master’s students. Eligible students receive an email invitation to complete the GTA application form once they have been admitted.
Merit-Based Graduate Scholarship
For graduate students enrolling in the Fall 2026 intake, Laurentian University also offers a Merit-Based Graduate Scholarship through the ApplyBoard platform and directly through the university’s graduate admissions office. This scholarship rewards academic excellence based on GPA. Students with a GPA of 90% or above are eligible for a bursary of $10,000. Students who do not qualify at this tier should also check with their specific faculty or school, as additional departmental awards and research funding may be available.
Graduate Travel Grants
Graduate students at Laurentian may also be eligible for travel grants to support conference attendance, research fieldwork, or academic collaboration opportunities. These are one-time awards for the duration of the program and are typically assigned through the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Students interested in travel grants should inquire with their program supervisor or the graduate studies office at the time of admission.
Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology
Students enrolled in science and technology programs at the Master’s and doctoral levels may also be eligible to apply for the Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST), a competitive external award. These grants are merit-based and are awarded based on the number of consecutive terms of study within the academic year. They are particularly relevant for students engaged in thesis-based research programs. Students in course-based master’s programs are generally not eligible for this award.
Other Graduate Awards
Additional graduate awards available through Laurentian University and its affiliated research centres include the Laurentian University Graduate Scholarship (one award of $5,000, awarded in lieu of a full GTA for students in their first year of graduate study), the Joseph Errington Graduate Fund Scholarships (three awards: one at $1,500 and two at $1,000, for students demonstrating academic excellence who are not holding a major external award), and the Alumni Association Entrance Scholarship (one award, variable value, for students entering their first year of graduate study with exceptional academic credentials).
Eligibility Requirements for Laurentian University Scholarships 2026
The specific requirements vary depending on whether you are applying for undergraduate or graduate scholarships. Here is a clear breakdown for each level.
For International Undergraduate Scholarship Applicants
You must be classified as an international student paying full overseas tuition fees to Laurentian University. You must be enrolled in a first undergraduate degree program. Students who already hold a prior degree are not eligible. You must register full-time, which means a minimum of 30 credits per academic year, with at least 24 of those credits taken during the Fall and Winter semesters. You must be studying at the Sudbury campus and paying full-time international fees. Students in collaborative or joint programs at other institutions are excluded. Your admission average must be at least 80% as calculated through the WES equivalency table. You must meet country-specific admission requirements, which vary depending on your educational background and the country where you studied.
For Nigerian students specifically, the university requires verifiable WAEC/WASSCE results with a minimum of C4 grades or higher. English language certification is not required separately for WASSCE graduates. Students from other countries should check the country-specific admission requirements listed on the Laurentian University website.
For Domestic Undergraduate Scholarship Applicants
You must have graduated from full-time studies at a Canadian secondary school. Your admission average must be at least 80% across your top six U/M Grade 12 courses. You must be enrolling in a full-time first-degree undergraduate program at Laurentian University. You must maintain a 30-credit course load annually to be eligible for scholarship renewal.
For Graduate Scholarship Applicants
You must possess a relevant bachelor’s degree to apply for postgraduate admissions. Some programs require the identification of a graduate supervisor before an application can be submitted. You must be registered full-time. Master’s students must achieve a minimum B+ average (75%) to qualify for the GTA. PhD students may have slightly different requirements depending on the program. Students who receive GTAs are eligible for up to two years at Master’s level and up to four years at PhD level.
How to Apply for Laurentian University Scholarships 2026
The application process differs slightly depending on whether you are applying as an undergraduate or graduate student, but in both cases it starts with the same foundation: applying for admission to Laurentian University.
Step 1: Choose Your Program
Visit the Laurentian University website and browse the available undergraduate or graduate programs. Take note of the admission requirements specific to your program and level of study. Some programs have additional requirements beyond the general admission criteria.
Step 2: Check Country-Specific Requirements
Laurentian University provides country-specific admission requirements because educational systems differ widely around the world. Review the requirements that apply to your country of education before beginning your application. These requirements cover grading scales, required certificates, language proficiency tests, and other documentation specific to your national education system.
Step 3: Submit Your Online Application
For international undergraduate students, apply through the International Application Form available on the Laurentian University website. For domestic students, you may apply through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC). For graduate students, there is a separate graduate application process. You can apply through the Laurentian University International Application Portal or the graduate admissions portal, depending on your status.
Step 4: Access the myLaurentian Portal
Once your application has been submitted, you will be given access to the myLaurentian student portal. This is where you can track your admission status, upload required documents such as transcripts and language test scores, and manage any scholarship-related correspondence from the university.
Step 5: Receive and Accept Your Offer of Admission
Once your application has been reviewed and a decision has been made, you will receive an offer of admission. For undergraduate international students, the scholarship award is included with or confirmed shortly after the admission offer, based on your final admission average. Accept your offer to confirm your place and activate your scholarship eligibility.
Step 6: Apply for Your Canadian Study Permit
International students must obtain a valid Canadian study permit before starting their program. Once you have your acceptance letter from Laurentian University, you can apply for your study permit through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Laurentian University has a high visa success rate of 96%, which reflects how well-regarded its admission letters are by immigration authorities.
Step 7: Complete Graduate Scholarship Applications (If Applicable)
For graduate students pursuing GTAs and other merit-based fellowships, you will receive a separate email invitation to complete the scholarship or assistantship application after your admission has been confirmed. Make sure your contact information is current and that you check your email regularly once your application is under review.
To begin your application, visit the official Laurentian University application portal and start the process for your preferred program level.
For detailed information about international student scholarship amounts and renewal conditions, visit the Laurentian University International Student Scholarships page.
Application Deadlines for 2026
Laurentian University has specific application deadlines depending on your program level and the intake semester. Here are the key dates you need to be aware of for 2026:
For undergraduate programs starting in September 2026, the application deadline for international students is June 15, 2026. Domestic students applying through OUAC should follow the relevant OUAC deadlines, which typically fall in January or February for programs with competitive admissions and in June for those with open rolling admissions.
For graduate programs, deadlines vary by program and field of study. Some programs have specific intake dates and limited spots, so early applications are strongly encouraged. Students interested in thesis-based graduate programs should also factor in the time needed to secure a graduate supervisor before the formal application deadline.
Scholarship decisions for domestic undergraduates are made in June of each academic year. For international undergraduates, the scholarship is confirmed as part of or shortly following the admission offer based on final marks. Graduate scholarship payments begin at the start of the academic term.
Why Choose Laurentian University for Your Studies in Canada?
Beyond the scholarships themselves, Laurentian University offers a genuinely compelling study environment for international students. The university has a diverse community of over 1,800 international students, which means you will be studying alongside peers from dozens of countries. The relatively smaller size of the university compared to institutions like the University of Toronto or McGill creates a more personalized environment where faculty members are more accessible and class sizes are generally smaller.
The location in Sudbury, Ontario also comes with practical financial advantages. Sudbury is an affordable city compared to Toronto, Vancouver, or Ottawa. The lower cost of living means your scholarship dollars stretch further when it comes to accommodation, food, and transportation. Sudbury is also surrounded by natural landscape with easy access to lakes, trails, and outdoor recreation, which many international students find appealing after years of studying in dense urban environments.
Laurentian also benefits from its proximity to one of the world’s most important mining regions, which is particularly relevant for students in earth sciences, geological engineering, mining engineering, and related fields. The Goodman School of Mines and the Harquail School of Earth Sciences attract research funding and industry partnerships that directly benefit students through research opportunities, internships, and employment pipelines.
For students interested in French-language education in Canada, Laurentian is one of the strongest options outside of Quebec. Its bilingual structure means you can study in French across dozens of programs, and the university even issues a Certificate of Bilingualism to students who earn 15 or more credits in the language that is not their primary language of study.
Tips for Maximizing Your Scholarship at Laurentian University
Getting admitted is only the first step. Keeping your scholarship and making the most of your time at Laurentian requires some planning. Here are practical tips that can help:
Apply early. While the formal application deadline for international students is June 15, 2026, applying earlier gives the admissions office more time to process your documents and confirm your scholarship. Admission offers are processed on a rolling basis, and earlier applicants generally hear back sooner.
Maintain full-time enrollment every year. The scholarship is tied to full-time status, defined as a minimum of 30 credits per academic year with at least 24 of those credits in the Fall and Winter terms. Dropping below 24 credits could reduce or cancel your award. Plan your course schedule carefully each year.
Monitor your grades consistently. Your scholarship renewal depends on maintaining an 80% average at minimum. Do not wait until end-of-year grades to check your standing. Use the myLaurentian portal and speak with academic advisors regularly to stay on track.
Explore bursaries alongside scholarships. In addition to the merit-based scholarships, Laurentian offers a wide range of bursaries for students demonstrating financial need. If you are eligible, applying for bursaries on top of your scholarship can reduce your out-of-pocket costs significantly.
Check program-specific awards. Many departments and schools within Laurentian have their own prizes, awards, and bursaries that are not part of the central scholarship program. Your faculty or school may offer additional funding that does not appear in the main scholarship listings. Ask at the departmental office when you arrive on campus.
Final Thoughts: Is Laurentian University Worth It in 2026?
For any student who is serious about studying in Canada and who has the academic record to qualify, Laurentian University in 2026 represents one of the best combinations of scholarship generosity, program quality, and post-graduation outcomes available at a Canadian public university. An automatic scholarship of up to $60,000 for undergraduate international students, requiring no separate application, is a genuinely rare offer in the Canadian higher education landscape.
Add to that the university’s strong employment outcomes, bilingual and tricultural identity, affordable campus location, and growing international student community, and you have a compelling case for making Laurentian your destination of choice for 2026.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are ready to move forward, do not delay. The application window for September 2026 entry closes on June 15, 2026, and spots in competitive programs fill up on a rolling basis.
Start your journey today by visiting the Laurentian University official application portal and submitting your application for the program of your choice. For full details on scholarship amounts, renewal conditions, and country-specific requirements, review the official Laurentian University International Scholarships page before you apply.
