Apply Now: Concordia University Scholarships for International Students

If studying in Canada is one of your goals for 2026, Concordia University in Montreal is a name you need to know. It is one of Canada’s top research universities, it sits in one of the most exciting student cities in North America, and it offers a wide range of scholarships and financial awards that can make your education significantly more affordable. Whether you are planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree, a research-based master’s, or a PhD, there is funding available at Concordia that you should know about.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Concordia University Scholarships 2026 in Canada. We will look at each major scholarship program in detail, explain who is eligible, how much money is on offer, what documents you need, and how to apply step by step. By the time you finish reading, you will have a clear picture of your options and a solid starting point for your application.

About Concordia University

Concordia University was founded in 1974 through the merger of Sir George Williams University and Loyola College. It is a public research university located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and it has grown into one of the country’s most recognized institutions. Today, Concordia enrolls over 46,000 students from more than 150 countries, making it one of the most internationally diverse universities in Canada.

The university is consistently ranked 7th in Canada and around 229th in the world, which puts it among the top tier of institutions globally. It also ranks in the top 100 universities worldwide for its contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, reflecting a genuine commitment to research that matters.

Concordia offers programs across a wide range of disciplines through several major faculties and schools. These include the Faculty of Arts and Science, the Faculty of Fine Arts, the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science, the John Molson School of Business, and the School of Graduate Studies. The university is known for its strong research culture, interdisciplinary programs, and practical, career-focused education.

One thing that sets Concordia apart for international students is its location. Montreal is recognized as the number one student city in North America. It is bilingual, affordable compared to other major Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver, and rich in culture, arts, and career opportunities. For international students, it offers a genuinely welcoming environment where you can build a life while completing your studies.

According to the Concordia financial aid office, the university provides competitive funding packages to most admitted students at the time of admission to help them focus on their research and studies. This is an important point: many scholarships at Concordia are awarded automatically through the admissions process, meaning you do not need to submit a separate scholarship application in many cases.

Overview of Concordia University Scholarships 2026

Before diving into each scholarship individually, it is helpful to understand how Concordia’s financial support system is structured. The university offers funding through several distinct categories:

• Entrance Scholarships for new undergraduate students
• In-Course Scholarships for continuing undergraduate students
• Graduate Entrance Awards and Fellowships for master’s and PhD students
• Bursaries based on financial need for both undergraduate and graduate students
• External and government-funded scholarships for international students
• Specialized awards for students from equity-deserving communities

The university is transparent about one important point: Concordia does not offer fully funded scholarships in the traditional sense. Instead, it provides a strong range of partial scholarships, tuition awards, fellowships, and financial aid programs that, when combined, can significantly reduce the cost of studying at the university. Students are encouraged to combine Concordia-funded awards with external scholarships to build a comprehensive funding package.

With that context in mind, let us look at each major scholarship opportunity available for 2026.

1. Top Concordian Undergraduate and Graduate Entrance Scholarships

This is one of the newest and most competitive awards available at Concordia for 2026. The Top Concordian Entrance Scholarships are valued at $10,000 and are available to outstanding new undergraduate and graduate students entering the university for the first time. These are merit-based awards designed to attract top-performing students from around the world.

For undergraduate entrance scholarships more broadly, Concordia awards them to new admission candidates based on their top CEGEP grades or equivalent marks from a Canadian high school, an international high school, or a college. An important point to understand here is that receiving an offer of admission to Concordia does not guarantee selection for an entrance scholarship. The selection is competitive and based on academic ranking within the applicant pool for each faculty.

Entrance scholarship decisions and offers are made by each faculty during admission processing, which typically begins in the winter and continues through spring until all available awards have been filled. For most scholarships, the selection is automatic and based on academic ranking. Students who are selected are notified directly, and only selected candidates receive a notification. There is no separate application required for the majority of entrance scholarships.

One important exception is the Faculty of Fine Arts. For Fine Arts programs that require a portfolio for admission, scholarship selection is based on the quality of the portfolio submission rather than academic grades alone.

Scholarship payments are disbursed to students’ university accounts following verification of registration after the course drop period ends. Higher value awards are paid in two equal installments over the Fall and Winter terms.

2. Concordia University Doctoral Graduate Fellowship

For students who want to pursue a PhD at Concordia, the Doctoral Graduate Fellowship is one of the most significant sources of financial support available. This fellowship is valued at $14,000 per year for up to four years, resulting in a total potential award value of $56,000 over the course of a doctoral program.

This is not a small amount of money, and it can make a real difference in your ability to focus on your research rather than worrying about how to pay your bills. The fellowship is designed specifically to support doctoral students and allow them to dedicate themselves fully to their academic and research work.

How the Doctoral Graduate Fellowship Works

One of the most student-friendly aspects of this fellowship is how it integrates with external awards. If you receive an external scholarship valued at $40,000 or more (such as a SSHRC, NSERC, or CIHR award), your Fellowship funding will be reallocated to another eligible student for the duration of your external award. However, if your external award ends before the full twelve-term duration of the Fellowship, the remaining terms of the Fellowship will be honoured and you will receive the balance. This means the university has built in a safety net to ensure you are not left without support if an external award ends early.

Scholarship payments are issued five working days after the DNE (date of no enrollment change) date of each term, once full-time registration is confirmed. This regular disbursement schedule makes it easier to plan your finances throughout the year.

How to Apply

The good news for prospective doctoral students is that the fellowship application is fully integrated into the admission process. This means your admission application also serves as your fellowship application. There is no separate form to fill out. The selection of recipients is handled by each individual program, and you are strongly advised to submit your admission application early to maximize your chances of consideration.

3. Concordia International Tuition Award of Excellence

For international and U.S. students pursuing research-based graduate programs at Concordia, the International Tuition Award of Excellence is one of the most valuable awards available. This award reduces tuition fees for international students, bringing them down to a much lower rate. The current estimated value of this award is approximately $47,463, making it one of the largest single financial awards the university offers to graduate students.

This award is specifically designed to support outstanding incoming U.S. and international students who are entering research-based master’s or PhD programs. It is a meaningful commitment from the university to attract and support talented researchers from around the world.

Like many graduate awards at Concordia, full-time students applying to research-based programs are automatically considered for this award upon admission. No additional application is required. This automatic consideration is a significant advantage for international students, as it removes one administrative burden from what can already be a complex application process.

4. Concordia Merit Scholarship

The Concordia Merit Scholarship is valued at $10,000 and is awarded to students who demonstrate an excellent educational background. This scholarship recognizes academic achievement and is available to both international and domestic students. It is part of Concordia’s broader commitment to supporting students who have performed at a high level in their previous studies.

Details about specific eligibility thresholds and program restrictions for the Merit Scholarship can be confirmed through the Financial Aid and Awards Office or through your faculty’s admissions office. Because scholarship consideration at Concordia is largely integrated into the admissions process, the best approach is always to apply for admission as early as possible and to ensure your academic records are complete and submitted well before any deadlines.

5. In-Course Scholarships for Undergraduate Students

Once you are enrolled at Concordia and completing your bachelor’s degree, you become eligible for In-Course Scholarships. These awards are given automatically by the Undergraduate Scholarships and Awards Committee each fall semester, based on the top Assessment GPA achieved in the preceding academic year. You do not need to apply for these scholarships. The committee ranks students in descending order based on Assessment GPA, then credits completed in the program, and then Cumulative GPA.

To be considered, you must be enrolled in a Bachelor’s program and have completed at least one semester of studies at Concordia. The minimum Assessment GPA required for consideration is 3.30. This means that if you maintain strong grades throughout your time at Concordia, you may receive additional financial recognition without having to submit any additional paperwork.

A limited number of In-Course Scholarships are also open to part-time students, making this an option even for students who are balancing work or other responsibilities alongside their studies.

6. Concordia International Student Entrance Awards (Graduate Level)

Beyond the Doctoral Graduate Fellowship and the International Tuition Award of Excellence, Concordia’s School of Graduate Studies offers a range of additional entrance awards for international students. These include several specialty fellowships with notable values:

• Top International Graduate Fellowship: Supports outstanding incoming U.S. and international research-based master’s and PhD students. The value is $29,000 per year for four years for doctoral students and $25,000 per year for two years for research-based master’s students. This award is available to students from the U.S., Lebanon, and other international countries, with the exception of French and Belgian citizens.
• Special Entrance Award for External Scholarship Holders: Newly admitted students who are already receiving provincial, federal, or prestigious foundation scholarships are offered a Special Entrance Award valued at $6,000 for master’s students and $10,000 for doctoral students.
• Volt-Age Doctoral Fellowship: This fellowship provides dedicated funding for PhD research in the field of electrification, reflecting Concordia’s commitment to cutting-edge research in energy and sustainability.
• Indigenous and Black Engineering and Technology Momentum Fellowship: Valued at $35,000 per year for four years, this fellowship is available to Canadian citizens or permanent residents who identify as Indigenous or Black and are entering engineering or technology programs. It reflects Concordia’s active efforts to create a more inclusive academic environment.

All of these graduate entrance awards are awarded automatically to full-time students applying to research-based programs upon admission. No additional application is required, which means the most important thing you can do is ensure your admission application is strong, complete, and submitted early.

7. Bursaries Based on Financial Need

In addition to merit-based scholarships, Concordia offers a range of bursary programs for students who need financial assistance. The primary criterion for all bursaries is financial need, although meeting the financial need threshold does not guarantee selection as competition is high and each bursary has its own specific criteria.

Entrance Bursary

The Entrance Bursary is available to newly admitted undergraduate students who joined Concordia in Winter 2026 or Fall 2026. It is open to both Canadian and international students who have completed their most recent studies at a CEGEP, Canadian high school, or international equivalent. The Entrance Bursary application opened on March 2, 2026, and the deadline to apply was April 17, 2026. Keep an eye on the official awards page for upcoming cycle dates as these tend to follow a similar timeline each year.

Eligibility is determined through a financial needs test, a review of your academic ranking from the admissions process, and a holistic appreciation of the personal statements you provide on your bursary application form.

In-Course Bursary

The In-Course Bursary program is for returning Bachelor’s students who are already enrolled at Concordia and need financial assistance. The 2026-2027 undergraduate in-course bursary program opened on April 1, 2026, with a deadline of May 15, 2026. To be eligible, you must be in acceptable academic standing with a minimum Assessment GPA of at least 2.00. In-Course Bursaries are not available to students in Graduate programs, Certificate programs, or Visiting and Independent students.

The committee’s evaluation includes a review of your financial situation, academic performance, and personal statements. Decisions are normally made during the summer term, and all applicants are notified after adjudication is complete.

8. Study in Canada Scholarships (Government of Canada Program)

Beyond Concordia’s own institutional awards, international students can also access government-funded scholarship programs administered through the university. The Study in Canada Scholarships (SICS) program is funded by Global Affairs Canada and provides undergraduate and graduate students with scholarship opportunities for short-term research or course-oriented exchanges at Concordia University.

The program’s goal is to strengthen and diversify Canada’s international linkages and partnerships. It supports students from eligible countries who wish to undertake research or course-oriented studies at Concordia for a short period. The scholarship covers several major expenses including airfare to Canada, a living allowance, and books and supplies required for study or research.

Eligible Countries

The SICS program targets students from specific regions. In Sub-Saharan Africa, eligible countries include Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda. There are also eligible countries in other regions including Southeast Asia and Latin America. You should check the official program page for the most current and complete list of eligible nations, as it can be updated from year to year.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Study in Canada Scholarship at Concordia, you must be a citizen of one of the eligible countries and be enrolled full-time at a post-secondary institution in an eligible country while paying tuition fees to that institution. You must be able to complete all project activities no later than September 30, 2027. Students who hold or have a pending application for Canadian citizenship or permanent residency are not eligible for this program.

For study at the undergraduate or graduate level, a valid student exchange agreement that waives tuition fees is required. Applications are evaluated based on the requirements for the Concordia Student Exchange Program, the merit of the proposed research and its linkage to Concordia’s leading research themes, and the benefit to both the home institution and the Canadian institution.

9. Application-Based Awards and External Scholarships

Beyond the automatically awarded scholarships and the major fellowship programs, Concordia also offers a large number of application-based awards throughout the year. These awards vary in their criteria and are not just for top academic performers. Many also take into account financial need, volunteer work, student involvement, equity considerations, and other factors.

According to the Concordia Financial Aid and Awards Office, a large number of scholarships, awards, and bursaries offered by external organizations, companies, and foundations go unclaimed each year because students simply do not apply for them. This is a missed opportunity. Concordia encourages all students to regularly check the external awards listings on the university’s financial aid page and apply for any award for which they are eligible.

Some notable examples of specialty and application-based awards include scholarships for students in the Faculty of Arts and Science, Faculty of Fine Arts, Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science, and John Molson School of Business. There are also awards specifically for graduate students, as well as awards tied to equity, diversity, and inclusion considerations for students from underrepresented groups.

The application portal for these awards typically reopens in October each year. The awards office notes that applications will reopen in October 2026 for the next cycle, so students planning ahead should mark that date on their calendars.

Eligibility Requirements for Concordia University Scholarships 2026

While each scholarship has its own specific requirements, here is a general overview of the common eligibility conditions that apply across most of Concordia’s scholarship programs:

• You must be admitted to a Bachelor’s or graduate program at Concordia University.
• You must be enrolled full-time in your program throughout your studies. A small number of awards also accommodate part-time students, but full-time enrollment is the standard requirement.
• Both international students and Canadian domestic students are eligible for many awards, though some scholarships are specifically targeted at international or U.S. students.
• All nationalities are welcome to apply for most programs.
• You must meet the English or French language proficiency requirements for your chosen program.
• For graduate fellowships, academic standing and research potential are the primary criteria, and selection is usually made by the program or department.

Language Requirements for International Students

Since Concordia is located in Montreal, Quebec, the university operates in both English and French. Most programs are taught in English, but you will also find French-language and bilingual programs depending on your area of study. As an international student applying to an English-taught program, you will typically need to demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the recognized tests:

• IELTS Academic: A minimum overall score is required, which varies by program. Most programs require a score of 6.5 or higher.
• TOEFL iBT: Accepted as proof of English proficiency. Minimum scores vary by faculty.
• Duolingo English Test: Accepted for certain programs as an alternative to IELTS or TOEFL.
• Cambridge Assessment English: Also accepted for some programs.

Students whose primary language of instruction in their previous studies was English may be exempt from the language requirement. Check your specific program’s requirements on the official Concordia website for the exact details.

Programs Covered Under Concordia University Scholarships 2026

Concordia University scholarships and awards are available across a wide range of academic programs and disciplines. Here is a broad overview of the areas of study where scholarship-eligible programs can be found:

In the Faculty of Arts and Science, you will find programs in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, and interdisciplinary fields. The Faculty of Fine Arts covers programs in studio art, art history, design, theatre, film, and music. The Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science is home to programs in electrical engineering, software engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, and related fields. The John Molson School of Business offers programs in accounting, finance, management, marketing, and supply chain operations.

At the graduate level, the School of Graduate Studies encompasses research-based master’s and doctoral programs across virtually every discipline offered at the university. Students in these programs are the primary beneficiaries of the Doctoral Graduate Fellowship and the International Tuition Award of Excellence.

Required Documents for Scholarship Applications

Since many scholarships at Concordia are awarded automatically through the admission process, the documents you need for your application are largely the same as those required for admission. Here is a general list of what you should prepare:

• Completed online application for admission to the undergraduate or graduate program of your choice.
• Official academic transcripts from all previously attended institutions. For undergraduate applicants, this typically means high school or CEGEP transcripts.
• Proof of English or French language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent), if required for your program.
• A copy of your passport or national identity document with a photo and valid dates.
• For graduate applicants: a statement of purpose or research proposal, letters of reference, and a CV or resume depending on program requirements.
• For application-based bursaries: supporting financial documentation and personal statements as specified in the bursary application form.
• For the Study in Canada Scholarship: a project description explaining the nature of your study or research and how you and your home institution will benefit, plus your passport or national identity card.

Documents in a language other than English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation before submission. Incomplete application packages will not be reviewed, so take the time to make sure everything is in order before you submit.

Key Deadlines for Concordia University Scholarships 2026

Deadlines vary by scholarship type and program level. Here is a summary of the key dates to keep in mind:

• Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships: The application for admission must be completed by June 1, 2026. Scholarship consideration begins automatically during admission processing from winter through spring.
• Entrance Bursary: Application opened March 2, 2026. Deadline to apply was April 17, 2026. Check the official page for the next cycle’s dates.
• In-Course Bursary (2026-2027): Program opened April 1, 2026. Deadline was May 15, 2026.
• Application-Based Awards: Applications reopen in October 2026 for the next cycle.
• Graduate Program Deadlines: Deadlines vary by program. Submit your admission application as early as possible for best consideration for fellowship awards.

How to Apply for Concordia University Scholarships 2026

The application process at Concordia is designed to be as streamlined as possible, with most scholarships integrated into the standard admissions process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate it:

1. Choose your program. Before anything else, identify the program you want to study at Concordia. The scholarship opportunities available to you will depend partly on which faculty and which level of study you are applying to.
2. Check the admission requirements. Review the specific admission requirements for your chosen program, including academic prerequisites and language proficiency requirements. Meeting these requirements is the foundation of both your admission and your scholarship consideration.
3. Prepare your documents. Gather all required documents including transcripts, language test scores, reference letters if required, and any personal statements or research proposals needed for your program.
4. Submit your admission application through the online portal. Most entrance scholarships and graduate fellowships are awarded automatically through the admissions process, so your admission application is the most important step. Make sure your application is complete and submitted well before the deadline.
5. Apply separately for application-based awards. For scholarships and bursaries that require a separate application, use the Concordia online awards portal. Check the financial aid website regularly for new postings and upcoming deadlines throughout the year.
6. Explore external awards. The Concordia Financial Aid and Awards Office maintains listings of external scholarships from organizations outside the university. These listings are updated regularly and contain opportunities that often go unclaimed. Visit the external awards section of the financial aid page frequently.
7. Contact the Financial Aid and Awards Office if you have questions. The office can be reached at fundingyoureducation@concordia.ca and is available to help you understand your eligibility and navigate the funding landscape.

You can start your undergraduate application or find links to the graduate application portal by visiting the official Concordia University Scholarships and Funding page.

For graduate entrance awards specifically, visit the Concordia School of Graduate Studies Entrance Awards page.

For international student-specific scholarship information, visit the Concordia International Scholarships page for students from abroad.

Tips for Strengthening Your Application

Since many scholarships at Concordia are awarded automatically based on academic performance, the most powerful thing you can do is maintain the strongest possible academic record. But beyond grades, here are some additional strategies to help you make the most of the available funding:

Apply early. This cannot be said enough. Many scholarship pools are filled on a rolling basis during the admissions season. Applying early means you are in the pool before it starts to thin out. For graduate students in particular, early applications increase the chance of receiving both an admission offer and a fellowship simultaneously.

Look for external scholarships that complement Concordia’s awards. The university actively encourages students to seek external funding. If you win a major external scholarship like SSHRC, NSERC, or CIHR, Concordia will top up your award with a Special Entrance Award. This stacking of funding sources is how many graduate students build truly comprehensive financial packages.

Do not overlook bursaries. Many students focus only on merit-based scholarships and ignore need-based bursaries. If you have genuine financial need, bursaries can provide meaningful support. Apply for every bursary you are eligible for within the application windows.

Write strong personal statements. For application-based awards, the personal statement is where you can differentiate yourself from other candidates. Be specific about your experiences, your goals, and why you are a good fit for the award. A generic statement rarely succeeds. Take time to craft something authentic and detailed.

Keep checking the awards listings. Concordia receives new external award information throughout the year. The awards that go unclaimed are often the ones students never found out about. Make checking the Concordia awards portal a regular habit.

Why Study at Concordia University in 2026

There are many reasons why Concordia continues to attract thousands of international students each year. Beyond the scholarships, the university offers a learning environment that is genuinely student-centered. Around 75% of Concordia’s courses have fewer than 60 students, which means smaller classes, more direct interaction with professors, and a more personal academic experience than you might find at a larger institution.

The research culture at Concordia is strong and growing. The university has significant research strengths in areas such as engineering, computer science, fine arts, business, social sciences, and environmental studies. Students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels have access to research opportunities, lab facilities, and faculty mentorship that can meaningfully shape their careers.

Montreal itself adds enormous value to the experience of studying at Concordia. It is a city with a rich arts and music scene, a thriving tech industry, world-class food culture, and a warm, multilingual community. The cost of living in Montreal is considerably lower than in Toronto or Vancouver, which stretches your scholarship money further. It is also a city with strong post-graduation employment opportunities, especially in sectors like artificial intelligence, gaming, aerospace, and finance, which are all major industries in the region.

Final Thoughts

Concordia University Scholarships 2026 in Canada represent a genuine opportunity for high-achieving students from around the world to access a world-class education with meaningful financial support. The combination of automatic merit-based awards, competitive fellowship programs for graduate students, need-based bursaries, and external scholarship opportunities means there are multiple paths to funding your time at Concordia.

The key things to remember are to apply as early as possible, keep your academic record strong, explore all categories of funding available to you, and never assume a scholarship is out of reach without reading the full eligibility requirements. A great deal of funding goes unclaimed each year simply because students do not apply.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on all available scholarships, deadlines, and application procedures, always refer directly to the official source. You can begin your journey by visiting the official Concordia University Financial Aid and Awards page.

Good luck with your application. Studying in Canada at a university like Concordia is an experience that can genuinely change the direction of your life, and with the right financial plan in place, it is more achievable than you might think.