Carleton University Scholarships 2027 in Canada for International Students

Scholarship Details

Introduction

Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, offers a range of scholarships, bursaries and other financial assistance opportunities to help undergraduate students pay for their education. These awards recognise academic achievement, leadership, extracurricular involvement, community service and financial need.

According to the university’s official Scholarships and Bursaries page, Carleton awarded more than 12,600 scholarships and bursaries worth over CAD $26.5 million to undergraduate students in the previous reporting year. The university also ranked fourth in Canada for scholarships and bursaries in Maclean’s 2026 University Rankings.

For international students planning to begin an undergraduate degree in September 2027, one of the main opportunities is the President’s Welcome Award for International Students, valued at CAD $2,000–$5,000. Eligible applicants are considered automatically, and the award is offered in addition to other entrance scholarships.

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Students with excellent academic results may also qualify for renewable entrance scholarships or apply for the university’s prestigious competitive awards. Other opportunities include specialised entrance scholarships, need-based bursaries, work-study positions and financial assistance for eligible Indigenous students and students with disabilities.

It is important to understand that Carleton does not offer one single scholarship covering every student’s full tuition and living expenses. The award amount, eligibility requirements, application process and deadline depend on the particular scholarship or financial assistance programme.

Scholarship overview

• University: Carleton University
• Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
• Study level: Undergraduate and bachelor’s degree programmes
• Scholarship opportunities: Entrance scholarships, Prestige Scholarships, specialised entrance awards and bursaries
• International students: Eligible for several undergraduate scholarship opportunities
• President’s Welcome Award: CAD $2,000–$5,000 for the first year
• Prestige Scholarships: CAD $5,000–$14,178 per year, depending on the award
• Renewable entrance scholarships: Based on admission average, with annual renewal requirements
• Main Prestige Scholarship deadline: March 1, 2027, for the relevant 2027 entry cycle
• Official scholarship page: https://admissions.carleton.ca/scholarships/

Benefits

Carleton University provides several forms of financial assistance. Applicants should identify the awards that match their academic qualifications, intended programme, nationality and financial circumstances.

1. President’s Welcome Award for International Students

International undergraduate students applying for September 2027 entry will automatically be considered for the President’s Welcome Award.

The award is valued at CAD $2,000–$5,000, depending on the student’s grades at the time of admission. It is offered in addition to other entrance scholarships.

The award is available only to international students who:

• Are entering Carleton directly from high school.
• Are applying for undergraduate studies beginning in September 2027.
• Pay international student fees.

The award is for the first year only and should not be confused with the university’s renewable entrance scholarships.

2. Renewable Entrance Scholarships

Eligible students entering Carleton directly from high school or CÉGEP may be automatically considered for renewable entrance scholarships.

For the international admissions process, the university describes automatic entrance awards generally ranging from CAD $1,000–$3,000 per year, depending on academic performance and the applicable award schedule.

The university’s published entrance scholarship schedule for eligible students lists the following award levels:

These figures are based on the university’s published entrance scholarship schedule. The applicable award depends on the applicant’s admission qualifications and the relevant scholarship rules. Students should confirm their individual award with Carleton.

The awards are renewable when students maintain the required academic standing. The university specifies an annual GPA of 10.0, equivalent to an A- standing, for renewal. If the required standing is not achieved in a particular year, the original scholarship may be regained in a later year after the required GPA is achieved.

For the main entrance scholarship consideration, Carleton’s general scholarship page requires applicants to have an admission average of at least 85% and to be entering the university for the first time from high school or CÉGEP, without previous attendance at a post-secondary institution.

A complete admission application and all required grades must be received by June 15 for fall entry.

3. Prestige Scholarships

Prestige Scholarships are among Carleton University’s highest-value undergraduate awards.

They are competitive and intended for outstanding students with strong academic results and a record of participation in extracurricular activities, leadership or community service.

Eligible applicants must generally:

• Be entering Carleton directly from high school or CÉGEP.
• Have an admission average of at least 90%.
• Demonstrate meaningful involvement in extracurricular activities, leadership, school activities or community service.
• Submit a separate scholarship application.
• Provide a letter of reference.

For the relevant international undergraduate awards, the published values range from CAD $5,000 to CAD $14,178 per year. The awards are renewable, subject to maintaining a minimum A- standing, equivalent to an annual GPA of 10.0, in full-time studies.

Application deadline: March 1, 2027, for the relevant 2027 entry cycle.

Applicants should review the individual Prestige Scholarship requirements because eligibility and selection depend on the specific award.

4. Page Program Entrance Scholarships

Carleton offers Page Program Entrance Scholarships to students participating in the House of Commons Page Program who are entering an undergraduate degree programme at the university.

• Number of awards: Up to 15.
• Value: CAD $1,000 per scholarship.
• Additional benefit: The scholarship is awarded in addition to other entrance scholarships.

Eligible students should consult the university for the applicable conditions and selection process.

5. Arthur Kroeger College National Scholarships

These scholarships support students entering Carleton’s Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management programme.

• Number of awards: Up to 10 scholarships.
• Value: CAD $2,000 each.
• Academic requirement: Selected students must have a minimum admission average of 90%.
• Regional allocation: Two students are selected from each of five regions.

The five regions are:

1. Atlantic Canada.
2. British Columbia and Northern Canada.
3. Ontario.
4. The Prairies.
5. Quebec.

The scholarships are awarded in addition to other entrance scholarships. Applicants should note that this particular award is organised around the listed Canadian regions.

6. The Law Scholarship in Architectural Studies

Carleton offers an annual scholarship worth CAD $10,000 to an outstanding full-time international undergraduate student entering the Bachelor of Architectural Studies programme.

To qualify, applicants must be admitted from a high school in China or Hong Kong. A separate application is required.

International applicants from other countries should not assume they qualify for this particular award.

7. W.H. Collins Entrance Scholarships of Excellence

The W.H. Collins Entrance Scholarships of Excellence are intended for outstanding students entering a Bachelor of Science degree in Earth Sciences.

• Value: CAD $3,000.
• Number of recipients: The top five outstanding students.
• Eligibility: Students must enter in the fall term and be beginning post-secondary studies for the first time.
• Application: No separate application is required.
• Renewal: The scholarship can be renewed for one additional year if the student remains enrolled in a Bachelor of Science degree in Earth Sciences and achieves an annual GPA of 10.0.

This award may be combined with other entrance or Prestige Scholarships, subject to the university’s rules.

Eligibility

Carleton University has different eligibility requirements for different awards. Applicants should not assume that meeting the conditions for one scholarship automatically makes them eligible for every other award.

General eligibility for entrance scholarships

Applicants seeking renewable entrance scholarships should generally:

• Be applying for an eligible undergraduate degree at Carleton University.
• Be entering the university directly from high school or CÉGEP for the first time.
• Meet the required admission average for the applicable award.
• Submit a complete admission application.
• Provide all required grades by the applicable deadline.
• Meet the university’s academic and language requirements.

The main entrance scholarship page specifies an admission average of at least 85% for automatic consideration under its stated criteria. Award schedules and requirements can vary by applicant category and scholarship.

Eligibility for international students

International applicants can be considered for several Carleton University scholarships, including automatic entrance awards, the President’s Welcome Award and Prestige Scholarships.

For the President’s Welcome Award, applicants must be international undergraduate students entering directly from high school and paying international student fees. The award applies to students beginning their studies in September 2027 and is worth CAD $2,000–$5,000 for the first year.

International students seeking Prestige Scholarships must meet the applicable academic requirements and submit the required application and reference letter by the deadline.

Eligibility for Prestige Scholarships

Applicants must generally have an admission average of 90% or higher and demonstrate involvement in extracurricular activities, leadership or community service.

The university considers academic performance alongside the range of activities in which the applicant has participated.

Eligibility for bursaries

Bursaries are primarily awarded based on financial need rather than academic achievement. They do not normally have to be repaid.

Applicants interested in the Carleton University Entrance Bursary or Leadership Entrance Bursary should review the relevant application requirements and deadlines.

Deadline

Carleton University’s scholarships and bursaries have different deadlines. The following dates are listed on the official university pages.

Important: The June 15 and June 30 dates are the general dates stated on the university’s scholarship page, not a guarantee that every award has the same deadline. Applicants should verify the specific deadline for their intended programme and admission term before applying.

How to Apply

The process depends on the scholarship you are seeking. For most entrance scholarships, your first step is to apply for admission to Carleton University.

Step 1: Choose an undergraduate programme

Visit the official Carleton University website and explore the available bachelor’s degree programmes.

Official website: https://admissions.carleton.ca/

Choose a programme that matches your academic background, interests and career plans. Check the admission requirements and any programme-specific deadlines.

Step 2: Apply for admission

Submit your application for the intended entry term and provide all required academic documents and grades.

For automatic entrance scholarships, Carleton uses your admission average and eligibility information to determine whether you qualify. You generally do not need to submit a separate scholarship application for these awards.

Make sure your complete application and required grades arrive by the applicable deadline.

Step 3: Check your eligibility for automatic scholarships

If you are applying for September 2027 entry as an international student, check whether you qualify for:

• Renewable Entrance Scholarships.
• The President’s Welcome Award for International Students.
• Any other entrance awards applicable to your programme or applicant category.

The President’s Welcome Award is automatically considered for eligible international undergraduate students entering directly from high school and paying international student fees.

Step 4: Prepare a Prestige Scholarship application if eligible

If you have an admission average of at least 90% and a strong record of leadership, extracurricular involvement or community service, review the Prestige Scholarships.

Prepare the required application and letter of reference. Submit the application by the applicable March 1 deadline.

Step 5: Apply for specialised scholarships

If you meet the requirements for a specialised award, review its individual application instructions.

For example, the Law Scholarship in Architectural Studies requires a separate application and is restricted to eligible international students admitted from a high school in China or Hong Kong.

Other awards, including the W.H. Collins Entrance Scholarships of Excellence, do not require a separate application.

Step 6: Apply for bursaries if you need financial assistance

If your main concern is financial need, explore the Carleton University Entrance Bursary and Leadership Entrance Bursary.

The Entrance Bursary application must be submitted online by June 30. High school students with leadership experience in extracurricular activities and community service may also be considered for the Leadership Entrance Bursary, for which an application is required.

Step 7: Check your award and financial arrangements

Read your admission offer and scholarship notification carefully to confirm the amount awarded, whether the award is renewable and any academic conditions you must maintain.

International students should also calculate tuition, mandatory fees, accommodation, food, books, travel and other living expenses. Scholarships may cover only part of the total cost of studying in Canada.

Official scholarship and bursary page: https://admissions.carleton.ca/scholarships/

Bursaries and Other Financial Assistance

In addition to scholarships, Carleton University provides several forms of financial support and employment opportunities.

1. Carleton University Entrance Bursary

The Carleton University Entrance Bursary provides additional funding to help eligible students meet the direct educational costs of their first year.

The bursary is based primarily on financial need rather than academic achievement. Applicants must apply online by June 30 to be considered.

2. Leadership Entrance Bursary

High school students who have taken leadership roles in school extracurricular activities and community service may be considered for the Leadership Entrance Bursary.

A separate application is required. Applicants should check the official bursary page for the current deadline and supporting requirements.

3. Working on campus

Students can help offset university expenses by taking part-time jobs on campus.

Many campus departments and units hire students throughout the academic year. Senior students may also find opportunities to work as research assistants.

These jobs can provide income while allowing students to gain practical work experience. Carleton’s Career Services offers job-search support and on-campus career counselling.

4. Work Study Program

Carleton’s Work Study Program helps undergraduate students finance their studies while gaining work experience.

The programme provides employment opportunities to hundreds of undergraduate students each year. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate financial need.

Students should consult the official Work Study Program page for the current eligibility criteria and application process.

5. Government student aid

Ontario residents may be eligible for financial assistance through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).

Information and application instructions are available at:

Similar government student aid programmes are available in other Canadian provinces and territories.

The university notes that the Bachelor of Entrepreneurship programme, which is subject to approval, does not qualify for OSAP.

6. Awards for Indigenous students

Carleton offers a range of awards for Indigenous students. These include:

• Joyce Family Foundation Bursary: CAD $5,000.
• Humphrey Law Bursary for Indigenous Students in Business: CAD $5,000.

Applicants should visit the university’s Indigenous student awards page for further eligibility and application details.

7. Awards for students with disabilities

In partnership with the Paul Menton Centre for Students with Disabilities, Carleton University’s Awards Office provides scholarship and financial assistance programmes to recognise and support students with disabilities.

Students should contact the university to learn about the available awards, eligibility requirements and application procedures.

Tuition and Living Costs for International Students

International applicants should budget carefully before accepting an admission offer. Scholarship funding does not necessarily cover all tuition and living expenses.

Carleton’s published estimates for the 2026/2027, 2027/2028 and 2028/2029 academic years list the following undergraduate tuition fees for September-to-April study.

The university states that these international undergraduate tuition fees are frozen for the 2026/2027, 2027/2028 and 2028/2029 academic years.

Additional fees and living expenses

Estimated mandatory miscellaneous fees are approximately CAD $2,500 for most programmes listed, and CAD $4,300 for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing with RN Prescribing. These fees may include health insurance, public transit, on-campus health services, athletics and programme-specific costs. They are estimates and are not frozen.

The university’s published eight-month living-cost estimates are:

Off-campus estimates are based on shared accommodation, utilities, food and Internet access. Actual expenses will vary depending on lifestyle and personal choices.

Carleton also notes that a single applicant applying for a Canadian study permit is required by the relevant immigration guidance to demonstrate at least CAD $23,448 for living expenses, in addition to first-year tuition and travel costs. Applicants should check the latest Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada requirements before applying.

International applicants can use the university’s fee and scholarship calculator to estimate their first-year budget.

International tuition and scholarship information: https://admissions.carleton.ca/scholarships/usa-and-international-costs/

Important Advice for International Applicants

Before applying, keep the following points in mind:

• Automatic scholarship consideration does not guarantee an award.
• The President’s Welcome Award is available only to eligible international students entering directly from high school and paying international fees.
• Prestige Scholarships require a separate application and a letter of reference.
• Entrance scholarship amounts and renewal conditions depend on the applicable award schedule and academic performance.
• Bursaries are primarily based on financial need and may require separate applications.
• Scholarships may not cover full tuition, accommodation, food, travel or other expenses.
• Be cautious when using study-abroad agencies. Carleton advises that payments for university fees should be made payable to Carleton University through its approved payment channels, not to a third party.
• Confirm all deadlines and requirements on the university’s official pages because they may differ by scholarship and admission term.

Short Conclusion

Carleton University offers a broad range of undergraduate scholarships and financial assistance opportunities for students planning to study in Canada. International students applying for September 2027 may be eligible for the President’s Welcome Award worth CAD $2,000–$5,000, renewable entrance scholarships and competitive Prestige Scholarships worth CAD $5,000–$14,178 per year.

Other opportunities include specialised entrance awards, need-based bursaries, work-study employment, government student aid and awards for eligible Indigenous students and students with disabilities.

Applicants should first choose their undergraduate programme, review the relevant eligibility requirements and apply for admission. Those interested in competitive awards should prepare any additional application materials well before the deadline.

Application Links

• Main Scholarships and Bursaries page: https://admissions.carleton.ca/scholarships/
• International tuition and scholarships: https://admissions.carleton.ca/scholarships/usa-and-international-costs/
• University admissions: https://admissions.carleton.ca/
• Ontario Student Assistance Program: https://carleton.ca/osap/

Contact Carleton University Undergraduate Admissions

• Email: admissions@carleton.ca
• Telephone: +1 613-520-3663
• Toll-free telephone within Canada: 1-888-354-4414
• Address: 315 Pigiarvik, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada.

For international undergraduate scholarship enquiries, the university also lists international@carleton.ca.