Carleton University Scholarships 2027 in Canada (Funded)

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Carleton University Scholarships

Carleton University Scholarships 2027 in Canada (Funded)

Apply for Scholarships from Here.

Carleton University Scholarships 2027 offer international undergraduate students in Ottawa, Canada, automatic entrance awards worth $1,000–$4,000 per year, a President’s Welcome Award of $2,000–$5,000, and competitive Prestige Scholarships worth up to $14,178 CAD annually. Carleton has also frozen international tuition fees through the 2028/2029 academic year.

INTRODUCTION

Thinking about studying in Canada but worried about the cost? Carleton University Scholarships 2027 could make that goal a lot more affordable.

Carleton University is a public research university located in Ottawa, Canada’s capital city — putting students within walking distance of Parliament Hill, national museums, and countless government and policy institutions. It’s known for one of the more generous scholarship and bursary programs in Canada, awarding thousands of scholarships every year to both domestic and international students.

What makes Carleton especially appealing for international applicants is how much of its funding is automatic. Most incoming undergraduate students are considered for entrance scholarships without needing a separate application, and additional awards — including a dedicated welcome award for international students and a new tuition prize draw — stack on top of that.

On top of the scholarships themselves, Carleton has locked in its international tuition fees for three full academic years, from 2026/2027 through 2028/2029, so admitted students can plan their budget with real certainty instead of guessing at annual increases.

This isn’t a single “fully funded” award — it’s a layered system of automatic and competitive scholarships that can meaningfully reduce your total cost of studying at Carleton. Use the Table of Contents below to jump to whichever section you need.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

QUICK OVERVIEW TABLE

Item Details
Scholarship Name Carleton University International Student Scholarships
Host Country Canada
Host University Carleton University, Ottawa
Degree Level Bachelor’s (primary focus); graduate funding available separately
Funded By Carleton University
Scholarship Type Partially Funded (automatic and competitive awards)
Coverage Tuition award amounts ranging from $1,000 to $14,178 CAD/year, plus a frozen tuition rate
Eligible Countries All nationalities (international students)
Application Deadline Automatic entrance scholarships: no separate deadline; Prestige Scholarships: Varies
Study Mode Full-time, on-campus
Duration 4 years (typical Bachelor’s degree length)
IELTS Required Yes, per Carleton’s English language requirements
Application Fee Standard undergraduate application fee applies

About the Carleton University Scholarships

Carleton University’s international scholarship system is built around layers of support rather than a single award. Every year, more than 12,600 scholarships and bursaries are given out across the university, and international undergraduate applicants are automatically considered for several of them the moment they apply.

The centerpiece for new international undergraduates is the combination of the Automatic Entrance Scholarship and the President’s Welcome Award for International Students. Both are awarded based on your academic performance at the time of admission, with no separate scholarship application required. On top of that, high-achieving students with an admission average above 90% can apply for Carleton’s most valuable award, the Prestige Scholarship.

Carleton has also introduced a new incentive: the International Students’ Tuition Prize, a random-draw award of $10,000 CAD given to students who accept their offer and pay their tuition deposit early. It’s not a merit scholarship — it rewards students who commit to Carleton promptly.

Beyond these broad awards, Carleton also offers targeted scholarships, such as one supporting international students from African countries, and additional graduate-level funding for master’s and PhD students, including access to Ontario’s provincial Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) program.

Benifits of Carleton University Scholarships

Carleton University Scholarships 2027 include several distinct types of financial support:

✔ Automatic Entrance Scholarships — $1,000 to $4,000 per year, awarded automatically based on academic performance, renewable with an A- (10.0 GPA) standing.

✔ President’s Welcome Award for International Students — $2,000 to $5,000 CAD for your first year, awarded automatically in addition to your entrance scholarship, for students entering directly from high school.

✔ Prestige Scholarships — $5,000 to $14,178 CAD per year, Carleton’s highest undergraduate award, for students with an admission average over 90% who also apply and demonstrate strong community involvement.

✔ International Students’ Tuition Prize — Five prizes of $10,000 CAD each, awarded through a random draw to students who accept their offer and pay their deposit early.

✔ Targeted Scholarships — Awards such as the Richard Van Loon Scholarship, which supports international students from African countries with demonstrated financial need.

✔ Frozen Tuition Rate — International tuition fees are locked in for three academic years (2026/2027 through 2028/2029), so your costs won’t rise unexpectedly during your degree.

These scholarships reduce tuition costs but do not cover living expenses, travel, or health insurance, so students should still budget for those separately.

AVAILABLE PROGRAMS

Carleton’s international scholarships apply across its full range of undergraduate degrees, grouped roughly by tuition tier:

  • Arts, Social Sciences, and Sciences: Bachelor of Arts, Cognitive Science, Communication and Media Studies, Economics, Health Sciences, Humanities, Mathematics, Science, Music, Social Work, Global and International Studies, Journalism, Public Affairs and Policy Management
  • Business: Bachelor of Accounting, Commerce, International Business, Media Production and Design
  • Technology and Design: Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Data Science, Engineering, Industrial Design, Information Technology
  • Health: Bachelor of Science in Nursing with RN Prescribing

Graduate students pursuing a master’s or PhD can also access separate funding opportunities, including the Ontario Graduate Scholarship, through Carleton’s Graduate Admissions office.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Eligibility depends on the specific scholarship:

Automatic Entrance Scholarships

  • Be a high school student meeting Carleton’s academic and English language requirements
  • No separate application needed

President’s Welcome Award for International Students

  • Be an international undergraduate applicant entering directly from high school
  • Pay international student tuition fees
  • Meet Carleton’s admission requirements

Prestige Scholarships

  • Have an admission average over 90%
  • Show strong participation in community service, leadership, or extracurricular activities
  • Submit a separate application by the March 1 deadline

International Students’ Tuition Prize

  • Accept your offer of admission
  • Pay the $2,000 CAD tuition deposit by the specified early deadline

Richard Van Loon Scholarship

  • Be an international student from an African country
  • Be a full-time student with a valid study permit, progressing from one year to the next
  • Demonstrate financial need

There’s no fixed nationality restriction across most of these awards — they’re open to international students from any country, aside from the country-specific Van Loon Scholarship.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Depending on which scholarships you’re eligible for, you may need:

  • Completed undergraduate application form
  • High school transcripts and academic records
  • Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
  • Passport or government-issued ID
  • Prestige Scholarship application form, including a description of your community and extracurricular involvement
  • Proof of financial need (for need-based awards like the Richard Van Loon Scholarship)
  • Valid study permit (for continuing students applying to targeted scholarships)
  • Proof of tuition deposit payment (for the International Students’ Tuition Prize)

APPLICATION PROCESS

Step 1: Apply for undergraduate admission. Submit your application to Carleton University through the official international admissions portal, making sure to meet the academic and English language requirements.

Step 2: Automatic scholarship consideration. Once your application is reviewed, you’ll be automatically considered for the Entrance Scholarship and, if eligible, the President’s Welcome Award — no extra paperwork needed.

Step 3: Apply separately for the Prestige Scholarship (if eligible). If your admission average is above 90%, submit the Prestige Scholarship application, including details of your community and extracurricular involvement, by March 1.

Step 4: Accept your offer and pay your deposit early. To be eligible for the International Students’ Tuition Prize draw, accept your offer of admission and pay the $2,000 CAD tuition deposit by the specified early deadline.

Step 5: Apply for targeted scholarships if applicable. Check the Awards Office website for scholarships like the Richard Van Loon Scholarship if you meet the specific eligibility criteria.

Step 6: Receive your scholarship offer. Automatic awards are included with your offer of admission; competitive and targeted scholarships are announced separately after their respective deadlines.

Step 7: Maintain your GPA. To keep renewable scholarships like the Entrance Scholarship and Prestige Scholarship, maintain a minimum A- (10.0 GPA) standing each year.

IMPORTANT DATES

Milestone Timing
International Undergraduate Applications Open Applications for entry are typically open a year in advance
Prestige Scholarship Application Deadline Varies
Tuition Deposit Early-Bird Prize Draw (Round 1) Late March (check current-year date)
Tuition Deposit Early-Bird Prize Draw (Round 2) Mid-to-late April (check current-year date)
Classes Begin September

Since exact prize draw dates are announced annually, always check Carleton’s official Scholarships & Bursaries page for the specific dates confirmed for the 2027 entry cycle.

IMPORTANT LINKS

SELECTION PROCESS

  1. Application submission — You apply for undergraduate admission through Carleton’s international admissions portal.
  2. Automatic review — Carleton automatically assesses your academic record for entrance scholarships and the President’s Welcome Award.
  3. Prestige Scholarship evaluation — If you apply separately, your admission average and extracurricular involvement are reviewed against other applicants.
  4. Tuition prize draw — Students who pay their deposit early are entered into a random draw for the International Students’ Tuition Prize.
  5. Targeted scholarship review — Awards like the Richard Van Loon Scholarship are assessed based on nationality, financial need, and academic standing.
  6. Award confirmation — Successful scholarships are confirmed alongside or shortly after your offer of admission.

How to increase your chances for Carleton University Scholarships

  • Aim for the strongest possible high school academic average, since most awards are tied directly to your admission average
  • Apply as early as possible to maximize your chances in the tuition prize draw
  • If eligible for the Prestige Scholarship, highlight genuine leadership and community involvement, not just academic results
  • Keep clear records of your extracurricular and volunteer activities for scholarship applications
  • Maintain a strong GPA each year to keep your renewable scholarships active
  • Check the Awards Office website regularly for additional scholarships you may qualify for

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID

  • Assuming you need to apply separately for the automatic entrance scholarships (you don’t)
  • Missing the March 1 Prestige Scholarship deadline
  • Paying your tuition deposit late and missing the early tuition prize draw window
  • Letting your GPA drop below the A- (10.0) renewal threshold
  • Overlooking smaller, targeted scholarships you might actually qualify for
  • Not budgeting separately for living costs, which aren’t covered by these scholarships

LIVING IN CANADA

Carleton’s campus sits along the Rideau River in Ottawa, Canada’s capital.

  • Cost of living: Estimated at around $14,010 CAD for eight months in on-campus residence with a meal plan, or about $16,000 CAD for off-campus shared housing over the same period
  • Books and supplies: Budget roughly $1,400 CAD per year
  • Personal expenses: Estimated at around $3,000 CAD per year
  • Accommodation: On-campus residence and off-campus rentals near campus are both common options
  • Transport: Ottawa has a reliable public transit system, and Carleton students receive a UPass city transit pass
  • Part-time jobs: International students on a valid study permit can generally work part-time on or off campus under current Canadian immigration rules
  • Weather: Cold, snowy winters and warm summers, typical of central Canada
  • Student life: A diverse student body with strong ties to nearby government, policy, and cultural institutions
  • Safety: Ottawa is generally considered a safe city for international students

VISA INFORMATION

  • International students will need a Canadian study permit to study at Carleton University
  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires proof of sufficient funds, currently around $22,895 CAD for living expenses, in addition to your first year of tuition and travel costs
  • You’ll need your Offer of Admission, proof of the $2,000 CAD tuition deposit, and a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) as part of your study permit application
  • Carleton recommends applying for your study permit as soon as you’ve accepted your offer and received your PAL
  • Processing times vary by country, so apply as early as possible

Always confirm the latest study permit requirements directly through the official IRCC website, since immigration rules can change.

WHY STUDY IN CANADA

  • Home to globally recognized universities with strong academic reputations
  • Carleton’s location in Ottawa offers direct access to government, policy, and cultural institutions
  • A frozen tuition rate gives international students unusual budget certainty over multiple years
  • Strong post-graduation work opportunities for eligible international graduates
  • A welcoming, multicultural society with a reputation for safety and quality of life
  • Access to Canada’s growing tech, business, and public policy job markets

IMPORTANT FAQs

1. Is the Carleton University Scholarship fully funded? No, these are partial scholarships and awards ranging from $1,000 to $14,178 CAD per year, not a fully funded package covering all costs.

2. Who can apply? International undergraduate students applying to Carleton University; most scholarships are open to all nationalities.

3. Can European students apply? Yes, students from any country, including Europe, are eligible.

4. Can African students apply? Yes, and African students may also be eligible for the dedicated Richard Van Loon Scholarship.

5. Can Asian students apply? Yes, students from all Asian countries are eligible.

6. Can Pakistani students apply? Yes, Pakistani students are eligible to apply.

7. Can Indian students apply? Yes, Indian students are eligible to apply.

8. Can American students apply? Yes, American and other USA-based applicants are eligible under Carleton’s USA and International admissions category.

9. Is IELTS mandatory? Yes, unless you meet Carleton’s English language requirements through another accepted method.

10. Can I apply without IELTS? Only if you can meet Carleton’s English proficiency requirement through an accepted alternative; check the English Language Requirements page for details.

11. Is there an application fee? Yes, the standard undergraduate application fee applies; scholarships themselves have no separate fee.

12. Can married students apply? Yes, marital status doesn’t affect eligibility.

13. Can I bring my family? This depends on Canadian study permit and dependent visa rules; check with IRCC and Carleton’s international office.

14. What GPA is required? For renewable scholarships, you need to maintain a minimum A- (10.0 GPA) standing each year.

15. Can I work while studying? Yes, international students with a valid study permit can generally work part-time under current Canadian immigration rules.

16. How many scholarships are awarded each year? Carleton awards more than 12,600 scholarships and bursaries annually across all students, domestic and international.

17. Can I apply for multiple scholarships? Yes, many students qualify for more than one award simultaneously, such as an entrance scholarship plus the President’s Welcome Award.

18. Is age a factor in selection? Age isn’t listed as a selection criterion; academic performance and eligibility are what matter.

19. What happens after I’m selected? Automatic awards appear directly on your offer of admission; competitive and targeted scholarships are confirmed separately after review.

20. How competitive is this scholarship? Automatic awards aren’t competitive if you meet the criteria, but the Prestige Scholarship and targeted awards are more selective.

21. Can I apply with a degree still in progress? This mainly applies to undergraduate applicants completing high school; check with admissions if your situation differs.

22. What expenses are not covered? Living costs, travel, health insurance, and personal expenses are not covered by these scholarships.

23. Can I defer my scholarship to a later intake? Deferral policies vary by scholarship; check directly with the Carleton Awards Office.

24. Can I apply if I already hold another scholarship? There’s no stated restriction against holding external scholarships alongside Carleton awards; confirm with the Awards Office if you have questions.

25. How will I know if I’ve been selected? Automatic scholarships appear on your offer of admission; other awards are communicated directly by the Awards Office or International Admissions team.

FINAL SUMMARY

Carleton University Scholarships 2027 offer a practical, multi-layered way to reduce the cost of studying in Canada — from automatic entrance awards and a dedicated international student welcome award, to the competitive Prestige Scholarship and a new early-commitment tuition prize draw. Combined with a tuition rate frozen through 2028/2029, Carleton gives international students real budget predictability.

Because most of these awards are either automatic or tied to how early you commit, the most important steps you can take are applying with strong academic results and accepting your offer as early as possible.

Explore Carleton’s official Scholarships & Bursaries page for the most current deadlines and prize dates as the 2027 admission cycle opens.

Official Link

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