2026 Laurentian University Scholarships in Canada

Laurentian University, a bilingual public university in Sudbury, Ontario, provides a rich academic environment with competitive scholarships, bursaries, and awards for undergraduate and graduate students, both domestic and international. Whether you are seeking support for tuition, living costs, or recognition for academic excellence, Laurentian University has a wide range of financial awards designed to make study in Canada more accessible.

In this guide, we’ll break down the major 2026 Laurentian University scholarships, eligibility requirements, how to apply, key deadlines, and tips to maximize your chances of earning funding.

About Laurentian University

Established in 1960, Laurentian University is a bilingual (English–French) institution known for its personalized learning environment, small class sizes, research opportunities, and commitment to accessibility and inclusion. The main campus is located in Sudbury, Ontario, with regional learning sites and partnerships across Canada. Laurentian offers programs in areas like engineering, business, sciences, health, arts, education, and Indigenous studies, making it a strong choice for both domestic and international learners.

Why Scholarships at Laurentian Matter

Canada’s tuition and living costs can be a barrier for many students, particularly international learners. In response, Laurentian University offers scholarship funding that can reduce or even fully cover tuition, and in some cases contribute toward living costs or travel. Unlike loans, most scholarships, especially merit-based awards, do not have to be repaid.

In 2026, Laurentian’s scholarship ecosystem remains robust, with awards based on academic merit, leadership, community engagement, financial need, and specific program criteria.

Categories of Scholarships at Laurentian University in 2026

1. International Academic Excellence Scholarships (Undergraduate)

Laurentian’s International Academic Excellence Scholarships are some of the most generous awards available for international undergraduate students — offering up to CAD $60,000 over the duration of a degree.

Eligibility

To qualify for these scholarships:

  • Must be an international student paying international tuition fees.
  • Must be entering a first undergraduate degree (prior degree holders are not eligible).
  • Must be enrolled full-time and complete 100% course load in both fall and winter semesters.
  • Scholarship values depend on high school academic average:
    • 90–100% average: Up to CAD $60,000 total
    • 80–89.9% average: Up to CAD $40,000 total
      (Awards are typically disbursed as $15,000 or $10,000 per year respectively.)
  • To renew the scholarship each year, you must:
    • Complete at least 30 credits in the previous academic year (including a minimum of 24 credits in fall/winter terms).
    • Maintain a minimum average of 80% (LU GPA 7.5).

How to Apply

These scholarships are automatic based on your admission average:

  1. Apply for admission to an undergraduate program at Laurentian University.
  2. Your admission average will be used to determine your scholarship eligibility; you do not typically need a separate application.
  3. Once admitted and registered full-time, scholarship amounts are calculated and credited to your account.
  4. Ensure you maintain the required GPA and full-time enrolment to renew the award each year.

2. Graduate Scholarships & Funding Opportunities

Graduate funding at Laurentian includes assistantships, travel grants, and external awards. These help support both Master’s and Ph.D. students.

a. Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA)

What It Is

A Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) at Laurentian is a combined award and employment opportunity. It is partly a fellowship scholarship and partly a paid teaching assistant job — giving graduate students both financial support and professional experience.

Eligibility
  • Must be enrolled full-time in an eligible graduate program (Master’s or Ph.D.).
  • Must have minimum academic performance (typically a B+ average / 75% or higher).
  • Assistantships are available for the first two years of Master’s study and the first four years of Ph.D. study.
Benefits

While values can change annually, the GTA awards for the 2025–2026 year were approximately:

  • Master’s students: Around CAD $10,034 total
    • ~$4,901 paid as salary bi-weekly
    • ~$5,133 fellowship paid in one instalment
  • Ph.D. students: Around CAD $14,547 total
    • ~$7,270 salary portion
    • ~$7,277 fellowship portion

Recipients are typically required to work up to 10 hours per week assisting with teaching-related duties (e.g., lab support, tutorials, marking) while completing their studies.

How to Apply
  1. Apply and receive admission to an eligible graduate program at Laurentian.
  2. Once admitted, you will usually receive information on GTA eligibility — if your offer letter notes eligibility, this means you satisfy basic requirements.
  3. If not automatically offered, contact the Faculty of Graduate Studies or your department to express interest and complete necessary forms.
  4. Register full-time in both Fall and Winter terms to qualify.

b. Travel Grants (Graduate Students)

Eligibility
  • Available to full-time graduate students.
  • Masters students may be eligible for up to CAD $600; Ph.D. students up to CAD $1,200 for travel.
  • These funds are intended to support activities like conference attendance, research travel, or fieldwork.
How to Apply
  • Applied for after enrolment through departmental or graduate school processes.
  • Travel grant applications typically require a travel proposal, itinerary, and cost estimates — check with your faculty for specific steps.

3. Other Scholarships Awards

Although not direct Laurentian awards, international graduate students can also apply for external funding with university support:

  • Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS):
    • Competitive provincial award in Ontario
    • Requires application one year before study start
    • International students are eligible to apply.
  • Tri-Council Scholarships — e.g., SSHRC, NSERC, CIHR:
    • Highly competitive federal scholarships
    • Typically require application one year before program start
    • Available primarily to Canadian citizens/Permanent Residents, but international students may sometimes be eligible depending on agreements.

Visit the official scholarship website for more details.

Scholarship Renewal Requirements

For awards that are renewable (especially the International Academic Excellence Scholarships):

  • Must remain enrolled full-time in consecutive academic years (generally defined as 30 credits total, with at least 24 in fall/winter terms).
  • Must maintain a minimum GPA of 80% (LU 7.5 GPA) to keep your award at the same level or for recalculation.
  • Scholarships are typically credited in November and February of each academic year.

Tips for Scholarship Success

  • Apply early: Scholarships are easier to secure when you apply for admission early — especially for graduate funding like GTA.
  • Maintain strong grades: For renewable awards, keep at least 80% (7.5 GPA) to avoid award reduction or loss.
  • Full-time enrolment: Ensure you understand the credit requirement for continuing awards (e.g., 30 credits/year).
  • Contact departments: For graduate awards, reach out to your department early to express interest in GTAs and travel funds.

Conclusion

Laurentian University’s scholarship ecosystem continues to provide strong financial support for both international and domestic students, with some of the most generous undergraduate awards in Canada and meaningful graduate funding opportunities through assistantships and travel grants.

Whether you’re pursuing your first bachelor’s degree or graduate research, understanding eligibility criteria and application steps is key to securing financial support for your studies in Canada.

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