Concordia University in Montreal, Canada offers generous scholarships and financial aid to help students fund their education in 2026. These funding opportunities include merit-based scholarships, tuition waivers, grants and other financial aid for top Canadian and international applicants. For many aspiring students, securing a Concordia scholarship can mean covering full or partial tuition and even receiving living stipends. In this article, we explain the Concordia University Scholarships 2026 program: who’s eligible, what awards cover, how to apply, and key deadlines. You’ll also find tips to make your application stand out. Get ready to learn how Concordia can help you study in Canada with fully-funded grants and tuition waiver packages!
Overview of Concordia Scholarships and University
Concordia University is a major Canadian public research university based in vibrant Montreal, Quebec. Founded in 1974 by merging two colleges, it serves about 50,000 students (including over 11,000 international students) from around 150 countries. Concordia offers a huge range of programs – over 400 undergraduate and 120+ graduate programs – across its faculties (Arts & Science, Fine Arts, Engineering/Computer Science, Business, etc.). In Montreal (ranked North America’s best student city), Concordia is known for innovation and a student-centered approach, and is even ranked #1 among North American universities under 50 years old.
Concordia scholarships for 2026 cover all degree levels: Bachelor’s (undergraduate), Master’s, and Doctoral (PhD). A typical Bachelor’s program is about 3–4 years, Master’s 1–2 years, and PhDs often 4–5 years. These scholarships can include full or partial tuition waivers, stipend grants, and research funding. For example, the prestigious International Tuition Award of Excellence effectively acts as a full tuition waiver for top international PhD students. Other awards include entrance scholarships (lump-sum grants) for new undergrads, Doctoral Graduate Fellowships ($14,000/year for four years) for PhD candidates, and Merit Scholarships (up to $5,000–$10,000) for research M.A./M.Sc. and Ph.D. students.
In short, Concordia offers financial aid across virtually every faculty and research area, providing funding to high-achieving students at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for Concordia University scholarships, applicants must generally meet the following criteria:
- Full-time enrollment: Must be admitted full-time into a Concordia bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral program. Scholarships typically target degree candidates (not visitors or certificate students).
- New undergraduates: For entrance scholarships, candidates should be first-time bachelor’s students coming straight from high school or CEGEP (Quebec). These awards are automatic if you rank among the top admittees.
- Graduate research students: Full-time M.A./M.Sc. and Ph.D. applicants with strong academic records. Research-based programs (especially PhDs) automatically consider applicants for major fellowships.
- High academic standing: Most scholarships demand excellent grades. Many in-course (continuing student) scholarships require a minimum GPA around 3.3. Aim to be at the top of your class!
- Open to internationals and Canadians: Both domestic and international students are eligible, though some awards target specific groups. For example, the International Tuition Award is exclusively for non-Canadian PhD students. Always check each award’s citizenship criteria.
- Program prerequisites: You must meet Concordia’s admission requirements (prerequisite courses, language proficiency, etc.). International applicants should ensure they meet English test score requirements well before deadlines.
Meeting these criteria does not require a separate scholarship application: Concordia’s admissions office automatically reviews eligible students for entrance awards. (More on the application process below.) Essentially, if you apply to Concordia by the deadline with strong grades and credentials, you’ll be considered for all relevant scholarships.
Scholarship Coverage and Benefits
Concordia scholarships come in various forms, but typically include:
- Tuition coverage or waiver: Some awards cover full or partial tuition. Notably, the International Tuition Award of Excellence covers an entire PhD tuition bill (approximately C$47,000). This acts like a full tuition waiver.
- Annual stipend/grants: Many graduate scholarships provide yearly cash. For example, the Concordia Doctoral Graduate Fellowship gives C$14,000 per year (renewable for up to 4 years), and the Volt-Age Master’s Scholarship offers C$22,000 per year for 2-year research programs. These stipends help cover living expenses.
- One-time awards: Undergraduate entrance scholarships and some grad awards are one-time lump-sum grants. Entrance scholarships (awarded by each faculty) can be as high as about C$10,000, usually paid in two installments during the first year. Merit Scholarships for M.A./M.Sc. or Ph.D. students range from C$5,000 to C$10,000 for one year.
- Assistantship support: Many scholarships (especially at the graduate level) are intended to be supplemented by teaching or research assistantships. In effect, top students often combine scholarships with paid assistant work to form a full funding package.
- Additional funding: Some awards include travel grants or research funds, and there are also donor-specific scholarships (e.g. for certain departments or backgrounds). Concordia’s Graduate Awards office can help find discipline-specific grants.
In short, Concordia’s funding packages can cover tuition and provide annual living stipends. Remember: scholarships are highly competitive, so demonstrating academic excellence and a strong research proposal (for grad students) is key to unlocking these benefits.
Host Country & University Profile
Concordia University’s campus in Montreal, Canada. Concordia is located in Montreal, Quebec – Canada’s second-largest city. Montreal is a dynamic, multicultural metropolis known for its arts, festivals, and vibrant student life. In fact, Montreal is ranked North America’s top student city. The city offers an affordable cost of living (relative to other major North American cities), safe neighborhoods, and a welcoming atmosphere for international students. It’s also bilingual (English/French), adding cultural richness to your experience.
At Concordia itself, you’ll study on two campuses (Sir George Williams and Loyola). The university is consistently top-ranked: for example, it’s ranked #1 in North America among universities under 50 years old. Concordia has nearly 50,000 students (11,000+ international from 150 countries), giving it a large and diverse community. With over 400 undergraduate and 120 graduate programs spanning fields from Arts and Science to Engineering, Business and Fine Arts, there are opportunities for nearly every field of study.
Living in Montreal as a Concordia student means enjoying a rich cultural scene (music, cuisine, festivals) and access to Canada’s quality healthcare for students. Canada itself is known for high educational standards and safety. By studying at Concordia, you join a global university community in a supportive, innovative environment – and the scholarships below are designed to make that education affordable.
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
- Choose your program & term. Visit Concordia’s Admissions website and pick your intended degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D.) and entry term (Fall or Winter). Ensure the program is open and check its specific admission requirements. Remember you can list up to three program choices on one application.
- Prepare documents. Gather transcripts, diplomas, language test scores (IELTS/TOEFL if needed), letters of reference, and any required portfolios or statements. Verify you meet any faculty-specific prerequisites (e.g. math for engineering). If English proficiency is needed, arrange your test well in advance – Concordia won’t finalize your application without these scores.
- Apply online. Submit your application through the Concordia portal (Undergraduate or Graduate Admissions) by the appropriate deadline (see below). Fill in your program choices and upload all documents. Pay the application fee. Complete any additional requirements (such as graduate students contacting a potential supervisor if required by the department).
- Automatic scholarship consideration. You do not need to submit a separate scholarship application for most awards. Concordia automatically evaluates all admitted students for entrance scholarships based on academic ranking. In other words, if you apply by the deadline and meet high grade criteria, you’ll be in the running. Certain awards (like donor awards or faculty prizes) might require extra forms, but the main entrance scholarships and fellowships are decided during admission processing.
- After you apply. Monitor your email and Concordia’s online portal for updates. If admitted, you will receive your offer of admission and any scholarship notification together. Follow instructions to accept the offer. For international students, start the student visa process promptly. For everyone, arrange housing and prepare for orientation. Remember to register for classes when the time comes!
Important Deadlines
Scholarship decisions align with Concordia’s admission deadlines. Missing a deadline means missing scholarship consideration. Key dates for 2025–2026 entry are:
- Fall 2026 (September intake) – Undergraduate deadline: March 1, 2026. (International candidates should apply by Feb 1, 2026 to allow time for visa processing). Graduate deadlines vary by program (often late 2025 or early 2026); check your department’s page.
- Winter 2026 (January intake) – Deadline: Nov 1, 2025 (International: Aug 1, 2025). Note that not all programs admit in Winter.
- Additional notes: Some graduate programs have earlier deadlines (e.g. engineering PhD). Always verify the latest dates on Concordia’s admissions site. As a rule, apply as early as possible since some scholarships fill quickly.
Tips for Applicants
- Start early and stay organized. Begin preparing months in advance. Request transcripts and letters of recommendation early. Keep track of each program’s requirements and deadlines.
- Aim for top grades. Entrance scholarships and fellowships are highly merit-based. Strive for a strong GPA (at least 3.30+ if you can) and highlight any awards or honors you have.
- English proficiency: If English is not your first language, schedule your test (IELTS, TOEFL) well before the deadline. Concordia requires proof of proficiency – delays in submitting scores can hold up admission.
- Prepare a standout application. Write a clear, compelling statement of purpose or letter of intent. If you have research or volunteer experience, emphasize it. For graduate applicants, having a research proposal or potential supervisor in mind can strengthen your profile.
- Utilize official resources. Explore Concordia’s Scholarships & Funding webpages and contact the Financial Aid Office or your department’s Graduate Office with questions. They can inform you about discipline-specific grants, bursaries (need-based awards), and external scholarships.
- Follow instructions carefully. Provide all required documents in the correct format. Minor mistakes (missing signatures, wrong program code, etc.) can delay your application or disqualify scholarship consideration.
- Share and network. Talk to current Concordia students or alumni (forums, student groups) to learn about scholarship tips. Share this scholarship information with peers who might also benefit.
Apply now for Concordia University Scholarships 2026 and take the first step toward a funded education in Canada!
Conclusion
Concordia University Scholarships 2026 offer a fantastic opportunity to study in Canada with generous financial support. Whether you’re looking at the 3–4 year Bachelor’s programs or aiming for a fully-funded Master’s or Ph.D., Concordia has awards tailored for top scholars. Focus on preparing a strong application, meet all eligibility requirements, and apply by the deadlines. With potential tuition waivers and cash awards on the line, these scholarships can significantly reduce your costs or even cover your entire education. We encourage you to apply and to share this opportunity with friends and classmates.
You have the ambition – Concordia has the funding to help you succeed. Good luck with your application, and we hope to welcome you as a Concordian soon!
FAQ
Q: What scholarships are available at Concordia University?
Concordia offers entrance scholarships (faculty-based merit awards for new undergrads), graduate fellowships (e.g. the $14K/yr Doctoral Graduate Fellowship), as well as various departmental and donor-funded awards.
Q: Who is eligible for Concordia scholarships?
Full-time bachelor’s and graduate students with strong academic records are eligible. Entrance scholarships target incoming undergrads, while research-based fellowships are open to high-achieving M.A./M.Sc. and Ph.D. candidates.
Q: How do I apply for Concordia scholarships?
Apply online for admission to your chosen program via Concordia’s portal by the deadline (e.g. Mar 1 for Fall 2026). Top applicants are automatically considered for entrance scholarships. No separate scholarship application is needed unless specified.
Q: Are international students eligible?
Yes. Many Concordia scholarships welcome international applicants. For example, the International Tuition Award of Excellence provides full Ph.D. tuition relief for students from abroad. Entrance awards are generally open to all nationalities.
Q: When are the deadlines?
For Fall 2026 entry, undergrad applications (and scholarship consideration) are due March 1, 2026 (Feb 1 for international). Winter 2026 intake deadlines are Nov 1, 2025 (Aug 1 intl). Graduate program deadlines vary – often Dec 2025 to Feb 2026 – so check your specific program.
Q: What do Concordia scholarships cover?
Awards vary, but typically include tuition waivers and cash grants. For example, the International Tuition Award covers full Ph.D. tuition (~C$47K), and the Doctoral Graduate Fellowship gives C$14,000 per year. Other scholarships provide one-time payments ($5K–$10K) or living stipends for selected graduate students.

