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20 March 2025

5 minutes read

Financial Aid for Canadian Students Studying in USA: Student Loan for International Students

Dirghayu Kaushik
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Dirghayu Kaushik

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Founder & CEO

5 September 2024

5 minutes read

Key Takeaways

  • Financial aid for Canadian students studying in USA includes scholarships, grants, and student loans for tuition support.
  • Many U.S. universities offer financial aid for Canadian students studying in USA, covering partial or full tuition.
  • Government and private funding options provide financial aid for Canadian students studying in USA to ease study abroad costs.

Education in the US is a fantasy for most Canadian students. The nation has some of the highest-ranked universities globally and a large number of academic programs to offer. But with the high costs of study, it may prove to be an overwhelming experience. Fortunately, many financial aid sources are available for Canadian applicants pursuing their education in the US. This guide investigates scholarships, loans, grants, and other financing programs that enable Canadian applicants to cope with abroad studying expenses.

Understanding Financial Aid for Canadian Students to Study Abroad in US Universities

Canadian students pursuing studies in the USA are classified as international students, thus their eligibility for financial support. Though federal student aid provided by the US. government is not usually accessible to Canadian applicants, various substitute funding channels exist.

financial aid for canadian students studying in usa 1

These comprise scholarships, international student loans, private sponsorship, and university financial aid.

Financial Aid OptionAvailable to Canadian Students?Notes
US. Federal Student AidNoOnly available for US. citizens or permanent residents.
Canadian Student LoansYesOffered by the government and provincial programs.
International ScholarshipsYesAvailable through various organizations and universities.
Private Education LoansYesOffered by banks and financial institutions.
Work-Study ProgramsSometimesSome universities offer jobs to support international students.

Scholarships and Grants for International Students for Education in the USA

Numerous US. colleges and universities provide scholarships for international students, including Canadians. The scholarships decrease tuition fees and make it easier to study in the US.

How to Apply for Financial Aid for International Students | CSS Profile Step-by-Step

Popular scholarships on offer:

  1. Fulbright Program –  high-profile program funding Canadian students to study and do research in the US.
  2. International Student Scholarships – Several US universities provide scholarships and grants for international students.
  3. Sports Scholarships – Canadians with sporting abilities may be eligible for athletic scholarships from American universities.
  4. Private Scholarships – Financial grant programs are given by institutions and groups in international education.

How to find scholarships:

  • Check the financial grant office of the university in the US.
  • Use online databases to find scholarships available to Canadians.
  • Contact Canadian universities for exchange programs with U.S. schools.
  • Look for grants and scholarships offered by private student aid organizations.

Canadian Student Loans for Studying in the U.S.

Canadian applicants can pursue Canadian study loans to finance the expense of studying in the US. The loans are administered by the Canadian government and provincial loan programs.

Types of loans available:

  1. Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) – Offers financial grant to Canadian applicants studying abroad.
  2. Provincial Loans – Some provinces, like Ontario (OSAP) and British Columbia (BC study Loans), provide loans for studying abroad.
  3. Private Education Loans – Banks such as RBC, TD, and Scotiabank offer loans for Canadian applicants pursuing a degree in the US.
Loan TypeEligibilityRepayment Terms
Canada study LoanCanadian citizens enrolled in an eligible US. schoolBegins 6 months after graduation
Provincial LoansVaries by provinceDepends on the loan program
Private LoansBased on credit score and co-signerFlexible repayment options

Work-Study and Part-Time Jobs for Canadian Students Studying in the USA

Financial grant alternatives subsidize tuition, yet numerous Canadian applicants pursuing study in the USA secure part-time employment to finance living expenses.

  • On-Campus Jobs – Some universities offer work-study opportunities to support international students.
  • Off-Campus Work (F-1 Visa Holders) – Canadian applicants must apply for an F-1 visa to study in the US., which allows limited work opportunities.
  • Internships and Co-op Programs – Many US. universities offer paid internships for students pursuing a degree.

How to Apply for Financial Aid to Study in the United States?

Financial grant application for Canadian applicants for studying in the USA needs to be planned carefully.

Here are the steps to apply:

  1. Check eligibility – Ensure that the aid options available align with your academic and financial needs.
  2. Complete necessary applications – Some universities require separate applications for scholarships and financial aid.
  3. Prepare documents – Most programs ask for a Letter of Recommendation, transcripts, and a student budget.
  4. Meet deadlines – Financial grant applications have strict deadlines. Ensure you apply for student aid on time.
  5. Consult the financial aid office directly – If you need help, universities’ financial grant offices can provide guidance.

Additional Resources for Canadian Students Studying in American Universities

There are some resources available to assist Canadian applicants with locating financial assistance when they are studying in the US.

  • Government Websites – The Canadian government offers official study loan information.
  • University Financial Aid Offices – Most US. universities have a financial aid centers dedicated to aid for international students.
  • Online Scholarship Portals – Websites like ScholarshipsCanada and EducationUSA list available grants and scholarships.

Top 10 Schools in the United States for Canadian Students

The United States hosts some of the globe’s finest universities, which provide world-class education, research facilities, and international networking benefits. The United States is an attractive destination for many Canadian applicants because of its diverse range of academic programs and career opportunities.

financial aid for canadian students studying in usa 2

But choosing the ideal university means factors like tuition fee, scholarships, average graduate income, and mandatory entrance exams should be taken into account. Given below is the list of the top 10 US. universities for students from Canada, according to QS World University Rankings 2025, along with important information to make an educated choice.

Sl. No.UniversityQS 2025 RankingAnnual Tuition (USD)Avg. Graduate Salary (USD)Scholarships OfferedExams Required
1Harvard University4$55,587$85,000Need-based, Harvard Financial Assistance InitiativeSAT/ACT, IELTS/TOEFL
2Stanford University5$56,169$95,000Stanford Fund, Knight-Hennessy ScholarsSAT/ACT, IELTS/TOEFL
3Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)1$57,590$98,000MIT Scholarship, Presidential GrantsSAT/ACT, IELTS/TOEFL
4University of Chicago11$60,552$78,000UChicago Odyssey Scholarship, Merit-based AwardsSAT/ACT, IELTS/TOEFL
5Columbia University23$63,530$80,000Columbia Need-Based Aid, Fulbright ProgramSAT/ACT, IELTS/TOEFL
6University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)12$61,710$85,000Penn Grant, Benjamin Franklin ScholarsSAT/ACT, IELTS/TOEFL
7Yale University16$64,700$82,000Yale Scholarship, International Student AidSAT/ACT, IELTS/TOEFL
8Princeton University22$59,710$86,000Princeton Aid Program, Merit-based AwardsSAT/ACT, IELTS/TOEFL
9California Institute of Technology (Caltech)7$58,680$96,000Caltech Need-Based Aid, GrantsSAT/ACT, IELTS/TOEFL
10New York University (NYU)38$58,168$70,000NYU Global Pathways, Need-Based AidSAT/ACT, IELTS/TOEFL

Conclusion

Even though Canadian applicants are not entitled to US. federal assistance, various grants, and study loans can assist them in financing their education. Many American colleges and universities offer financial assistance, and the government of Canada provides students with loans to pay for tuition. Students can turn their dream of pursuing higher studies in the US into reality by studying about financial grant schemes, private loans, and financial grant. There are financial support opportunities for students who budget ahead and apply wisely.

Do you want to study in USA? Schedule a call with the experts at Ambitio and make your dreams come true!

FAQs

What financial aid for Canadian students studying in USA is available?

Financial aid for Canadian students studying in USA includes scholarships, grants, and student loans from U.S. universities, private organizations, and government programs.

Can Canadian students get financial aid for Canadian students studying in USA?

Yes, financial aid for Canadian students studying in USA is available through need-based and merit-based scholarships, institutional aid, and external funding sources.

Do U.S. universities provide financial aid for Canadian students studying in USA?

Many U.S. universities offer financial aid for Canadian students studying in USA, including tuition discounts, assistantships, and research grants.

How to apply for financial aid for Canadian students studying in USA?

To access financial aid for Canadian students studying in USA, apply directly to universities, search for external scholarships, and explore private loan options.

Are student loans part of financial aid for Canadian students studying in USA?

Yes, student loans are a key part of financial aid for Canadian students studying in USA, available through Canadian and U.S. lenders for tuition and living costs.

Which scholarships provide financial aid for Canadian students studying in USA?

Several scholarships offer financial aid for Canadian students studying in USA, such as the Fulbright Program, university-specific awards, and private grants.

Does the Canadian government support financial aid for Canadian students studying in USA?

The Canadian government offers financial aid for Canadian students studying in USA through loans, grants, and funding programs like OSAP and provincial aid.

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