International Scholarships

Algoma University offers a range of scholarships to support international students with the cost of their studies. Most scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and recent academic performance.

Algoma University is proud to welcome new international students with the International Scholars Degree Award, helping reduce tuition to $15,000 per academic year for new students starting Spring 2026. This award can be combined with our other Entrance Scholarships, including the Chancellor’s Award ($5,000 per year), athletic awards, and a variety of other bursaries and scholarships – some automatic, some by application – providing students with multiple ways to reduce the cost of their education. Our goal is to support students financially as they begin their journey at Algoma University and help them focus on learning and success.

Entrance Scholarships

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Must be an international student holding a temporary resident visa under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act of Canada (student class) as of the first day of classes.
  • Applicable to all international students required to pay the international differential fee, including:
    • University transfer students
    • Second-degree students
    • College diploma and college transfer students
  • Students must complete all qualifying academic requirements in the academic year immediately prior to starting studies at Algoma University.
  • Scholarships cannot be deferred. Students must accept their admission offer and scholarship for the academic year it is granted.

Additional Information:

  • Scholarships apply only to undergraduate degree programs.
  • Students must enroll in two consecutive semesters (Fall/Winter) within the same academic year to be eligible.
  • Students beginning their studies in the Winter or Spring terms will be considered for scholarships in the following academic year, subject to availability.
  • American citizens are not eligible for these scholarships, as they already receive a significant tuition discount.
  • Students who miss award deadlines will have their scholarships revoked.

For important deadlines and application details, visit the Scholarships, Bursaries, and Awards page. 

Note: Entrance and renewal scholarships are currently under review for the 2027-28 academic year and may change without notice.

Beginning in Spring 2026, Algoma University will offer the International Scholars Degree Award to eligible new international undergraduate students.

This award is intended to support new international students entering undergraduate degree programs and is applied based on enrolment status.

Award Value:

  • Up to $6,525 per academic year, based on enrolment level
  • Award amounts are assessed per term
  • Students enrolled continuously across three terms (Spring, Fall, Winter) may receive more than $6325 in a single academic year
  • Up to $26,000 in awards over four years
  • New international tuition rate with bursary: $15,000 per year (two terms)

Eligibility Requirements

  • Be a new international undergraduate student beginning their studies in Spring 2026 or later
  • Be enrolled in an eligible undergraduate degree program, including diploma-to-degree pathways and second degree programs
  • Pay international tuition fees
  • Meet international admissions requirements
  • Be in good academic standing

Important Eligibility Clarifications

  • Students may enter Algoma University with probation file; however, students on academic probation do not qualify for the award.
  • Students who fall out of good academic standing at any point during their degree will no longer be eligible to receive the award.
  • A valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) must be on file with the university before any award disbursement; awards cannot be paid without it.
  • Awards are first applied to fees owing. Students with a refund balance can consult our Student Accounts section of our website.
  • Students who transition from international status to permanent residency and begin paying domestic tuition rates will no longer be eligible.
  • The award is not available to:
    • Continuing students
    • Students who change programs but are not new to Algoma University
  • The award cannot be deferred; it must be applied to the academic year for which the student is newly admitted.

Continuation and Changes

  • The International Scholars Degree Award is not guaranteed for the full duration of a student’s degree.
  • The award may be changed, reduced, or revoked at any time at the University’s discretion.
  • Continued eligibility is assessed on an ongoing basis and depends on students meeting all stated requirements.

Additional Awards

Eligible international undergraduate students may still qualify for additional merit-based and athletic scholarships where applicable. See below for more information on our entrance scholarships for international students.

The Chancellor’s Award is a scholarship valued at $5,000 per academic year for international secondary school graduates entering their first year of an undergraduate degree at Algoma University.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Chancellor’s Award, students must:

  • Be a new international student entering Algoma University for the first time
  • Be enrolled full-time (15 credits per term over Fall/Winter)
  • Meet minimum academic performance requirements:
    • A+ average (or country equivalent) on previous academic record
    • For international students studying in Ontario, 90-100% on top 6 Grade 12 U/M courses presented for admissions
    • For IB students, this is diploma points of 40-45
  • Meet admission English language requirements:
    • Cambridge Assessment of English – 185 overall
    • Duolingo Test of English (DTE) – 125
    • IELTS – Overall 7.0, no band less than 6
    • Pearson Test of English (Academic) – 65
    • TOEFL – 560 (85 internet-based)
    • Note: English Language proficiency test is not required if the student has achieved a C grade or higher in O-Level English
  • Students who do not meet the minimum English language requirement for this award may still be considered for the President’s Award, subject to meeting other academic criteria.
  • Provide a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) before award disbursement; failure to provide a SIN on time will result in revocation of the award for that term.

Recipients of this award may also receive other scholarships, including the International Scholars Degree Award, where eligible.

Renewal Criteria

  • This award is renewable for up to three additional years, provided the student maintains:
    • First-year students: Must be enrolled in at least 30 credits across Fall and Winter terms
    • Second year and beyond: Must be enrolled in at least 24 credits across Fall and Winter terms
  • Students who fast-track their program by taking courses over the summer or start in a term other than Fall:
    • Will not receive the award for summer courses
    • Must still meet the minimum annual Fall/Winter credit requirements; if they do not, the overall value of the award will be reduced proportionately.
  • Students who withdraw from a course or whose course is cancelled are still required to maintain the necessary credit load. 
  • Students must be in good academic standing.
  • Failing to meet any of these requirements in any academic year will result in:
    • Reduction or loss of the award for that year
    • Loss of eligibility for future renewals

Note: Transitioning to permanent residency does not affect eligibility for renewal. Students with a change in residency are advised to contact the Financial Aid Office.

The President’s Award is an entrance scholarship valued at $2,500 for international secondary school graduates entering their first year of study in an undergraduate degree at Algoma University.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the President’s Award, students must:

  • Be a new international student entering Algoma University for the first time
  • Be enrolled full-time (12 credits per term over Fall/Winter)
  • Meet minimum academic performance requirements:
    • A / A- average (or country equivalent) on previous academic record
    • For international students studying in Ontario, 85-89.9% on top 6 Grade 12 U/M courses presented for admissions
    • For IB students, this is diploma points of 37-39
  • Provide a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) before award disbursement; failure to provide a SIN on time will result in revocation of the award
  • Students must accept the award in the year it is granted, as it cannot be deferred

Additional Information

  • This award is non-renewable
  • Students may combine this award with the International Scholars Degree Award, athletic awards, or other bursaries where eligible, maximizing financial support
  • Students who withdraw from a course or whose course is cancelled are still required to maintain the necessary credit load.
  • Students must be in good academic standing.

The Dean’s Award is an entrance scholarship valued at $1,000 for international secondary school graduates entering their first year of study in an undergraduate degree at Algoma University.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Dean’s Award, students must:

  • Be a new international student entering Algoma University for the first time
  • Be enrolled full-time (12 credits per term over Fall/Winter)
  • Meet minimum academic performance requirements:
    • B+ average (or country equivalent) on previous academic record
    • For international students studying in Ontario, 80-84.9% on top 6 Grade 12 U/M courses presented for admissions
    • For IB students, this is diploma points of 34-36
  • Provide a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) before award disbursement; failure to provide a SIN on time will result in revocation of the award
  • Students must accept the award in the year it is granted, as it cannot be deferred

Additional Information

  • This award is non-renewable
  • Students may combine this award with the International Scholars Degree Award, athletic awards, or other bursaries where eligible, maximizing financial support
  • Students who withdraw from a course or whose course is cancelled are still required to maintain the necessary credit load.
  • Students must be in good academic standing.

The Award of Excellence is an entrance scholarship valued at $500 for international secondary school graduates entering their first year of study in an undergraduate degree at Algoma University.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Award of Excellence, students must:

  • Be a new international student entering Algoma University for the first time
  • Be enrolled full-time (12 credits per term over Fall/Winter)
  • Meet minimum academic performance requirements:
    • A minimum B average (or country equivalent) on their previous academic record
    • For international students studying in Ontario and meeting the OSSD requirements, a minimum of 75–79% on the top 6 Grade 12 U/M courses presented for admission
    • For IB Diploma students, 31–33 points
    • For A-Level / AS-Level students, B + C or C + C
  • Provide a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) before award disbursement; failure to provide a SIN on time will result in revocation of the award
  • Students must accept the award in the year it is granted, as it cannot be deferred

Additional Information

  • This award is non-renewable
  • Students may combine this award with the International Scholars Degree Award, athletic awards, or other bursaries where eligible, maximizing financial support
  • Students who withdraw from a course or whose course is cancelled are still required to maintain the necessary credit load.
  • Students must be in good academic standing.

Algoma University International Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships - Tiered Chart

AwardValueRenewalOntario High School Grade (OSSD)IB Diploma PointsA-Level / AS-Level Grades
Chancellor’s Award$5000 RenewableA+ (≈ 90–100%)40-45A* + A
President’s Award$2500Non-RenewableA / A– (≈ 85–89%)37-39A + A
Dean’s Award$1000 Non-RenewableB+ (≈ 80–84%)34-36B + A or B + B
Award of Excellence$500 Non-RenewableB (≈ 75–79%)31-33B + C or C + C

Entrance and Continuing Scholarships and Bursaries

Algoma University offers a generous range of scholarships and awards, giving eligible students the opportunity to maximize their financial support through multiple programs. We encourage students to explore their options and submit applications, where required, for consideration. 

Awards for entering and continuing international students are available through the Entrance/Continuing Awards Application, which launches each October. Throughout the academic year, we also offer several bursary and award programs to support student success.

How Students Can Access Opportunities

Students can access available opportunities through multiple channels:

  • A link emailed directly to applicants and admitted students
  • Algoma University’s social media channels
  • The Financial Aid & Awards Calendar, which students can subscribe to
  • The internal Self-Service Portal for students who are admissible or are currently enrolled

Entrance/Continuing Awards Application Process and Consideration

The awards program operates in stages of consideration:

  • First consideration applications are due March 1st
  • Applications are accepted beyond this date, but each award category is closed off progressively as decisions are made

Bursary and Award Application Process and Consideration

Each bursary or award opportunity will have an application available for students to submit during their term. Students must apply and provide any necessary documentation by the deadline for consideration. Bursaries for international students generally require demonstrated changes in financial circumstances to be eligible.

Additional Information

  • Awards are primarily available to students enrolled in degree programs
  • Awards can be received cumulatively with the International Scholars Degree Award and our Entrance Awards programs, for eligible students
  • Students must be in good academic standing
  • Students must provide a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) before award disbursement; failure to do so may result in revocation of the award
  • Awards cannot be deferred; students must accept them in the year and term they are offered
  • Failure to meet the enrolment requirements for an award will result in revocation of the award at any time and without notice