More and more students are dreaming of studying in Canada, but the high costs can be a deterrent. If you’re considering Canada for your studies, check out this blog. It might just help you bag a scholarship, reducing your study expenses by 5000 CAD – 10,000 CAD. If you’re eligible, smart, and a bit lucky, a scholarship in Canada might be waiting for you. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about scholarships in Canada.

How To Apply For Scholarships To Study In Canada?

Step by Step Guide In Applying For Scholarship In Canada

  1. Understand the Requirements: Before applying, make sure you know and meet all the scholarship requirements to avoid disqualification.
  2. Research and Choose Your School: Explore the various scholarships available for international students, considering different funding options. Choose your school wisely.
  3. Apply Early: Early applications have a better chance of consideration. Start your planning well in advance.
  4. Reference Letter: Obtain a well-written reference letter from someone who knows you well, excluding relatives. Ensure it carries a letterhead and a signature.
  5. Showcase Creativity: Scholarships aren’t solely based on academics. Some consider talents like sports, music, or dance. Highlight your creativity and unique skills.

How To Get Scholarships In Canada?

  1. Build a strong profile:
    • Take certification courses or engage in community involvement.
    • Competition for Canadian scholarships is intense, so leave no loopholes in your profile.
    • Aim for a 100% scholarship and ensure your profile is robust.
  2. Be serious about your documents:
    • Give utmost importance to scholarship essays and related documents.
    • Avoid casual behavior as it is not acceptable in the competitive process of securing a scholarship.
  3. Prepare well for the scholarship interview:
    • Even if confident in your academic profile, thorough preparation for the scholarship interview is crucial.

Tips On How To Find Scholarships

Finding scholarships can be challenging, but it’s crucial to know where to look. Scholarships are tailored to academic interests, talents, and more. Here are some effective methods to discover scholarships.

University Consultation: Visit the university’s website or contact the financial aid office to inquire about scholarships for international students. Ensure you distinguish between admission and scholarship applications, as they are separate processes.

Try Networking: In today’s connected world, leverage social media and discussions with like-minded peers to explore scholarship opportunities. Engage with groups that share common interests. Explore scholarships provided by the federal government, provincial governments, private foundations, and non-profit organizations in Canada.

Contact Your Academic Advisor: Your academic advisor is there to help you explore your academic interests, find relevant resources, and develop study programs aligned with your educational goals. Take advantage of this resource by having a productive conversation with your school counselor. Inquire about available resources, especially if your school has a dedicated office for students planning to study abroad.

General Requirements For Applying For Scholarship In Canada

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Academic Excellence:
    • Make sure your grades are solid.
    • Many Canadian scholarships are based on merit, so good academic scores are key.
  2. Language Proficiency:
    • If you’re not a native English speaker, show your English skills.
    • Submit IELTS scores as proof when applying for a Canadian scholarship.
  3. Extracurricular Indulgence:
    • Get involved in volunteering and extracurricular activities.
    • Some scholarships, especially for specific fields like social work, consider your outside-of-class efforts.

Documents Required To Apply For Scholarships

  1. Scholarship Application Form: Fill out the form provided by the scholarship program.
  2. Academic Transcripts/Diplomas: Provide copies of your school records or diplomas.
  3. Passport/ID Copy: Submit a copy of your passport or identification.
  4. Statement of Purpose/Letter of Motivation: Write a letter explaining why you want the scholarship and your goals.
  5. Recommendation Letter: Get someone to write a letter supporting your application.
  6. Test Scores (SAT, ACT, GRE, GPA): Include scores from relevant tests or your Grade Point Average.
  7. Language Proficiency Proof (e.g., IELTS test): If required, show your proficiency in the language of instruction.
  8. Additional Documents: Some institutions may ask for more, like an essay or a medical report. Check the specific requirements.

Types Of Scholarships In Canada For International Students

Governmental Scholarships

The international scholarships programs offered by the Government of Canada make studying in the country affordable for international students. These scholarships not only help with educational expenses but also provide support for travel and other aspects of life in Canada. It’s a fantastic way to manage your finances and education loans while pursuing your studies.

There are certainly other scholarships or financial aid programs funded by the Canadian government. These include:

  1. Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS):
    • Collaboration with the Canadian government and select institutions.
    • Available for international students pursuing master’s or doctoral programs.
    • Total award: 15,000 CAD/year.
  2. Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship:
    • Financial aid for master’s students in Quebec universities.
    • Merit-based awards.
    • Doctoral students: 25,000 CAD/year, Postdoctoral students: 35,000 CAD/year.
  3. Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship:
    • Multiple fellowships for graduate and postgraduate students in Canada.

Non-Governmental Scholarships

Non-Government Scholarships in Canada, offered by non-profit organizations or individuals, aim to attract international students for advanced studies in the country. These scholarships, provided by entities outside the government, play a crucial role in supporting students financially.

Certain organizations, funds, and trusts offer scholarships to international students in Canada. Some of the popular ones are listed below:

  1. Anne Vallee Ecological Fund:
    • Awarded to doctoral students conducting animal research.
    • Available in British Columbia or Quebec.
    • Award amount: 1,500 CAD.
  2. Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships:
    • International students pursuing doctorate degrees in Canada.
    • Approximately 15 scholarship awards.
    • Each award: 60,000 CAD.
  3. Canada Memorial Scholarship:
    • Open to UK students pursuing postgraduate education in Canada.
    • Covers tuition fees, airfare, and accommodation expenses.

University Scholarship

Your chosen university is a great place to start if you’re looking for financial help. They often have aid options for international students.

Financial Scholarship

These are based on your financial situation. While many are for US residents, some universities offer them to international students too.

Merit scholarship

If you’re academically strong, excelled in sports, or did great community work, you might snag one of these.

Scholarships Programs For International Students In Canada

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship

The Vanier scholarship is for international students pursuing a PhD in Canada. It’s available only at institutions under the Vanier CGS quota, so if you’re planning a doctoral degree, make sure your chosen university is part of the program before applying.

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Open to any international citizen, Canadian citizen, or permanent resident in Canada.
  2. Designed for those pursuing a full-time doctoral degree or Joint Graduate research program.
  3. Part-time programs considered only for students with disabilities, medical reasons, or family-related responsibilities.
  4. Candidates cannot hold a faculty appointment concurrently with the Vanier scholarship.

Scholarship Amount: The Vanier scholarships for international students in Canada offer a yearly amount of 50,000 CAD and can be renewed for up to 3 years.

Ontario Graduate Scholarship

The Ontario Graduate Scholarships are available for international students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees in Canada. If you’re studying at specific institutions like Brock University, Trent University, the University of Toronto, and a few others, you’re eligible to apply for these scholarships.

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Enrolled in a full-time master’s or doctoral program.
  2. Attend one of the participating Ontario schools for eligibility.

Scholarship Amount: Those chosen for these scholarships for international students in Canada receive an amount ranging from $10,000 to $15,000, determined by the number of semesters in their course.

Banting Postdoctoral Scholarship

Banting Postdoctoral scholarship for foreign students in Canada provides the opportunity to pursue postdoctoral degrees in Canadian institutions. Candidates preferring to research in the areas of health research, Natural sciences/ engineering, social sciences /humanities, etc are eligible for this scholarship. A total of 70 fellowships of Banting are available every year.

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Enrolled in a postdoctoral degree in a specific field at a Canadian institution.
  2. Completion of a master’s degree is a requirement.

Scholarship Amount: This scholarship for international students in Canada is worth about $70,000 annually and lasts for up to 2 years.

University Scholarships To Study In Canada

Canadian universities offer Study in Canada scholarships to outstanding international students. These scholarships are usually merit-based, aiming to attract the best talents globally. If you consider yourself among the top achievers, make sure to apply for the scholarships listed below.

Name of universityName of scholarshipEligibilityEligible coursesAmount
McGill UniversityMcGill University Entrance scholarshipsEnrolled in the university Academic Merit Financial NeedUG course3000 to 12,000 CAD per year.
Renewable for 3-4 years.
University of TorontoLester B. Pearson International ScholarshipsInternational student Enrolled in University of Toronto Completed or in the final year of UG degreeUG courseTuition fee and accommodation fee for 4 years
York UniversityPresident’s International Scholarship Of ExcellenceInternational student Enrolled in the university
Academic grade- 80%
UG course45,000 CAD for four (4) years
University of AlbertaUniversity of Alberta Entrance ScholarshipsFor UG – Meet the university admission requirements
For PG & PhD – Academic grade of 3.
UG, PG and PhD courses,UG – 5,000 to 25,000 CAD per year depending on the course
University of CalgaryUniversity of Calgary International Entrance ScholarshipInternational student Meeting University English language proficiency requirementsUG course20,000 CAD for four years (Renewable)

Scholarships For Indian Students

Exciting news for Indian students: Canada offers scholarships funded by the government, universities, and private institutions. Each scholarship varies in value and eligibility criteria based on the hosting institution. To discover more about these opportunities, delve into the details ahead.

Which Are the Popular Scholarships to Study in Canada for Indian Students?

Students have the option to apply for multiple scholarships that align with their eligibility criteria. Some popular ones are mentioned below, but keep in mind there are numerous other scholarships available for application.

  1. IDRC Research Awards
  2. President Scholarship
  3. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships
  4. Ontario Trillium Scholarship
  5. Banting Postdoctoral Scholarships
  6. Vanier Canada Scholarship
  7. Ontario Graduate Scholarship
  8. Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan

Canada University Scholarships for Indian Students

Name of ScholarshipName of UniversityEligibility Average Amount (in CAD)
University of Toronto Ontario Graduate ScholarshipUniversity of TorontoAll PG & PhD students are eligibleCAD 10,000 – CAD 15,000
University of Calgary International ScholarshipsUniversity of CalgaryAll international students are eligible to applyCAD 500 – CAD 60,000
UBC International Leader of Tomorrow AwardUniversity of British ColumbiaAll international students are eligible to applyCAD 1500 – CAD 50,000
McGill University Scholarship and Student AidMcGill UniversityAll international students are eligible to applyCAD 3000 – CAD 12,000
Western University ScholarshipWestern UniversityThis is a merit-based scholarshipCAD 2000 – CAD 100,000
University of Waterloo International FundingUniversity of WaterlooAll international students are eligible to applyCAD 2500 – CAD 50,000

Frequently Asked Questions

How much percentage is required to get a scholarship in Canada?

You may require a minimum of 80% to apply for scholarships in Canada.

How to get a fully-funded scholarships for international students in Canada?

Candidates having good grades can easily become eligible for fully funded scholarships in Canada. To stand out in the competition, the entrance exam scores and extracurricular activities like volunteering, service, etc would be helpful. Students who have done projects related to the applying course would also help them in achieving fully funded scholarships.

Which is the easiest scholarship to get to study in Canada?

Scholarships that you can easily get in Canada are:

  1. Anne Vallee Ecological Fund
  2. Canada Memorial Scholarship
  3. Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship
  4. Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships
  5. Carleton University Awards for International Students

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