According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data, over 200,000 Indian students choose to study in Canada every year. With top universities that provide the best education, Canada beats the USA when it comes to a choice for Indian students. The cost of studying in Canada can be high for a lot of Indian students and their families. To help support their finances, students can apply for scholarships in Canadian universities.Canada may be one of the most sought-after locations for international students, but the cost of attending school here is very high. We’ve compiled a list of scholarships for international students offered by the Canadian government, various Canadian colleges, and other organisations for those eager to study in Canada but in need of financial assistance.
This Blog Includes:
- Top Scholarships for Indians in Canada
- University Scholarships in Canada
- A Step-by-Step Application Processfor Applying for Scholarships
- The Right Time to Apply for Scholarships in Canadian Universities
- Eligibility Criteria for Scholarship in Canada
- Non-Government Scholarships to Study in Canada
- What if your Scholarship isn’t Granted in Canada?
- FAQs
Top Scholarships for Indians in Canada
Before we learn how to apply for scholarships in Canadian universities, let’s know what are the popular choices of scholarships for Indian students on a Canadian study permit.
The scholarships available can be put into two categories- non-university offered and the university offered. Here’s the list of popular scholarships and their details in both categories:
| Scholarship | Eligibility |
| Banting Postdoctoral Scholarships | Postdoctoral medical research |
| IDRC Research Awards | Masters and doctoral programs |
| Vanier Canada Scholarship | Postgraduate and research programs |
| President Scholarship | Undergraduate programs |
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship | Graduate programs |
| Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships | Doctoral programs |
| Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan | Masters and doctoral programs |
| Ontario Trillium Scholarship | PhD programs |
Also Read: PG Diploma vs Masters in Canada
University Scholarships in Canada
Some university-specific scholarships in Canada are listed below in a table.
| Scholarship | University | Eligibility |
| The University of Waterloo International Funding | University of Waterloo | Undergraduate engineering programs |
| UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award | University of British Columbia | Undergraduate programs |
| Western University’s International President’s Entrance Scholarship | Western University | Academic Performance |
| Lester B Pearson Scholarship | University of Toronto | Undergraduate programs |
| York University Automatic Entrance Scholarship | York University | Undergraduate and postgraduate programs |
| Internal and Donor Funded awards | Simon Fraser University | Research-based graduate program |
| University of Manitoba Graduate Scholarship | University of Manitoba | Masters and PhD programs |
| University of Alberta Entrance Scholarships | University of Alberta | Masters programs |
| David Strangway Award for Excellence | Quest University | Undergraduate programs |
| University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship | University of Calgary | Undergraduate programs |
Also Read: Study Abroad Scholarships for International Students
A Step-by-Step Application Processfor Applying for Scholarships
The process to apply for scholarships in Canadian universities starts mostly after you get accepted into a Canadian university. You shortlist the names of the scholarships that best suit your situation and check whether you are eligible.
- After finding the eligibility, research the deadline and availability of the scholarship.
- Also to receive the scholarship, you must be an early bird and submit the scholarship request application early.
- You must also have a good reference letter from someone who can give you a good certification about you.
- You may also add any other merit or talent in the application, as it will give you more scope for getting a scholarship.
- Along with some talent, a good grade and IELTS and TOEFL marks also matter.
Also Read: Reasons for Rejection of Canada Student Visa
Once you are done with the list, either contact the financial aid representative of that scholarship or look for the correct information (deadlines, special requirements, etc) on their websites.
Before you start filling out your scholarship form, keep these documents ready that need to be attached to your application:
- Online application form of the university in Canada
- Letter of Acceptance
- All academic transcripts
- Certificates that prove your eligibility
- Statement of Intent- Why do you want this scholarship?
- Aptitude test scores (GMAT, SAT, GRE, etc)
- Proof of English Proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, etc)
- Medical Test results (optional)
After you have attached all the necessary documents to your scholarship application, you can submit them before the deadline.
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Must Read: Cheapest Universities in Canada
The Right Time to Apply for Scholarships in Canadian Universities
The right time to apply for scholarships in Canada and its universities depends upon the application deadlines which are given on either the university portal or the scholarship portal.
If you have been chosen by the university for a particular scholarship depending upon your high academics or co-curricular activities, you are automatically eligible without any application.
Those who wish to apply for a scholarship will need to fill out the application form before the deadline. Most scholarship programs require you to accept your admission to a Canadian university before you apply for them.
Must Read: Public Universities in Canada
Eligibility Criteria for Scholarship in Canada
Well, the first preference of eligibility would be the program you are accepted in. You cannot apply for a master’s scholarship if you have been accepted for an undergraduate course.
Then comes the basis of the scholarship- academics, athletics, cultural talent, social work or on family status grounds. If you are a state or national champion in your sport in India, you will be eligible for scholarship programs that are granting awards based on athletics.
Your English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL also become an eligibility criterion when you apply for scholarships in Canada and its universities.
Also Read: Nursing Courses in Canada
Non-Government Scholarships to Study in Canada
Some of the further scholarships that you can refer to are:
| Scholarship | Deadline | Amount |
| Anne Vallee Ecological Fund | March 2024 | Two $1,500 (INR 1.2 lakh) Scholarship |
| Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships | Mid Fall | $40,000 (INR 33 lakh) + $20,000 (INR 16.5 lakh), as travel and research allowance |
Also Read: Canada Visa Types
What if your Scholarship isn’t Granted in Canada?
A scholarship sounds great, right? But there are chances that you won’t get awarded. The number of awards per scholarship is limited and so are the funds. So, what can you do to lessen the financial burden on your family? The great part is that you can mention that you want to work while you study to your visa authorities and then you will be able to work 20 hours a week and earn up to Rs.1000 per hour.
FAQs
Are there fully funded scholarship programs in Canada universities?
Yes, there are fully funded scholarships available. For example, the Lester B Pearson scholarship at the University of Toronto.
What is the best undergraduate scholarship program in Canada universities for Indians?
Lester B Pearson is a fully funded undergraduate program that is considered the best in Canada.
What is the IELTS requirement for Canadian scholarships?
An IELTS score of 6.5 is required for Canadian scholarships.
Which university has the most scholarships in Canada?
York University, University of Alberta, Simon Fraser University and Western Ontario University are a few of the universities with the most scholarships.
Is it easy to get a scholarship in Canada?
It depends upon the scholarship nature, eligibility and number of awards to decide whether it is an easy or difficult application.
Can I get a scholarship based on my admission?
Yes, if your university application is outstanding, the admission committee will offer you an automatic scholarship in Canada.
Hope this helps you in your process of applying for scholarships in Canada and its universities. Leverage Edu is India’s most trusted study abroad platform. This study abroad buddy will help you at every stage till you fasten your seatbelt on your flight to Canada. So if you want to apply for scholarships in Canada, call 1800-572-000 and book a free counseling session with our experts right now!
