Looking for scholarships in Canada for Indian students? We’ve got the list.

Canadian universities and colleges provide a wide range of scholarships to meritorious international students to help them fund their studies. Apart from this, many scholarships, grants, and bursaries are also offered by the Canadian government, and public and private establishments. Before you apply to any of these scholarships, do check the eligibility and criteria, along with the closing date.

What is the criteria for applying to scholarships to study in Canada for Indian students?

The primary criterion for most scholarships is a good academic score, however, it also depends on factors such as your chosen destination, subject and level. In some scholarships, factors like extracurricular activities, and volunteering can also be used to advantage.

You may need to declare scores of an English language proficiency test such as IELTS, which is commonly accepted by all Canadian institutions.

What amount of money is available through scholarships?

The amount of money available and type of award varies between various institutions. Getting a scholarship is competitive and so, you must apply well ahead in time. We recommend you start with the procedure about 8-12 months before the preferred intake begins.

Here are some popular government-funded scholarships available for Indian students to study in Canada:

S. No.

Name of the scholarship

Description

1

Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute

Offers various fellowships at different levels from graduate to post-doctorate and from research to training fellowships

Shastri Research Student Fellowship: For students enrolled in Bachelors, Masters, M.Phil degree programmes in recognised Indian universities or institutions to undertake research in their interested areas/ fields in a Canadian university

Eligible students can also pursue an e-course (module/part of a course), or do an e-internship at Canadian universities, which falls under SICI network

2

Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan

This scheme identifies students with high intellect from Commonwealth countries applying to programs of advanced study and research at the Master and PhD level

The award comprises travel, living allowance and the compulsory tuition fees

It includes Graduate Students Exchanges (GSEP), which provide $10,000 for transportation, living and other expenses in Canada for 5-6 months

(Source: https://www.collegesearch.in/study-in-canada)

3

Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program

For graduate students in a wide variety of disciplines

As a pre-requisite to applying, students must accept an offer from a university in Ontario and obtain a valid study permit

The scholarship amount is $5,000 per session. So, you may receive $10,000 (two consecutive sessions); $15,000 (three consecutive sessions). In all, the unit will limit itself to one-third of the cost of the total award to be received by you

Each award is tenable for one year (two to three academic sessions). The value and duration are determined by the awarding graduate unit and detailed of which will be mentioned in your offer letter

Deadlines are set by the current or proposed graduate unit

Duration: Each scholarship is tenable for one year (i.e., two consecutive or three academic sessions). The value and duration of each OGS award will be determined by the awarding graduate unit and detailed in the offer letter.

(Source:https://www.sgs.utoronto.ca/awards/ontario-graduate-scholarship/#section_1)

4

National Research Council of Canada (NRCC)

Research associateship is offered to master’s degree holders in engineering and PhD holders in natural science or engineering disciplines

(Please connect with your IDP expert for more information)

5

Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship

For students studying in Quebec

Financial assistance to students at master’s level or above

Each application is assessed on its merit

Value and duration are determined as per the level of study:

Doctoral program: $25,000 a year and duration is up to 3 years with a possible extension to it of 12 months

Postdoctoral scholarships: $35,000 for one year and can’t be renewed

Short-term research or professional development scholarship: $3,000 each month for 4 months

(https://www.quebec.ca/en/education/study-quebec/financial-assistance-international-students/merit-scholarships)

6

Ontario Trillium Scholarship

First announced in November 2010 for doctoral students from around the world to study in Ontario

Each scholarship is worth $40,000 annually, renewable for a maximum of four years

75 scholarships are awarded each year

Ontario universities are responsible for selecting and awarding the scholarship to international PhD students based on merit and program criteria

(Source: https://graduatestudies.uoguelph.ca/current/funding/scholarships/gov-fundedawards/ots)

7

Partnership Grants by Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada

For PhD candidates

Supports new or existing research initiatives in social sciences and humanities

Worth up to CAD 20,000

Duration: 4 to 7 years

(Source:https://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/funding-financement/programs-programmes/)

8

Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships

Offered by the Canadian government to international students to pursue postgraduate programs within the natural science, social sciences, or healthcare research

This Postdoctoral Fellowship is worth $70,000 per year (taxable) for two years

Deadline for this scholarship is 1st October 2020

(Source:https://www.educanada.ca/scholarships-bourses/news-nouvelles/2020/2020-06-01.aspx?lang=eng)

9

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

This scholarship is awarded by Government of Canada to meritorious students who aspire to pursue a doctoral degree at a Canadian institution

Duration is for 3 years (non-renewable) and amount is 50,000 CAD per year

Deadline to submit an application to the nominating institution. Contact nominating institution for a specific date.

(Source:https://vanier.gc.ca/en/nomination_process-processus_de_mise_en_candidature_overview.html)

*This is an indicative list, please speak with your experts for details and best available options suited to your profile

Some non-government scholarships are also available for you to study in Canada

S. No.

Name of the scholarship

Description

1

Anne Vallee Ecological Fund

These scholarships are designated for international students to support them undertake animal research at master or doctoral program in Québec or British Columbia University

This fund offers two $1,500 scholarship

Deadline: Likely in March 2024

(Source: https://www.grad.ubc.ca/awards/anne-vallee-ecological-fund)

2

Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships

These are offered to international students at doctorate level for some specific Canadian institutions

The amount is $40,000 each year for three years; and $20,000 each year for three years, as research and travel allowance

Deadline: Mid Fall Session, your IDP experts can help you with the application process

(Source: https://www.mcgill.ca/gps/funding/students/trudeau)

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Ques. What types of scholarships are available for international students to study in Canada?

Ans. There are various types of scholarships available for international students in Canada, including merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, country-specific scholarships, program-specific scholarships, research scholarships, and government-funded scholarships.

Ques. What are the eligibility criteria for scholarships to study in Canada?

Ans. The eligibility criteria for scholarships to study in Canada vary depending on the scholarship, but generally, they include academic excellence, financial need, leadership potential, community involvement, and proficiency in English or French language.

Ques. How do I find scholarships to study in Canada?

Ans. You can find scholarships to study in Canada by searching online scholarship databases, checking with your desired university's website, or by contacting the Canadian embassy or consulate in your country.

Ques. How do I apply for scholarships to study in Canada?

Ans. The application process for scholarships to study in Canada varies depending on the scholarship. Generally, you will need to complete an application form, provide academic transcripts, write a personal statement or essay, and provide letters of recommendation. Make sure to carefully read and follow the instructions for each scholarship application.

Ques. When should I apply for scholarships to study in Canada?

Ans. It's recommended that you start researching and applying for scholarships to study in Canada as early as possible, ideally 6-12 months before the start of your program. Scholarship deadlines can vary, so make sure to check the specific deadlines for each scholarship you are interested in.

Many Canadian universities and colleges also have their own list of scholarships for Indian students. Don’t worry if you get stuck anywhere, our international education experts will be more than happy to guide you through.