Indian students pursuing academics in Canada may be eligible for scholarships, reducing living and tuition costs, making education more accessible, and Canada’s excellent educational system, diverse culture, and promising job opportunities attract international students.

Types of Scholarships for International Students in Canada

Indian applicants who wish to maximise their chances of receiving financing from a scholarship program should apply as early as possible, maintain strong academic standing, and exhibit their leadership abilities and interest in extracurricular activities. They also need to go over all of the prerequisites and deadlines for each scholarship program.

Scholarships for Indian students in Canada are divided into 3 types:

Government-Funded Scholarships: Based on academic merit, financial need, or demographics, these scholarships are provided by government organisations to help students further their education.

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
• Ontario Trillium Scholarships
• Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED)
• Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program
• Study in Canada Scholarships

Non-Government Scholarships: Non-government scholarships are funded by individuals, private corporations, charities, and private groups. These prizes may be given out under majors, extracurricular activities, community service, or academic achievement.

• Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute Scholarships
• Anne Vallee Ecological Fund
• Surf Shark Privacy and Security Scholarship
• Scholarships offered by non-profit organisations and individuals

Institution-Specific Scholarships: Applying to specific institutions is also beneficial as most offer a scholarship from their end. These scholarships may be funded by sponsors, alumni, or the institution.

• University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program
• Dalhousie University International Scholarships
• University of British Columbia International Scholars Program
• McGill University International Doctoral Awards

Top 10 Government Scholarships in Canada

The top government-funded scholarships for overseas students—including Indian students—wishing to study in Canada are listed below.

Scholarships Name	Description	Amount
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships	Distinguished PhD scholarships in Canada to recruit top candidates from throughout the world who possess academic brilliance, leadership, and research potential.	CAD 50,000 per year for 3 years
Ontario Trillium Scholarships	Merit-based scholarship program offered by the Government of Ontario in collaboration with partner universities.	2-term CAD 10,000, 3-term CAD 15,000.
Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED)	The Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) promotes ASEAN study in Canada.	Up to CAD 15,900
Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program	Scholarship for Chinese students to pursue academics at Canadian institutions.	Varies
Study in Canada Scholarships	Various scholarship programs are offered by the Canadian government for international students.	Varies
Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program	Canadian university scholarships for selected North and South American countries.	Up to CAD 11,100
Foreign Government Awards Program For Canadian Students And Researchers	Canadian scholarship to study or research in Mexico at designated universities.	Up to CAD 12,700
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships Program	Scholarship for study in engineering, humanities, health, and science.	CAD 70,000 per year
Postdoctoral Research Program	Postdoctoral natural science scholarship at Canadian government labs and research institutions.	Salary
Canadian Francophonie Scholarship Program (CFSP)	Offers scholarships to Francophone students studying in French at Canadian universities.	Varies

Top Non-Government Scholarships in Canada

The following scholarships are offered by private organisations, charities, and foundations, and cover a range of academic levels and fields.

Scholarship Name	Description	Amount
Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute Scholarships	Offers scholarships to encourage academic and cultural exchange between India and Canada.	Varies
Anne Vallee Ecological Fund	Scholarship for worldwide environmental science and conservation graduate students.	Varies
Surf Shark Privacy and Security Scholarship	Cybersecurity, privacy, and digital rights scholarship for overseas students.	USD 2,500
Scholarships offered by non-profit organisations and individuals	Private foundations, charities, and individuals grant scholarships to international students in Canada.	Varies

Scholarships Offered by Canadian Institutions for International Students

The following scholarships span a variety of academic levels and subjects and are provided by foundations, charities, and private groups.

Scholarship Name	Description	Amount
University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program	These fully-funded scholarships in Canada cover tuition, books, incidentals, and housing for four years of undergraduate study.	Full tuition coverage
Dalhousie University International Scholarships	Dalhousie University awards scholarships to top overseas undergraduates.	$10,000 to CAD 40,000 per year
University of British Columbia International Scholars Program	UBC awards international undergraduates with scholarships for academic excellence.	Up to CAD 40,000 per year
McGill University International Doctoral Awards	International doctorate students at McGill University might receive the Tomlinson Doctorate Scholarship.	CAD 25,000 per year
University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship	Prestigious scholarship for overseas undergraduates’ academic and extracurricular excellence.	CAD 60,000 over 4 years
University of Winnipeg President’s Scholarship for World Leaders	International students entering any undergraduate degree at Winnipeg receive scholarships.	CAD 3,500 to CAD 5,000
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships	The University of Manitoba offers merit-based fellowships to master’s and doctorate students based out of Canada.	CAD 14,000 for a master’s, CAD 18,000 for a PhD

Eligibility Criteria for Applying for Scholarships to Study in Canada

Indian students interested in studying in Canada should consider these scholarship-qualifying factors:

• Good academic record: Most Canadian scholarships require an 80% or above GPA.
• English proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS or any other equivalent exams are mandatory for proficiency in English language.
• Choosing a field: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) students may have more scholarship opportunities.
• Money matters: Mostly, financial aid is available and thus a stable financial standing is preferred.
• Have your visa status checked and ready: Most Canadian scholarships require a study permit. Organise your paperwork beforehand.

How to Apply for Scholarships to Study in Canada?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for Canadian scholarships as an overseas student:

• Know what’s needed: Meet the eligibility criteria which usually includes language skills, aptitude, grades, extracurriculars etc.
• Find scholarships: Check out scholarships offered by the Canadian government, private groups, and schools. Pick ones that match your academic and financial status.
• Get your documents ready: Gather your school records, language test scores, recommendation letters, and anything else the scholarships ask for.
• Apply early: Keep track of when applications are due and send in all your records ahead of time. Scholarships often go to the people who apply first, so it’s important to be early.
• Show your strengths: Showcase your good grades, activities, leadership roles, and anything else that makes you a great choice for the scholarship.
• Keep in touch: After you apply, stay in contact with the scholarship giving authorities and your school to see how things are going and for any further assistance.

Conclusion

International students can get government-funded scholarships from Global Affairs Canada to cover tuition and living expenses. Non-government scholarships, such as those from private institutions, increase financial support choices.

These scholarships help pay for school and honor academics, extracurriculars, and community service. Scholarships in Canada make education affordable and nurture a vibrant foreign student community, promoting cultural interchange and academic performance.