Popular Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in Canada

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Cyril Zachariah
Updated on Jun 26, 2023 09:55 PM IST

Looking for scholarships in Canada for Indian students? If you are planning to study in Canada, you can apply for various international scholarships offered by the Canadian government or directly funded by the universities in Canada. Check out the article below for detailed information.

Popular Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in Canada

Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in Canada: It is a fascinating opportunity for Indian students to begin a path of higher education in Canada, and what makes it even more enticing are the top scholarships for Indian students to study in Canada to support their academic endeavours. For Indian students studying in Canada, these scholarships offer financial support, recognition, and chances to thrive in their chosen disciplines.

Canada is a popular choice for international students especially Indians due to its prestigious and globally ranked universities, diversified society, and research possibilities. In order to draw and help Indian students, Canadian colleges and governmental organisations have launched a number of scholarship programmes. By lessening the financial burden and assuring access to high-quality education, scholarships are essential in making this ambition a reality.

We will look at some of the most prestigious scholarships for Indian students to study in Canada in this article. We will provide examples of some of the best scholarships that can help you acknowledge your dream of studying in Canada, from the Ontario Trillium Scholarship and the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto to the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships and the University British Columbia International Student Scholarship. 

Register and connect with our team of experienced study abroad counsellors who are dedicated to helping you find your perfect university and scholarship in Canada.

Types of Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students

It is fair to be inquisitive about the scholarships in Canada opportunities. Even though the country is a hub for academic development and research, it can be said that studying in Canada is expensive. Canada has one of the largest populations of international students, with over 642,000 enrolling in the range of programmes and courses provided by renowned Canadian universities each year. Applying to different types of scholarships in Canada for Indian students enables them to pursue their academic goals and start successful careers at a low cost. Here are the three types of Canadian scholarships available to Indian students:

Canadian Government-Funded Scholarships

The Canadian government sponsors this group of scholarships, which take the form of rewards given to meritorious candidates. They are offered to motivate students to push their boundaries and achieve success in their chosen professions.

Non-Government Scholarships

In addition to the traditional government scholarships, there are a number of non-governmental organisations that provide scholarships in Canada for Indian students looking for financial aid for a particular degree in the form of charities, trusts, clubs, and groups. If a student wants to pursue a certain course, these non-governmental associations and organisations also provide various scholarships. These scholarships often pay for travel expenses, health insurance, monthly stipends, and educational expenses.

Institute-Specific Scholarships

The institute in which a student is pursuing their degree may also provide scholarships to those enrolled in particular courses. To encourage students to focus on their education and coursework without financial stress, several Canadian institutions provide these scholarships.

Looking forScholarships in Canada for International Students?

Quick Glance: Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students

Canada has established itself as an intriguing and alluring destination for higher education, especially for Indian students. The excellence of instruction and the friendly international student community are the main drivers of international students' attraction to Canadian universities. The educational system in Canada has been specifically designed to promote scholarly and intellectual articulation, in-depth research, conceptual comprehension, and interdisciplinary applications in practical settings.

The majority of these institutions are recognised as top-tier universities with flourishing student populations, cutting-edge infrastructure, and exceptional academic curricula. Because of this, the majority of these colleges are highly ranked on the Universal rankings. Additionally, these institutions provide distinctive courses that can give one an advantage over rivals in the employment market. Following are the highlights of some of the popular Indian students' scholarships in Canada across different levels of study and disciplines:

Scholarship Name

Level of Study

Scholarship Amount (in CAD)

Application Process & Deadlines

Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

Masters

5,000 per session (15,000 for three consecutive sessions or 10,000 for two consecutive sessions)

Submit the application to the University of Toronto Scholarship Desk

01 Feb 2023 to 22 May 2023

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Doctoral

50,000 per year

Based on Nomination by the Canadian government

Deadline: Before 01 November 2023 (tentative)

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship

Undergraduate

-

Submit the application to the University of Toronto

Deadline: 16 January 2023

University British Columbia (UBC) International Student Scholarship

Undergraduate

Variable

Submit the application to UBC

Deadline: 31 January 2023

IDRC Research Awards

Doctoral:

Agriculture and Environment Inclusive Economies Technology and Innovation Program

Variable

1 February 2023

While these are some of the top scholarships for Indian students in Canada, there are several others you can apply to offered by the university you intend to apply to. Register and connect with our team of experienced study abroad counsellors to find out the best scholarships for Indian students in Canada.

Interested to know more about the various scholarships in Canada for Indian students? Check out the following video to discover the Top 5International Student Scholarships to Study in Canada:

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Programme

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) is one of the most popular merit-based scholarships in Canada for Indian students. It is awarded to students enrolled in publicly-assisted universities in Ontario. Presently, 19 universities located in the Ontario province of Canada accept OGS scholarships. The University of Toronto offers this scholarship as a jointly-funded scholarship between the Province of Ontario and the University of Toronto.

Eligibility

The minimum requirements for a student to be considered for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program (OGS) are as follows:

  • Must be enrolled at one of the participating institutions with OGS.

  • Must be enrolled in full-time graduate studies

  • Must have a temporary resident visa (student study permit).

How to Apply?

Each participating institute has a separate Ontario Graduate Scholarship page for students to apply for an OGS scholarship. Applicants can access the online application form and submit it at their respective institutes. Along with the application form, the following documents will be needed to complete the OGS application.

  • Academic transcripts of previous years of studies

  • Academic references

  • Awards or research experience (if any)

  • Plan of study

Value

CAD 5,000 per session. CAD 10,000 for two consecutive sessions / CAD 15,000 for three consecutive sessions. One-third of the total amount is funded by the graduate unit of a specific institute.

Deadline

  • 01 February to 22 May 2023

Each participating institution has its own deadline for applicants to submit the OGS Scholarship form. Candidates must confirm the deadline for their respective institutions.

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Funded by the Canadian Government, the Vanier Canada Graduate scholarships in Canada for Indian students are awarded to doctoral students who are enrolled in areas of study such as Health Research, Natural Sciences, Engineering Research or Social Sciences and Humanities Research at Canadian institutions.

Eligibility

The minimum eligibility criteria to apply for Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships to study in Canada are as follows:

  • Must be enrolled in Health Research, Natural Sciences, Engineering Research or Social sciences and Humanities Research

  • Must be nominated by a Canadian institution with a quota

  • Must be pursuing the first doctoral degree

How to Apply?

The candidates must seek a nomination from the university they are enrolled at to be considered for the scholarship. The nomination must be completed before the deadline. The university will provide confirmation of the candidates' registration in a full-time PhD program offered by the university, after which they will be considered for the scholarship.

Value

CAD 50,000 per year for three years during doctoral studies

Deadline 2023

Before 01 November 2023 (tentative)

Know More About Scholarships in Canada for International Students!

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Programme

The University of Toronto offers a Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship to students who are enrolled in undergraduate degree programmes at the university. A total of 37 scholarships are awarded under this category and is one of the most prestigious scholarships offered to international students.

Eligibility

The minimum eligibility criteria that a student must be considered for Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship are as follows:

  • Must have exceptional academic achievements

  • Must demonstrate creativity skills

  • Must prove leadership qualities

  • Must be an enthusiastic learner

  • Must be intellectually strong

How to Apply?

There is no separate application for the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship. Students who apply at the University of Toronto for undergraduate studies with exceptional academic achievements are automatically considered for the scholarship.

Value

Variable

Application Deadline 2023

January 16, 2023

University British Columbia International Student Scholarship (UG)

International students enrolled in undergraduate programmes at the University of British Columbia can apply for the UBC International Student Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to students who have outstanding academic backgrounds. Every year, around CAD 30 million is spent by UBC to offer scholarships to international students and some of its funds are used for undergraduate degree programmes.

Eligibility

The minimum eligibility criteria that a student must fulfil to be considered for the UBC International Student Scholarship are as follows:

  • Must be enrolled at UBC for undergraduate studies

  • Must have excellence in academic background

  • Must demonstrate participation in extracurricular activities.

How to Apply?

Students are automatically considered for the scholarship based on merit. There is no need to fill in a separate application form. The application for admission to undergraduate degree programmes at UBC will be considered for the scholarship.

Value

Variable

Deadline

January 31, 2023

IDRC Research Awards

The IDRC Research Award is awarded to students hailing from developing countries who are enrolled at a recognised Canadian university. The scholarship amount is funded by the respective Canadian university.

Eligibility

The minimum eligibility criteria that a candidate must fulfil to be considered for IDRC Research Awards are as follows:

  • Must be an international student

  • Must belong to an IDRC Research Awards participating country. Students from India are eligible for the scholarship

  • Must be enrolled in a Master's/ Doctoral-level research degree at a recognized institution in Canada

How to Apply?

Candidates must fill in the Application for an IDRC Research Grant kit. The application form is available on the official website of the IDRC Research Award.

Deadline 2023

February 1, 2023

University-Specific Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students

The following table shows the list of university-specific scholarships in Canada for Indian students along with their eligibility criteria and offered amount:

Name of Scholarship

(Providing University)

Eligibility & Description

Scholarship Amount (in CAD)

Brock University Scholarships

(Brock University)

It is a public research university that provides scholarships for all programmes. Students having good academic records are eligible for this scholarship.

20,485

Carleton University Scholarship

(Carleton University)

All UG, PG, & PhD students can avail of this scholarship if they have a good academic record.

6,400

Dalhousie University Scholarship

(Dalhousie University)

This scholarship is purely merit-based and is open to all UG, PG, & PhD students of the university.

38,405

McGill University Scholarships

(McGill University)

It is a fully-funded Masters's & Doctoral scholarship. Students who have a good academic record are eligible.

15,364

UBC Scholarship

(University of British Columbia)

This scholarship is for UG & PG students having excellent academic records & strong extracurricular involvement.

1,02,457

University of Manitoba Scholarships

(University of Manitoba)

It is a completely merit-based scholarship available for PG & PhD students.

20,000

University of Saskatchewan Scholarships

(University of Saskatchewan)

UG, PG & Diploma students enrolled at the university are automatically eligible for the scholarship.

51,215

University of Victoria Scholarship

(University of Victoria)

The scholarship is offered for UG, PG, & PhD programmes.

8,704

University of Waterloo Scholarships

(University of Waterloo)

It is a purely merit-based scholarship available for UG, PG, & PhD Programmes.

17,414

University of Winnipeg Scholarships

(University of Winnipeg)

All students having excellent academic records & leadership qualities can apply for undergraduate & graduate programs

6,400

Bachelor’s Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students

After knowing about some of the best university-specific scholarships in Canada for Indian students, here are some undergraduate scholarships to look forward to for studying bachelor’s degree in Canada aspirants:

Name of Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students

Eligibility 

Amount (in CAD)

Undergraduate In-Course Bursary Program

Concordia University gives partial support to students. All undergraduate students from all Canadian universities are eligible.

Variable

Golf Ontario Scholarship Program

The Golf Ontario provides partial funding to all students. Students of all Bachelor’s subjects can get it.

Variable

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program

This scholarship is available to 37 students at the University of Toronto. To be qualified, you must have strong leadership abilities as well as an exceptional academic record.

Variable

The University of British Columbia International Student Scholarship

The institution spends around USD 30 million every year. Students with outstanding academic records and an interest in extracurricular activities will be considered.

Variable

Education Future International Scholarship

It is available to all Indian university students. This scholarship is based on academic excellence.

3,299 - 16,517

Ambedkar Overseas Vidyanidhi Scholarship

It is completely supported by the Social Welfare Department. It is open to all SC students.

16,517

BeArt Presets Academic Scholarship

It offers students at all Canadian institutions a partial scholarship. Undergraduate students from any discipline are eligible.

2,559

ASM Materials Education Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship

ASM International funds this scholarship for UG students. All Bachelor’s students of Metallurgy or Materials Science Engineering are eligible.

12,797 towards tuition fees

Scotiabank International Partner Entrance Scholarships

This scholarship funded by Scotiabank provides partial funding to students. It is open to all of George Brown College of Applied Arts & Technology.

6,398

Global Citizen Scholarship

MPOWER Financing hosts this fully-funded scholarship. Students of all Bachelor’s disciplines are eligible.

12,797

Master’s Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students

Here are some of the best master’s level scholarships in Canada for Indian students that will help them to pursue a master’s degree in Canada:

Name of Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students

Eligibility 

Amount (in CAD)

Conestoga College International Degree Entrance Scholarship

Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning provides it. The institute's Master's students are all qualified.

1,918

Sanders Prize in The History of Early Modern Philosophy

This scholarship is provided by the Marc Sanders Foundation. It grants partial financing to all History of Early Modern Philosophy students.

6,393

University of Buckingham Ondatje Postgraduate Scholarship

It provides partial funding to all Master's students. All University of Buckingham Master's students are eligible.

6,396

Richard A. Freund International Scholarship

This partially-funded award is administered by the American Society for Quality. It is accessible to all students enrolled in specific courses at any Canadian university.

6,393

Khyentse Foundation Individual Practice Grants

The Khyentse Foundation contributes financially to students pursuing a Master's degree in Buddhist Studies and Practice.

6,393

Finduddannelse.Dk Sustainability Scholarship

This scholarship is funded by the University of Gloucestershire. It is accessible to all Master of Sustainable Studies students.

6,847

International Peace Scholarship for Women

The P.E.O Sisterhood makes this available to all female students. Female students from all Canadian universities are eligible.

15,985

Ontario Graduate Scholarship

This scholarship is provided by the Government of Ontario to all Master's students. It is based on an outstanding academic record.

19,181

University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship

This scholarship is funded by the University of Manitoba. Master's students from all fields at the institution are eligible.

23,013

Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship

This fellowship is offered to all Master's students and is financed by the Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation. To be eligible, students must have an outstanding academic record.

Students can take interest-free loans for up to CAD 32,974

MBA Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students

Canada is known for its prestigious MBA degree and curriculum in the world, attracting a plethora of international students to come here and earn an MBA degree from high-ranking business schools. Having said that, here are the top 10 MBA scholarships in Canada for Indian students: 

Name of Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students

Eligibility 

Amount (in CAD)

Sony of Canada MBA Scholarship

This is available to MBA students at the University of Schulich. The scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement and other particular qualities.

3,844

Ivey MBA Scholarships

The Ivey Business School scholarship is the most generously funded in Canada. It is solely based on GMAT scores and academic achievement. 

12,813 to half tuition fees

Michael Lang MBA Award

This award is funded by the Alberta School of Business. Full-time students are all eligible.

12,813

Claude Winspear MBA Award

It is available to Alberta School of Business students. Those with a high GMAT score and a strong academic record are eligible.

12,813

Accelerated Career Scholarship

This scholarship is sponsored by the Sauder School of Business. GMAT, GPA, interview performance, and essays are used to choose students.

12,813

Haskayne School of Business MBA Entrance Scholarships

It helps financially challenged students by supporting their education. It is based on merit as well as GMAT and GPA results.

14,735

Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program

This scholarship programme is supported by four universities. Students from participating universities are eligible.

19,225

Rotman Entrance Awards and Fellowships

It offers two popular admission awards to Rotman School of Management students enrolling in the Morning and Evening MBA programmes. All students admitted to the institution are eligible based on their IELTS, GMAT, and interview scores.

25,629

Robert Krembil Scholarship of Merit

This scholarship is provided by the Schulich School of Business. Students at the institution are immediately considered merit-based.

42,279

FortA Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship in Canada for Indian students is available to Rotman School of Management students. Students with strong leadership skills and a desire to help women and girls via personal mentoring.

51,262

PhD Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students

The country offers numerous PhD scholarships in Canada for Indian students and provides some of the best high-tech research facilities in the world. The following table shows the list of scholarships in Canada for PhD students along with their eligibility criteria and offered amount:

Name of Scholarship

Eligibility & Description

Scholarship Amount (in CAD)

Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds PhD Fellowships

BIF provides partial funding to students pursuing their Doctoral programme in Biomedical Research

Partial funding and a monthly stipend

Dalhousie University - OZ Optics Limited Graduate Scholarships

The Dalhousie University offers this scholarship to PhD students majoring in Physics, Computer Science, & Electrical Engineering

10,000

Google PhD Fellowship Programme

Google hosts this scholarship for selected PhD students pursuing their PhD in Computer Science

100% off on tuition fees

Horowitz Foundation Grants

The Horowitz Foundation for Social Policy funds this scholarship. It is open to all students of Social Policy

9,623

Ontario Trillium Scholarships

It is a merit-based scholarship provided by the Canadian Government to all universities in Ontario

51,301

UBC General Awards

The University of British Columbia offers partial funding to PhD fellows pursuing any discipline at the university

Variable

University of Alberta Scholarships

The university provides partial funding to all PhD students studying at the University of Alberta

21,815

University of British Columbia - Affiliated Fellowships

Students pursuing their PhD in selected disciplines are eligible for this scholarship

30,000

University of Lethbridge SGS Deans Scholarship

PhD students pursuing all disciplines offered by the university are eligible

12,828

University of Ottawa PhD Studentship in Gut Microbiology

This is open to all students of Gut Microbiology at the University of Ottawa

32,081

Tips to Apply for Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students

The following are some important tips one should follow while applying for scholarships in Canada for Indian students:

  • Researching: You must begin your search for scholarships for the university and programme of your choice. For Indian students, there are numerous scholarships and awards available, however, there is a deadline. Being able to make the appropriate choice requires getting started early.
  • Preparation: Each scholarship has a different eligibility requirement as well as terms and requirements. One university might request your academic transcripts, while another university would want you to write a personal essay. Before you begin the application, prepared all the required documents.
  • Organisation: The majority of scholarship applications need a large number of papers and documents. Keep your records close to hand, and before applying for scholarships in Canada for Indian students, make sure all your documents are organised.
  • Crafting Exceptional LOR: An exceptional letter of recommendation can make your scholarship application stand out from the crowd. You can ask your teachers, professors, and colleagues to write great Letters of Recommendation (LORs) for you.
  • Applying: Do not forget to double-check that you have included all the mandatory information and supporting documents. Remove spelling and grammatical errors by having someone proofread it.

While these are some of the best scholarships in Canada for Indian students, there are several different types of scholarships and financial aid available for Indian students across Canada. As stated above, federal and provincial governments, private organisations and universities, all offer a number of popular scholarships in Canada, especially for Indian students.

Want to learn more about popular scholarships in Canada for Indian students? Register and connect with us to find out the best scholarships in Canada for you with the help of our team of experienced study abroad counsellors.

Apply for Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students Today!

FAQs

What are the popular scholarships for Indian students in Canada?

Among the popular scholarships that international students can apply for in Canada include Ontario Graduate Scholarship, Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, Lester B Pearson International Scholarship, UBC’s International Student Scholarship and many more. It should be noted that these are just a few of the many scholarships in Canada for Indian students that can be applicable to you.

Can Indian students study for free in Canada?

While there are no tuition-free universities in Canada, Indian students can apply for different scholarships that cover different aspects of studying abroad. From covering 50-100% of the tuition costs to covering accommodation costs or covering costs associated with research work. Register and connect with us to find out the different scholarships in Canada for Indian students that you can apply to.

Do all universities offer scholarships in Canada for Indian students?

Yes, all universities do offer scholarships in Canada for Indian students to help them pursue their higher studies across different disciplines. However, it should be noted that some universities may not offer India-specific scholarships in Canada. Therefore, when applying for scholarships in Canada, check the scholarships offered by your desired universities and complete the necessary steps to avail of such scholarships.

Do Indian students need to apply for scholarships in Canada?

No, depending on the scholarships that have been selected, Indian students may not be required to apply for scholarships in Canada. In fact, some universities in Canada offer scholarships to Indian students based purely on the academic transcripts and merit they achieved at their previous institutions. In such cases, scholarships in Canada for Indian students will be selected automatically.

Can Indian students apply for 100% scholarships in Canada?

Yes, Indian students can apply for 100% scholarships in Canada, provided they meet the appropriate eligibility criteria for such scholarships. In some cases, universities will go through the academic report of a prospective candidate and select the eligible students for 100% scholarships in Canada for Indian students. If you are interested in applying for scholarships in Canada, register and connect with our team of experienced study abroad counsellors.

What documents are needed to apply for scholarships for Indian students in Canada?

When applying for scholarships in Canada for indian students, some of the documents that you need to submit include all the necessary academic transcripts (for merit-based scholarships, financial documents supporting your financial need for scholarships (for need-based scholarships), essays, and any other supporting documents. Each university, institution or federal/provincial government will define the rest of the documents needed to apply for the scholarships in Canada.

Do scholarships in Canada cover the entire tuition fee?

Depending on the scholarships being offered to eligible students and the organisations offering them, students may receive a scholarship that covers the entire tuition costs. However, many universities and organisations require candidates to maintain and present valid proof that their academic report is consistently good. Some scholarships may require students to maintain an overall score of 70-80% or higher to receive the scholarship the next academic year.

Do I need an IELTS score to apply for scholarships in Canada?

No, international students applying for scholarships in Canada may not require an IELTS score to apply for scholarships in Canada unless the scholarship they are applying for specifies it in the eligibility criteria. Most merit-based scholarships in Canada for Indian students will only consider the academic excellence displayed by a prospective candidate and continue to offer them financial aid till they continue to present the same academic results.

How can Indian students apply for scholarships in Canada?

For those looking to apply for popular scholarships in Canada for Indian students, it is important to visit the official website of the organisation offering the desired scholarships. The directions to apply as well as the eligibility criteria for the scholarships for Indian students in Canada will be outlined on the website itself.

Can Indian students apply for scholarships in Canada?

Yes, all Indian students can apply for different scholarships in Canada, provided they meet the necessary eligibility criteria for the courses. If you are interested in studying in Canada on scholarships, then you can either apply to scholarships offered by universities, organisations or federal/provincial government scholarships. It should be noted that the scholarships in Canada for Indian students will either be need-based or merit-based only.

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