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There are several ways to finance your education in Canada, but students mostly opt to apply for scholarships. Let’s broadly divide the scholarships into types and discuss them further.

To break it down, scholarships in Canada can be categorized into:

• Government-Funded Scholarships: These are offered directly by the Canadian government or provincial governments. They’re usually based on merit, research proposals, or bilateral agreements between Canada and your home country.
• Non-Government Scholarships: These are funded by private organisations, NGOs, or individuals. They often support students pursuing specific fields or working on certain research areas.
• University-Specific Scholarships: Most Canadian universities offer their own merit-based or need-based scholarships to attract high-performing international students. These can range from partial fee waivers to full-ride scholarships.

Each of these categories comes with its own eligibility criteria, benefits, and deadlines, and further in this guide, we’ll walk you through all of them in detail.

Let’s start with government scholarships.

Government of Canada international scholarship programs allow international students to study in Canada at an affordable price. By opting for any of these, you will be able to manage your finances, education loan and lifestyle reasonably.

These scholarships also provide travel and other assistance for your life in Canada.

• Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships: Open to international postdoctoral researchers in health, natural sciences, engineering, or social sciences. Offers INR 43 lakhs (CAD 70,000) per year for 2 years.
• IDRC Research Awards: Available to students from developing countries (including India) enrolled in master's or PhD programs. Offers INR 10-12 lakhs (CAD 16,000-20,000) for research funding.
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: Awarded to exceptional PhD students in health, engineering, science, or humanities. Offers INR 31 lakhs (CAD 50,000) per year for 3 years. Requires nomination by a Canadian institution.
• Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute: Open to Indian citizens pursuing UG/PG degrees in India who wish to take part in Canadian academic programs. Offers partial funding, mostly through tuition waivers or online module access.
• Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan: Available to citizens of Commonwealth countries (including India) applying for master's or PhD studies. Offers INR 6-9 lakhs (CAD 10,000-15,000), depending on the programme.
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS): For master's and PhD students in Ontario public universities. Offers INR 3.1-9.3 lakhs (CAD 5,000-15,000).
• Ontario Trillium Scholarship: Offered to international PhD students with excellent academic records. Provides INR 24.8 lakhs (CAD 40,000) per year for 4 years.
• Canada-ASEAN SEED: Not applicable for Indian students. This scholarship is only open to ASEAN member countries.
• Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship: Currently on hold. Earlier, it offered up to INR 24.8 lakhs (CAD 40,000) for students studying in Quebec.
• National Research Council of Canada (NRC): Research-based funding for master’s or PhD students in science and engineering. Funding varies by project, averaging INR 20-30 lakhs (CAD 35,000-50,000) per year.

Suggested: How to get study loan in Canada for international students?

Non government scholarships in Canada are granted by non-profit organizations or by individuals in positions of power. They do so to attract international students for further studies in Canada. Some of the top study in Canada scholarships you can apply for are:

Study in Canada scholarships are also granted to excellent international students by Canadian universities. Most of these scholarships are merit-based and are allotted to attract the creme-de-la-creme of the world. If you are one of them, then do apply for the scholarships listed below:

Study in Canada scholarships are also granted to excellent international students by Canadian universities. Most of these scholarships are merit-based and are allotted to attract the creme-de-la-creme of the world.

If you are one of them, then do apply for the scholarships listed below:

• University of Toronto: Offers scholarships for international students pursuing master’s and doctoral programmes. Scholarship amount ranges between INR 6.2 lakh - 9.3 lakh (CAD 10,000 - 15,000).
• University of Waterloo: Available to undergraduate and graduate international students. Offers between INR 1.5 lakh - 31 lakh/year (CAD 2,500 - 50,000).
• University of Calgary: Scholarships for undergraduate and graduate international students. Awards range from INR 31,000 - 37.2 lakh (CAD 500 - 60,000).
• University of Alberta: Multiple scholarships are available for graduate and postgraduate international students. Amounts vary by programme and level.
• University of British Columbia (UBC): Merit-based and need-based awards for high-achieving international students. Offers between INR 93,000 - 31 lakh (CAD 1,500 - 50,000).
• Queen’s University: Offers scholarships, loans, and financial aid for international students with strong academic merit or financial need.
• McGill University: Awards between INR 1.8 lakh - 7.4 lakh/year (CAD 3,000 - 12,000) to international students across UG and PG levels.
• Dalhousie University: Merit-based scholarships for international students based on academic excellence. Amounts vary.
• Western University: Offers scholarships to academically excellent international students. The amount is determined based on performance and course of study.

On average, international students in Canada receive between INR 6 lakhs and INR 15 lakhs in scholarships per year (CAD 10,000-25,000), depending on the type of scholarship and academic profile.

Some scholarships cover a small portion of your fees, while others can pay for your full tuition, living costs, and travel.

Here’s what the average range looks like:

• Need-based or merit-based scholarships: INR 1 lakh to INR 6 lakhs (CAD 2,000 to CAD 10,000)
• University scholarships: INR 2 lakhs to INR 18 lakhs (CAD 4,000 to CAD 30,000)
• Government-funded scholarships: INR 20 lakhs to INR 43 lakhs (CAD 35,000 to CAD 70,000) per year
• Research-based fellowships: INR 25 lakhs to INR 50 lakhs (CAD 40,000 to CAD 85,000) across 2-3 years

Some scholarships also include airfare, visa fees, books, or a living allowance. Always check the official scholarship details to know exactly what’s covered.

To apply for scholarships in Canada, Indian students must meet a few common requirements. These may vary slightly based on the university or scholarship provider, but here are the general conditions:

• Academic performance: Most scholarships require a strong academic record, usually a minimum of 70-80% in previous studies.
• Proof of admission: You must have an offer letter or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised Canadian university.
• English language proficiency: A valid IELTS, TOEFL, or other accepted English test score is required by most scholarship providers.
• Co-curricular involvement: Demonstrating community service, leadership roles, or extracurricular achievements can boost your chances.
• Financial need (for need-based scholarships): You might be asked to provide documents to show that you need financial assistance.
• Nationality and residency: You must be an Indian citizen residing in India at the time of applying.
• Specific course or programme: Some scholarships are awarded only to students applying for certain degrees or subjects.
• Age limit: A few scholarships, especially government-funded ones, may have an upper age limit (usually 35 years).

To apply for scholarships in Canada, you’ll need to keep a few important documents ready. These help universities or funding bodies assess your academic background, financial need, and achievements.

Here’s a list of commonly required documents:

• Academic transcripts: Mark sheets from your previous classes or degrees.
• Proof of English language proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL, or other accepted test scores.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP): A short essay explaining your goals, achievements, and why you deserve the scholarship.
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Usually from teachers, professors, or employers who know your academic or professional work.
• CV or Resume: An overview of your education, experience, and extracurriculars.
• Proof of financial need (if applicable): Bank statements or income certificates, if the scholarship is need-based.
• Valid passport copy: For identity and visa-related purposes.
• Offer letter from a Canadian university: Some scholarships require a confirmed admission before applying.

To get a free scholarship in Canada, you can directly apply to universities, or you might need to write an essay to qualify. Every scholarship has its own eligibility criteria, deadlines, and application format.

Since the cost of studying in Canada can be high for international students, the first step is to shortlist the right scholarships based on your course, university, and academic background.

Here’s how you can apply:

• Start with university websites: Most Canadian universities list all available scholarships for international students, along with how to apply.

• Prepare your documents: These usually include academic transcripts, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and proof of language proficiency.

• Watch out for essays or research proposals: Some scholarships ask for an essay explaining your goals, achievements, or community impact.

• Meet the deadline: Scholarship deadlines are often earlier than admission deadlines, so track dates carefully.

• Apply directly or through the university portal: Some scholarships require separate applications, while others are considered automatically with your admission form.

Taking the time to apply for scholarships can save you anywhere from INR 1 lakh to INR 30 lakh (CAD 2,000 to CAD 50,000) over the course of your degree.

And the best part? It reduces your dependence on part-time work or loans, helping you focus more on your studies.

Most scholarship deadlines in Canada fall between September and February for the following academic year. However, scholarship deadlines in Canada vary depending on the programme and university. It's important to check each scholarship's official website for the most accurate dates.

Here are some general timelines:

Canada offers numerous scholarships for domestic and international students, fostering academic excellence and diversity. Scholarships are available at various levels, including undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral studies.

Government-funded programs, university-specific awards, and private initiatives support students in various fields, making education accessible and promoting a vibrant and inclusive learning environment.

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