Canada being a student-friendly country and home of the world’s top universities assists Indian students financially so that they just need to focus on study without worrying about expenses.
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Importance of Scholarships for Indian Students in Canada
Scholarships are a way of granting financial aid to meritorious students who cannot afford either tuition fees, living expenses or both abroad. When students in Canada need to focus only on studying and not work part-time, they can avail scholarships to get their aspirations fulfilled.
Canada being a student-friendly country and home of the world’s top universities also assists Indian students financially so that they just need to focus on study without worrying about expenses.
Why Study in Canada?
If you are going to study in Canada or making plans to study, here are a few reasons which will never make you feel regretted for it as your dream destination.
- Diverse and vibrant conditions- Canada is the home of world’s top universities attracting students from around the world in multicultural and multiethnic environments will help you in exploring different cultures along with academics.
- World-class education system- Canada has the world’s top institutions in its sphere which comes under the top 150 best universities according to QS ranking that not only supports students in their academics but also encourages them to take part in extracurricular activities which foster their overall personality.
- Emphasis on Research- Those who aspire to become scientists or academicians to reveal secrets of nature can opt to study in Canada due to its favourable atmosphere for the research field. Canada is the home of several groundbreaking discoveries and renowned scientists.
- Peaceful and secure environment- Due to its location and low crime index, Canada is ranked second in the world to have a good quality of life.
- Easy avail of PR- The policies of the Canadian government are much more favourable to Indian students who want to pursue a high quality of life. They can become a permanent resident of Canada after finishing their studies to avail the benefits of being a Canadian citizen.
General Scholarships for Indian Students in Canada
Undergraduate Program
Tata Scholarship
Tata Education and Development Trust, a philanthropic affiliate of India’s Tata Group provides financial aid to Cornell University’s undergraduate students from India.
Benefits-
Tata provides financial aid worth $25 million to 20 Indian scholars who want to pursue undergraduate studies from Cornell University in any stream, for the whole academic duration of the course.
Eligibility–
- a citizen of India who has attended secondary school in India
- offered admission to Cornell as an undergraduate student
- eligible for need-based financial aid.
- They must score at least 70% in their final year of senior secondary school in India
Application process– Interested students must complete the admission application and apply for financial aid. All applicants must apply for financial aid by completing the CSS Profile.
Application deadline- For the 2025 intake, the deadline is January 2025
Postgraduate Program
Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship
The scholarship scheme was launched in 1959 by the Government of Canada to foster Canadian values among developing countries. It grants financial aid to Indian students who want to pursue higher education in Canada at Masters level courses.
Benefits– Renewable scholarship scheme assisting Tuition Fees and extra funds worth $10,000.
Eligibility-
- Candidate must be an Indian citizen residing in India.
- For Master’s degrees, applicants should have or intend to hold a Bachelor’s degree with 60 per cent or more marks in the Humanities and Social Sciences Group and 65 per cent or more marks in the Engineering and Technology, Research and Agriculture Group.
Application Process and deadline– Applicants who want to seek this scheme must notify their college/university before the application deadline of the pursuing course for the desired intake.
Mackenzie King Memorial Scholarship
The Mackenzie King Memorial Scholarship was established under the will of the Rt. Hon. W.L. Mackenzie King, who was Prime Minister of Canada. The scholarship is provided to all international students including Indians.
Benefits- There are two types of scholarships
a) Open Scholarships- It is available to all Indian students who want to pursue higher education in any master’s field in Canada (commencing or engaging). Two scholarships are awarded each year worth $12,000 (for the 2024-25 intake, the award is subject to change).
b) Travel Scholarships– This scheme is meant for those students who want to pursue a master’s degree program outside Canada (USA and UK) providing they are already a Canadian undergraduate degree holder.
Eligibility– All Indian students who have excellent academic backgrounds are eligible providing they are holders of a Canadian degree (e.g. undergraduate degree). If the pursuing degree is their first Canadian degree, they are not eligible.
Application process and deadline– Contact the university in which the master’s degree is pursued before February 1, 2024 (for 2024 intake).
Robert Krembil Scholarship of Merit
This scholarship program is open to all international students including Indians interested in pursuing MBA from Schulich’s School of Business, Canada.
Benefits– The scholarship is worth 40,000 CAD and is awarded at the time of entrance to students with excellent leadership skills and academic merit. It is renewable in the second year if the students achieve a GPA of 7.0 on the first 30 credit hours of coursework.
Eligibility– The student must have great academic excellence and achieve a grade of A- or higher (local equivalent will be considered for Indian students), with two years of work experience.
Application process- Application is not required because all international applications made to Schulich’s MBA program are automatically considered. For the 2024 intake, no specific deadline is available and may vary with the dates of round admissions. For more information, check the university website.
Postdoctoral program
Vanier Canada Graduate Program
Benefits- Open to all international students including Indians. It provides fellowship worth $50,000 per year for up to three years of doctoral studies.
Eligibility–
- The candidate must be an Indian citizen
- Intend to pursue, in the summer semester or the academic year following the announcement of results, full-time doctoral (or a joint graduate research program such as MD/PhD, DVM/PhD, JD/PhD, MBA/PhD) studies and research at the nominating institution
- have achieved a first-class average, as determined by your institution, in each of the last two years of full-time study or equivalent
Application Process- The candidate must be nominated by an institute having a quota to host Vanier CGS.
Application deadline- For 2024 intake, deadlines are Mid-April 2024
Also read- 5 Best Canadian Cities to Study Abroad
University Funded Scholarships for Indian Students in Canada
Undergraduate Programs
University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
This is one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarship programs offered by the University of Toronto for all undergraduate courses offered in the campus and its schools. Every year approximately 37 students get nominated for this scheme.
Benefits- Covers tuition, books, incidental and full accommodation fees for four years. Since course and accommodation fees differ, the amount of aid depends upon the schools and region pursued.
Eligibility–
- One must demonstrate exceptional academic achievements and creativity.
- They also must showcase their potential to contribute to the global community through their intellect and interests.
- Must be an international student.
- Must be in the final year of secondary school or passed no earlier than June 2024 (for 2025 intake).
- Going to begin studying at the University by September 2025.
Application Process- The application process will open in September 2024 followed by an application to the desired course at the University of Toronto website.
Deadlines- Application dates are subject to be changed tentatively and will be updated once published.
University of Alberta- India First Year Excellence Scholarship
This is open to all Indian nationals who wish to apply for an undergraduate program at the University of Alberta, in any course. The number of scholarships awarded may vary specifically. This scholarship will be awarded at the entry-level.
Benefits- Covers all courses for 4 years of UG study. CAD 5000 will be awarded to the student at the entry-level after completing admission formalities.
Eligibility-
- The student must be an Indian citizen
- They should be academically meritorious
- They must gain 24 IB, AP, or A-Level credits or local equivalent
Application Process- The scholarship will be granted to students upon admission to Alberta University.
Deadlines- For the 2025 intake, the application deadline is January 2025. The specific date will be updated after its announcement by the university.
University of McGill scholarship aid program
McGill University provides two types of scholarships :
a) Need-based scholarships- These scholarships are provided to students who want to pursue undergraduate courses at McGill University but their lack of finance obstructs in between. This helps students by supplementing other funding sources like government aid, parental support and part-time work.
Benefit- Makes University more accessible to those who belong to low and modest income families. The bursary rates are determined by type of course, level of need demonstrated by student or parents and student residency.
Eligibility-
- Must be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate program at the University
- Must be an Indian citizen
Application deadline- Students must submit a CSS profile in addition to application formalities on the University website before at least 30 days from acceptance of admission.
b) Merit-based scholarships- This scholarship is provided to academically meritorious students who want to pursue undergraduate courses at McGill University, specifically professional courses like medicine and law.
Eligibility- Minimum A average (approximately 97.0% or equivalent) over last two years of full-time study and/or rank in the top 1% of class
Application Process– A separate application that must be submitted soon after submitting your application for admission.
Application deadline- 21 January 2025 for 2025 intake (tentatively)
Postgraduate Programs
University of Toronto Dean’s Graduate Scholarships
This scholarship is provided for Masters level students who want to seek admission in any graduation program of the University of Toronto.
Benefits- This provides significant financial aid to students ranging from $5000-$30,000 per year covering a major portion of tuition fees and living expenses.
Eligibility–
- The student must be an Indian citizen
- They must submit a research proposal demonstrating the research potential.
- They must seek admission to a full-time master’s program.
- A GPA of 3.70 or more (or its local equivalent) is required.
Application Process- The application can be submitted along with detailed admission application on the University website.
Application deadlines– For the 2025 intake, the deadline for applying is January 31 2025.
University of Manitoba’s Graduate Fellowship
This fellowship is provided to those Indian students who want to pursue post-graduate studies in Science subjects.
Benefits– UMGF master’s awards are valued at $14,000 per year for 12 or 24 months, for up to a total of $28,000. Departments/units determine the value and duration of an award.
Eligibility-
- The student must be an Indian citizen.
- They must admitted to the University of Manitoba’s full-time master’s program.
- GPA in a full-time undergraduate program must be 3.0 or more.
Application Process- Consultation with the relevant department is needed after taking admission to the program.
Application deadline- For the 2025 intake, application deadlines are yet to be announced.
International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE)
This scholarship is provided to those Indian students who wish to enter research-based master’s degree programs through enrollment in a full-time postgraduate degree program.
Benefits– Award valued at $2,500 per term for a maximum of five terms.
Eligibility–
- The student must be an Indian citizen
- Students must demonstrate academic excellence through criteria
- Must be enrolled in a full-time master’s program
- The student must not receive or avail of any other scholarship funded by any university or government.
Application Process– The application must be submitted along with the course application submission and the student will be selected by the relevant department for the scholarship.
Application deadline– For the 2025 intake, dates will be announced soon.
Postdoctoral Programs
Four-Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF)
The Four Year Doctoral Fellowship provides tuition aid to Indian students pursuing doctoral studies at British Columbia University.
Benefits- Provide students with stable, base-level funding of at least $18,200 per year for their doctoral studies and research.
Eligibility–
- Must be an Indian citizen
- Showcase their skills and potential in research
- High academic performance in graduate level course
- Funding is subject to satisfactory academic progress
Application Process- All students taking admission to post-doctoral programs are automatically considered to receive funding.
Application deadline- For the 2024 intake, check the dates with specific graduate programs.
Documents Checklist
The following documents are required to apply for the scholarship schemes in Canada. The list may vary depending on the type of course chosen, college and region etc.
- Complete Application Form
- Copy of Passport and Identity Proof
- Academic transcripts
- Letter of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Standardised Test scores
Conclusion
The scholarship helps in reducing the financial burden on students who want to pursue their dreams in Canada’s top Universities. By investing in education programs, both the government of Canada and private establishments are encouraging students to take part in innovation and research so that real problems of the dynamic world can be handled with enthusiasm and unity.
FAQs
Are scholarships taxable in Canada?
Where to apply for the scholarship in Canada?
Do Canadian universities provides scholarship based on IELTS score?
Also read- Life of Indian Students in Canada
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
