How to Get Scholarship in Canada as an International Student [2023]

Canada is widely recognized as a leader in providing accessible, top-notch higher education to international students. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reported that 2022 was a record-breaking year of immigration to Canada, as 551,405 student immigrants from 184 countries studied and lived in Canada. Of these, 2,26,450 were Indian students.

Recently, the government of Canada has made it easier for international students to study in Canadian universities. In fact, the Canadian Government has streamlined the process and a majority of study permit applications now take no longer than two months.

Hiring in Canada post-pandemic has witnessed a remarkable upsurge recently, resulting in considerable boosts in employment. Notably, Non-permanent Residents (NPRs) with either Study or Work Permits are now eligible to work in Canada with fewer restrictions and NPRs currently have taken up over 79,000 positions.

Beginning January 2023, international students in Canada who possess a valid study permit will have the amazing opportunity to work without any limitations regarding hours during school semesters.

Canada remains a top choice for international and Indian students due to its outstanding education, inexpensive tuition fees, employment prospects upon graduation and immigration possibilities afterwards. If you are wondering how to get scholarship in Canada to pursue your studies here, you have come to the right place.

Here’s a look at various graduate scholarships, postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available for international students in Canada. You can also explore getting a scholarship for an MBA in Canada.

Table of contents

• What are the types of scholarships for Canadian Universities?
• What are the general eligibility requirements for scholarships in Canada?
• How to improve your odds of getting a scholarship?
• How to apply for a scholarship in Canada
• Let TC Global Help You with Headache Free Application Process

International scholars can look forward to several scholarship opportunities that open up in Canada for bachelor’s, postgraduate and doctoral programmes. There are both government-sponsored and private scholarships available, as well as university-specific ones.

Government Scholarships

The government of Canada offers several short-term scholarships and exchange programmes for international undergraduate and graduate students and professionals. These programmes aim to create cultural and professional experiences that foster the exchange of ideas and knowledge. Some of the popular Canadian scholarships include:
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships.

The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships programme awards those PhD students with the highest potential – from the home country and beyond Canada’s borders – to contribute to the economic, social, and research growth of the country. Students typically receive a bursary and full tuition fee for their PhD program.

The eligibility criteria are:

• Can be a Canadian resident or an international student
• Must be pursuing research on health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences or humanities

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (Vanier CGS) programme offers extraordinary support to doctoral students from around the world who demonstrate both scholarly excellence and leadership abilities.
Through this programme, exceptional scholars are rewarded for their commitment to celebrating innovation, creativity and research in graduate studies.

The eligibility criteria are:

• Can be a Canadian resident or an international student
• Must be pursuing research on health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences or humanities
• To be eligible for the Vanier Scholarship, candidates must be nominated by a Canadian institution that has been granted an assigned quota.

Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED)

The Government of Canada has recently developed the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) programme to offer students from ASEAN member states an incredible opportunity: a chance to pursue short-term study or research at top Canadian post-secondary institutions in fields that make great strides towards achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This is a fully funded scholarship.

The eligibility criteria are:

• The student must be a member of and enrolled full-time at a post-secondary institution in an ASEAN member state
• To be eligible for the exchange programme, students must have paid their tuition fees to the institution and maintain that payment throughout their time abroad.

Study in Canada Scholarships

The Study in Canada Scholarships under the Global Affairs Canada’s International Scholarships Programme offer ambitious undergraduates and graduates the chance to study or pursue research at Canadian universities, colleges, and post-secondary institutions.

These short-term exchange opportunities are ideal for students who wish to expand their knowledge of a subject or gain valuable hands-on experience with an international institution.

The eligibility criteria are:

• The student must be a citizen of an eligible country/territory which includes Bangladesh, Nepal, Taiwan, Türkiye, Ukraine, Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania and Uganda
• For this programme, the student must be enrolled full-time in an accredited post-secondary institution located within one of the eligible countries or territories.
• Paying tuition fees to the institution you’re applying for and upholding that payment for your entire exchange experience.

Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Programme

In 1973, the Canada-China Scholars Exchange Programme (CCSEP) was created with a joint effort from Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai and Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau.

This programme serves as an official conduit between both countries, providing opportunities for Chinese scholars and professionals to study and collaborate with counterparts in Canada.
The eligibility criteria are as follows:

• Canada generously awards full-time, permanent teaching and research staff; masters’ degree or doctoral level scholars; as well as non-academic senior professionals (such as judges, broadcasters and economists) in China to study in Canada for 12 months.
• All scholarship recipients are visiting scholars and are not required to formally enrol in a university.

Canada-CARICOM Skills Training for the Green Economy Scholarships

CARICOM students have the unique chance to experience and learn in Canada through the CCSTGE Scholarships programme. This scholarship offers short-term exchange opportunities at publicly funded Canadian colleges, giving participants a rewarding opportunity to build their skills for the green economy.
The eligibility criteria are as follows:

• The applicant must be a citizen of a CARICOM member state
• Must be a student enrolled with full-time status at an eligible college or institute located in an eligible country/territory and paying tuition fees to that same institution throughout the duration of the exchange programme.

Emerging Leaders in the Americas Programme

The Emerging Leaders in the Americas Programme (ELAP) has designed an impressive scholarship programme to give post-secondary students from Latin America and the Caribbean a chance to study or research at college, undergraduate, and graduate levels within Canada.
With this incredible opportunity, these ambitious scholars will be able to gain invaluable knowledge through a short-term exchange experience.
The eligibility criteria are as follows:

• The applicant must be a citizen of an eligible country/territory in the Caribbean, Central America, North America or South America.
• To be qualified, you must currently be a full-time student enrolled in an accredited post-secondary educational institution located within one of our eligible countries/territories.
• Must ensure the tuition fees for your home institution have been paid during the application period and throughout your exchange programme in Canada.

Institutional Scholarships

Several Canadian universities and colleges offer scholarships specifically for international students including those hailing from India. This financial aid is designed to help students cover the cost of tuition, housing and other expenses associated with studying in Canada at top universities.

The eligibility criteria for these typically vary by institution and can range from academic achievements to extracurricular activities, English language proficiency such as IELTS scores or even financial needs.

The Anne Vallée Ecological Fund

The AVEF is a merit-based scholarship committed to helping masters and PhD students enrolled in animal research at universities in Québec or British Columbia. To that end, their main focus is on assisting with field studies examining the effects of human activities such as forestry, agriculture, fishing, and industry on wild animal ecology.

The eligibility criteria are as follows:

• The scholarship is open to both Canadian citizens and international students
• The applicant must be interested in pursuing a Master’s or Doctoral studies in Quebec or British Columbia.

Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships

The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships in Canada are designed to cultivate a vibrant group of international youth leaders, allowing them to expand their knowledge and skills on an intercultural level through educational activities, exploration and research, as well as professional development opportunities.

The QES programme is an innovative scholarship project that provides a platform for Canadian universities to submit proposals offering both inbound and outbound scholarship opportunities across different fields.
Universities with successful projects are responsible for attracting scholars, including those from Canada or abroad, based on their research niche as well as partnering organizations and countries.
Note: The eligibility criteria for each scholarship are set by the respective universities.

CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholarship

CIFAR is proud to welcome outstanding early-career researchers from a range of scientific, biomedical and social science backgrounds as well as the humanities to join one of its interdisciplinary research programmes that aim to answer the most pressing questions humanity faces.

The eligibility criteria are:

• Candidates from any nation are welcome to apply, so long as they have earned a PhD (or equivalent)
• The applicant must apply within the first five years of starting their research role at an institution for higher learning or conducting investigations.
• Scholars should be selected to join the CIFAR research programme based on how their research interests align with its themes and goals.

University Scholarships

Canadian universities offer a range of scholarships and awards to eligible international students. These provide assistance with tuition, living expenses, research costs, and other academic costs.

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Programme at the University of Toronto

At the University of Toronto, the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Programme celebrates and rewards exceptional students from around the globe who stand out academically, creatively, and as leaders in their respective schools. It is a four-year opportunity for 37 undergraduate students to have their tuition, books, incidental fees, and full living expenses covered.

The eligibility criteria are:

• The applicant must be an international student requiring a study permit.
• Must be in the final year of high school
• Must begin studies at the University of Toronto in September.

 University of Winnipeg President’s Scholarship for World Leaders

The University of Winnipeg extends its President’s Scholarship for World Leaders to those international students who demonstrate exceptional academic success and a commitment to global citizenship.

The eligibility criteria are:

• The applicant must be an international student and have a minimum entrance average of 80% or above.
• Exhibit exemplary leadership skills.

If you are wondering how to get scholarship in Canada besides the ones mentioned above, you should also look into other undergraduate scholarships, master’s programs and doctoral program scholarships offered by various universities and organizations across Canada.

These include the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award at the University of British Columbia, the York University International Student Scholarship, the Ontario Graduate Scholarship, the University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship, the University of Alberta, the Queen’s University, the University of Waterloo, and Dalhousie University among others.

Many scholarships require that applicants demonstrate a commitment to community service or extracurricular activities. In addition to these basic requirements, individual scholarships may have additional criteria, such as specific academic areas of study or research, language proficiency, financial need and community involvement.

Here’s a look at the basic eligibility requirements for most scholarships for international students:

Applicants should carefully review the terms and conditions for each scholarship to make sure they meet all their eligibility requirements before applying.

How to get scholarship in Canada is a competitive process, but there are some steps you can take to increase your chances. Here are a few tips on how to improve your odds of getting a scholarship:

Tip #1: Research Extensively

Before you begin the application process, it’s important to understand which scholarships you may be eligible for and what criteria each one requires. Make sure you read all of the eligibility requirements carefully and understand them before applying.

Tip #2: Prepare Your Application Materials in Advance

When preparing your application materials, make sure that you have all the necessary information and documents ready. Be thorough and include any relevant experience or accomplishments to make your application stand out.
If you are required to submit an essay or a letter of intent with your application, make sure to edit and proofread it carefully before submitting it. Reach out to family and friends, guidance counsellors or teachers to help you with editing and proofreading.

Tip #3: Demonstrate Leadership Skills

Leadership skills are an important part of any successful scholarship application. Showing that you have demonstrated leadership and initiative in your community or school can help strengthen your application.
If you’re a part of any student organizations or volunteer groups, make sure to include that in your application materials. At the same time, you must not exaggerate your accomplishments or involvements.

Canada offers a variety of scholarships for international students. Applying for one is a competitive process, but there are some steps you can take to increase your chances.

Here’s a quick look at the steps to follow to apply for a scholarship in Canada:

Step #1: Research Potential Scholarships

The first step is to research potential scholarships and make sure you understand the criteria for each one. Make a list of potential scholarships and keep track of all the important deadlines. A simple excel sheet can help you stay organized.

Step #2: Shortlist Scholarships

Once you have identified the scholarships that you are eligible for, you must shortlist the ones that you want to apply for. Don’t spread yourself too thin by applying for too many.

Step #3: Reach Out to Alumni

Reach out to alumni of the university or programme you are applying for, and ask them about their experience. They can provide valuable insights on the application process and what you should include in your application package.

Step #4: Prepare Your Application Materials

Once you have identified which scholarships you are eligible for, you can begin the application process. Prepare your documents and materials such as résumés, essays, letters of recommendation, transcripts and other documents required by the scholarship.

Step #5: Review

Reach out to family and friends, guidance counsellors from TC global or teachers to help you review your application materials before submitting them. Make sure that all of the information is accurate and that you have included all the relevant experience and accomplishments in your application.

Step #6: Submit Your Application on Time

The most important step is to submit your application materials before the deadline. Make sure to double-check all the information and documents you have included in your application before submitting it.

At TC Global, we understand that applying for a scholarship in Canada can be overwhelming. That is why our team of counsellors and experts are here to help you every step of the way. Here are five ways TC Global can help you:

• 1. Our experts will assess your profile and recommend the best possible scholarships for you to apply for.
• 2. We will help you understand the eligibility criteria and make sure you are applying for scholarships that you qualify for.
• 3. Our counsellors will help you with the application process and make sure that it is hassle-free.
• 4. We will guide you through the selection process and help you prepare for the interviews.
• 5. Finally, we will take care of all the administrative tasks involved in securing a scholarship.

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