Scholarships in Canada
Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students
Canada is rapidly becoming a top choice for Indian students seeking high-quality education with global recognition. However, the cost of tuition and living can be substantial. Scholarships are the key to making Canadian higher education more attainable. PFEC India is dedicated to guiding deserving students in securing scholarships that help turn their Canadian dream into reality.
Why Apply for Scholarships in Canada?
- Rising Tuition and Living Costs: Although Canada is generally more affordable than the US or UK, university fees range widely (CAD 16,000–35,000/year), and cities like Toronto or Vancouver can be expensive.
- Abundant Funding Opportunities: The Canadian government, provincial authorities, and nearly every university in the country offer a variety of merit-based and need-based scholarships, many of which are open to international students.
- Focus on Diversity and Inclusion: Canadian scholarships actively target students from developing countries like India, rewarding academic excellence, leadership, social impact, or specific subject interests.
- Career Boost: Securing a Canadian scholarship strengthens resumes, increases employability, and sometimes enhances pathways to post-study work or permanent residency.
Types of Scholarships Available
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (PhD only): CAD 50,000/year for 3 years to outstanding doctoral researchers.
- Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships: CAD 70,000/year for 2 years to top postdoctoral researchers in all fields.
- Study in Canada Scholarships: CAD 10,200 (one term) for undergraduate and master’s students from eligible countries, including India. Short-term research or coursework.
- Canadian Commonwealth Scholarships: Supports master’s/PhD study; covers tuition, living stipend.
- IDRC Research Awards: Up to CAD 20,000 for research-inclined master’s and PhD students from developing countries.
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS): CAD 15,000/year for master’s and PhD studies in Ontario institutions.
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto): Full tuition, books, residence, and living expenses for up to four years.
- UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award/IMES (University of British Columbia): Tuition plus living expenses, renewable; IMES worth up to CAD 40,000 across four years.
- University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship: CAD 15,000/year (renewable up to CAD 60,000).
- Dalhousie University Renewable Entrance Scholarships: Up to CAD 30,000.
- University of Waterloo Scholarships: Up to CAD 10,000 for UG, master’s, PhD.
- McGill University Entrance Scholarship: CAD 2,000–5,000 (renewable).
- Université de Montréal UdeM Exemption Scholarship: Tuition fee reductions for UG, master’s, PhD; automatically considered based on academic record; brings costs close to Quebec student rates.
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: PhD, CAD 50,000/year
- Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships: CAD 60,000/year plus additional allowances for travel/research.
- University of Saskatchewan Graduate Scholarship: Up to CAD 20,000 for PhD and CAD 16,000 for master’s.
- University of Alberta, Queen’s, Simon Fraser, McGill, others: Program-specific awards ranging from CAD 5,000–30,000/year.
- Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, Nova Scotia all offer provincial government awards for international students.
- Many private foundations (e.g., Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute, MasterCard Foundation, etc.) fund students from developing countries.
- Organizations like EduCanada and ScholarshipsCanada.com provide national scholarship listings for easy search.
List of Major Scholarships with Coverage & Eligibility
| Scholarship Name | Level | Coverage & Duration | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lester B. Pearson (Toronto) | UG | Full tuition, books, living (4 yrs) | Exceptional academics + leadership |
| UBC International Leader/IMES | UG | Tuition + living or CAD 10–40K total | Academic excellence, financial need |
| Calgary International Entrance | UG | CAD 15,000/year (renewable) | Outstanding academics |
| Dalhousie Renewable Entrance | UG | Up to CAD 30,000 total | Academic merit |
| UdeM Exemption Scholarship | UG, PG, PhD | Reduces tuition to local rates | Based on GPA, automatic consideration |
| Vanier CGS | PhD | CAD 50,000/year (3 years) | Research excellence/PhD candidates |
| Banting Fellowship | Postdoc | CAD 70,000/year (2 years) | Recent PhDs |
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship | Master’s/PhD | CAD 15,000/year | Academic excellence, Ontario unis |
| Pierre Trudeau Foundation | PhD | CAD 60,000/year + extras | Research, leadership |
University-Specific Scholarships (PFEC India Partners)
PFEC India collaborates with top Canadian universities to provide Indian students direct access to exclusive scholarships, tuition waivers, and enhanced support during the application process. Our strong university partnerships ensure students get the maximum opportunity for funding and successful admission.
| University | Scholarship Name | Level | Amount (CAD) | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | U of T International Merit Award | Undergraduate | Up to $7,500 (one-time) | Automatically considered based on academic merit. |
| University of British Columbia (UBC) | International Major Entrance Scholarship | Undergraduate | Variable (up to full tuition) | High academic achievement; auto-assessed during admission. |
| University of Alberta | International Admission Scholarship | Undergraduate | Up to $5,000 | Admission average of 90%+ |
| Ontario Tech University | Leadership Scholarship | Undergraduate | Up to $120,000 | Admission average of 90%+ |
| University of Calgary | International Entrance Scholarship | Undergraduate | $15,000 (renewable) | High school GPA of 3.20+; excellence in extra-curricular or leadership. |
| University of Manitoba | International Student Entrance Scholarship | Undergraduate | Up to $3,000 | 85%+ average in final high school grades. |
| University Canada West | International Student Entrance Scholarship | Undergraduate & Postgraduate | Up to $12,000 CAD | Minimum CGPA 3.00; automatic consideration. |
| University Niagara Falls Canada | International Student Entrance Scholarship | Undergraduate & Postgraduate | Up to $50,000 CAD (UG), up to $10,000 (PG) | Minimum CGPA 3.00; automatic consideration. |
| York University | International Entrance Scholarship | Undergraduate | Up to $2,000 | Automatic based on admission average (85%+) |
| Brock University | Brock Scholars Awards | Undergraduate | $1,000 – $4,000 (Yearly) | Based on admission average (80% and above). |
| Carleton University | Entrance Scholarships | Undergraduate | $1,000 – $4,000/year (renewable) | 80%+ admission average; renewable with GPA maintenance. |
| Concordia University | Entrance Scholarships | Undergraduate | Varies | Automatic based on academic achievement. |
| Lakehead University | International Entrance Scholarships | Undergraduate | Up to $40,000 (over 4 years) | Based on admission average (90%+ for maximum amount). |
| University of Ottawa | Merit/Entrance Scholarships | Undergraduate | Up to $4,000/year | 85%+ average in high school; automatically considered. |
| Trent University | Trent International Global Citizen Awards | Undergraduate | Up to $3,000 | Based on academic merit; automatically assessed during admission. |
| University of Regina | International Entrance Scholarship | Undergraduate | Up to $3,000 | Admission average of 85% or higher. |
| Memorial University of Newfoundland | Entrance Scholarships | Undergraduate | Up to $4,400 | Minimum 80% average; automatic consideration. |
| Wilfrid Laurier University | Entrance Scholarships | Undergraduate | $1,000 – $5,000; Separate scholarship application worth $26,000 | Based on admission average; no separate application required. |
How to Find and Apply for Scholarships in Canada
1. Start researching early:
Use EduCanada, ScholarshipsCanada.com, and university websites to identify suitable awards for your level and program.
2. Maintain strong academics:
Most Canadian scholarships are merit-based; higher GPA dramatically boosts your chances.
3. Prepare for English proficiency:
IELTS/TOEFL usually required for both admission and many scholarships.
4. Collect the right documents early:
- Academic transcripts & certificates
- Language scores
- Statement of Intent/Motivation Letter
- Letters of Recommendation
- CV/Resume/Portfolio
4. Apply directly to universities:
Most major university scholarships are automatic when applying for admission (no separate application needed for awards like UdeM or UBC). Government and private scholarships may have separate applications.
5. Carefully observe deadlines:
Many fall between November–February for upcoming intakes.
6. Highlight extracurriculars and leadership:
Involvement in volunteering, sports, or community adds extra value, especially for awards emphasizing holistic achievement.
PFEC India Scholarship Support
- Personalized scholarship shortlisting: We match students’ academic profiles to suitable and attainable scholarships.
- Application Assistance: Full guidance on documentation, essay reviews, and interview preparation.
- Deadline management: Automatic alerts and reminders for major scholarships and partner university application windows.
- Success tracking: Many PFEC India students secure partial or full funding every year—your story could be next!
Tips for Success
- Apply to multiple scholarships—it’s allowed and smart.
- Review eligibility very carefully; some awards are restricted by field, nationality, or degree level.
- Write a compelling personal statement—show not only your academic ability but your passion, goals, and impact.
- Seek help from PFEC India counselors for document review and deadline monitoring.
Universities
Can Indian students get full scholarships in Canada?
Yes, several fully funded undergraduate (e.g., Lester B. Pearson), master’s, and PhD scholarships (e.g., Vanier CGS, Trudeau Foundation, provincial awards) are open to Indian students.
Do I need to apply separately for university scholarships?
Many major scholarships are automatic with admission application (e.g., UdeM, some UBC awards), but government, external, or competitive merit awards often need a separate application. Check each scholarship page for instructions.[12][14][13]
What grades do I need to win a scholarship?
A minimum 70%+ GPA is expected, but competitive, fully funded scholarships may require 85–90%+ and strong leadership/extracurriculars.
How early should I apply?
Start researching 10–12 months before your intended intake. Most major award deadlines are between November and February for the following September start.[16]
What about living costs and extra support?
Many scholarships cover only tuition; some (like Pearson, UdeM) include living, books, and accommodation. You will need to demonstrate proof of funds for visa purposes (IRCC minimum for 2025: CAD $22,895/year).[16]
Contact PFEC India for Scholarship Guidance
PFEC India offers step-by-step guidance on finding and applying for scholarships in Canada—covering eligibility assessments, application strategy, and document preparation. Secure your Canadian degree without financial worries. Reach out today for your personalized scholarship roadmap!