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 16,000ā35,000/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
1. Government Scholarships
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (PhD only):
CAD 50,000 per year (approx. ā¹34.31 lakhs) for three years, awarded to outstanding doctoral researchers.Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships:
CAD 70,000 per year (approx. ā¹48.04 lakhs) for two years, awarded to leading postdoctoral researchers across all fields.Study in Canada Scholarships:
CAD 10,200 (approx. ā¹7.00 lakhs) for one academic term. It supports undergraduate and masterās students from eligible countries, including India, undertaking short-term research or coursework.Canadian Commonwealth Scholarships:
Supports masterās and PhD studies and may cover tuition fees and living expenses.IDRC Research Awards:
Up to CAD 20,000 (approx. ā¹13.72 lakhs) for research-focused masterās and PhD students from developing countries.Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS):
CAD 15,000 per year (approx. ā¹10.29 lakhs) for masterās and PhD programs at participating institutions in Ontario.
2. University Scholarships
Canadian universities offer a wide range of scholarships for international/Indian students:
Undergraduate Level
- 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 ā University of British Columbia:
Covers tuition fees and living expenses and may be renewable. The International Major Entrance Scholarship may provide up to CAD 40,000 (approx. ā¹27.45 lakhs) across four years.University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship:
CAD 15,000 per year (approx. ā¹10.29 lakhs), renewable up to a total of CAD 60,000 (approx. ā¹41.17 lakhs).Dalhousie University Renewable Entrance Scholarships:
Scholarships worth up to CAD 30,000 (approx. ā¹20.59 lakhs).University of Waterloo Scholarships:
Scholarships worth up to CAD 10,000 (approx. ā¹6.86 lakhs) for undergraduate, masterās, and PhD students.McGill University Entrance Scholarship:
CAD 2,000ā5,000 (approx. ā¹1.37āā¹3.43 lakhs), with selected awards renewable.UniversitĆ© de MontrĆ©al UdeM Exemption Scholarship:
Offers tuition fee reductions for undergraduate, masterās, and PhD students. Eligible applicants are generally considered based on their academic records, thereby reducing international tuition to rates closer to those applicable to Quebec students.
Graduate Level
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships:
CAD 50,000 per year (approx. ā¹34.31 lakhs) for PhD students.Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships:
CAD 60,000 per year (approx. ā¹41.17 lakhs), plus additional allowances for travel and research.University of Saskatchewan Graduate Scholarship:
Up to CAD 20,000 (approx. ā¹13.72 lakhs) for PhD students and CAD 16,000 (approx. ā¹10.98 lakhs) for masterās students.University of Alberta, Queenās University, Simon Fraser University, McGill University and others:
Program-specific scholarships generally ranging from CAD 5,000ā30,000 per year (approx. ā¹3.43āā¹20.59 lakhs per year).
3. Provincial and Private/Foundation Scholarships
- 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.
- PFEC Global will 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, and living expenses for 4 years | Exceptional academics + leadership |
| UBC International Leader/IMES | UG | Tuition + living expenses or CAD 10,000ā40,000 total (approx. ā¹6.86āā¹27.45 lakhs) | Academic excellence, financial need |
| Calgary International Entrance | UG | CAD 15,000 per year (approx. ā¹10.29 lakhs), renewable | Outstanding academics |
| Dalhousie Renewable Entrance | UG | Up to CAD 30,000 total (approx. ā¹20.59 lakhs) | Academic merit |
| UdeM Exemption Scholarship | UG, PG, PhD | Reduces tuition fees to applicable local rates | Based on GPA; automatic consideration |
| Vanier CGS | PhD | CAD 50,000 per year (approx. ā¹34.31 lakhs) for 3 years | Research excellence/PhD candidates |
| Banting Fellowship | Postdoc | CAD 70,000 per year (approx. ā¹48.04 lakhs) for 2 years | Recent PhDs |
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship | Masterās/PhD | CAD 15,000 per year (approx. ā¹10.29 lakhs) | Academic excellence, Ontario universities |
| Pierre Trudeau Foundation | PhD | CAD 60,000 per year (approx. ā¹41.17 lakhs) + additional benefits | 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 and INR) | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | U of T International Merit Award | Undergraduate | Up to CAD 7,500 (approx. ā¹5.15 lakhs), 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 CAD 5,000 (approx. ā¹3.43 lakhs) | Admission average of 90%+ |
| Ontario Tech University | Leadership Scholarship | Undergraduate | Up to CAD 120,000 (approx. ā¹82.35 lakhs) | Admission average of 90%+ |
| University of Calgary | International Entrance Scholarship | Undergraduate | CAD 15,000 (approx. ā¹10.29 lakhs), renewable | High school GPA of 3.20+; excellence in extra-curricular or leadership. |
| University of Manitoba | International Student Entrance Scholarship | Undergraduate | Up to CAD 3,000 (approx. ā¹2.06 lakhs) | 85%+ average in final high school grades. |
| University Canada West | International Student Entrance Scholarship | Undergraduate & Postgraduate | Up to CAD 12,000 (approx. ā¹8.23 lakhs) | Minimum CGPA 3.00; automatic consideration. |
| University Niagara Falls Canada | International Student Entrance Scholarship | Undergraduate & Postgraduate | Up to CAD 50,000 for UG (approx. ā¹34.31 lakhs); up to CAD 10,000 for PG (approx. ā¹6.86 lakhs) | Minimum CGPA 3.00; automatic consideration. |
| York University | International Entrance Scholarship | Undergraduate | Up to CAD 2,000 (approx. ā¹1.37 lakhs) | Automatic based on admission average (85%+) |
| Brock University | Brock Scholars Awards | Undergraduate | CAD 1,000ā4,000 yearly (approx. ā¹0.69āā¹2.74 lakhs) | Based on admission average (80% and above). |
| Carleton University | Entrance Scholarships | Undergraduate | CAD 1,000ā4,000 per year (approx. ā¹0.69āā¹2.74 lakhs), 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 CAD 40,000 over four years (approx. ā¹27.45 lakhs) | Based on admission average (90%+ for maximum amount). |
| University of Ottawa | Merit/Entrance Scholarships | Undergraduate | Up to CAD 4,000 per year (approx. ā¹2.74 lakhs) | 85%+ average in high school; automatically considered. |
| Trent University | Trent International Global Citizen Awards | Undergraduate | Up to CAD 3,000 (approx. ā¹2.06 lakhs) | Based on academic merit; automatically assessed during admission. |
| University of Regina | International Entrance Scholarship | Undergraduate | Up to CAD 3,000 (approx. ā¹2.06 lakhs) | Admission average of 85% or higher. |
| Memorial University of Newfoundland | Entrance Scholarships | Undergraduate | Up to CAD 4,400 (approx. ā¹3.02 lakhs) | Minimum 80% average; automatic consideration. |
| Wilfrid Laurier University | Entrance Scholarships | Undergraduate | CAD 1,000ā5,000 (approx. ā¹0.69āā¹3.43 lakhs); separate scholarship application worth CAD 26,000 (approx. ā¹17.84 lakhs) | Based on admission average; no separate application required. |
How to Find and Apply for Scholarships in Canada
1. Start researching early:
Use PFEC Global 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 NovemberāFebruary 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 studentsā 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 yearāyour story could be next!
Tips for Success
- Apply to multiple scholarshipsāitās allowed and smart.
- Review eligibility very carefully; some awards are restricted by field, nationality, or degree level.
- Write a compelling personal statementāshow 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), masterās, 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.
What grades do I need to win a scholarship?
A minimum 70%+ GPA is expected, but competitive, fully funded scholarships may require 85ā90%+ and strong leadership/extracurriculars.
How early should I apply?
Start researching 10ā12 months before your intended intake. Most major award deadlines are between November and February for the following September start.
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).
Contact PFEC India for Scholarship Guidance
PFEC India offers step-by-step guidance on finding and applying for scholarships in Canadaācovering eligibility assessments, application strategy, and document preparation. Secure your Canadian degree without financial worries. Reach out today for your personalized scholarship roadmap!