Scholarship to Study in Canada for Indian Students: Fully Funded & Government
Studying in Canada is a dream for many Indian students. However, tuition fees and living costs can be high. Scholarships help ease this financial burden. Many Canadian universities, government bodies, and private organizations offer fully funded and partial scholarships to deserving students.
The Canadian government provides multiple funding options for international students. These scholarships support tuition fees, living expenses, and research costs. Indian students with strong academic records, leadership skills, and community involvement can apply for these opportunities.
Scholarships are highly competitive. To increase your chances, start preparing early. Research available scholarships, meet eligibility criteria, and gather necessary documents. English proficiency tests like IELTS are often required.
The amount of funding varies based on the scholarship. Some cover full tuition, while others provide partial funding. Begin your application process at least 8–12 months before your preferred intake.
What are the Types of Scholarships for Indian Students in Canada?
- Merit-Based Scholarships – Given for good grades, leadership, or special achievements.
- Need-Based Scholarships – For students who need financial help to study.
- Government Scholarships – Provided by the Canadian government for international students.
- Program-Specific Scholarships – For students in certain subjects like science, business, or healthcare.
- Research Scholarships – For students doing research, mainly for master’s or PhD programs.
- Country-Specific Scholarships – For students from specific countries, funded by universities or organizations.
- Athletic Scholarships – For students who are good at sports and want to study in Canada.
Government-Funded Scholarship for Indian Students in Canada
Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute
The Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute provides fellowship opportunities specifically for students studying from undergraduate to post-doctoral levels. Through its network, the SICI supports Canadian universities to provide research opportunities accompanied by training initiatives and e-learning platforms. Through the Shastri Research Student Fellowship Indian students can conduct research or internships in Canada which strengthens academic relations between both countries.
Scholarship Name | Amount Awarded | Eligibility Criteria | Application Deadline |
Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute | Varies based on fellowship type | Indian students in Bachelor’s, Master’s, M.Phil, or doctoral programs | Varies by program |
Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
Through this scholarship, the institute selects top students who belong to Commonwealth nations for their research and academic endeavors at the Canadian master’s and doctoral levels. Candidates receive funds for transportation costs together with a stipend alongside complete tuition payment. Through the program, applicants can access the Graduate Student Exchange Program (GSEP) which provides $10,000 of research funding.
Scholarship Name | Amount Awarded | Eligibility Criteria | Application Deadline |
Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan | Travel, living allowance, and full tuition fees | Master’s and PhD students from Commonwealth countries | Varies by institution |
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) supports international graduate students in Ontario universities. Students who possess an Ontario University acceptance letter along with a valid study permit can access these scholarships. The scholarship program provides awards between $10,000 for two sessions up to $15,000 for three sessions that contribute toward one-third of the total award expenses.
Scholarship Name | Amount Awarded | Eligibility Criteria | Application Deadline |
Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program | $5,000 per session (up to $15,000) | International students accepted into an Ontario university | Set by each university |
National Research Council of Canada (NRCC)
Research associateships at the NRCC welcome Master’s degree holders in engineering together with PhD recipients in natural sciences or engineering. Through this program graduate students get access to collaborate with leading Canadian research experts. Research associates in Canada pursue work within disciplines such as AI and biotechnology together with materials science.
Scholarship Name | Amount Awarded | Eligibility Criteria | Application Deadline |
National Research Council of Canada (NRCC) | Varies by research project | Master’s in engineering or PhD in natural sciences/engineering | Rolling applications |
Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship
This award caters to Quebec-based graduate students who pursue Master’s as well as PhD degrees. The scholarship foundation bases evaluation solely on merit without considering group performance. Doctoral students who participate in the program receive $25,000 annually throughout three years of participation while postdoctoral students obtain $35,000 for a single year with short-term researchers receiving $3,000 each month for up to four months.
Scholarship Name | Amount Awarded | Eligibility Criteria | Application Deadline |
Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship | $25,000/year (PhD), $35,000/year (Postdoc), $3,000/month (Short-term) | Master’s or PhD students studying in Quebec | Varies by institution |
Ontario Trillium Scholarship
Since its establishment in 2010, this scholarship has provided financial support to international doctoral students studying their PhD programs in Ontario. The award provides $40,000 every year and lasts for four years before renewal runs out. Academic excellence and program suitability are the main factors Ontario universities use when selecting students for their scholarships.
Scholarship Name | Amount Awarded | Eligibility Criteria | Application Deadline |
Ontario Trillium Scholarship | $40,000 per year (renewable for four years) | International PhD students studying in Ontario | Varies by |
Partnership Grants by SSHRC
The grants finance both fresh research projects and active academics operating within social science and humanities disciplines. Candidates enrolled in PhD programs can access this grant funding which gives up to CAD 20,000 throughout its 7-year duration.
Scholarship Name | Amount Awarded | Eligibility Criteria | Application Deadline |
Partnership Grants by SSHRC | Up to CAD 20,000 | PhD candidates conducting research in social sciences/humanities | Varies by research project |
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship is a prestigious award for international students. It supports research in natural sciences, social sciences, or healthcare. The fellowship provides $70,000 per year for two years. Candidates must show leadership skills and submit a strong research proposal.
Scholarship Name | Amount Awarded | Eligibility Criteria | Application Deadline |
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships | $70,000 per year (for two years) | Postdoctoral researchers in natural sciences, social sciences, or healthcare | October 1, 2020 |
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship is a government-funded program. It is awarded to outstanding PhD students in Canadian institutions. The scholarship provides CAD 50,000 per year for three years. It is non-renewable. Selection is based on academic excellence, research potential, and leadership skills.
Scholarship Name | Amount Awarded | Eligibility Criteria | Application Deadline |
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | CAD 50,000 per year (for three years) | PhD students with exceptional academic and research achievements | Varies by nominating institution |
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Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for International Students in 2024
1. York University’s President’s International Scholarship of Excellence
Foreign students attending York University who enroll in a four-year bachelor’s program can access this complete scholarship program. The award provides 20 students with annual payments reaching CAD 45,000 through merit-based selection.
Scholarship Name | Amount Awarded | Eligibility Criteria | Application Deadline |
York University’s President’s International Scholarship of Excellence | CAD 45,000 per year | – Completed 12th grade with at least 80% marks – English proficiency: IELTS 6.5, PTE 60, TOEFL 88 – Must apply within two years of high school graduation – Cannot hold another free bursary | Varies by university |
2. University of British Columbia’s (UBC) International Leader of Tomorrow Award
The fully funded UBC scholarship seeks to support international undergraduate students who excel academically show effective leadership capabilities and deliver community service initiatives.
Scholarship Name | Amount Awarded | Eligibility Criteria | Application Deadline |
University of British Columbia’s (UBC) International Leader of Tomorrow Award | CAD 35,000 per year (renewable based on performance) | – High school graduate within the last year – Applying for a bachelor’s degree – Strong academic record (A grades) – Financial need proof – English proficiency: IELTS 6.5, PTE 65, TOEFL 90 | Varies by university |
3. Distinction Scholarship in International Graduate Student Recruitment, University of Alberta President’s Council
This scholarship recognizes talented foreign students who are following undergraduate programs at the University of Alberta.
Scholarship Name | Amount Awarded | Eligibility Criteria | Application Deadline |
Distinction Scholarship in International Graduate Student Recruitment, University of Alberta President’s Council | CAD 12,000 (for four years) | – Must apply for an undergraduate degree – Strong academic achievements – English proficiency: IELTS 6.5, PTE 65, TOEFL 90 – Honours from a recognized institution | Varies by university |
4. Scholarship from the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation
This prestigious scholarship supports international students pursuing a full-time PhD in humanities or human sciences in Canada.
Scholarship Name | Amount Awarded | Eligibility Criteria | Application Deadline |
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship | Full funding for tuition, living, travel, and research expenses | – Enrolled full-time in a PhD program in Canada – Research aligned with Canada’s future needs – Focus areas: human rights, law, global relations, and the environment | Varies by university |
5. Graduate Scholarship Vanier Canada
A prestigious, fully funded PhD scholarship offered in collaboration with CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC. It covers tuition and living expenses for exceptional PhD candidates.
Scholarship Name | Amount Awarded | Eligibility Criteria | Application Deadline |
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | CAD 50,000 per year (for three years) | – Outstanding academic and research excellence – Strong leadership and research potential – Enrolled in a PhD program in a relevant field | Varies by university |
How to Apply for Scholarships in Canada?
These steps will help Indian students win financial support for Canadian studies:
Research Available Scholarships
The first step to finding monetary aid should focus on scholarships reserved explicitly for Indian students in Canada. Online scholarship databases and university websites together with government portals will offer opportunities to search for scholarships along with their eligibility and deadline information.
Meet Eligibility Criteria
Every scholarship foundation sets its own individual qualifications that candidates must meet including academic achievements leadership talents financial needs alongside participation in extracurricular activities. Verify your suitability to the requirements prior to scholarship submission.
Prepare Necessary Documents
Gather all required documents, such as:
- Academic transcripts
- Standardized test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, etc.)
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose or scholarship essay
- Proof of financial need (if required)
Apply for Admission to a Canadian University
Canadian scholarships need students to hold an enrollment acceptance letter from any Canadian university. You should start your university application process as early as possible to obtain admission.
Apply for Scholarships
When you receive your university admission letter apply for scholarships according to the instructions provided by the granting institution. All necessary documents must be submitted by the specified deadline.
Follow Up on Your Application
Contact the scholarship provider immediately after application submission to verify your application arrival and active review process.
Explore Other Opportunities
The hunt for scholarship funding should never limit itself to one single opportunity. Multiple funding applications will boost your opportunities for receiving financial aid.
Be Patient
The duration of the scholarship evaluation process spans various time periods. Pay attention to your application updates by checking frequently for official notifications.
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FAQs about Scholarship for Indian Students to Study in Canada
Scholarship opportunities in Canada become harder to obtain because numerous students begin pursuing the same scholarships. Students with excellent academic performance combined with strong leadership competencies who fulfill all requirements will likely succeed in obtaining the scholarship.
Indian students seeking to study in Canada can take advantage of free or nearly costless education opportunities by obtaining scholarships offering complete financial support. Funded scholarships include complete payments for tuition fees and living allowances with potential additions for research expenses and traveling expenses.
This scholarship recognizes talented foreign students who are following undergraduate programs.
- High academic performance (minimum GPA requirements)
- English proficiency test scores (IELTS, TOEFL)
- Extracurricular achievements or leadership experience
- Strong letters of recommendation
- A well-written statement of purpose or scholarship essay
- Proof of financial need (for need-based scholarships)
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