Canada is currently one of the top international study destinations, with over 730,000 international students enrolled in a variety of programs.
Regardless of its popularity, studying in Canada is not inexpensive. Students who wish to study in Canada but lack the financial means to do so may apply for one of Canada’s several foreign student scholarships.
As an international student pursuing higher education in Canada, you can apply for a variety of government, university, and non-governmental financing opportunities. The following information pertains to Canadian scholarships for international students.
Scholarships granted by the Canadian government to encourage international students to study in Canada.
READ ALSO: 10 Amazing Scholarships In The USA For African Students In 2023
Non-Government Scholarships: Scholarships offered by a variety of private trusts, foundations, and organizations to students studying a particular course stream in order to stimulate involvement in and development of that field.
Institutional Scholarships: Scholarships offered by Canadian universities to students seeking an education at that institution.
How to Search for Canadian Scholarships for International Students
You have the option of primarily seeking out financial possibilities supplied by the home nation to students wanting to study abroad. Contact the immigration, home affairs, or external affairs department of your native country in this instance.
READ ALSO: Canada Visa Lottery | Apply for Canada Electronic Diversity Visa Program.
To study in Canada, you can also apply for government, non-government, or institutional scholarships. You can research the Government of Canada International Scholarships and the International Council for Canadian Studies for the first two types of scholarships. Here is a step-by-step guide to locating the proper scholarship for you in Canada:
Step 1: Begin the search immediately after applying. Explore all available choices, including government, non-government, and university-specific resources.
Step 2: Communicate with your university/colleges to determine what scholarship opportunities are currently available.
Step 3: Conduct extra research, contact counsellors if necessary, and more.
Step 4: Submit scholarship applications before the deadlines.
Step 5: Ensure your test scores are competitive and high enough to study in Canada.
What are the criteria for international students to apply for scholarships in Canada?
To obtain a scholarship in Canada as an international student, it is necessary to meet specific requirements. Although the eligibility requirements for each specific scholarship you desire to apply for will differ, there are a few common requirements that overseas students must bear in mind:
RECOMMENDED: Sure Entrepreneurs Platforms to Source Fund or get Loan.
To be eligible for a scholarship to study in Canada, applicants must demonstrate academic achievement. The majority of scholarships are merit-based, which implies that meritorious students will receive financial assistance.
Language Proficiency: Since the majority of international students do not speak English as their first language, having stronger language skills or proficiency scores on exams such as IELTS/TOEFL will increase your chances of obtaining a Canada study scholarship.
Extracurricular Indulgence: Some Canadian scholarships for international students also evaluate participation in volunteer work and extracurricular activities. This is typically the case with stream-specific scholarships, such as those for social work programs, etc. Work experience in the field is a plus and hence one of the most important eligibility requirements.
Government Scholarships for International Students in Canada
Below is a list of some of the most prestigious government scholarships to study in Canada, as well as their eligibility requirements.
| SCHOLARSHIP NAME | AWARDS | NO OF SCHOLARSHIP & DURATION | ELIGIBILTY | DEADLINE |
| IDRC Research Awards | Up to $15,000 in travel and research support is available. | Applicants enrolling in master’s or doctorate programs in emerging nations | Sept 16 | |
| Canada-ASEAN SEED | 10,000 CAD for program expenses 5,000 for airfare, visa, and medical insurance weekly allowance of $1,600 | non-renewable | ASEAN professionals in their mid-career | March 3 |
| Partnership Grants by Social Science and Humanities Research Council in Canada | 20,000 CAD | 4-7 years | Those pursuing a PhD in an eligible field at Canadian universities. | Feb 10 |
| Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship | 70,000 CAD | 70 Awards for Two Years (non-renewable) | Must be enrolled in graduate studies in scientific and social sciences or health research. | September 22 |
| Vanier Graduate Scholarships | 50,000 CAD | 166 annual scholarships that are not renewed | Must be qualified candidates with research potential and leadership abilities. | November 3 |
| Canadian Studies Post-Doctoral Fellowship | 2500 CAD per month and up to 10,000 CAD for flight | non-renewable | Thesis completed within the last five years; unemployed; length of stay 1-3 months. | November 24 |
There are undoubtedly additional government-funded scholarships and financial aid programs in Canada beyond those listed here. These consist of:
Ontario Graduate Scholarships: Students from abroad enrolled in master’s or doctorate programs at certain institutions. The annual scholarship grant amount is 15 000 CAD. Each session will feature a prize of $5,000 CAD.
Scholarships from the Quebec Provincial Government are available to master’s degree students enrolled at Canadian universities in Quebec. Awards are granted based on merit. Postdoctoral students receive 35,000 CAD annually, whereas doctoral students receive 25,000 CAD annually.
Shastri-Indo Institute of Canada: Multiple grants are available to Canadian students pursuing graduate and postgraduate degrees. Available fellowships range from $500 to $1,000 CAD.
Canadian Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships: Awarded to deserving students from Commonwealth nations pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree at Canadian institutions. The grant covers tuition, living expenses, and a travel stipend. The scholarship includes $10,000 CAD for up to six months of transportation and housing expenses.
The Ontario Trillium Scholarship is a yearly award of $40,000 CAD that is renewable for up to four years.
Canada’s Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council’s Partnership Grants: A 20,000 CAD scholarship is available for PhD students for four to seven years.
Application Procedures for Government Scholarships
To apply for Canadian Government scholarships, international students must complete the steps below.
Apply via educanada.com
The student cannot be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
Must have submitted an application for a full-time program.
Express your desire to be evaluated for Canada scholarship opportunities.
Must maintain language Ability in English or the language you intend to study in the non-governmental Canada’s Scholarships for International Students
Certain organizations, funds, and trusts in Canada give international students scholarships. The following are a few of the most prevalent:
Anne Vallee Ecological Fund: Awarded to PhD students in British Columbia or Quebec who are conducting animal research. The award is worth $1,500 CAD.
Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships: Awarded to international doctoral students in Canada. There are around 15 scholarships of 40,000 CAD per year for three years and 20,000 CAD per year for travel and research.
Canada Memorial Scholarship: Awarded to British students pursuing graduate studies in Canada. The grant covers tuition, transportation, and living expenses.
