How to Apply for Scholarships in Canadian Universities?

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data, over 200,000 Indian students choose to study in Canada every year. With top universities that provide the best education, Canada beats the USA when it comes to a choice for Indian students. The cost of studying in Canada can be high for a lot of Indian students and their families. To help support their finances, students can apply for scholarships in Canadian universities. Canada may be one of the most sought-after locations for international students, but the cost of attending school here is very high. We’ve compiled a list of scholarships for international students offered by the Canadian government, various Canadian colleges, and other organisations for those eager to study in Canada but in need of financial assistance.

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Top Scholarships for Indians in Canada

Before we learn how to apply for scholarships in Canadian universities, let’s know what are the popular choices of scholarships for Indian students on a Canadian study permit. 

The scholarships available can be put into two categories- non-university offered and the university offered. Here’s the list of popular scholarships and their details in both categories:

Scholarship	Eligibility
Banting Postdoctoral Scholarships	Postdoctoral medical research
IDRC Research Awards	Masters and doctoral programs
Vanier Canada Scholarship	Postgraduate and research programs
President Scholarship	Undergraduate programs
Ontario Graduate Scholarship	Graduate programs
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships	Doctoral programs
Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan	Masters and doctoral programs
Ontario Trillium Scholarship	PhD programs

Also Read: PG Diploma vs Masters in Canada

University Scholarships in Canada

Some university-specific scholarships in Canada are listed below in a table.

Scholarship	University	Eligibility
The University of Waterloo International Funding	University of Waterloo	Undergraduate engineering programs
UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award	University of British Columbia	Undergraduate programs
Western University’s International President’s Entrance Scholarship	Western University	Academic Performance
Lester B Pearson Scholarship	University of Toronto	Undergraduate programs
York University Automatic Entrance Scholarship	York University	Undergraduate and postgraduate programs
Internal and Donor Funded awards	Simon Fraser University	Research-based graduate program
University of Manitoba Graduate Scholarship	University of Manitoba	Masters and PhD programs
University of Alberta Entrance Scholarships	University of Alberta	Masters programs
David Strangway Award for Excellence	Quest University	Undergraduate programs
University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship	University of Calgary	Undergraduate programs

Also Read: Study Abroad Scholarships for International Students 

A Step-by-Step Application Process for Applying for Scholarships

The process to apply for scholarships in Canadian universities starts mostly after you get accepted into a Canadian university. You shortlist the names of the scholarships that best suit your situation and check whether you are eligible. 

1. After finding the eligibility, research the deadline and availability of the scholarship.
2. Also to receive the scholarship, you must be an early bird and submit the scholarship request application early.
3. You must also have a good reference letter from someone who can give you a good certification about you.
4. You may also add any other merit or talent in the application, as it will give you more scope for getting a scholarship.
5. Along with some talent, a good grade and IELTS and TOEFL marks also matter.

Also Read: Reasons for Rejection of Canada Student Visa

Once you are done with the list, either contact the financial aid representative of that scholarship or look for the correct information (deadlines, special requirements, etc) on their websites. 

Before you start filling out your scholarship form, keep these documents ready that need to be attached to your application:

• Online application form of the university in Canada
• Letter of Acceptance
• All academic transcripts
• Certificates that prove your eligibility 
• Statement of Intent- Why do you want this scholarship?
• Aptitude test scores (GMAT, SAT, GRE, etc)
• Proof of English Proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, etc)
• Medical Test results (optional)

After you have attached all the necessary documents to your scholarship application, you can submit them before the deadline. 

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Must Read: Cheapest Universities in Canada

The Right Time to Apply for Scholarships in Canadian Universities

The right time to apply for scholarships in Canada and its universities depends upon the application deadlines which are given on either the university portal or the scholarship portal. 

If you have been chosen by the university for a particular scholarship depending upon your high academics or co-curricular activities, you are automatically eligible without any application. 

Those who wish to apply for a scholarship will need to fill out the application form before the deadline. Most scholarship programs require you to accept your admission to a Canadian university before you apply for them. 

Must Read: Public Universities in Canada

Eligibility Criteria for Scholarship in Canada

Well, the first preference of eligibility would be the program you are accepted in. You cannot apply for a master’s scholarship if you have been accepted for an undergraduate course. 

Then comes the basis of the scholarship- academics, athletics, cultural talent, social work or on family status grounds. If you are a state or national champion in your sport in India, you will be eligible for scholarship programs that are granting awards based on athletics. 

Your English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL also become an eligibility criterion when you apply for scholarships in Canada and its universities.

Also Read: Nursing Courses in Canada

Non-Government Scholarships to Study in Canada

Some of the further scholarships that you can refer to are:

Scholarship	Deadline	Amount
Anne Vallee Ecological Fund	March 2024	Two $1,500 (INR 1.2 lakh) Scholarship
Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships	Mid Fall	$40,000 (INR 33 lakh) + $20,000 (INR 16.5 lakh), as travel and research allowance

Also Read: Canada Visa Types

What if your Scholarship isn’t Granted in Canada?

A scholarship sounds great, right? But there are chances that you won’t get awarded. The number of awards per scholarship is limited and so are the funds. So, what can you do to lessen the financial burden on your family? The great part is that you can mention that you want to work while you study to your visa authorities and then you will be able to work 20 hours a week and earn up to Rs.1000 per hour. 

FAQs

Hope this helps you in your process of applying for scholarships in Canada and its universities. Leverage Edu is India’s most trusted study abroad platform. This study abroad buddy will help you at every stage till you fasten your seatbelt on your flight to Canada. So if you want to apply for scholarships in Canada, call 1800-572-000 and book a free counseling session with our experts right now!