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Canada continues to be one of the most preferred study abroad destinations for Indian students. With globally ranked universities, high-quality education, and strong post-study work opportunities, Canada also offers a wide range of scholarships to reduce the financial burden on international students.
For the 2026 intake, several government-funded and university-specific scholarships are available for Indian students at undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. This guide covers the top scholarships, eligibility, amounts, application steps, and tips to help you secure funding for your studies in Canada.
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What are the Types of Canadian Scholarships for International Students?
International students can access several types of scholarships depending on their academic performance, financial situation, course or country of study. Understanding these categories can help you choose the right scholarship and improve your chances of receiving funding.
- Government-Funded Scholarships: These scholarships are offered by the national government to attract international students. They are often fully funded and cover tuition, living expenses, and travel.
- University-Specific Scholarships: Many universities offer scholarships exclusively for students applying to their program. These can be merit-based, need-based, or course-specific.
- Need-Based Scholarships: Need-based scholarships are provided to students who demonstrate financial need. These scholarships aim to support students who may not be able to afford tuition or living expenses.
- Country-specific Scholarships: Some scholarships are available only to students from certain countries, including India. These aim to promote international education exchanges.
List of Top Canada Scholarships for Indian Students 2026
Top Canadian scholarships for Indian students include a mix of government-funded and university-specific awards designed to support academic excellence and financial need. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition fees and living expenses, making studying in Canada more affordable for international students. Here are some of the most popular and prestigious scholarships available to Indian students in Canada:
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
- Canada Graduate Scholarship-Master’s (CGS-M)
- Ontario Trillium Scholarships
- Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute fellowships
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
- UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award
- University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
- York University International Students Scholarships
- University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship
Top Government-Funded Scholarships in Canada
Government-funded scholarships are financial awards offered by the national or provincial government to support international students. These scholarships are usually highly competitive and may cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and health insurance. They are commonly available for master’s, PhD, or research-based programs and are designed to attract talented students from around the world.
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- EduCanada Exchange Scholarships
- Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
- Quebec Graduate Scholarships
- Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute
- Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier Graduate Scholarship is named after Major General Georges P. Vanier, Canada’s first Francophone governor general. By selecting criteria such as leadership, research aptitude, and academic excellence, these fellowships help Canadian universities attract qualified PhD candidates. The scholarship is limited to the research field of medical research engineering or the natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
| Category | Details |
| Level | PhD |
| Amount | CAD 50,000/year (INR 33.36 lakh/year) |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Eligibility Criteria | Outstanding academic performance Strong leadership qualities Admission to a PhD program at a participating Canadian university |
EduCanada Exchange Scholarships
EduCanada Exchange Scholarships are government-funded awards that support short-term study and research opportunities for international students in Canada. These scholarships typically cover travel costs, living expenses, and other academic-related expenses for exchange or research programs at Canadian institutions. They are designed to strengthen academic partnerships and promote cultural exchange between Canada and participating countries.
| Category | Details |
| Level | Undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral (short-term exchange only) |
| Amount | CAD 10,200 – CAD 12,700 (INR 6.8-8.5 lakh). |
| Duration | 4 to 6 months |
| Eligibility Criteria | Must be an international student from an eligible country Must be enrolled full-time at a home institution Nomination required by the Canadian host institution Strong academic record and relevant field of study |
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship
The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships program aims to attract and retain world-class postdoctoral researchers in Canada. It is open to both Canadian and international scholars working in fields such as health sciences, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities and is administered by Canada’s three major federal research councils.
| Category | Details |
| Level | Postdoctoral |
| Amount | CAD 70,000/year (INR 46.70 lakh/year) |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Eligibility Criteria | You must have earned a PhD, PhD equivalent, or health professional degree before the start of your award and between September 15, 2021 and September 30, 2025 Must apply via a Canadian institution |
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
The Ontario Graduate Scholarships aim to provide master’s and doctoral students in the Ontario region of Canada with financial aid. The University of Toronto and the Province of Ontario together support this merit-based scholarship program in Canada.
| Category | Details |
| Level | Master’s and PhD |
| Amount | CAD 5,000 per academic term (up to CAD 15,000 per year) |
| Duration | 1-2 academic years |
| Eligibility Criteria | You must be enrolled or accepted into a graduate program at a participating Ontario university. Must have a strong academic record (usually an A average or equivalent).Open to Canadian and international students, depending on university allocation. |
Quebec Graduate Scholarships
Quebec Graduate Scholarships to support outstanding master’s and PhD students pursuing research programs at universities in Quebec. These merit-based awards provide financial assistance for tuition and living expenses, helping international and domestic students focus on advanced research across various academic fields.
| Category | Details |
| Level | Master’s and PhD |
| Amount | Master’s: up to CAD 17,500 per year PhD: up to CAD 25,000 per year (varies by research fund and program) |
| Duration | Master’s up to 2 years and PhD up to 3-4 years |
| Eligibility Criteria | Must be admitted to a graduate research program at a Quebec university You must have a strong academic record |
Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute
The Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute (SICI) offers a range of scholarships and fellowships to strengthen academic ties between India and Canada. These programs support students, research, and faculty members who wish to study, teach, or conduct research in either country. The institute focuses on prompting academic collaboration. Cultural exchange and joint research initiatives.
| Category | Details |
| Level | Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD, postdoctoral, and faculty research |
| Amount | Varies by program; typically covers travel, living allowance, and research expenses |
| Duration | Long-term program running from a few weeks to several months |
| Eligibility Criteria | Must be an Indian or Canadian student, researcher, or faculty member You must be affiliated with a member institution. Strong academic or research background Specific criteria vary by fellowship program |
Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
The Canadian Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships Plan is a government-supported program that offers scholarships to students from Commonwealth countries to pursue higher education or research in Canada. It is designed to promote academic exchange, research collaboration, and cultural ties among Commonwealth nations. The scholarship typically covers tuition fees, travel expenses, and living costs, depending on the specific program and level of study.
| Category | Details |
| Level | Master’s, PhD, and research fellowships |
| Amount | CAD 10,000 |
| Duration | 5-6 Months |
| Eligibility Criteria | Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country Must have a strong academic record Admission to a Canadian university May require nomination through home country authorities or participating institutions. |
Top University-Specific Scholarships
Top university-specific scholarships are financial awards offered directly by Canadian universities to attract talented international students. These scholarships are usually based on academic excellence, leadership or financial need, and many cover partial to full tuition, living expenses or entrance awards depending on the institution and program.
- UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES)
- University of Waterloo International Student Entrance Scholarship
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
- University of Alberta International Undergraduate Scholarship
- UBC ILOT Award (UG)
- York University International Student Scholarship
- University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
- McGill University Entrance & Need-Based Aid
University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
The University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship is a merit-based award offered to outstanding international students entering their first year of undergraduate studies. Valued at up to CAD 20,000 (renewable in some cases), the scholarship recognised strong academic achievement and leadership potential, helping reduce tuition costs for high-performing students.
| Category | Details |
| Amount | CAD 20,000 (INR 13.34 lakh) |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Eligibility Criteria | Must be international students entering the first year of an undergraduate degree. Must be the university’s English language requirements Strong academic record (typically high GPA in previous studies) |
University of Waterloo International Student Entrance Scholarship
The University of Waterloo International Students Entrance Scholarship is a merit-based award offered to high-achieving international students entering undergraduate programs. The scholarships provide up to CAD 10,000 in funding, depending on the faculty and academic performance. In most cases, eligible students are automatically considered at the time of admission, and no separate scholarship application is required.
| Category | Details |
| Amount | CAD 10,000- (INR 6.67 lakh) |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Eligibility Criteria | Must be an international student applying for a full-time undergraduate program Strong academic performance in previous studies. No separate application is required in most cases (automatically considered during admission). |
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is one of Canada’s most prestigious and fully funded undergraduate scholarships for international students. Offered by the University of Toronto, it recognises students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, creativity, and leadership within their school and community. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, books, incidental fees, and residence costs for four years.
| Category | Details |
| Amount | Cover tuition fee, book and full residence support |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Eligibility Criteria | Must be an international student applying for a first undergraduate degree Must be nominated by their high school Outstanding academic achievement Must apply to the University of Toronto before the scholarship deadline |
University of Alberta International Undergraduate Scholarship
This scholarship is only available to University of Alberta students who have been enrolled in reputable programs. The University of Alberta will consider your request for the amount once you are accepted. The main criterion for this scholarship is academic performance; this can be a major deciding factor.
| Category | Details |
| Amount | CAD 5,000-CAD 10,000 (INR 3.34-6.67 lakh) |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Eligibility Criteria | Students must have a Canadian study permit Must have an excellent academic record Must meet the university’s admission and English language requirements Some awards are automatic based on admission, while others may require a separate application |
UBC ILOT Award (UG)
The UBC International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award is a prestigious, need-based, and merit-based scholarship for outstanding international undergraduate students. It covers tuition fees and living expenses based on demonstrated financial need, academic excellence, and leadership involvement. The award is renewable for up to four years, provided students maintain strong academic performance.
| Category | Details |
| Amount | Living expenses + Tuition fees |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Eligibility Criteria | Must be an international student applying for a first undergraduate degree at UBC Strong academic record Demonstrated leadership and extracurricular involvement Must be nominated by their school or a recognised organisation and meet the university’s English language requirements |
York University International Student Scholarship
The York University International Students Scholarship is a merit-based award offered to outstanding international students applying for undergraduate programs. Valued at up to CAD 60,000 (depending on the ward type and duration), it recognises academic excellence, leadership qualities, and community involvement. Eligible students are considered during the admission process, and some awards may require a separate application.
| Category | Details |
| Amount | Entrance Scholarship of Distinction: CAD 80,000 (INR 85 lakh) Global Leader of Tomorrow: CAD 80,000 (INR 53.38 lakh) |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Eligibility Criteria | Must be an international student applying to a full-time graduate program Strong academic record Must demonstrate leadership and extracurricular involvement You must meet admission and English language requirements. Some awards required a separate scholarship application |
McGill University Entrance & Need-Based Aid
The McGill University scholarship is for international students who start their undergraduate program at McGill University. This scholarship provides a variety of need-based support and admission scholarships for students.
| Category | Details |
| Amount | CAD 30,000-CAD 11,000 (INR 2-7.34 lakh) |
| Duration | 3-4 years |
| Eligibility Criteria | Must be an international student applying to a full-time graduate program Strong academic record Must demonstrate leadership and extracurricular involvement You must meet admission and English language requirements. Some awards required a separate scholarship application. |
Also Read: Master’s in Architecture in Canada Scholarships for International Students
Eligibility Criteria for Each Scholarship
Eligibility criteria for each scholarship vary depending on the program, university, and level of study. Most scholarships require strong academic performance, proof of admission to a Canadian institution, English language proficiency, and sometimes leadership experience or financial need. Always review the official guidance carefully before applying.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria |
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship | Must be pursuing a PhD and demonstrate high academic excellence and leadership |
| CGS-M | Master’s students with storing academic records |
| Ontario Trillium Scholarships | Exceptional doctoral candidate at Ontario universities |
| Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute fellowship | Open to Indian students and researchers at different study levels |
| Lester B. Pearson Scholarship | Outstanding academic performance plus leadership qualities |
| UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award | Merit plus financial need |
| Entrance Scholarship (Calgary, York) | Based on academic excellence, leadership and extracurriculars |
Note: Most Canadian scholarships also require proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL) and acceptance into a Canadian university program before applying.
Scholarship Amount & Coverage
Scholarship amounts and coverage in Canada vary depending on the type of scholarship, university, and level of study. Some awards cover only a portion of tuition fees, while others provide full funding that includes tuition, living expenses, travel costs, and health insurance. The exact benefits and duration differ for each scholarship program.
| Scholarship | Study Level | Coverage |
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | PhD | CAD 50,000/year |
| CGS-M | Master’s | CAD 17,500 (one year) |
| Ontario Trillium Scholarship | PhD | CAD 40,000/year |
| Lester B. Pearson Scholarship | Undergraduate | Fully funding |
| UBC Leader of Tomorrow | UG/PG | Tuition + Living expenses |
| Calgary Entrance Scholarship | Undergraduate | Up to CAD 20,000 |
| York International Scholarship | Undergraduate | Up to CAD 60,000 |
| Manitoba Graduate Fellowship | Master’s/PhD | Up to CAD 18,000/year |
| McGill University Entrance & Need-Based Aid | UG/PG | CAD 30,000-CAD 11,000 |
| York University International Student Scholarship | Undergraduate | CAD 80,000 |
| Quebec Graduate Scholarships | Master’s and PhD | CAD 17-500- CAD 25,000 |
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) | Master’s and PhD | CAD 5,000- CAD 15,000 |
Application Process & Deadlines Canada Scholarships for Indian Students
Studying in Canada can be expensive without proper financial planning or access to scholarships and grants. The best way to reduce your education costs is to apply for scholarships designed specifically for international and Indian students. Here is a simple step-by-step application process to help you apply for a scholarship in Canada.
- Research Opportunities: Identify scholarships that match your academic profile, chosen field, and financial needs. You can search on official portals like EduCanada, university websites, and trusted scholarship databases.
- Check Eligibility Criteria: Carefully review the eligibility requirements for each scholarship. This may include:
- Academic score or GPA
- Nationality requirements
- English or French language proficiency
- Admission to a specific program or university
- Some scholarships may also include interviews or entrance assessments, so be prepared in advance.
- Submit Application: The Application should be submitted by carefully filling out online forms and submitting them before the deadline. Additional tests or interviews may be necessary for some scholarships.
- Track Deadline Carefully: Most scholarships for the fall 2026 intake are between August 2025 and January 2026, with deadlines typically falling between December 2025 and March 2026. Missing deadlines is one of the most common reasons students lose opportunities.
- Follow up: After submission, keep an eye on the status of your application and reply right away if more information is needed.
Tips to Improve Your Scholarship Application
Securing a scholarship in Canada can be competitive, so it is important to present a strong and well-prepared application. Here are some practical tips to increase your chances.
- Start Early: Begin researching scholarships at least 10-12 months before your intake to avoid last-minute stress.
- Maintain strong academics: most scholarships are merit-based, so good grades and a consistent academic record are essential.
- Write a compelling SOP or scholarship essay: Clearly explain your goal, achievement, and why you deserve the scholarship.
- Get a strong recommendation letter: Choose referees who know your academic or professional strengths well.
- Apply to multiple scholarships: Do not rely on just one application; apply to several to improve your chances.
- Prepare for the interview: Some scholarships require interviews, so be ready to discuss your goals and achievements confidently.
- Follow instructions carefully: Ensure all documents are complete, correctly formatted, and submitted before the deadline. Respond quickly if:
- Additional documents are required
- You are shortlisted for an interview
- Any corrections are required in the application
- Highlight leadership and extracurricular activities: Include volunteer work, internships, projects, or leadership, project, or leadership roles that show your overall profile.
A well-recognised application with strong academics, clear goals, and timely submission can significantly improve your chances of receiving a scholarship.
Documents Required
Make sure all your documents are accurate, updated, and submitted before the deadline, and incomplete or incorrect applications can reduce your chances of receiving a scholarship. Here is a list of documents required to apply Canada scholarships for Indian students in 2026.
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Admission letter (if applicable)
- English proficiency test scores
- Statement of Purpose or Scholarship Essay
- Letter of Recommendation
- Updated CV or resume
- Valid Passport copy
- Financial documents (if required).
Proper documentation, combined with early preparation, plays a key role in securing a scholarship.
Also Read: Masters in Biochemistry in Canada: Top Colleges, Fees, Scholarships, Scope
The Canada scholarship for Indian students in 2026 provides excellent financial support opportunities at undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and research levels. From prestigious government-funded programs to generous university-specific awards, there are multiple options available to help reduce tuition and living expenses. With the right strategy, timely application, and a strong profile, studying in Canada can become both affordable and achievable.
The key to success lies in early preparation, strong academic performance, well-written SOPs, and meeting all eligibility requirements on time. With proper planning and a strategic approach, Indiana students can secure valuable scholarships and make their dream of studying in Canada both affordable and achievable in 2026.
FAQs
International students can apply for a variety of scholarships in Canada, including government-funded scholarships, merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, country-specific scholarships, program-specific scholarships, and research grants.
Yes, several academic institutions and other organisations provide fully financed scholarships that pay for living expenses, tuition, stipends, and research support, particularly for postgraduate students.
A lot of universities and scholarship agencies consider your unweighted GPA. GPAs between 3.5 and 4.0 are typically required by scholarship sponsors in order to draw in high achievers. That being said, there are various grading schemes. A U.S. letter scale is really used by some schools.
That depends on each scholarship’s deadline to decide the application time. Some deadlines are as early as a year before college starts, so if you’re in high school now, you should be researching and applying for scholarships during the summer between your junior and senior years.
Yes, international students can usually work 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks.
Some universities may allow admission without IELTS if you meet certain conditions, but most scholarships still prefer or require proof of English proficiency.
Yes, fully funded scholarships are available, especially for master’s and PhD programs. These may cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and health insurance.
Most scholarships require at least 75–85% or an equivalent GPA, but top scholarships may need higher academic scores and achievements.
Ready to secure the best Canada Scholarship for Indian Students 2026? Get expert guidance from Leverage Edu to shortlist top scholarships, prepare strong applications, and boost your chances of studying in Canada.
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