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Many Indian students dream of studying in Canada, but the cost can be high. GRE scholarships in Canada help students pay for their studies through financial support. These scholarships are given to students with good GRE scores, strong grades, and big goals for the future. They help you study in top Canadian universities without worrying too much about money. If you want to do a master’s or PhD, a good GRE score can make your dream come true. In this blog, you will learn about the types, eligibility, and application process for GRE scholarships in Canada.
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What Are GRE Scholarships in Canada?
A GRE scholarship in Canada is like a reward for students who score well on the GRE exam. The GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, is a test that checks your math, writing, and reasoning skills. Many Canadian universities use it to see how ready you are for master’s or Ph.D. studies.
When you get a good GRE score, some universities or the government may offer you a scholarship. This scholarship can help you pay for tuition, books, or even living costs. These scholarships are made to attract bright students from around the world. They make studying in Canada easier and cheaper. So, if your dream is to study in a top Canadian university, your GRE score can be your ticket to free or low-cost education.
Types of GRE Scholarships Available in Canada
Canada offers many scholarships for students who have good GRE scores and strong academic records. Some are funded by the Canadian government, while others come from private groups or top universities. These scholarships help Indian students cover tuition, living costs, and research expenses while studying in Canada.
Government-of-Canada Scholarships
Government scholarships are offered by Canada’s federal or provincial bodies. They aim to attract bright international minds, including Indian students, who can contribute to research and innovation in the country. These scholarships are highly competitive but come with great financial and academic benefits.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
The Vanier CGS supports outstanding doctoral students from around the world, including India. The program rewards sharp academic performance, strong leadership skills, and research potential. Indian students who earn a nomination from a Canadian university can apply.
The aim is to help you focus fully on your research without money stress.
| Level | Ph.D. |
| Who can apply | Indian & other international students nominated by a Canadian university |
| Value | CAD 50,000 per year for up to 3 years |
| Benefits | Tuition, research support & living allowance |
| Eligibility | Must be enrolled in a Ph.D. program, show leadership & excellence |
| Note | Very competitive. Nomination from your university is mandatory |
Ontario Graduate Scholarship
The OGS is given by the Ontario government and is open to international students studying in Ontario, including those from India. The award recognizes good academic record and supports both master’s and doctoral levels. This is a strong option if you plan to study in an Ontario university and have a solid GPA and GRE profile.
| Level | Master’s & Ph.D. |
| Who can apply | Indian & other international students at Ontario universities |
| Value | Up to CAD 15,000 per year |
| Benefits | Tuition help & partial living costs |
| Eligibility | Strong academics, enrolled in an eligible Ontario program |
| Note | GRE may not be explicitly required, but it helps strengthen the application |
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
The Banting Fellowship is designed for postdoctoral researchers after a Ph.D. from all over the world, including India. It helps you jump into high-level research in Canada and gives you strong financial support. If your plan is to do top-tier research immediately after your Ph.D., this scholarship is ideal.
| Level | Postdoctoral after Ph.D. |
| Who can apply | Indian & other international researchers hosted by a Canadian institution |
| Value | CAD 70,000 per year for up to 2 years |
| Benefits | Strong stipend, research funding & network access |
| Eligibility | Must hold Ph.D. or equivalent, show research excellence |
| Note | For advanced research. Not for a fresh undergrad or master’s level |
Non-Government Private Scholarships
These scholarships are offered by private organizations and foundations that aim to promote leadership, social change, and specialized research. They are perfect for Indian students with unique interests or a vision to impact society through their studies.
Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships
The Trudeau Scholarships are given by a foundation for doctoral candidates in the humanities and social sciences, including Indian students. The award looks for leadership in society and big ideas that can make a change. If you’re studying social sciences or humanities and want a scholarship in Canada, this one is a good match.
| Level | Ph.D. |
| Who can apply | Indian & other international students in Canada in social sciences or humanities |
| Value | Up to CAD 60,000 per year for up to 3 years |
| Benefits | Full tuition, living stipend & travel allowance |
| Eligibility | Research plan in humanities or social sciences & leadership qualities |
| Note | Very competitive. Leadership and global impact matter |
Anne Vallée Ecological Fund
The Anne Vallée Fund supports students doing ecology, animal research in Canada. Indian students can apply. If you are into conservation, ecology and want to study in Quebec or British Columbia, this is a niche fit. It is smaller in value but very good for fieldwork research and building a strong profile.
| Level | Master’s & Ph.D. in animal ecology research |
| Who can apply | Indian & other international students doing ecology research in Quebec or BC |
| Value | CAD 1,500 one-time grant approx |
| Benefits | Field research funding & travel support |
| Eligibility | Must be admitted to a relevant program & active in ecology research |
| Note | Small value but good boost for ecology students |
University-Funded Scholarships (Merit-Based)
Many top universities in Canada offer their own merit-based scholarships for international students. These awards recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement. They are open to students from India and other countries who want to study undergraduate or postgraduate programs in Canada.
International Leader of Tomorrow Award – University of British Columbia
The UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award targets international students, including Indians, for undergraduate study. It rewards strong academics, leadership skills, and active involvement in your community. If you have strong grades, leadership experience, and want to study in Canada, this award is worth checking.
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Who can apply | Indian & other international students to UBC |
| Value | Covers tuition, fees & living costs based on need |
| Benefits | Major financial aid, leadership recognition |
| Eligibility | High academic merit, leadership & financial need |
| Note | Highly competitive. Apply early! |
Also Read: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS): Eligibility, Application Process
Eligibility Criteria for GRE Scholarships in Canada
Every GRE scholarship in Canada has its own set of rules, but most of them look at similar things like your academic record, GRE score, English test results, financial background, and your visa or study permit status. Meeting these requirements helps you prove that you are serious, capable, and ready to study in Canada. Let’s break down each eligibility area so you can understand exactly what scholarship committees expect from you.
Academic Eligibility
- A student must have strong academic performance in previous studies.
- Most master’s and Ph.D. scholarships require at least 70 to 80% in your last degree.
- Some universities look at your overall GPA, while others focus more on your GRE score or specific subjects.
- A consistent record of good marks across all semesters builds trust that you can handle graduate-level study.
- Some scholarships, like Vanier or Banting, also prefer candidates who have done research, published papers, or shown leadership in their field.
GRE and Test Score Requirements
- GRE scores matter for many research-based programs in Canada, especially in STEM and management fields.
- A high GRE Quant score can make your scholarship profile stand out.
- Even if the scholarship does not officially require a GRE score, a strong score can still improve your chances.
- Some universities also accept GMAT or other equivalent tests if your course is management-related.
- Always check the latest score cutoff on the university or scholarship website before applying.
English Language Proficiency
- Every international student must prove their English skills to study in Canada.
- Most scholarships accept IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE test results.
- A minimum IELTS band of 6.5 or higher is usually required.
- Some universities waive this if you studied in an English-medium school, but it’s rare.
- Strong language scores help show that you can manage classes, research, and communication easily.
Financial Need or Background
- Some scholarships in Canada are purely merit-based, but others check your financial condition too.
- Scholarships like UBC’s International Leader of Tomorrow look at both your grades and your family income.
- Students may need to show bank statements or income certificates to prove need.
- Even if you come from a middle-class family, writing a strong statement of financial need can help.
- The idea is to support talented students who might not be able to afford a Canadian education otherwise.
Documents Required
- A complete application always includes several key documents.
- You must prepare academic transcripts from all your past schools or universities.
- A Statement of Purpose explains your goals, academic interests, and reasons for applying.
- Two or three Letters of Recommendation from teachers or professors show your potential.
- A valid GRE score report, English test result, and a copy of your passport are also needed.
- For research scholarships, you may also need to submit a research proposal or writing sample.
Visa and Study Permit Conditions
- Every scholarship holder must hold a valid Canadian study permit.
- You can only apply for most scholarships after receiving an admission letter from a recognized Canadian institution.
- Visa rules also require you to show proof of funds and a clean background record.
- Some scholarships, especially government-funded ones, ask you to maintain full-time student status.
- You must also remain in good academic standing to continue receiving scholarship benefits each year.
Also Read: Best Sports Scholarships in Canada for International Students 2025
How to Apply for GRE Scholarships in Canada
Applying for GRE scholarships in Canada in 2026 is easier when you follow a clear path. Each step below helps you move closer to winning a scholarship and studying stress-free. Let’s understand.
| Step | What to Do | Tips |
| Research Scholarships That Fit You | Find scholarships that match your course, level, and GRE score. | Make a shortlist on Notion or Google Sheets. Track name, deadline, and benefits. |
| Check Eligibility and Deadlines | Confirm current rules, score cutoffs, and closing dates directly from the official site. | Set phone reminders 10 days before each deadline. |
| Prepare Academic Documents Early | Collect transcripts, GRE scorecard, English test results, and certificates. | Scan and save everything in one Google Drive folder. |
| Write a Strong Statement of Purpose | Explain your goals, research interests, and reason for choosing Canada. | Keep it short, real, and positive. |
| Get Good Recommendation Letters | Ask professors or mentors who know you well. | Send them your resume and goals so they can write specific points. |
| Apply Only on Official Portals | Submit through university or government portals, never agents. | Use a laptop and take screenshots after every submission. |
| Prepare for Interviews If Required | Some scholarships invite you to online interviews. | Stay calm, read your SOP again before the call. |
| Apply for a Study Permit & Track Updates | Use your scholarship offer letter while applying for your Canadian visa. | Check your email and spam folder regularly for results. |
Also Read: Bachelor’s Degree in Canada for International Students: Fees, Requirements, Scholarships
FAQs
Ans: Yes, students with high GRE scores can get full scholarships in Canada, especially for master’s and Ph.D. programs. A strong GRE score shows academic potential and helps you qualify for merit-based scholarships like Vanier CGS or university-funded awards. However, you also need a good GPA and a strong application profile to increase your chances.
Ans: Canadian universities usually look at both GRE and GPA together. GPA shows your consistent performance, while the GRE helps compare you with students worldwide. For competitive programs, a balanced mix of a good GPA and GRE score makes your application stronger than relying on one alone.
Ans: Canadian universities use GRE scores to measure a student’s analytical and problem-solving skills. The test helps them find students who can handle advanced coursework and research easily. A good GRE score can also help you stand out when applying for scholarships or research-based programs.
Relatable Reads
This was everything you needed to know about GRE scholarships in Canada, including eligibility, types, and the application process. If you’re planning to study in Canada and want to reduce your tuition costs, start preparing for your GRE and documents early. For more such detailed guides on scholarships and study opportunities abroad, visit the Scholarships Page on Leverage Edu and stay updated with reliable information.
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