Following the United States of America and the United Kingdom, Canada is currently the third most sought-after destination for higher education. The most recent statistics states that Canada is home to more than 640,000 international students. There are a number of top notch colleges and universities in Canada, of which 5 rank in the top 100 of the World University Rankings.
Colleges and universities in Canada offer a vast array of courses: Engineering, Social Sciences, Journalism and Mass Communication, Humanities, among others. Not just that, students who excel academically frequently receive scholarships, bursaries and grants from Canadian colleges and universities. Even though it is not the most expensive country to study in, attending a Canadian institution is expensive.
There are scholarships available in Canada that fully cover the expenses for foreign students. However, a student's prospects of receiving a Canadian scholarship also depend on his/her job and voluntary activities. However, these scholarships are limited and highly competitive. By enrolling in Undergraduate, Master's, Doctorate, Post-Doctoral, and Certificate programmes, international students can apply for Canadian scholarships. The Canadian government offers international scholarships in practically every academic discipline. Students from all countries are therefore eligible for this Canada Government award for international students. The longest scholarship offered by Canadian colleges, can cover a student's tuition for up to four years.
The top scholarships offered to students who study in Canada are as under
Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships
International students the world over and those who are enrolled in secondary schools in Canada are both eligible for a yearly scholarship from the University of Toronto. The University of Toronto's Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program honours international students who thrive academically and creatively as well as those who are leaders in their institutions. A total of 37 undergraduate students are recognised as Lester B. Pearson Scholars by the University of Toronto. The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship will pay for tuition, books, incidentals, and complete living costs for four years. One needs to possess outstanding leadership skills in addition to solid academic credentials to qualify for the scholarship. Only freshmen who have been nominated by their respective high school counselors for the scholarship are eligible. Following the nomination's approval, the student may submit an application.
- Scholarship Amount - Four years of full tuition.
- Eligibility Criteria - A Bachelor's degree from the University of Toronto
Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award Scholarship
This scholarship is conferred based on merit and open to applicants who have not yet earned their first Bachelor's degree and come from secondary schools that are accredited by UBC. Nevertheless, students who have attended a secondary college or university for a full year are also qualified for this award. International students who have excelled in their studies, possess leadership qualities, involvement in student affairs, and community service are granted this scholarship by the University of British Columbia. Documentation of financial hardship is another prerequisite. Financial needs are calculated by deducting the entire tuition, fees, and living expenses from the annual financial contribution you and your family are able to provide. Like all UBC students, candidates applying for the scholarship must fulfil the university's language and degree-specific standards. Based on the student's scholastic performance, the Karen McKellin scholarship may be extended each year.
- Scholarship Amount - Based on the need for money (family financial contribution subtracted)
- Eligibility Criteria - University of British Columbia
University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
With an aim to motivate international students to continue their education and enrol in the first cycle of study, International Entrance Scholarships are offered annually by the University of Calgary to those who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents. One of the conditions for the Scholarship is academic excellence as well as extracurricular accomplishments. Each year, two worthy students receive this grant. In the second, third, and fourth years at the University of Calgary, this scholarship, with a value of $15,000 is renewable each year provided the awardees maintain a GPA of 2.60 over a minimum of 24.00 units in the previous fall and winter terms. Any subject from the Bachelor degree program offered by the University of Calgary may be chosen by international students who wish to apply for this award. The applicant must be proficient in English in order to be considered for this Canada scholarship.
- Scholarship Amount - CAD 15,000 ($11,980) per year
- Eligibility Criteria - A Bachelor's degree from the University of Calgary
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship
In order to support the Ph.D. education of 16 students concentrating in the four themes of the foundation, the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Scholarship, named after the previous Canadian Prime Minister, will provide financial aid. To qualify, the student must already be enrolled in a Canadian PhD programme. Academic achievement, dedication, participation and leadership, as well as flexibility and resilience, are requisites for the scholarship. Additionally, in order to increase their chances, scholars must participate in any of the foundation's events. The 20,000 CAD ($15,970) stipend for research, travel, networking, or even learning a new language is included in this Canada scholarship, which also covers the cost of tuition.
- Scholarship Amount - CAD 40,000 ($31,945) per year for a total of three years
- Eligibility Criteria - PhD with full-time study in Human Rights & Dignity, People & the Environment, Responsible Citizenship, or Canada & the World
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top universities in Canada for scholarships?
Here are some of the Canadian universities known for offering scholarships:
- University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia (UBC)
- McGill University
- University of Alberta
- University of Waterloo
- Queen's University
- University of Calgary
- Simon Fraser University (SFU)
- University of Ottawa
- Ryerson University.
- Dalhousie University
What are the most common types of scholarships offered at universities in Canada?
Here are some common types of scholarships offered at Canadian universities:
- Entrance Scholarships
- Merit-Based Scholarships
- Need-Based Scholarships
- International Student Scholarships
- Research Scholarships
- Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs) and Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs)
- Athletic Scholarships
- Community or School Involvement Scholarships
- Specific Discipline Scholarships
- Leadership Scholarships
- Diversity and Inclusion Scholarships
- Study Abroad Scholarships
- Excellence in Research or Creative Work Scholarships
- Continuing Education Scholarships
What are the eligibility requirements for scholarships offered at universities in Canada?
The eligibility requirements for Canada university scholarship are as follows:
- Academic Achievement
- Admission to the University
- Nationality or Residency Status
- Field of Study
- Year of commencement
- Financial Needs.
- Extracurricular Activities
- Research or Project Proposal
- Essays or Personal Statements
- Letters of Recommendation
- Demonstrated Interest
- Residency in a Specific Region
- Specific Demographic Criteria
- Academic or Career Goals
- Citizenship or Immigration Status
A point to be noted is that the deadline for scholarships variers according to the specific scholarship, university, and the level of study.
How can I find scholarships offered at universities in Canada?
Finding scholarships is a multi-step process. The steps include:
- Research Universities and Programs
- Visit University Websites
- Use Scholarship Search Engines
- Check Department and Faculty Websites
- Contact the University's Scholarship Office
- Explore External Scholarships
- Attend Education Fairs and Webinars
- Check Canadian Government Scholarships
- Consult University Advisors
- Network and Connect
- Review Eligibility Criteria
- Prepare Strong Applications
- Submit Applications on Time
What are the best tips for getting a scholarship in Canada?
Here are some tips that one can consider before applying for a scholarship:
- Consult Your Chosen University
- Try Networking
- Contact Your Academic Advisor
- Understand Eligibility Criteria
- Apply for Multiple Scholarships
- Demonstrate Financial Need
- Follow Instructions Carefully
What are the most common scholarships offered to international students in Canada?
The most common scholarships in Canada for international students are as follows:
- Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships.
- IDRC Research Awards.
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships Program.
- Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute.
- Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
- Canada-ASEAN SEED
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships
Common types of scholarships include:
- University-specific Scholarships
- Government Scholarships
- Provincial Scholarships
- Research Scholarships
- Scholarships from Professional Associations
- Country-specific Scholarships
Are scholarships for international students offered by Canadian universities?
Scholarship funding for international students wishing tostudy in Canada is limited, competitive, and are mostly available at the postgraduate level.
Do universities in Canada offer full scholarship?
Yes, fully financed scholarships are offered. Students are also required to have a strong academic background to avail such scholarships.
Can Indian students who study in Canada apply for scholarships?
Yes, there are scholarships available in Canada for Indian students, including fully funded ones. Indian students must meet the scholarship eligibility requirements in order to apply.
What are the trending undergraduate courses in Canada?
Some of the trending courses to study in Canada are: Hotel Management, Media Studies, Engineering, Health, Business Studies and Finance, Computer Science, Art and Design, Construction Management, among others.