Scholarship to Study in Canada

When planning to study abroad, there are numerous factors that need to be considered before making a final decision. In addition, several constraints need to be overcome before an individual, especially from countries like India, China, Brazil, Indonesia, and others, can successfully pursue further studies in a different country. One of the most critical constraints students face when planning their foreign education is financial expenses. Studying abroad can be an exorbitant endeavour, especially when migrating to a first-world country like Canada, the USA, the UK and others. Thus, it is common for students to search for financial assistance for their foreign education through scholarships and grants. In this article, we have mentioned some popular scholarships available for international students planning to study in Canada.

Scholarships in Canada

One of the most attractive features of studying in Canada is the well-developed and progressive education system. Canadian colleges and universities offer a wide range of scholarships and grants to exemplary international students and help them pursue their higher education ambitions. Additionally, financial aid in the form of scholarships, bursaries and grants is also offered by the Canadian government, public and private organizations to eligible international students. However, students need to make sure they do proper research before applying for a particular scholarship, like checking their eligibility for the grant and the application dates.

Eligibility Criteria

The primary criteria for being a suitable candidate for a particular scholarship is to have an exceptional academic record. That being said, other factors influence the scholarship application of a potential candidate. Factors such as destination, subject or field of study, and the degree course applied for significantly impact the possibility of receiving a scholarship. Extracurricular activities and volunteering work can also be of much importance when applying for specific scholarships.

Popular Scholarships

The Canadian government, non-profit and various other international organizations provide a multitude of scholarships, grants and financial aid to deserving students who wish to study in Canadian colleges and universities.

Listed below are some of the most popular scholarships available for international students in Canada:

Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan

This scholarship is offered to highly intellectual students with commendable academic achievements from Commonwealth countries. Students doing advanced study at a Master’s or a Ph.D. level are eligible to apply for this scholarship. The expenses covered by this scholarship are travel expenses, living costs and mandatory tuition fees. The Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan also include the Graduates Students Exchange Program, which provides $10000 for transportation, living and other expenses for 5-6 months in Canada.

Shastri Research Student Fellowship

The Shastri Research Student Fellowship is offered by the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute, a bi-national non-profit organization that supports the creation of binational links between academics, government, the business community and social organizations by funding research and hosting seminars. One of the popular scholarships offered by Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute is the Shastri Research Student Fellowship which is offered to students pursuing Bachelors, Masters, M.Phil degree programs in recognized Indian institutions to undertake research in their preferred field of study in a Canadian university. To be eligible for this fellowship, applicants must be a member of the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute or be from one of its constituent institutions. Candidates must also have obtained atleast 65% marks and should not be enrolled in any other degree program simultaneously. Applicants pursuing an M.Phil degree must have completed atleast one semester of the degree course. Applicants pursuing a Master’s degree should have completed one semester or a minimum of six months of the degree course.

Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program offers financial assistance to students from various disciplines and fields of study. Students need to obtain a valid study permit and accept an offer letter from a university in Ontario as a pre-requisite to applying for this scholarship. The scholarship amount is $5000 per session. Each award is viable for one year, which is two-three academic sessions. The graduate unit decides the value and duration of the scholarship. However, two-thirds of the award value is contributed by the Government of Ontario, while the remaining one-third is provided by the university. All the necessary details are mentioned in the offer letter.

Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship

This scholarship is applicable for students studying in Quebec and students studying at the Master’s level or above can apply. The candidates who apply for this scholarship are judged solely based on their merit and academic excellence. The value and duration of this scholarship are determined by the level of study pursued by the student. The scholarship for doctoral students is $25000 a year for 3 years and the duration can possibly be extended by 12 months. For a postdoctoral scholarship, the value is $35000 for one year without the possibility of renewal. Short-term research or professional development scholarships of $3000 per month are also provided for 4 months.

Ontario Trillium Scholarship

The Ontario Trillium Scholarship was started in November 2010 for doctoral students from different parts of the world to study in Ontario. The value of the scholarship is $4000 per year and the duration of the scholarship is renewable for a maximum of four years. Only 75 scholarships are awarded each year and Ontario academic institutions are responsible for selecting and awarding the scholarship to international Ph.D. students based on merit and program criteria.

Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships

The Canadian government offers the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships to international students who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in the field of natural sciences, social sciences, or healthcare research. The value of this postdoctoral scholarship is $75000 per year for two years and the sum is taxable.

Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships

The Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships are offered to international students studying at a doctorate level in some specific Canadian institution. The amount offered in this scholarship is $40000 each year for three years and $20000 each year for three years as research and travel allowance.

Anne Vallee Ecological Fund

The Anne Vallee Ecological Fund scholarships are meant for international students undertaking animal research at the masters or doctoral level. Students studying at Québec or British Columbia University are eligible to apply and two scholarships of $1500 are awarded.

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Another group of scholarships offered by the Canadian government, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, are awarded to academically exceptional students who wish to pursue a doctoral degree from a Canadian university. The value of this scholarship is 50000 CAD per year for three years. The nature of this scholarship is non-renewable.

There are countless students who have the ambition to pursue further studies in Canada but are limited by financial hindrances. However, such aspirants have plenty of opportunities when it comes to financial assistance, as mentioned above. Hopefully, this article will help students in their journey towards studying in Canada.