What scholarships are available for Indian students in Canada?

By Abhinav Jain, Founder & Director, Gateway International | Btech, MBA, Serial Entrepreneur | Study abroad consultants and AI in business specialist
Published: January 3, 2025 | 12 min read | ✓ Verified Expert

Introduction

Indian students have also depended on scholarships to study in Canada. They will, therefore, be receptive to the Canadian scholarships awarded to international students as additional motivation to facilitate their education in foreign nations. They are a valuable pathway between imagination and reality. The scholarships available to Indian students will be generous and appealing. The university will face opportunities and challenges in 2025, including emerging policies from the Canadian government, new university strategies, and an increase in scholarships targeting Indians.

Education in Canada is not only academic; it requires a well-rounded life experience that leads to positive change. The Canadian Department of External Affairs reports that there are currently 137,000 Indian students in Canada. Canada has an increased demand for scholarships for bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The scholarships are not exclusive to ease, but also to merit, leadership, and the varied viewpoints that the students bring to the university campus.

This paper will explore the terms of the scholarships given to Indian students by the Government of Canada. We shall also examine the recent trends in this study area, including Canadian scholarships for Indian students, as well as those for PhD and master’s programs in Canada. The following article has practical recommendations and examples of the program. This paper will teach you how to secure one of the most sought-after international scholarships in Canada in 2025.

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Why Canada Scholarships for Indian Students Matter

Obtaining an education in another country is a significant investment. This reminds me of the fact that Canada is among the countries that attract students due to its facilities, diverse culture, and employment opportunities. Nonetheless, maintenance costs, living expenses, and tuition fees can be too high. In this sense, Canadian scholarships for Indian students would be significant in this respect.

Scholarships abroad, in the case of Canada, are not the only reason behind the success of the international students. This reminds me that there are also recognition, opportunity and power essentials behind them. Well, actually, yes–you know what? These are the scholarships that honour achievements in scholastic merit, service to the community, and personal abilities, which in turn result in coveted courses of study or research. Indeed, as far as it goes, the primary purpose of obtaining a scholarship in Canada is to pursue a university degree. On these, Government of Canada scholarships are just like an essential doctor.

• Students also have the opportunity to continue their studies in Canada without interrupting their education.
• International students bring international perspectives to the domain of Canadian university campuses, adding colour to the cultural setting.
• The Canadian Government offers scholarships, as do other countries and their universities, such as the University of London.
• Indian students have high levels of educational performance quality, comparable to that of other nations, enabling them to compete effectively.

The scholarship will free students to study without worrying about finances, allowing them to excel academically and brighten their chances. The competition is very tight in every department.

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Types of Scholarships in Canada for International Students

It shall be seen that, with regard to the advantage of every particular, there must be a necessity to settle by a method of inquiry the most agreeable way of subsisting. Similarly, we are also informed about the various categories of Canadian scholarships and how they are utilised to support international students studying in Canada.

These are some characteristics of Canadian scholarships.

• Government-Funded Scholarships: This is where the federal or provincial government funds scholars, and they almost always cover the costs of studies, lodging, and travel. Other Canadian government scholarships also exist, including the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship.
• Scholarships in Universities: There are scholarships available to students from various countries, and Canadian universities also offer scholarships that require a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Foundation and Private Scholarships: It is here that specific scholarships, and even those at the doctoral level, are annually announced by foundations, firms, or other organisations, and some of these incorporate travel bursaries or the costs of research.
• Research and Project-Based Scholarships. Research scholarships are designed for students engaged in research projects, offering grants for original projects that can be implemented in conjunction with their research advisors or research teams.
• Course-Specific Scholarships: Additionally, there are scholarships in the sciences, business, social sciences, and natural sciences, as well as those for racial and ethnic minorities.

Nevertheless, many partial scholarships and grants can significantly lower the cost. For graduates and post-docs, the field is broader, particularly in research-based programmes.

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Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for Undergraduates

For students, securing a scholarship in Canada is, you know, very difficult, but not impossible. The scholarships will be awarded to the most talented individuals worldwide. The number of scholarships for undergraduate courses is actually less than that for postgraduate classes; however, some prestigious institutions offer scholarships to Indian students.

Among the Canadian scholarships most sought after by students are the following:

• Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto): Honestly, this scholarship covers four years of tuition, books, and boarding expenses. For international students who have demonstrated academic excellence and leadership.
• UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award (University of British Columbia): Full-tuition scholarship and room and board for four years; students who are both economically and academically disadvantaged; it’s renewable for four years.
• York University International Student Scholarship: For the four-year course, the scholarship could be worth up to CAD180,000, making it a prestigious university.
• Carleton Prestige Scholarships: The scholarship is awarded to the most excellent international students at Carleton University in Canada.

Competition for these scholarships is typically based on exceptional academic records, usually above 90% in class, as well as outstanding leadership skills, and a good English score on the TOEFL or IELTS. Additionally, submitting an early application and providing complete documentation are essential.

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Scholarships in Canada for Masters

To promote the development of higher education, more and better scholarships are available in Canada for post-graduate studies. Speaking of which, these scholarships are primarily endowed by the Canadian Government, provincial governments, and the country’s foremost universities, and are designed to promote scientific research.

Master’s scholarships in Canada include:

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships provide annual amounts of up to CAD50,000 for up to three years to doctoral students who demonstrate leadership and academic excellence.
• Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan: Graduate or post-graduate scholarship to students of Commonwealth countries. Everything is covered, including travel, meals, lodging, etc., by the Government of Canada.

• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS): Scholarships that are granted to students who study at a graduate level in Ontario.

• Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships: For students in the social and human sciences, the stipend is 60,000 Canadian dollars.
• Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships: For two years, a post-doctoral researcher will receive a salary of CAD$70,000.

Most scholarships in Canada require a high grade point average (minimum of 75% in a bachelor’s degree), a research proposal, and an IELTS score or TOEFL score; some also require a letter of recommendation from a Canadian university. Competition is keen, but the remuneration is generous, covering expenses for tuition, living costs, research, and travel.

Eligibility Criteria and Standardized Tests

The scholarship for Indian students in Canada isn’t the same for everyone. There’s, however, a fundamental criterion that most scholarship applicants share: a minimum of seventy-five to ninety per cent is required.

• IELTS/TOEFL: Among the Canadian scholarships awarded to international students, it’s necessary to provide evidence of English proficiency.
• SAT: The entrance examinations for American universities can be difficult, and most students have to take the SAT test if applying to certain programs.
• GRE/GMAT: For graduate studies, especially for engineering and business, GRE and GMAT scores are critical selection criteria.
• Academic Transcripts: All applicants must bring a copy of their full report card.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP): Similarly, a statement of purpose, detailing the applicant’s academic aims, leadership experience, and future professional goals, strengthens the application.
• Letters of Recommendation: Normally, the scholarship entails a recommendation from a professor or professional.

Some scholarships also require an interview, a thesis proposal, or proof of extracurricular activities. This reminds me that it’s always wise to ask for the precise conditions for each scholarship and to prepare all the required documents thoroughly.

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Application Process for Canada Scholarships

Honestly, the scholarship for studying in Canada is a complex and multi-stage process that requires careful planning. Missing a deadline or submitting incomplete documents can compromise the entire process. Here’s a brief explanation.

• Research: We know what kind of scholarships suit your academic profile, your field of study and your career ambitions. Use the university pages, government sites and scholarship registers.
• Prepare Documents: Take together your transcripts, English test results, SOP, and letters of recommendation
• Apply for Admission: These scholarships are only for students currently enrolled in an academic program and are not available to those who are not enrolled.
• Submit Scholarship Applications: Apply for a scholarship, fill out the form, attach supporting documents, – I mean, and write it carefully.
• Interviews/Assessments: Some scholarships will require extra work. You’ve done your homework. Be your best.
• Track Status: Check your application regularly and supply any – well, actually, information I mean, that’s asked for.
• Accept Offer: If you’re granted the scholarship, you’ll follow the instructions in the letter to accept the scholarship.

Pro tip: Plan your preparations 12-18 months in advance of your intended entry date. Besides, the sooner you plan, the better it is for you, as you’ll have more time for preparations and document checking.

Top Universities Offering Scholarships in Canada

Actually, you know what? These are the institutions selected for their scientific reputation, the value of their research and their inclination to encourage. Here are some of the best Canadian universities offering scholarships.

• University of Toronto: Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship and the President Scholars of Excellence, as well as other scholarships based on merit.
• University of British Columbia (UBC): The university offers awards to female students, including the “Empowering Women in Business” award.
• McGill University: Entrance Scholarships, the International McGill Founders’ Prize for Leadership, and other merit-based awards.
• University of Alberta: The International Students Program and The Global Education Program.
• University of Waterloo: Master’s and Doctoral Student Prizes.
• York University: The prominent scholarships are the “Academic Studies in the World” and the “Entry Awards.”
• Carleton University: Prestigious entrance scholarships awarded to outstanding international students.

Each university has its own scholarship office with a distinct application procedure. All awards are subject to specific terms, conditions and deadlines.

Recent Policy Changes and Trends

It must be acknowledged that the scope of scholarships in India for Canadian scholars varies with the changing conditions of the day. In the years 2024-25, several changes will be implemented to the process by which Indian students obtain their scholarships and visas.

• Study Permit Cap and Attestation Letters: On March 1, the Canadian government instituted a limit on the number of international students to be admitted to universities in Canada. This is the only letter that can be used to certify a student’s provincial status.
• Increased Proof of Funds: Students should note that to be eligible for a scholarship, they must be able to show that they have enough money to cover not only their studies but also the travel expenses to and from.
• Digitally Verified Letters of Acceptance: All study permit applications must include an official confirmation from an educational institution that it’s registered with the Ministry of Education.
• Enhanced Work Rights: During their academic term, international students are allowed to work for a maximum of twenty-eight hours per week.
• Scholarship Competition: The success rate of the government scholarship is about twenty to twenty-five per cent, and the scholarship from the university is thirty to forty per cent. Competition for fellowships is intense, particularly for students at the bachelor’s and master’s levels in Canada.

The changes outlined above demonstrate the importance of careful preparation, financial planning, and adherence to the new administrative procedures. The result is that many students find their scholarships being stopped or their applications rejected, while others have their scholarships reduced.

Popular Fields and Courses for Scholarship Recipients

Canada scholarships for Indian students are available for various subjects, but some fields of study attract the most interest. These are:

• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics): Science, technology, engineering and mathematics courses are the most marketable to pursue in college because they have high marketability with an excellent chance of getting a job.
• Business and Management: The Bachelor’s of Science and Master’s in Business Administration, Finance, and Business Analytics are well attended and have strong job prospects.
• Health Sciences: Public health, biomedicine and nursing are enticing students and show an awareness of the importance of health.

Social Sciences and Humanities: The preferred courses of study for those awarded a scholarship are public administration, social sciences and political science.

Nilesh Rajani

“A heartfelt thanks to Ashray Sir (Dikshant Jain) for his expert mentorship and to Kunal for his constant support throughout the entire process. They handled everything—from applications to visa lodgement—smoothly and professionally, making what could have been a stressful journey truly seamless. I’m genuinely grateful to Gateway International for their dedication and highly recommend them to anyone looking to pursue their education abroad.”

Funding Breakdown and Cost of Study

When you come to study in Canada, it is essential to understand the associated costs. In this way, the student not only studies but also becomes proficient in Canada’s official languages.

Some scholarships in Canada for international students cover all or part of these expenses, depending on the scholarship. However, as the initial tithes of the collection are deposited into the state’s coffers, Gateway EduConnect also helps students obtain scholarships.

Tips for Maximizing Your Scholarship Chances

Competition for scholarships to study in Canada is very stiff, but with a good strategy, you can make your application stand out. Here are some professional tips to improve your chances of success:

• Start early: do your research and prepare yourself for the time you want to enter the university.

• The usual stipulation in scholarship conditions is the maintenance of the highest academic standards.

• Tests: The GMAT, TOEFL, GRE and IELTS have to be taken and passed as appropriate.
• Write a good Statement of Purpose. Highlight your achievements, leadership and contribution to the community.
• In a word, you must provide the best recommendations you can. Choose referees who know you well and can attest to that.
• Volunteer and have the opportunity to show your talents: Show your volunteer work and special skills and talents.
• Don’t forget the deadlines. Late and insufficient applications are generally rejected.
• Apply for several scholarships. This will increase your chances of success.

Remember, it’s persistence and attention to detail. An experienced professional, such as Gateway International, which has a long track record of 50,000 successful placements, is a good choice for a successful candidate.

Bhavya Rathore

“I had an amazing experience with Gateway International Study Consultancy. From the very beginning of my journey, they supported me through every single step — from university applications and interview preparation to the visa process. Their guidance was not only professional but also genuinely caring.”

Conclusion

Scholarships to study in Canada are not merely a source of financial aid to Indian students but also a means to become academically qualified, internationally exposed, and experience life-changing possibilities. Since Canada continually introduces a variety of scholarship plans, competition intensifies even more, making planning, endurance, and strategy particularly pertinent. Changes in eligibility requirements, increased awareness of these changes, and applying to more opportunities are likely to increase the success rate. In addition to paying tuition and covering living costs, these scholarships recognise merit, leadership, and cultural contributions. Our contributions not only add value to the recipient but also to Canadian academic life as a whole. Studying can be a challenging pathway for those who are willing to put in the effort; however, with sufficient motivation, well-developed proposals, and timely submissions, the rewards can be substantial. It is not just scholarly; it is both personal and professional. Amidst the growing competitive world, Canadian scholarships continue to serve as a source of strength between aspiration and success in the eyes of Indian students who are out to prove themselves.