Canada has been home to around 9,97,820 Indian students in 2024. It is one of the most affordable places to study abroad, but managing your fees requires considerable time and effort. Understanding tuition fees in Canada and planning for monthly living expenses such as accommodation, food, and transportation requires careful financial preparation.
To ease this burden, many Canadian universities offer scholarships for Indian students that help cover both academic costs and day-to-day living expenses, making long-term study plans more manageable.
Types of Canada Scholarships for Indian Students
Canada offers several scholarships to support international students at various stages of their academic journeys. The scholarships for international students in Canada can be broadly categorised into 3 types based on funding source and the level of study:
| Type of Scholarship | Description |
|---|---|
| Government-funded Scholarships | Offered by the Canadian federal or provincial government to attract talented international students and support research initiatives. |
| Institution-Specific Scholarships | Provided by Canadian universities; based on academic merit, financial need, or specific program enrolment. |
| Non-Government Scholarships | Offered by private organisations, foundations, and NGOs to support international students studying in Canada. |
Government Scholarships for Indian Students in Canada
The Canadian government provides several prestigious scholarships for international students, including Indian students, to pursue higher education and research. Below, we have listed a few government scholarships for international students in Canada.
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier Graduate Scholarship bears the name of the first francophone governor general of Canada, Major-General Georges P. Vanier. Based on selection criteria like academic brilliance, research potential, and leadership, this scholarship aids the Canadian university in luring eligible PhD candidates.
The scholarship applies only to areas of research for
- Health research
- Natural sciences and/or engineering
- Social sciences and humanities
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | CAD 50,000/year (₹33.36 lakh/year) |
| Duration | 3 years (non-renewable) |
| Eligibility Criteria | 1. The scholarship is for doctoral students. 2. You should have Indian citizenship. 3. You should be nominated by only one Canadian institution, which must have received a Vanier CGS quota. 4. You must have completed no more than 20 months of full-time study in your doctoral program as of May 1, 2026. 5. You should not have already received a doctoral-level scholarship or fellowship from CIHR, NSERC or SSHRC to undertake or complete a doctoral program |
2. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship
The goal of the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships program is to draw in and keep world-class postdoctoral talent. Both Canadian and foreign researchers working in the fields of health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities are eligible to apply for this fellowship, which is managed by Canada’s three main research councils.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | CAD 70,000/year (₹46.70 lakh/year) |
| Duration | 2 years (non-renewable) |
| Eligibility Criteria | 1. You should have completed a PhD, PhD-equivalent, or health professional degree between September 15, 2021 – September 30, 2025 (inclusively), and before the start date of their award. 2. You must apply through a Canadian host institution. |
3. EduCanada Exchange Scholarships
International students can study or perform research in Canadian post-secondary schools through a number of short-term exchange programs offered by EduCanada. For undergraduates, recent grads, or researchers looking for cross-cultural academic experiences, they are perfect.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | CAD 10,200 – 12,700 (₹6.8-8.5 lakh) |
| Duration | 4-6 months |
| Eligibility Criteria | 1. You must be enrolled at a post-secondary institution in your home country. 2. You must be part of an exchange agreement between the Indian and Canadian institutions. |
4. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship proposes to award scholarships to graduate students(master’s and doctoral) in the Ontario region of Canada. It is a merit-based scholarship funded by the Province of Ontario and the University of Toronto.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | CAD 10,000 for 2 terms (₹6.67 lakh)CAD 15,000 for 3 terms (₹10.01 lakh) |
| Duration | 1-2 academic years |
| Eligibility Criteria | 1. You must have a student study permit visa under a temporary resident visa. 2. You must be enrolled in an eligible graduate program at a participating Ontario university. 3. You should have achieved a minimum grade of atleast A- (or equivalent) in each of the last two completed years of study. 4. You should be registered or have an intention to register for a programme in the year 2026-2027. |
Want to know more about Canada scholarships? Read More: Canada Higher Education Scholarships
5. Quebec Graduate Scholarships
For international students, Quebec provides a variety of financial opportunities, including as short-term research scholarships and doctoral and postdoctoral fellowships. International students can now study in Quebec more easily thanks to these merit-based prizes, which also include health insurance and tuition exemptions.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | Doctoral: CAD 23,000/year (₹15.35 lakh) Postdoctoral: CAD 35,000 (₹23.35 lakh) Research: CAD 3,000/month (₹2.0 lakh/month) |
| Duration | Doctoral: 3 years Post Doctoral: 1 year Research: 4 months |
| Eligibility Criteria | 1. You must be enrolled in a master’s, doctoral, or postdoctoral program at a Quebec institution. 2. You must reside in Quebec for the duration of the scholarship. |
University Scholarships for Indian Students
Many Canadian universities have dedicated scholarships specifically for Indian students. Here we’ve listed some university scholarships for international students in Canada.
6. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is one of the most popular University of Toronto scholarships for undergraduate students. It aims to recognise students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, creativity, and leadership within their school and community.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | Tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support |
| Duration | 4 Years |
| Eligibility Criteria | 1. You must be an Indian citizen. 2. You must be in the final year of your senior secondary school in 2024/2025 or have graduated no earlier than June 2024. 3. You must be applying to begin undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto in September 2025. |
7. UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES)
The University of British Columbia (UBC) provide the IMES scholarship to first-year undergraduate students with an excellent academic record.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | CAD 9,000–18,000/year (₹6-12 lakh) |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Eligibility Criteria | 1. You must have a Canadian study permit. 2. You must demonstrate exceptional academic excellence and extracurricular involvement. |
8. UBC ILOT Award (UG)
The Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow(ILOT) Award supports undergraduate students who demonstrate superior academic achievement, leadership skills, and involvement in student affairs and community service at UBC.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | Tuition fees + living expenses |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Eligibility Criteria | 1. You must have a Canadian study permit. 2. You must demonstrate superior academic achievement and financial need. |
9. University of Waterloo International Student Entrance Scholarship
The University of Waterloo provides this award to first-year students. This scholarship is open to any undergraduate program.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | CAD 10,000 (₹6.67 lakh) |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Eligibility Criteria | You must be admitted to year one of an undergraduate degree program with an admission average of 90% or above. |
Want t o explore funding options at University of Waterloo? Read more: University Of Waterloo Scholarships For Indian Students
10. University of Alberta International Undergraduate Scholarship
This scholarship is exclusively for students admitted to the University of Alberta. You will be considered for the award after you get admission to the University of Alberta. The selection will be based on academic excellence.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | CAD 5,000-10,000 (₹3.34-6.67 lakh) |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Eligibility Criteria | 1. You must have a Canadian study permit. 2. You must demonstrate an excellent academic record. |
11. McGill University Entrance & Need-Based Aid
McGill University offers a range of entrance Scholarships and need-based Aid to international students entering undergraduate programmes.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | CAD 3,000-11,000 (₹2-7.34 lakh) |
| Duration | 3 – 4 years |
| Eligibility Criteria | 1. You must have a strong academic performance for entrance scholarships. 2. You must demonstrate financial need for need-based aid scholarship. |
12. York University International Student Scholarship
York University offers several prestigious scholarships, such as the Global Leader of Tomorrow Award and the International Entrance Scholarship of Distinction, to international students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | Global Leader of Tomorrow: CAD 128,000 (₹85.4 lakh) Entrance Scholarship of Distinction: CAD 80,000 (₹53.38 lakh) |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Eligibility Criteria | 1. You should have an excellent academic record. 2. You should demonstrate leadership through community service or excellence in the arts, sports, or other areas. 3. You must apply for an undergraduate programme at York. |
13. University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
The University of Calgary offers the International Entrance Scholarship annually to international students entering their first year undergraduate studies based on merit.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | CAD 20,000 (₹13.34 lakh) |
| Duration | 4 Years |
| Eligibility Criteria | 1. You must have a Canadian study permit. 2. You must be entering first year of any undergraduate program in the Fall term. 3. You must possess outstanding academic achievement. |
Non-Government Scholarships for Indian Students
These scholarships are sponsored by private organisations, businesses, or donors, often aimed at students from developing countries or in specific disciplines. Below are a few of them.
14. Aga Khan Foundation
The Aga Khan Foundation provides scholarships for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from developing countries, including India. These are awarded on a 50% grant: 50% loan basis.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | Tuition and living expenses |
| Duration | Full duration of your program |
| Eligibility Criteria | 1. You should have excellent academic records. 2. You must be pursuing a postgraduate degree (Master’s or PhD) at a reputable university. 3. You should demonstrate genuine financial need. |
15. Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute
The Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute provides various grants and fellowships to promote academic exchange between India and Canada. Programs include research fellowships and mobility programs for students and faculty.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | Tuition and living expenses |
| Duration | 6-8 weeks |
| Eligibility Criteria | 1. You must be an Indian citizen. 2. You must be a student, scholar, or researcher at an Indian institution. 3. You should be seeking to pursue studies or research in Canada. 4. You must meet the specific requirements of the individual SICI award. |
16. Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation offers doctoral scholarships to students pursuing research in the humanities and social sciences, offering significant funding and leadership development opportunities.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | CAD 60,000 stipend + CAD 20,000 travel/year (₹40.03 lakh + ₹13.34 lakh) |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Eligibility Criteria | 1. You must be a doctoral candidate in the humanities or social sciences. 2. You must be enrolled full-time at a Canadian university. 3. Your research must align with Trudeau Foundation themes (e.g., human rights, responsible citizenship). |
How to Apply for Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students?
Studying in Canada can be expensive without proper financial planning or access to scholarships and grants. The best solution for addressing difficulties in paying your study fees is to apply for scholarships for Indian students in Canada.
Here is the step-by-step application process for Canada Scholarships for Indian students.
- Research Opportunities: Identify scholarships matching your academic profile, field of study, and financial needs. Use resources like EduCanada, university websites, and scholarship databases.
- Check Eligibility Criteria: Carefully review eligibility requirements, including academic criteria, nationality, and program of study.
- Prepare Documents: Commonly required documents include transcripts, recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, and proof of English/French proficiency (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL).
- Submit Applications: Complete online forms accurately and submit them before deadlines. Some scholarships may require interviews or additional assessments.
- Follow Up: After submission, monitor your application status and respond promptly if additional information is requested.
Getting a scholarship in Canada for Indian students is very competitive, so you should research suitable scholarships that aligns with your interests. You should also be aware of the deadline to apply.
If you have any questions or need guidance, our advisors at LeapScholar are here to help you navigate the eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and the right scholarship option.
Connect with our Leap Scholar consultants now !
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ’s)
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Who can apply for a scholarship in Canada?
Strong academic credentials, leadership, community service, along with financial need are prerequisites for the majority of Canadian scholarships. If you are an international student, you must have a valid study permit and be enrolled in or accepted into an accredited Canadian institution.
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How to study in Canada for free from India?
No, free university education in Canada is not available to Canadian or Indian students. Nonetheless, Indian students are qualified for scholarships and may be awarded a full tuition scholarship or full support.
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Can Indian students get a scholarship in Canada?
Indeed, Indian students are eligible for scholarships offered by numerous Canadian universities. These may be program-specific, merit-based, or need-based, and they may pay for all or a portion of living expenses and tuition. Government-funded awards and university-funded admission grants are two examples.
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How to get a scholarship in Canada after 12th?
You must maintain excellent academic records, create a good Statement of Purpose (SOP), and apply early in order to be considered for a scholarship in Canada after the 12th grade. Scholarships based on talent, financial need, or research promise are offered by numerous colleges and government initiatives. Visit the official websites to learn more about each scholarship’s requirements and application procedure.
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Is a 100% scholarship possible in Canada?
In Canada, receiving a fully financed scholarship is feasible. These scholarships pay for living expenses, tuition, and other charges. They are very competitive and typically given to students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, great leadership, and successful research.
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