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.
Meritorious Indian students are offered various scholarships at universities and colleges in Canada to help cover the costs of their studies, including tuition fees and living expenses. These scholarships not only alleviate the financial burden but also support students in achieving their academic goals.
Here, we’ll explore the top Canada Scholarships for Indian students, including eligibility, the application process, and benefits.
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.
Top Government Scholarships 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 is named after Major-General Georges P. Vanier, Canada's first francophone Governor General. This scholarship helps the Canadian institution to attract qualified doctoral students based on selection criteria such as academic excellence, research potential and leadership.
The scholarship applies only to areas of research for
Health research
Natural sciences and/or engineering
Social sciences and humanities
Aspect
Details
Benefit
INR 30L per year
Duration
3 years (non-renewable)
Eligibility Criteria
The scholarship is for doctoral students.
You should have Indian citizenship.
You should be nominated by only one Canadian institution, which must have received a Vanier CGS quota.
You must have completed no more than 20 months of full-time study in your doctoral program as of May 1, 2025.
You should not have already received a doctoral-level scholarship or fellowship from CIHR, NSERC or SSHRC to undertake or complete a doctoral progra
2. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship
The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships program aims to attract and retain top-tier postdoctoral talent from around the world. This fellowship is administered by Canada’s three major research councils and is open to both Canadian and international researchers in health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities.
Aspect
Details
Benefit
INR 43L
Duration
2 years (non-renewable)
Eligibility Criteria
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.
You must apply through a Canadian host institution.
3. EduCanada Exchange Scholarships
EduCanada offers a variety of short-term exchange programs for international students to study or conduct research in Canadian post-secondary institutions. They are ideal for undergraduates, graduates, or researchers seeking cross-cultural academic experiences.
Aspect
Details
Benefit
INR 6L - INR 8L
Duration
4-6 months
Eligibility Criteria
You must be enrolled at a post-secondary institution in your home country.
You must be part of an exchange agreement between the Indian and Canadian institutions.
Provincial Scholarships for International Students
Canadian provinces also offer scholarships to attract international students. Below are a few of them.
1. 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
INR 6L for 2 consecutive study terms
INR 9L for 3 consecutive study terms
Duration
1-2 academic years
Eligibility Criteria
You must have a student study permit visa under a temporary resident visa.
You must be enrolled in an eligible graduate program at a participating Ontario university.
You should have achieved a minimum grade of atleast A- (or equivalent) in each of the last two completed years of study.
You should be registered or have an intention to register for a programme in the year 2024-2025.
2. Ontario Trillium Scholarship (OTS)
The Ontario Trillium Scholarship is awarded to attract the best and brightest Indian and international students for doctoral research studies. This scholarship is provincially funded to deserving candidates based on merit and program criteria.
Aspect
Details
Benefit
INR 25L
Duration
4 years
Eligibility Criteria
You must have a valid Canadian permit visa
You should be proficient in English by the time of application.
You should have the intent to register in a doctoral-level program.
3. Quebec Graduate Scholarships
Quebec offers a range of funding options for international students, including doctoral and postdoctoral fellowships, as well as short-term research scholarships. These awards are merit-based and offer tuition exemption and health insurance, making studying in Quebec more accessible for international students.
Aspect
Details
Benefit
Doctoral: INR 15L per year
Post Doctoral: INR 22L
Research: INR 2L per month
Duration
Doctoral: 3 years
Post Doctoral: 1 year
Research: 4 months
Eligibility Criteria
You must be enrolled in a master’s, doctoral, or postdoctoral program at a Quebec institution.
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.
1. 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
You must be an indian citizen.
You must be in the final year of your senior secondary school in 2024/2025 or have graduated no earlier than June 2024.
You must be applying to begin undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto in September 2025.
2. 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
INR 6L
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.
3. 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 Award: INR 86L
International Entrance Scholarship of Distinction: INR 49L
Duration
4 years
Eligibility Criteria
You should have an excellent academic record.
You should demonstrate leadership through community service or excellence in the arts, sports, or other areas.
You must apply for an undergraduate programme at York.
Private and NGO Scholarships
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.
1. 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
Up to INR 31L stipend plus up to INR 12L research and travel allowance per year
Duration
3 years
Eligibility Criteria
You must be a doctoral candidate in the humanities or social sciences.
You must be enrolled full-time at a Canadian university.
Your research must align with Trudeau Foundation themes (e.g., human rights, responsible citizenship).
2. 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
You should have excellent academic records.
You must be pursuing a postgraduate degree (Master's or PhD) at a reputable university.
You should demonstrate genuine financial need.
3. 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
You must be an Indian citizen.
You must be a student, scholar, or researcher at an Indian institution.
You should be seeking to pursue studies or research in Canada.
You must meet the specific requirements of the individual SICI award.
Fully Funded vs Partially Funded Canada Scholarships for Indian Students: What to Expect?
When applying for Canada Scholarships for Indian students, it’s important to know the difference between fully funded and partially funded options. It can help you plan your finances and choose the right opportunity.
Aspect
Fully Funded
Partially Funded
Coverage
Tuition, accommodation, living expenses, health insurance, travel, research grants
Good academics; less emphasis on extra-curriculars
Competition
Highly competitive
Moderately competitive
Financial Planning
Minimal additional funding needed
Requires loans, part-time work, or personal funds
Examples
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
University of Waterloo Entrance Scholarships, Simon Fraser University Scholarships
Pro Tip
Always read the eligibility criteria carefully and prepare your documents in advance for a better chance at winning these awards.
How to Apply for Canada Scholarships 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.
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.
Common Mistakes that Indian Students Should Avoid
Missing Application Deadlines: Many scholarships have strict deadlines, and missing them by even a day can cost you the opportunity. Late submissions are not accepted.
Generic SOP: Writing generic essays without tailoring them to the specific scholarship requirements is a red flag for evaluators.
Ignoring small Scholarships: Many students chase large, popular scholarships, overlooking smaller ones that are less competitive.
Getting a scholarship in Canada for Indian students is very competitive, so you should research suitable scholarships that align 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.
Q. How can I get a scholarship to study in Canada?
Ans. To get a scholarship in Canada, you need to maintain strong academic records, prepare a solid Statement of Purpose (SOP), and apply early. Many universities and government programmes offer scholarships based on merit, financial need, or research potential. Check each scholarship's eligibility and application process on official websites.
Q. What are the best fully funded scholarships in Canada for Indian students?
Ans. Top fully funded scholarship in Canada for Indian students include the Vanier Graduate Scholarships, Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, Ontario Trillium Scholarships, and Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship. These cover tuition, living expenses, and sometimes travel costs, but are highly competitive and require excellent academic records and leadership qualities.
Q. Do Canadian universities offer scholarships for international students?
Ans. Yes, many Canadian universities offer scholarships specifically for international students, including Indians. These can be merit-based, need-based, or program-specific, and may cover part or all of tuition and living expenses. Examples include university-funded entrance scholarships and government-funded awards.
Q. What GPA is required to get a scholarship in Canada?
Ans. The required GPA varies by scholarship and university, but most competitive scholarships expect a strong academic record, generally a minimum GPA of 3.0 to 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Some highly competitive awards may require even higher GPAs and additional achievements.
Q. Which are popular Ph.D. scholarships in Canada?
Ans. Popular Ph.D. scholarships in Canada include the Vanier Graduate Scholarships, Ontario Trillium Scholarships, Google PhD Fellowship Program, and university-specific awards like the University of Alberta Scholarships and Dalhousie University – OZ Optics Limited Graduate Scholarships.
Q. Which are popular master's scholarships in Canada?
Ans. For master’s students, well-known scholarships include the Ontario Graduate Scholarship, Richard A. Freund International Scholarship, International Peace Scholarship for Women, and Conestoga College International Degree Entrance Scholarship.
Q. Which are popular MBA scholarships in Canada?
Ans. Top MBA scholarships in Canada include the Michael Lang MBA Award, Claude Winspear MBA Award, Accelerated Career Scholarship, Forté Foundation Scholarship, and Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program. These are often awarded based on academic merit, GMAT scores, and leadership potential.
Q. Do I need a separate SOP for scholarships?
Ans. Some Canadian scholarships for Indian students require a separate Statement of Purpose (SOP) or personal statement focused on your achievements, goals, and reasons for applying, while others may use the SOP from your university application. Always check the specific scholarship requirements.
Q. Is IELTS required for scholarship eligibility in Canada?
Ans. IELTS or another English proficiency test is typically required for admission to Canadian universities and, by extension, for most scholarships. Some scholarships may have minimum IELTS score requirements, so check the eligibility criteria for each scholarship.
Q. Can I study in Canada for free?
Ans. No, Indian and Canadian students are not eligible for free university education in Canada. However, an Indian student is eligible for scholarships and can be fully supported or receive a full tuition scholarship.
Q. When should I apply for scholarships in Canada?
Ans. Usually, all the Canadian Scholarships for Indian students have different internal deadlines, but every 12th-grade year, it opens and closes. Most scholarships in Canada are offered between December and May, but a few will be available before or after this time.
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