Scholarships to study in Canada | Top 7 ones you can’t miss!

Scholarships in Canada for international students

Canada is now the third most popular educational destination after the United States and the United Kingdom. According to the most recent statistics, the country has over 640,000 international students. It also has a number of prestigious institutions, with five of them ranking in the top 100 of the World University Rankings. Canadian universities and colleges offer a variety of scholarships to assist incoming students. Besides, the Canadian government also offers numerous scholarships, grants, and bursaries to help international students. 

While Canada is not the most expensive country to study in, it is costly to attend a Canadian university. There are scholarships in Canada that provide full funding to international students to help them bear the costs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the various scholarships to study in Canada, providing valuable insights and strategies to boost your chances of receiving financial support.

Top 7 scholarships you can opt for

Studying in Canada offers a world-class education and a multicultural experience that can shape your future. However, the cost of international education can be a concern for many aspirants. The good news is that numerous scholarships are available to help offset the expenses and make your academic dreams come true. Listed below are the top 7 scholarships to study in Canada.

1. Ontario Trillium Scholarship 

One of the best scholarships to study in Canada, the Ontario Trillium Scholarship is available to top international students who wish to pursue a Ph.D. at one of the universities in Ontario. The scholarship application will cover a student’s educational needs provided potential scholars must have a grade point average of 80 percent per term for the previous two years. They should also have exceptional research potential. The application should also include transcripts of records, academic intent, letters of reference, and any other supporting documentation. Scholars must complete their studies satisfactorily in order to continue receiving Ontario Trillium benefits. The Trillium scholarship cannot be combined with other awards from Canadian agencies and/or foundations. 

• Scholarship Amount – CAD 40,000 ($31,945) per year for four years
• Eligibility – Full-time doctrate in Ontario institutions

2. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships 

The Vanier Canada Graduate scholarship aims to attract the best Ph.D. students from around the world and one of the best Canada Scholarships For Indian Students. Funded by the Canadian government, the Institute of Health, the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council, and the Social Science and Humanities Research Council receive slots accordingly. The scholarship is granted to 166 awardees each year who are nominated by their respective institutions. The criteria for judgment are academic excellence, leadership, and research potential. Quotas are determined by the university, with the University of Toronto, British Columbia, and McGill receiving the most. 

• Amount of Scholarship – CAD 50,000 ($39,930) per year for three years
• Eligibility – Doctrate

3. Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships 

The Lester B. Pearson scholarship is one of the best scholarships to study in Canada, available to international students. Every year, the University of Toronto provides aid to college students for books, lodging, and incidental fees, and tuition fees as well. To be competent for the scholarship, you need strong academic credentials and exceptional leadership abilities. The scholarship is only available to first-time Bachelor’s students who have been nominated by their respective high school counselors. The student can only apply after the nomination has been approved. 

• Scholarship Amount – Four years of full tuition. 
• Eligibility – A Bachelor’s degree from the University of Toronto

4. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Scholarship, named after the former Canadian Prime Minister, aims to fund the Ph.D. education of 16 students specializing in the foundation’s four themes. The student must already be attending a Canadian doctoral program in order to be eligible. The criteria for the scholarship are academic performance, commitment, leadership and engagement, and agility and resilience. Scholars must also take part in any of the foundation’s activities to improve their chances. This Canada scholarship covers tuition fees as well as a CAD 20,000 ($15,970) allowance for research, travel, and networking, or even learning a new language.

• Scholarship Amount – CAD 40,000 ($31,945) per year for three years.
• Eligibility – Full-time doctorate degree in Human Rights & Dignity, People & the Natural Environment, Responsible Citizenship, or Canada & the World

5. Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award Scholarship 

This is a merit-based scholarship. It is open to candidates who have not yet completed their first bachelor’s degree and come from a UBC-recognized secondary school. However, those who have spent a year at a secondary college or university are also eligible for this scholarship. There is a better chance of winning the grant for students who demonstrate leadership in community service and student affairs. Other requirements include A-level results and proof of financial need. Scholarship applicants, like all other UBC students, must meet all of the university’s degree-specific and language requirements. Depending on the student’s academic performance, the Karen McKellin award can be renewed annually. 

• Scholarship Amount – Determined by financial need (family financial contribution subtracted) 
• Eligibility – A Bachelor’s degree from the University of British Columbia

6. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF) 

Another great scholarship to study in Canada, the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship is for Master and Ph.D. students at the University of Manitoba. An applicant must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be eligible for the scholarship. This criterion may change as other faculties may require a higher score. The scholars must have the recommendation of their respective departments. The monetary value of the scholarship varies depending on the degree of assistance, with a maximum of five years of assistance. As a result, any student who received funding for a 2-year Master’s degree is still eligible for funding for a 3-year Ph.D and it is among one of the best scholarships for international students Canada. 

• Scholarship Amount – CAD 14,000 ($11,180) per year for 1-2 years for Masters students; CAD 18,000 ($14,375) per year for 1-4 years for Ph.D. students 
• Eligibility – Full-time Masters and Doctorate degrees at the University of Manitoba 

7. University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship 

The University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship is for students who have excelled academically. This scholarship is awarded to two deserving students each year. To be eligible for this Canada scholarship, the applicant must meet the university’s English proficiency requirement. The award is renewable until the fourth year depending on the student’s CGPA, which must be 2.60 or higher every term.

• Scholarship amount – CAD 15,000 ($11,980) per year 
• Eligibility – A Bachelor’s degree from the University of Calgary 

Key takeaways

• Embarking on an academic journey in Canada is a remarkable opportunity to broaden your horizons and gain a world-class education.
• With a diverse range of scholarships available, you can make your international education dreams come true.
• By researching scholarship options, tailoring your applications, and showcasing your achievements, you’re well on your way to securing the financial support needed for a successful and fulfilling educational experience.

Feel free to reach out to us for any help regarding colleges and courses in Canada or elsewhere!

You can also apply for the iSchoolConnect Scholarship to finance your education abroad.

Until then, Happy learning!

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FAQs

Q1. Can I apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously?

Answer- Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships as long as you meet the eligibility criteria for each one. Keep track of application deadlines and requirements to ensure a successful application process.

Q2. How competitive are Canadian scholarships?

Answer- The competitiveness of scholarships varies depending on factors such as the scholarship type, program of study, and the number of applicants. Ensure your application stands out by showcasing your achievements and demonstrating a strong alignment with the scholarship’s goals.

Q3. What is the significance of scholarship essays in the application process?

Answer- Scholarship essays provide an opportunity for you to showcase your personality, motivations, and future aspirations. Admissions committees use these essays to understand your unique perspective and determine your potential contribution to the academic community.