Affordable Scholarships for International Students in Canada
Many students dream of studying in Canada. Yet, the high tuition and living costs can be a major hurdle. Fortunately, there are many ways to fund your studies in Canada. Applying for scholarships is a top choice for most.1 In Canada, you can find scholarships from the government, private sources, and Canadian universities. The government's scholarship programs make studying in Canada more affordable for international students. Some grants can lower your study expenses by as much as CAD 5,000 (INR 310,270) to CAD 10,000 (INR 620,540).2 This makes a significant difference.
Non-government scholarships in Canada come from non-profits or generous individuals. They aim to draw more international students. Canadian universities also extend scholarships to outstanding international students. Most of these are based on merit.
Key Takeaways
- Canada offers a wide range of government, university, and non-governmental scholarships for international students.
- Scholarships can significantly reduce the cost of studying and living expenses in Canada.
- Scholarships can be need-based, merit-based, or a combination of both.
- Applying for scholarships is a smart way to finance your education in Canada.
- International students should explore all available scholarship options to make their study in Canada more affordable.
Types of Scholarships Available
When thinking about studying in Canada, be sure to look at the different scholarships for international students. These can lower your education and living costs. There are three main types: government scholarships, university scholarships, and non-governmental organization (NGO) scholarships.
Government Scholarships
The Government of Canada has scholarships that make studying there more affordable. They cover tuition, living costs, and even your travel. For example, the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships offer CAD 70,000 (INR 4,343,760) each year for 2 years,2 and the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships offer CAD 50,000 (INR 3,102,690) each year for three years.2 Ontario and Quebec also have their own scholarship programs, ranging from CAD 5,000 (INR 310,270) to CAD 40,000 (INR 2,482,150).2
University Scholarships
Many Canadian universities have scholarships for international students. These are often based on academic success and leadership. The University of Toronto's Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, for example, offers full support for 37 students yearly.3 The University of British Columbia's Karen McKellin Award covers all costs based on need.3 York University also presents big scholarships, like CAD 140,000 (INR 8,687,560) over four years.3
Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Scholarships
NGOs and individuals also have scholarships for international students. These can help with tuition, living, and travel. Examples include the Ontario Trillium Scholarship for PhD students, worth up to CAD 40,000 (INR 2,482,150) over 4 years.2 The Trudeau Scholarships range from CAD 20,000 to CAD 40,000 (INR 1,241,070 to 2,482,150) for three years.2
So, international students have many scholarship options in Canada. These can greatly ease the financial load, letting them focus on their studies and growth. Government, university, or NGO scholarships – there are plenty of chances to fund your studies in Canada.
Top Government Scholarships
If you're looking to study in Canada, there's great news: the country offers many scholarships. These scholarships are backed by the government. They cut down on your costs, giving you more room to breathe and focus on learning. This guide highlights the top scholarships for international learners in Canada.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships stand among the best in the country. They provide up to CAD 50,000 per year. This helps international students studying for a Master's or PhD in areas like Science, Engineering, Humanities, and Social Sciences.2
Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship is a big help, too. It gives between CAD 5,000 and CAD 15,000. These scholarships are for students at public universities in Ontario.2
Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED)
The Canada-ASEAN SEED scholarship aims to help students from ASEAN countries study in Canada. It covers Visa/study permit costs, airfare, health insurance, living expenses, transportation, and school supplies.4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFQ5WbdQN-I
Prestigious University Scholarships
Alongside government-funded options, prestigious Canadian universities present top scholarships. These scholarships are highly sought after by the brightest of global students. They cover more than just tuition. They also offer stipends for living costs. This makes them very appealing for those who wish to study in Canada. The University of Toronto International Scholar Award and the UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award stand out among these.
University of Toronto International Scholar Award
The University of Toronto's scholarship for top international students is very prestigious. It offers a range from CAD 10,000 to CAD 15,000 yearly. These amounts greatly help with school and living expenses.2 To win, students need to show they're academically strong, leaders and care about their communities.
UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award
The University of British Columbia (UBC) also offers a big scholarship for top international students. This scholarship can be as much as CAD 50,000 a year. It attracts students who have excelled academically and have been active in their communities.2 The selection process focuses on leadership, extracurricular activities, and academics.
Need-Based Scholarships
Canada provides need-based scholarships alongside merit-based ones. These are for international students who need help paying for school. They give everyone a fair chance to get a higher education no matter their economic situation.
Wehrung International Student Award
The University of Toronto's3Wehrung International Student Award is well-known. It helps students with financial need. This scholarship includes money for tuition, books, fees, and living costs for four years of bachelor's degree study.
York University Global Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship
York University offers the3Global Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship. It supports international students with excellent grades and leadership skills. They can receive either $80,000 or $140,000 for their undergraduate studies.
These scholarships open doors for many international students to study in Canada. They help create a welcoming and diverse academic space. By assisting financially disadvantaged students, these programs ensure Canada's educational system benefits from a global pool of talented students.
Merit-Based Scholarships
If you dream of studying in Canada, there's good news. Plenty of merit-based scholarships await you. These scholarships look for top grades, impressive research, and leadership skills. Due to high demand, they are tough to get but totally worth it.5
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships stand out. They give C$50,000 annually for three years to those studying for a PhD.5 Also, the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships provide C$70,000 yearly for up to two years. They focus on postgraduate studies in natural and social sciences or health. Each year, 70 students worldwide earn this prestigious fellowship.5
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program helps too. It's from the province and gives C$10,000 for two study terms or C$15,000 for three terms. This is for graduate students in full-time programs.5 These aids can make a big difference in your finances while studying in Canada.
There are more scholarships from private sources, like companies and individuals. These focus on specific areas of study. To find them, check with school departments and organizations. They may have info on merit-based scholarships.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | C$50,000 | 3 years |
| Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships | C$70,000 | Up to 2 years |
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program | C$10,000 - C$15,000 | 2-3 consecutive study terms |
| NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships | C$21,000 | 3 years |
| Non-Government Scholarships | C$1,500 - C$40,000 | Varies |
These scholarships open doors for many to study in Canada. They make it easier to afford your education. They're competitive, so show off your skills in your applications. Good luck! 
Applying for Scholarships
Getting through the scholarship process in Canada can be very rewarding. It involves direct university applications or essay-based scholarship quests. To boost your chances, learn what documents you need, when to apply, and how to write a strong essay.6
Required Documents
For most scholarships in Canada, you'll need your school grades, reference letters, a personal statement or essay, and language skills proof. It's vital to check what each scholarship needs. Make sure you have everything they ask for ready on time.6
Application Deadlines
Never miss a scholarship deadline. For example, the Flight PS752 Commemorative Scholarship has a deadline of May 31, 2024, for the 2024-2025 school year.6 The chance to study Spanish or do graduate studies in Colombia through the Beca Colombia program requires applying by June 9, 2024.6 Keep an eye on these dates to plan well.
Essay Tips
Writing an essay is often part of applying for scholarships in Canada. Your essay should talk about your unique life experiences, what you've achieved in school, and your future dreams. Making your story stand out is crucial. It can help you win over the folks who decide who gets the scholarship.6
Using scholarships is a wise move to manage study costs in Canada. It lets you spend more time on your studies and less time working part-time jobs.6
Funding for Specific Fields
Are you dreaming of studying in Canada? Looking for scholarships in your field of interest? You might find great scholarship options in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and Arts and Humanities.
STEM Scholarships
Students in STEM fields have many scholarship opportunities in Canada. The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships offer 70,000 CAD yearly for 2 years. This is for national and international postgraduates doing postdoctoral studies.7
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships give 50,000 CAD yearly for up to 3 years. This is for international students in Master's or Ph.D. degrees in STEM fields.7
The Canada Graduate Scholarship – Doctoral provides 35,000 CAD yearly for up to 3 years. It supports Canadian and international students in STEM Ph.D. programs.7
Arts and Humanities Scholarships
Do you love arts and humanities? There are scholarships just for you. The SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships give 20,000 CAD yearly. It's for Canadian citizens or residents working on a Ph.D. in social sciences or humanities for 4 years.7
The Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships help international students in arts and humanities Ph.D. programs. They offer 20,000 to 40,000 CAD yearly, plus a travel allowance, for 3 years.
Searching for scholarships is key, no matter your study area. Look into the options available in Canada. With the right STEM scholarships or arts and humanities scholarships, your Canadian study dream can come true.
Scholarships by Country of Origin
If you want to study in Canada, there are many scholarships available based on where you're from. These [scholarships for international students by country of origin canada] can make it easier to afford your studies. They reduce the financial stress on you.
The University of Toronto gives out Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships to about 37 students yearly.8 UBC has its International Scholars Program, offering 50 scholarships every year.8 Universities such as Carleton and Calgary offer big scholarships too, from $4,000 CAD to $60,000 CAD for new international students.89
NGOs also provide scholarships. The Humber International Entrance Scholarships offers 40 awards annually to students at Humber College.8 The University of Manitoba gives out over $2 million per year for its Graduate Fellowship for master's and doctoral students.8
Searching for scholarships should include looking for ones specific to your country. For example, the Canada-ASEAN SEED scholarship and Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships support different regions and fields.9
To win a scholarship, you must be proactive. Keep an eye on deadlines and put together a strong application. With effort, you can get the financial help needed for your studies in Canada.
External Scholarship Databases
If you're an international student dreaming of studying in Canada, you're in luck. There's a ton of scholarships waiting for you. Fortunately, many websites gather all these opportunities in one place to make your search easier.10
The International Student database is one such place. It lists grants, scholarships, and more for students coming to Canada. It's a goldmine for financial aid info.10 Then there's Fastweb, with over 1.5 million scholarships up for grabs. They're worth a total of $3.4 billion.10
Need scholarships specifically for Indian or Filipino students? Try Buddy4Study or Edukasyon. They have search engines just for you. These sites help you find scholarships based on your home country.10
These databases don't just list scholarships. They also offer tips on how to apply, write essays, and more. This advice is crucial for boosting your chances of getting funded.10
The scholarship amounts and deadlines vary a lot. For example, you might win anywhere from $250 to $100,000. Scholarship deadlines range from June 30, 2024, to August 31, 2024. Keep in mind, scholarships can be very competitive. It's key to stay alert and persistent in your search.11
| Scholarship Database | Key Features |
|---|---|
| International Student | Comprehensive database of grants, scholarships, loan programs, and other financial aid information for international students. |
| Fastweb | Access to over 1.5 million scholarships worth a total of $3.4 billion. |
| Buddy4Study | Tailored scholarship search engine for Indian students applying to schools in the USA and other countries. |
| Edukasyon | Provides information on various scholarships for students from the Philippines. |
Taking advantage of these databases can really up your chances for a Canadian education. Expand your search with these tools. And if you need help, don't be shy about asking advisors or student support for help. They're there to guide you.10
Budgeting and Financial Planning
Being an international student in Canada means you need to know about the cost of living. It's also important to look for part-time jobs. The average cost for a student in Canada is $15,000 to $20,000 a year. This includes things like tuition, rent, food, and healthcare. The prices can change depending on where you live. Big cities like Toronto or Vancouver are often more costly.12
Cost of Living in Canada
Using financial tools can help you keep track of your spending. Budgeting software or spreadsheets are good for this. Many places like shops and services give discounts to students, which can help save money. Understanding Canada's cost of living is key to making a good plan for your money.12
Part-Time Job Opportunities
You might want to find a part-time job to help with costs. If you're studying full-time at a recognized school, you can work off-campus for up to 20 hours a week. This is during school terms, and more hours are allowed during breaks. The pay for these jobs can vary by province. For example, in Alberta, it might be $15 an hour. But in Nunavut, it could be as high as $19 an hour. Ontario pays about $16.55, and British Columbia pays around $16.75. The wages will go up to $17.40 in British Columbia on June 1, 2024.13Working up to 20 hours a week could make you between $299 and $380 a week before taxes. This could add up to around $20,000 to $25,000 a year, including more hours during study breaks.13 For budgeting, it's common for students to follow the 50/30/20 rule. According to this, about 50% of your money goes to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings and investing.13
FAQ
What types of scholarships are available for international students in Canada?
There are various scholarships in Canada for international students. These include government, non-government, and those from Canadian universities. The Government of Canada offers programs that make studying in Canada more affordable for students from around the world. Non-government scholarships come from organizations or individuals aiming to bring in more international students. Also, Canadian universities have scholarships primarily based on merit for outstanding international students.
What are some top government scholarships for international students in Canada?
Leading government scholarships include the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships, IDRC Research Awards, and the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships Program. There's also support from organizations like the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute and the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan. Quebec offers the National Research Council of Canada (NRCC) research grants among others.
What are the details of the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships Program, Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program, and Canada-ASEAN SEED scholarship?
For the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, successful applicants receive CAD 50,000 a year for up to three years. It's for students undertaking Master's studies in various fields. The Ontario Graduate Scholarship offers between CAD 5,000 and CAD 15,000 for students in the province's public universities. The Canada-ASEAN SEED scholarship comes with several benefits, including coverage of Visa fees, airfare, and living expenses for those studying in Canada from ASEAN countries.
How can I apply for scholarships in Canada?
You can apply for scholarships in Canada by reaching out to universities directly. In some cases, you may need to submit an essay. This essay will help to showcase your interests and background. Scholarships greatly ease the financial burden of studying in Canada, allowing you to fully concentrate on your education.
Source Links
- https://africanscholars.yale.edu/resources/canadian-universities-give-financial-aid-international-students
- https://yocket.com/blog/scholarships-in-canada
- https://studying-in-canada.org/scholarships-for-international-students/
- https://www.wemakescholars.com/government/government-of-canada/scholarships
- https://www.applyboard.com/blog/which-types-of-scholarships-are-available-to-international-students-in-canada
- https://www.educanada.ca/scholarships-bourses/index.aspx?lang=eng
- https://santamonicaedu.in/scholarships-in-canada/
- https://arrivein.com/finance/scholarship-opportunities-for-international-students-in-canada/
- https://www.scholars4dev.com/6179/scholarships-canada-international-students/
- https://www.edupass.org/paying-for-college/scholarships/databases/
- https://www.scholarshipscanada.com/
- https://maple.edu.np/blog/living-expenses-in-Canada
- https://moving2canada.com/study/study-in-canada/how-to-manage-finances-international-student-canada/