Scholarships for Indian Students in Canada

Canada is known for its world-class education, multicultural society, and high quality of life. However, tuition fees and living expenses can be substantial. Annual tuition fees for international students typically range from CAD 15,000 to CAD 40,000, while living costs average around CAD 10,000–15,000 per year.

Fortunately, numerous scholarships are available for Indian students to ease financial burdens. From government-funded scholarships to university-specific and external opportunities, Hamlets Education helps you navigate the scholarship process with ease, connecting your academic achievements to the right funding sources.

Types of scholarships for Indian students in Canada

Canada offers a range of scholarships for international students, including those from India. These scholarships are funded by the Canadian government, universities, and private organizations. Whether pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs, there are opportunities available for deserving students.

1. Canadian Government Scholarships

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) offer CAD 50,000 per year for up to three years to world-class doctoral students.
Canada-India Research Centre of Excellence (IC-IMPACTS) supports research collaborations between Canadian and Indian institutions.
Scholarships often require exceptional academic records, research potential, and leadership qualities.

2. University-Specific Scholarships

Universities like University of Toronto, McGill University, and University of British Columbia offer merit-based and need-based scholarships.
UBC’s International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award covers tuition, living costs, and fees proportional to financial need.
Some institutions also offer automatic entrance scholarships based on academic excellence.

3. Provincial Scholarships

Funded by provincial governments (e.g., Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia), these awards support international graduate students.
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) provides up to CAD 15,000 for master’s or doctoral studies.
Requirements may include academic merit and full-time enrollment at a participating university in that province.

4. Private and NGO Scholarships

Organizations like Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute and Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program offer funding based on merit, research impact, or leadership.
Scholarships may cover tuition, living expenses, and travel.
Application processes are often rigorous, focusing on personal statements, career vision, and academic alignment.

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements for Indian Students in Canada

To secure a scholarship in Canada, Indian students must meet specific academic and language criteria. Though requirements vary by scholarship, common eligibility conditions include:

Essential Eligibility Factors

1. Academic Excellence

A first-class academic record or GPA equivalent is generally required.
Graduate applicants must hold a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree.

2. University Admission Offer

Most scholarships require an offer of admission from a recognized Canadian institution.

3. Field of Study

Some scholarships prioritize fields such as STEM, public health, environmental studies, or Indigenous studies.

4. English or French Language Proficiency

Proof of language proficiency through IELTS (6.5+), TOEFL (90+), or equivalent is typically required.
For French-speaking provinces, proficiency in French may also be beneficial.

5. Research or Leadership Experience

Especially for graduate programs, demonstrated research capability or leadership through extracurricular activities is advantageous.

6. Financial Need

Need-based scholarships require documentation of financial hardship or income level.

7. Personal Statement or Motivation Letter

A well-articulated essay is essential, highlighting academic interests, personal motivation, and long-term goals.

8. References and Recommendation Letters

Academic or professional recommendations are mandatory for most programs.

9. Community Engagement

Volunteer work or contribution to community service is an added advantage, especially for leadership-based scholarships.

Top Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in Canada

Canadian scholarships for Indian students can cover full tuition (CAD 15,000–CAD 40,000 annually), offer monthly stipends, and even provide travel grants. Here are some of the most prestigious and accessible scholarships:

Canadian Government Scholarships

Scholarship Name	Scholarship Amount	Eligibility Criteria	Additional Details
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)	CAD 50,000/year for 3 years	Enrolled in doctoral program at a Canadian university, strong academic performance, and leadership skills.	Around 166 scholarships are awarded annually; applications are made via a nominating Canadian institution.
Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED)	CAD 10,200–15,900	Open to students from developing countries (including India)	For short-term study and research in Canada, focus on development goals.
Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP)	Full tuition, airfare, and living allowance	Open to students from Commonwealth countries	For master's and doctoral level studies, must apply through MHRD or UGC in India.

University Offered Scholarships

Scholarship Name	Scholarship Amount	Eligibility Criteria	Additional Details
University of Toronto – Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship	Full tuition, books, incidental fees, residence support	Must be nominated by the school, show exceptional academic achievement, and leadership.	Highly competitive; only 37 scholarships awarded annually.
University of British Columbia – International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award	Covers tuition + living expenses proportionate to financial need.	Demonstrated leadership and strong academic record.	Renewable for up to 3 additional years.
McGill University Scholarships	Varies – full/partial funding.	Based on academic merit and financial need.	Open to students in all programs; must apply for aid post-admission.
University of Waterloo International Master's and Doctoral Awards	CAD 2,045 per term (Master’s); CAD 4,090 per term (PhD).	Full-time international students with admission to research-based programs.	Automatically considered; no separate application needed.

Private or NGOs Offered Scholarships

Scholarship Name	Scholarship Amount	Eligibility Criteria	Additional Details
Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute Scholarships	CAD 500–1,000 (travel grants) to CAD 10,000+	Indian citizens enrolled in a degree program.	For research and short-term projects in Canada, supported by the Indian government.
Mitacs Globalink Research Internship	Fully funded 12-week research internship	For undergraduate students from India in STEM fields	Partnered with over 70 Canadian institutions; highly competitive.
Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program	Full/partial tuition, airfare, and monthly stipend.	Graduate-level study for citizens of Commonwealth countries.	Must be nominated by a Canadian university

Apply for Scholarships to study in Canada for Indian students

Pursue your academic goals in Canada with the support of prestigious scholarships. From the snowy campuses of Quebec to the urban classrooms of Toronto, your journey begins with a strong scholarship application.

Research Canadian government scholarships, university awards, and private scholarships that align with your goals.
Apply for admission to a Canadian institution—scholarship eligibility often depends on securing admission first.
Collect academic transcripts, degree certificates, and proof of achievements.
Prepare a compelling statement of purpose or motivation letter outlining your goals and fit for the program.
Submit your IELTS or TOEFL scores.
Upload a strong academic or professional CV/resume.
Request recommendation letters from faculty or supervisors.
For Vanier or other federal scholarships, apply through your university’s nomination.
Ensure timely submission—many scholarship deadlines fall between December and March for fall intakes.
Monitor email and university portals for updates. Shortlisted candidates may be called for interviews.

Conclusion

Dreaming of studying in Canada? Hamlets Education is here to turn that dream into reality. From choosing the right scholarships to crafting compelling applications, our experts guide you through every step of the process. We work closely with you to highlight your strengths, refine your documents, and ensure your submissions stand out. With personalized support and strategic insights, we help you approach each opportunity with clarity and confidence, maximizing your chances of winning the scholarships you truly deserve.

Study in Canada – Secure scholarships and take the next step in your academic journey.