In recent years, Canada has become one of the top choices for Indian students seeking higher education abroad. With world-renowned universities and colleges, globally recognized courses, and a vibrant cultural environment, it offers an enriching academic journey. However, tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational costs can often feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there are several scholarships for Indian Students in Canada that can help them significantly reduce their tuition and living costs in Canada.
This blog will discuss the best fully funded scholarships in Canada to study in Canada as an Indian student and the eligibility criteria, and the application process. This guide will cover all you need to know to plan a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD scholarship in Canada for Indian students.​
Why Study in Canada for Higher Studies?
Before understanding the scholarships, we should know why many Indian students prefer to study in Canada:
- World-Class Universities: There are some of the top universities in Canada, such as the University of Toronto, McGill University, University of British Columbia, and more.
- Affordable Compared to Other Countries: Although tuition fees may be high, it is quite cheaper compared to the USA, UK, or Australia.
- Post-Study Work Opportunities: Canada offers an outstanding Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to students who want to get foreign work experience.
- Permanent Residency (PR) Pathway: Canada is a preferred destination for many students due to the ease of getting permanent residence upon graduation.
Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students in Canada
The Canadian government, universities, and private organizations offer scholarships. Here is a list of some of the best fully funded scholarships for Indian students:
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Coverage |
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | For PhD students with strong academic, leadership, and research potential | CAD 50,000 per year for 3 years |
| Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto) | Undergraduate students with outstanding academic performance | Full tuition, books, and living allowance |
| Trudeau Foundation Scholarships | Doctoral candidates in social sciences and humanities | Up to CAD 40,000 annually for 3 years |
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) | Master’s and PhD students in Ontario universities | CAD 15,000 per year |
| University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program | Undergraduate students with outstanding academic merit | Full tuition and living expenses |
| Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships | Postdoctoral students across disciplines | CAD 70,000 per year for 2 years |
| Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute Scholarships | Open to students, researchers, and faculty from SICI member universities/institutions in India | Tuition, travel, and living costs |
Undergraduate Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students
Studying in another country with a bachelor’s degree can be costly, but there are some Canadian scholarships for Indian students. These undergraduate scholarships and grants help in financing tuition fees and accommodation expenses during the course of study at the best Canadian universities.
| Scholarship Name | Details |
| Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto) | For outstanding international undergraduate students with strong academic record, leadership, and creativity |
| University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program | Open to high-achieving international undergraduates with financial need |
| York University International Student Scholarship | For outstanding international students applying to undergraduate programs |
| Carleton University Entrance Scholarships | Based on strong academic records for undergraduate applicants |
| Concordia University Entrance Scholarships | Automatically awarded to international students with strong distinction |
Postgraduate Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students
Students wishing to complete a master’s degree program can also get a variety of fully funded scholarships to study in Canada. These scholarships promote excellence in education, research, and leadership at top Canadian universities.
| Scholarship Name | Details |
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) | For postgraduate and PhD students at Ontario universities with educational distinction |
| University of Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence | For international postgraduate students in research-based programs |
| McGill University Entrance Fellowships | Offered to international Master’s students with outstanding records |
| University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF) | For postgraduate students across disciplines |
| Dalhousie University Scholarships | For international postgraduate students with remarkable academic achievements |
PhD Scholarship in Canada for Indian Students
In case you are an Indian student and intend to study for a PhD in Canada, then you will be pleased to know that there are several funding opportunities. Doctoral programs are research-based, hence are usually well-funded since Canadian universities spend a lot on innovation and global research.
Here are a few most popular PhD scholarships in Canada for Indian students:
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (Vanier CGS)
- Provides CAD 50,000 per year for three years.
- Focuses on academic excellence, leadership, and research potential.
- Trudeau Foundation Scholarship
- Designed for PhD students in the humanities and social sciences.
- Includes annual funding of CAD 40,000 along with leadership training.
- Ontario Trillium Scholarships
- Specifically for international PhD students in Ontario.
- Offers CAD 40,000 annually for up to 4 years.
- University-Based PhD Scholarships
- Universities like McGill, UBC, and the University of Toronto offer PhD scholarships that cover full tuition fees and living expenses.
👉Read Also: Universities in Canada Without Application Fees
How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada?
You have to plan and prepare effectively if you are an Indian student who is planning to apply for fully funded scholarships in Canada. To make you understand, below is the process in easy steps:
- Research Early – You can start searching for scholarships about 8-12 months before your intake. Visit the websites of official universities and government portals and scholarship lists.
- Identify Eligible Scholarships – Read the eligibility criteria of each program, whether it is merit-based, need-based, or research-based. Select the ones that fit your profile.
- Prepare Strong Academic Records – Keep a good academic record and collect transcripts, certificates, and test scores such as IELTS or TOEFL.
- Draft a Compelling SOP/Essay – Write a personalized statement of purpose about your accomplishments, leadership, community service, and future career goals. Specify it with every scholarship.
- Collect Recommendation Letters – Write a personalized statement of purpose about your accomplishments, leadership, community service, and future work goals. Specify it for every scholarship.
- Check Application Deadlines – In Canada, there are strict deadlines for scholarship, therefore, take note of important dates and make sure you apply early.
- Apply Through Official Portals – The majority of scholarships are applied for via university portals or government portals such as EduCanada.
- Track Applications – Maintain a list and follow up on the progress of your applications.
By following the steps mentioned above, you can increase your chances of getting a scholarship to study in Canada.
Talk to an Expert for FREE Counselling
Tips to Get a Scholarship for Indian Students in Canada
Proper planning, preparation, and an effective application are essential to getting a scholarship in Canada. Some useful tips for Indian students are mentioned below:
- Start Early – Start researching scholarships well in advance to meet deadlines.
- Maintain Strong Academics – A good GPA is usually the most essential qualification standard.
- Craft a Powerful SOP – Write a clear Statement of Purpose, outlining your objectives, accomplishments, and reasons why you should be given the scholarship.
- Collect Strong Recommendations – Get recommendation letters from professors or mentors who know your academic and leadership qualities well.
- Highlight Extracurriculars – Mention the extracurricular activities that demonstrate your leadership quality, social service, and other achievements beyond academics.
- Qualify for Language Tests – A high score in IELTS/TOEFL will make you an eligible candidate.
- Customize Applications – Customize every application depending on the requirements of the scholarship.
- Stay Organized – Keep track of the due dates and paperwork needed.
Following these tips can improve your chances of getting a fully funded scholarship for Indian students in Canada.
Conclusion
Higher studies in Canada provide Indian students with a life-changing experience. Although the cost appears high, the fully funded scholarships for Indian students available make education dreams come true. Whether it is undergraduate courses or a scholarship program in Canada that is available to Indian students in a PhD program, there are plenty of opportunities in the best universities in Canada. With some planning, good academic results, and early applications, you can get a scholarship to pay your fees, housing, and research funds. Therefore, begin planning now and initiate your process to study in Canada through a scholarship that fully funds your education.
