Canada has rapidly become one of the most sought-after study destinations for Indian students. Its world-class education system, multicultural environment, and work-friendly policies attract thousands of international learners each year. However, studying abroad can be expensive—and this is where scholarships come in.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top scholarships for Indian students to study in Canada, their eligibility criteria, how to apply, and tips to increase your chances of winning one.
🎓 Why Study in Canada?
Before diving into the scholarships, it’s worth noting why Canada is such a favored choice:
- Globally ranked universities (e.g., University of Toronto, UBC, McGill)
- Post-graduation work permits (PGWP) allow students to stay and work
- Friendly immigration policies
- High quality of life and safety
- Opportunities for permanent residency
But quality education comes with a price. Tuition, living expenses, and travel can add up quickly. Thankfully, numerous scholarships in Canada for Indian students make it possible to study without financial burden.
🏆 Top Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in Canada
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Level: Doctoral (PhD)
Value: CAD 50,000 per year (for three years)
Eligibility:
- Exceptional academic performance
- Research potential and leadership skills
- Must be nominated by a Canadian institution with a Vanier CGS quota
Application Tip: Make your research proposal crystal-clear and impactful. Highlight community involvement and leadership achievements.
2. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship – University of Toronto
Level: Undergraduate
Value: Full tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence support
Eligibility:
- Indian students in their final year of high school
- Demonstrated academic excellence and leadership
- Must be nominated by your high school
Deadline: Typically in November
Application Tip: Focus on your extracurricular achievements and community contributions along with academic records.
3. University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program
Level: Undergraduate
Value: Full tuition + living expenses
Streams:
- International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT)
- Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award
Eligibility:
- Academic excellence
- Financial need
- Leadership and community service involvement
Application Tip: Submit an authentic personal statement and clear documentation of financial need.
4. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
Level: Master’s and Doctoral
Value: CAD 15,000 per year
Eligibility:
- Indian students with an admission offer to an Ontario-based university
- High academic standing (minimum 80% average)
Participating Universities: University of Toronto, Western University, York University, etc.
Application Tip: Focus on research achievements and academic honors.
5. Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute Scholarships
Level: Graduate and Postgraduate
Value: Varies (CAD 500 to CAD 10,000)
Eligibility:
- Indian citizens studying at Indian universities
- Involvement in research collaborations with Canadian institutions
Programs Offered:
- Shastri Research Student Fellowship
- Shastri Mobility Program
Application Tip: Highlight the potential impact of your research collaboration on India-Canada relations.
6. York University International Student Scholarship
Level: Undergraduate
Value: CAD 80,000 (CAD 20,000/year for 4 years)
Eligibility:
- Outstanding academic record (80%+)
- Leadership in community service or extracurriculars
Deadline: Typically in February
Application Tip: Attach letters of recommendation that emphasize your leadership and community involvement.
7. Carleton University Entrance Scholarships
Level: Undergraduate
Value: CAD 4,000 to CAD 16,000 (based on academic performance)
Eligibility:
- Indian students applying directly from high school
- Minimum admission average of 80%
Automatic Consideration: No separate application needed for most awards.
Application Tip: Early application boosts your chances and maximizes scholarship consideration.
8. University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
Level: Undergraduate
Value: CAD 20,000 (renewable for up to 4 years)
Eligibility:
- Minimum GPA of 3.2
- Leadership or extracurricular excellence
Application Tip: Highlight any innovation, volunteerism, or leadership projects you’ve undertaken.
9. Dalhousie University Scholarships
Level: Undergraduate and Graduate
Value: Varies across programs (up to CAD 10,000+)
Eligibility:
- Academic merit and financial need
- Admission to Dalhousie University
Application Tip: Use the Dalhousie General Entrance Award application form, which covers multiple internal scholarships.
10. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
Level: Master’s and Doctoral
Value: CAD 14,000/year for Master’s, CAD 18,000/year for PhD
Eligibility:
- GPA of 3.75 or higher
- Full-time graduate students
Application Tip: Strengthen your research background and academic performance.
📋 Documents Required for Scholarship Applications
Most scholarship applications will require the following:
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation
- Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Resume or CV
- Financial documents (for need-based scholarships)
- Passport or ID proof
Always check the official scholarship portal or university website for specific requirements.
💡 Tips to Improve Your Scholarship Chances
- Start Early: Some scholarships have deadlines 8–12 months before the intake.
- Personalize Each Application: Avoid copy-pasting SOPs—tailor each one to the scholarship provider’s goals.
- Highlight Community Service: Many Canadian scholarships value leadership and service.
- Proofread Everything: Typos or errors can disqualify an otherwise strong application.
- Seek Help: Get feedback from mentors or professors before submission.
📅 When to Apply for Scholarships
| Intake | Best Time to Apply |
|---|---|
| Fall (Sept) | September – January (previous year) |
| Winter (Jan) | April – August (previous year) |
Always double-check the exact deadlines from the university websites.
🌐 Where to Find These Scholarships
- University websites: Each institution lists their scholarships under “Financial Aid” or “International Students” section.
- Government portals: Look at EduCanada, Vanier CGS, or Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute websites.
- Study abroad consultants: They often have updated lists and can guide you through the application process.
🧭 Conclusion
With the right strategy, financial barriers don’t have to stop you from achieving your dream of studying in Canada. These top scholarships for Indian students offer a lifeline to deserving candidates, covering everything from tuition to living expenses.
So whether you’re aiming for a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD, start your application journey today. Remember, persistence, preparation, and passion are the keys to success.