How to get Scholarship in Canada for Indian Students: Best Guide
How to get Scholarship in Canada for Indian Students
Studying in Canada could be a dream come true for many Indian students however, the big challenge is that not many Indian students can afford that because of lack of funding. While Canada proves to be one of the best destinations to study in the world it can also be quite expensive for the average person.
But the good news is that several scholarships in Canada can cover your every expense from tuition fees to your living expenses. These scholarships are either given by the Government or funded by private institutions/charity organizations.
Fortunately, there are certain requirements you may need to fulfill to be considered eligible for these scholarship opportunities and you will learn more about them in this article. So, without wasting much of your time let’s get started!
Types of Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students
As we earlier mentioned, there are different types of scholarships available in Canada for Indian students each with its own requirements and eligibility standards. Here are the three types of scholarships in Canada for Indian students:
Government-Funded
As the name suggests, these scholarships are funded by the Canadian government some of which are Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships, IDRC Research Awards, Ontario Trillium Scholarship, Vanier Graduate Scholarships, etc., to mention just a few of them.
Non-Government Scholarships
These are funded by private institutions, charity organizations, and trusts to students who fall under specific criteria. Some typical examples of this type of scholarship are The Education Matters Scholarship Program, The Thrive Scholarship, The IFCA Scholarship Program, etc.
University-Funded Scholarships
Last but not least, most of the top Canadian universities provide scholarships to their students based on a few criteria. They include The International Student Scholarships at Concordia University, The International Scholarships at McGill University, The University of Toronto International Scholarships, etc., to mention some of the popular ones.
Canada University Scholarships for Indian Students
Most of the scholarships you may likely come across in Canada are funded by Canadian Universities. They may either be fully funded or partially funded scholarships. We have a few of them below with their eligibility criteria and amount attached:
| Name of Scholarship | University | Eligibility | Average Amount (in CAD) |
| University of Toronto Ontario Graduate Scholarship | University of Toronto | All PG & PhD students are eligible | CAD 10,000 – CAD 15,000 |
| University of Calgary International Scholarships | University of Calgary International | All international students are eligible to apply | CAD 500 – CAD 60,000 |
| UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award | University of British Columbia | All international students are eligible to apply | CAD 1500 – CAD 50,000 |
| McGill University Scholarship and Student Aid | McGill University | All international students are eligible to apply | CAD 3000 – CAD 12,000 |
| Western University Scholarship | Western University | This is a merit-based scholarship | CAD 2000 – CAD 100,000 |
| University of Waterloo International Funding | University of Waterloo | All international students are eligible to apply | CAD 2500 – CAD 50,000 |
| University of Alberta International Scholarship | University of Alberta | All UG & PG students are eligible to apply | Variable amount |
| Queen’s University International Scholarships | Queen’s University | All international students are eligible to apply | Variable amount |
| Dalhousie University Scholarships | Dalhousie University | This is a merit-based scholarship | Variable amount |
Requirements Needed to Get a Scholarship in Canada
Before listing the requirements for a scholarship in Canada, it is important to note that the requirements vary depending on the specific scholarship and institution. However, some general requirements are typically required for any scholarship in Canada, including:
- A valid study permit or proof of permanent residence in Canada
- Proof of acceptance into a recognized institution in Canada
- A completed application form with supporting documents
- A letter of recommendation from a teacher or school official
- A personal statement or essay describing your educational goals and interests
- An up-to-date transcript or report card
- A CV or resume
- Proof of financial need
In addition to the general requirements listed above, some scholarships may have additional specific requirements. For example, some scholarships may require applicants to have a certain level of academic achievement, to be studying in a specific field of study, or to be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
It is important to carefully review the specific requirements for each scholarship you are interested in applying for. This will ensure that you have a sound knowledge of what you are in for and that you submit a complete and competitive application.
How to Apply for Scholarships to Study in Canada for Indian Students?
The first step to take is to visit the official website of the preferred scholarship you want to apply for and fill out the application form online providing the necessary information required of you. Moreover, in some cases, you may also be required to submit an essay to qualify for scholarships.
In addition, you will be asked to submit a few documents, which can vary based on the type of scholarship you are applying for. For instance, let’s assume you are applying for a need-based scholarship, you will be asked to submit proof of your financial need.
The type of scholarship you are applying for will determine the type of documents you will be asked to provide. However, for the sake of this article, we do advise that students apply for multiple scholarships to study in Canada to increase their chances of finding easier ways to find their studies and living expenses over there.
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Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Shortlisted for Canadian Scholarships
Applying for a scholarship can be a competitive process, so it is important to make sure your application is as strong as possible. Here are five tips to help you increase your chances of being shortlisted for a Canadian scholarship:
1. Do your Research
Perform thorough research on the scholarship you want to apply for as there are several Canadian scholarships available for Indian students. Once you are done finding the right scholarship option for yourself make sure you understand the requirements and criteria before forging ahead.
2. Be Organized and Thorough
One thing most students fail to do is provide an error-free application. A poorly written application might end up with no response from the scholarship provider and you don’t want that so you need to make sure your application is complete and free of errors providing every detail required of you.
3. Be Clear and Concise
Avoid using jargon or overly complex language that may be difficult for the reader to understand. Use short, direct sentences that get your point across without being overly wordy. It is also important to be specific and provide concrete examples when answering questions or describing your experiences.
4. Be Authentic
Be yourself and let your personality shine through in your application. Don’t try to be someone you’re not or write what you think the selection committee wants to hear. Instead, write about your unique experiences, passions, and goals. This will help you stand out from the crowd and make your application memorable.
5. Follow up your Application
After submitting your application, make sure to follow up with the organization to confirm that they have received it and to check on the status of your application. This will show that you are interested and invested in the process. You can also take the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the scholarship.
