Canada is widely recognized as one of the best countries in the world for higher study in Canada. With its top-ranked universities, world-class research centers, and vibrant multicultural environment, Canada continues to attract thousands of international students every year. However, the dream of study in Canada often comes with a heavy price tag. Tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs can add up quickly, making it difficult for many students to afford.
But here’s the good news: the Canadian government and several of its associated departments offer a range of scholarships and fellowships to support international students financially. These scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden and make higher study in Canada more accessible.
In this blog, we will explore some of the top scholarships available for international students who wish to study in Canada. If you are planning your academic journey in Canada, keep reading to find the right scholarship opportunity for you!
Why Study in Canada?
Before diving into scholarships, it’s important to understand why study in Canada is such a preferred destination. Whether it’s the QS World University Rankings or the Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings, Canadian universities consistently perform well. Institutions like the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, and McGill University are recognized globally for their academic excellence.
Apart from world-class education, Canada offers a safe and welcoming environment, a high quality of life, and numerous post-study work opportunities. However, pursuing education here can cost lakhs of rupees, pushing many international students to seek scholarships and financial aid.
Top Scholarships to Study in Canada
Here are the top five scholarships offered by the Canadian government and its related organizations:
1. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships are prestigious scholarships funded by the Government of Canada. They are designed to attract and retain top-tier postdoctoral talent, both nationally and internationally. These fellowships are awarded to researchers working in the fields of natural sciences, social sciences, and health research.
Recipients of the Banting Fellowships receive a generous stipend of CAD 70,000 per year for two years. The aim is to foster world-class research in Canada while providing researchers with financial stability.
2. Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program (CGS M)
The Canada Graduate Scholarships-Master’s Program supports students who are pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in Canada. This program is run through three federal research agencies:
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
- Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
The CGS M program helps high-achieving students meet their educational goals by offering financial assistance, allowing them to focus entirely on their studies and research without financial distractions.
3. IDRC Research Awards
The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) offers Research Awards aimed at supporting emerging researchers from developing countries, including India. These awards are available for students enrolled in a recognized Canadian university at the master’s or doctoral level.
Beyond offering financial support for research work, the IDRC Research Awards provide practical experience and skills development. The focus is on promoting innovative solutions to real-world development challenges, making this award highly impactful for students passionate about global issues.
4. NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) offers various scholarships to students engaged in research-based graduate programs in natural sciences or engineering.
These scholarships are categorized into:
- Canada Graduate Scholarships-Doctoral (CGS D)
- Postgraduate Scholarships-Doctoral (PGS D)
The NSERC scholarships offer significant financial support to deserving students, enabling them to focus on groundbreaking research while easing the financial burden of higher education.
5. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships Program
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships Program is one of the most prestigious awards for doctoral students. Launched by the Government of Canada, this program recognizes outstanding academic achievement and leadership skills.
Named after George P. Vanier, Canada’s first Francophone Governor General, the program offers CAD 50,000 per year for up to three years to highly talented doctoral candidates. The goal is to make Canada a hub for world-class research and to attract the best students from around the globe.
Study in Canada opens doors to incredible academic, research, and professional opportunities. While the costs can be high, the availability of government-backed scholarships ensures that deserving students from around the world, including India, have a fair chance to fulfill their dreams.
If you are planning to study in Canada, start researching scholarship opportunities early, prepare strong applications, and make sure to meet all deadlines. With the right scholarship, your dream of study in Canada could soon become a reality!
