Canada Scholarships for Indian and International Students

Key Takeaways:

• Canada offers fully funded and partial scholarships for international students across undergraduate, master’s, MBA, and PhD programs.
• Many undergraduate scholarships are offered directly by Canadian universities, while graduate and PhD students can also explore research, provincial, and government funding opportunities.
• Some scholarships cover only part of the tuition fee, while major awards may cover tuition, living expenses, books, and other study costs.
• Students should start researching and preparing scholarship applications 8-12 months before their intended intake, as some deadlines are earlier than university admission deadlines.
• A strong academic record is important, but leadership, extracurricular activities, community involvement, and research experience can also strengthen an application.
• Scholarship amounts, eligibility requirements, and deadlines can change each year, so always verify the latest details on the official scholarship website before applying.

Canada offers a wide range of scholarships for international students, from automatic university entrance awards to highly competitive scholarships that can cover tuition and living costs. Opportunities are available for undergraduate, master’s, MBA, PhD, and research students, but the eligibility rules, application process, and funding vary considerably from one program to another.

For students planning to study in Canada in 2027, the best place to start is with scholarships offered by individual universities, followed by federal and provincial funding programs for which international students are eligible.

This guide brings together major scholarships for international students in Canada, including their funding, eligibility requirements, latest available deadlines, and official application sources. It also explains when to apply, which scholarships may require a separate application, and how to avoid common mistakes that can reduce your chances of receiving an award.

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Types of Scholarships in Canada

Scholarships in Canada are offered by the government, universities, and private organizations. Understanding these categories can help you identify the best funding opportunities based on your academic level and financial needs.

The right category depends largely on your level of study. Undergraduate applicants will find many opportunities directly through universities, while master’s and PhD students should also investigate faculty funding, research awards, graduate assistantships, and provincial or federal programs. Some university scholarships are automatic, but major awards often require a separate application, nomination, or additional supporting documents.

Top 10 Scholarships in Canada for International Students

The scholarships below include university, provincial, federal, and foundation-funded opportunities available to eligible international students. Some cover a substantial portion of study costs, while others provide a fixed award toward tuition or research expenses. Because scholarship programs can change between admission cycles, always confirm the current award value, eligibility criteria, and application deadline on the official website.

Overview Table of Top 10 Scholarships in Canada

Indian students who study abroad frequently select Canada because of its high-quality education system and post-study work and immigration opportunities. However, due to its high cost of living and tuition fees, students often tend to seek overseas education scholarships. Some of the top Phd, Bachelor’s, and Masters scholarships in Canada are:

How We Selected These Scholarships

We selected these scholarships based on their official eligibility criteria, funding amount, level of study, application requirements, and accessibility for international students. We also considered whether the scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, or other study costs, along with any renewal conditions.

Scholarship details were reviewed using official university, government, and scholarship provider information. We considered current funding amounts, eligibility requirements, application processes, renewal conditions, and the latest available deadlines. Where a 2027 deadline has not yet been announced, students should check the official provider’s website rather than rely on previous-year dates.

Canada Scholarship Deadlines for 2027 Admission

Scholarship deadlines often fall before regular university admission deadlines, so use the latest available dates below to plan your 2027 applications early.

Note: Deadlines and application requirements may change during an admission cycle. Always confirm the latest information on the scholarship provider’s official website before applying.

Detailed Breakdown of the Top 10 Canada Scholarships

Here’s a closer look at some of the scholarships mentioned above:

Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS D)

Doctoral candidates who display outstanding academic success, research potential, and leadership abilities are eligible to apply for the coveted Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS D).

Eligibility

• Doctoral students pursuing studies in health, natural sciences and engineering and social sciences and humanities, including interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research.
• Must be nominated by a Canadian institution.
• Must have completed no more than 36 months of full-time doctoral studies.

Amount/Benefits

$40,000 per year for up to three years.

Source: CGRS D

Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships

The Trudeau Foundation offers scholarships and fellowships to doctoral candidates in the humanities and social sciences who are addressing important issues related to human rights, responsible citizenship, Canada’s role in the world, and people and their natural environment.

Eligibility

• Doctoral students in the humanities and social sciences.
• Must be accepted into a full-time doctoral program at a Canadian university.

Amount/Benefits

$40,000 per year for up to three years, plus a research and travel allowance.

Source: Trudeau Scholarships

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships

The University of Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships recognize international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, creativity, and leadership.

Eligibility

• International students applying to begin their undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto.
• Demonstrate outstanding academic results
• Show impact on their school and community
• Are creative thinkers
• They are recognized as leaders
• Must be enrolled in final year of senior secondary school

Amount/Benefits

• The scholarship covers four years of tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support.

Source: Lester B. Pearson

York University International Student Scholarship

York University provides overseas students with a variety of scholarship options. The award value and the requirements for these scholarships are different. The amount and requirements for eligibility of these scholarships differ. Some are automatically considered when you apply for admission, while others require a separate application.

Eligibility:

• Strong academic record (minimum 85%+ or equivalent)

Amount/Benefits:

• Year 1 = $15,000
• Years 2,3,4 = $7,500
• Total Maximum = $37,500

Source: York University Scholarship

UBC International Scholars Program

The University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program is designed for international undergraduate students who combine exceptional academic achievement and leadership with significant demonstrated financial need. Applicants must be entering UBC directly from secondary school and applying for their first undergraduate degree.

For students entering in the 2027 Winter Session, applications for the International Scholars Program open in September 2026.

Eligibility:

• Strong academic achievement
• Demonstrated leadership and community impact
• Significant financial need
• Entering UBC directly from secondary school
• Applying for a first undergraduate degree

Amount/Benefits:

• Full tuition & living expenses (needs-based)

Source: UBC International Scholars

University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship

International students starting undergraduate studies at the University of Calgary are eligible to apply for the University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship.

Eligibility:

• International students entering undergraduate programs at the University of Calgary.

Amount/Benefits:

• $20,000 per year.

Source: University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship

Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) is for graduate students studying at the master’s or doctoral level in Ontario.

Eligibility:

• Graduate students at the master’s or doctoral level in Ontario.

Amount/Benefits:

• $5,000 per term.

Source: Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

Ontario Trillium Scholarship

The Ontario Trillium Scholarship is for international doctoral students studying at universities in Ontario.

Eligibility:

• International doctoral students studying at universities in Ontario.

Amount/Benefits:

• $40,000 per year.

Source: Ontario Trillium Scholarship

McCall MacBain Scholarships

The McCall MacBain Scholarship is offered to high-achieving students who are applying for full-time master’s or second-entry professional undergraduate programs at McGill University in Canada.

Eligibility:

• International students applying for eligible master’s or professional programs at McGill University.
• Applicants must demonstrate leadership skills, community involvement, and academic excellence.

Amount/Benefits:

• Full tuition and fees coverage.
• Monthly living stipend of CAD 2,300 during studies.

Source: McCall MacBain Scholarships

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Other Master’s Scholarships in Canada

While government-funded scholarships like the Ontario Graduate Scholarship are popular, several university and research-based funding opportunities are also available for master’s students. These scholarships are typically awarded based on academic performance, research potential, or the field of study, making them a great option for students looking to reduce their overall study costs.

Tip: Most master’s scholarships require students to secure admission before applying, so shortlist your universities early and keep track of application deadlines.

Other Non-Government Scholarships in Canada

Apart from government and university scholarships, several private foundations and non-profit organizations also support international students studying in Canada. These scholarships often focus on leadership, research excellence, community impact, or specific fields of study.

These scholarships can be competitive, but they’re worth exploring if your academic interests align with their objectives.

Which Scholarship Should You Apply For?

The right scholarship depends on your level of study, university, academic background, research interests, and financial circumstances. Here are some of the best Canada scholarships for Indian and international students based on different student profiles:

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General Eligibility Requirements for Canada Scholarships

Although eligibility varies by scholarship, most Canadian scholarship programs look for strong academic performance, proof of language proficiency, and admission to an eligible institution.

Pro Tip: Before applying, review each scholarship’s eligibility, required documents, and deadline carefully. Even small application errors can reduce your chances of receiving funding.

Scholarship Application Timeline for Canada

Scholarship planning should begin well before your university application. Major awards may close months before regular admission deadlines, and some require school nominations, references, essays, or separate scholarship applications.

Use the following timeline as a planning framework rather than a fixed rule, since every university and scholarship follows its own schedule.

7 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Scholarships in Canada

Avoiding common application mistakes can improve your chances of securing a scholarship in Canada. Here are seven mistakes international students should watch out for:

1. Starting after the scholarship deadline

Do not assume the university admission deadline and scholarship deadline are the same. Some major awards close much earlier.

2. Overlooking automatic entrance scholarships

Not every scholarship requires a separate form. Some universities automatically assess eligible admission applicants for selected entrance awards.

3. Writing a generic scholarship essay

A strong application should explain your achievements with specific examples rather than relying on broad claims such as “I am passionate” or “I am a good leader.”

4. Applying for only one major scholarship

Highly funded scholarships can be extremely selective. Build a wider list that includes major awards, university entrance scholarships, faculty awards, and smaller funding opportunities.

5. Ignoring faculty and department funding

Graduate students, in particular, should check their department and faculty pages instead of relying only on university-wide scholarship lists.

6. Not checking renewal conditions

A renewable scholarship may require you to maintain a particular academic standing, course load, or other conditions. Read the renewal terms before calculating how much funding you will receive over your full degree.

7. Waiting for admission before researching scholarships

Some scholarships must be applied for alongside, or even before, the standard admission process. Research scholarship requirements as soon as you begin shortlisting universities.

Conclusion

Canada offers a wide range of scholarships for international students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, MBA, and PhD programs. From university entrance awards to graduate and research funding, students can find opportunities based on academic performance, leadership, financial need, and research potential.

The key is to start early, explore multiple scholarships, and carefully review eligibility and application requirements. Since funding amounts and deadlines can change with each admission cycle, always check the official scholarship website for the latest information before applying.

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