A wide range of financial aid programs, grants, and scholarships are available to help international students fulfill their academic goals, even if the costs of attending college in Canada can be high.

What are the benefits of pursuing higher education in Canada?
For Indian students, pursuing higher education in Canada offers several options that combine a friendly environment with academic proficiency. Access to esteemed universities known for their academic brilliance and extensive scholarship support offered to students having secured their enrollment is a major advantage for Indian students looking to pursue their higher education in Canada. By providing essential financial aid through scholarship programmes, it has become relatively easier for international students in general and Indian students in particular to pursue their higher education as well as their lofty ambition.
Canada as a study destination in particular stands out as the perfect place for people looking to advance their knowledge and skills while experiencing a dynamic and inclusive society because of its top-notch educational institutions, diversified cultural landscape, and robust support networks.
A range of benefits of pursuing higher education in Canada are listed below:
1. First and foremost, Canada is an attractive study destination among the Indian students. This is attributable to the following reasons:
- Canada allows students to work in the nation for up to three years after completing their studies.
- The country provides a pathway to gain work experience and eventually apply for permanent residency.
2. Canadian institutions are well-known throughout the world for their excellent education and high academic standards. There are various universities in Canada that offer financial aid to international students.
3. In terms of availability of scholarships and universities, interested applicants may refer to the following sources:
- EduCanada: This is an official government website that provides details on numerous scholarships offered by Canadian governments and institutions.
- ScholarshipsCanada: This portal covers a wide range of scholarships made available from diversified sources including government, universities and the private organisations.
- University Websites: There is a dedicated web-page for each of the Canadian universities which focuses on scholarships. Indian students should ensure that they visit these university-specific online platforms for a particular program of study and related scholarships.
4. There are several Canadian universities that offer scholarships designed for international students. Some of the highly recommended institutions are listed below for the benefits of Indian students.
- University of Toronto
- University of Waterloo
- Dalhousie University
- University of Manitoba
- University of British Columbia
- Simon Fraser University
- McGill University
- University of Alberta
- York University
- Carleton University
5. Cooperative educational opportunities are a prime feature of academic programs that allow students to work in their area while they learn.
6. Canada is regarded as one of the safest countries providing international students with a welcoming and encouraging academic ecosystem.
7. A multicultural society promotes inclusivity and cultural exchange, which is extremely beneficial for students.
Top Scholarships for Indian Students in Canada: Listing Opportunities!
There are several scholarships offered by Canadian colleges and universities that extend financial assistance to students. International students have many options to pursue their academic objectives in Canada, ranging from government-funded grants to university-specific scholarships. Some of the most relevant scholarship opportunities have been listed below for the benefit of Indian students.
University of Waterloo Scholarships
The University of Waterloo is committed to supporting international students through a diverse array of scholarship opportunities. These scholarships aim to to recognize academic excellence and assist students in their educational journey. While some scholarships require a separate application, many are offered automatically upon enrollment. These financial aids make it simpler for overseas students not only by covering their tuition fees, but also support living expenses. This makes it easier for them to focus on their studies and fully engage with the vibrant campus community.
University of Waterloo International Student Entrance Scholarship
The International Student Entrance Scholarship is a merit-based grant given by the University of Waterloo to deserving international students starting their first year of undergraduate study. International students including the Indians admitted with an admission average of 90% or above are considered for this scholarship. Twenty scholarships, valued at $10,000 each, are awarded annually to outstanding international students admitted to the first year of an undergraduate degree program.
Eligibility Criteria:
- This scholarship is open to international students entering the first year of an undergraduate degree program.
- Applicants must have an admission average of 90% or above.
- Scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic achievement and it may also consider additional faculty-specific entrance scholarship criteria.
- Eligible students are automatically considered and therefore there are no separate applications required.
Scholarship Award: A total of 20 scholarships valued at $10,000 each are awarded annually.
Engineering International Student Entrance Scholarship
The Engineering International Student Entrance Scholarship at the University of Waterloo is designed for international students entering full-time, first-year engineering programs. It is a prestigious scholarship valued at $10,000 that recognizes outstanding academic achievements and notable extracurricular involvement.
Eligibility Criteria: All international students entering full time first year Engineering programs at the University of Waterloo are eligible for this scholarship.
The selection for this is on the basis of academic performance, the Admission Information Form (AIF) to assess personal qualities and experiences, and an online video interview to evaluate communication skills, motivation, and alignment with program goals.
Scholarship Award: Up to 20 scholarships valued at $10,000 each are offered every year. Recipients receive $5,000 in each of their first two academic terms (1A and 1B).
Application Procedure: No separate application is required for this scholarship.
Faculty of Mathematics Global and India Scholarships
In order to extend financial assistance to incoming international undergraduate students, the University of Waterloo offers the Faculty of Mathematics Global and India Scholarships. These scholarship programs span over a period of eight academic terms. It is offered in accordance to academic achievement and extracurricular activities. There are about 10 scholarships offered to individuals who have excelled in mathematics and related subjects. Interested candidates should make sure they fulfill the requirements and submit their applications before the deadline. The scholarships offered by the Faculty of Mathematics are listed hereafter:
Mathematics Global Scholarships:
The University of Waterloo’s Mathematics Global Scholarships support international undergraduate students in the Faculty of Mathematics. Valued between $12,000 and $25,000 over eight academic terms, these scholarships recognise outstanding students who demonstrate a strong commitment to mathematical studies.
Eligibility Criteria:
- International students enrolled in any five year course in the Faculty of Mathematics (excluding Software Engineering and Computing and Financial Management) are eligible for this scholarship.
- They must maintain a minimum average of 80% and complete five courses each academic term to receive scholarship payments after the first year.
Scholarship Award: Up to 10 scholarships valued between $12,000 and $25,000 are available to eligible students. The total scholarship amount is distributed equally over eight academic terms throughout the duration of the undergraduate program.
Application Deadline: The application window is open to all international students with a deadline of February 14, 2025.
Faculty of Mathematics International Elite Awards – India
The Faculty of Mathematics at the University of Waterloo proudly offers the International Elite Awards specifically to outstanding students from India. These scholarships provide financial assistance to nurture talented students who are passionate about mathematics and poised to make significant contributions to the field.
Faculty of Mathematics International Excellence Awards – India
The University of Waterloo provides the Faculty of Mathematics International Excellence Awards – India to exceptional students hailing from India. With awards valued up to $20,000, these scholarships recognise not only academic achievement but also a passion for mathematics and computer science that goes beyond the classroom. Designed to attract top talent, the program offers up to ten awards, empowering students to pursue their educational aspirations and make their mark in the world of mathematics.
Eligibility Criteria:
- This scholarship is open exclusively to applicants with Indian citizenship who demonstrate strong academic achievement.
- The applicants should show a genuine interest in mathematics or computer science beyond standard course requirements.
- As part of the application procedure, qualified students will have to turn in a supplementary math paper.
Scholarship Award:
Faculty of Mathematics International Elite Awards – India
This offers up to 5 scholarships valued at $40,000 paid in two installments in the first year.
Faculty of Mathematics International Excellence Awards – India
Up to 10 scholarships are provided, each valued at $20,000 distributed in two equal installments during the first year.
Application Procedure: The application procedure is mentioned in detail and the students can apply by filling the online application form.
Application Deadline: The application window is open to all international students and the last date to apply is February 14, 2025.
Faculty of Science International Students Scholarship
The Faculty of Science International Students Scholarship at the University of Waterloo is designed to support high-achieving international students entering undergraduate programs in the Faculty of Science. This program not only rewards academic excellence but also acknowledges the passion and motivation of students aspiring to make a difference in the field of science. These scholarships provide financial support to help students succeed and reach their full potential.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be international students who have applied for admission to an undergraduate program in the Faculty of Science.
- Scholarships are awarded only after receiving an offer of admission to a Faculty of Science program.
- Applicants should demonstrate how the scholarship will impact their studies and their motivation to become a scientist.
- To continue the scholarship, students must achieve and sustain an overall cumulative average of 80% in each term.
Application procedure: Eligible students can submit their online applications on the official website where they have to fill in all the required details that are necessary..
Scholarship Award: The Faculty of Science International Students Scholarship offers a total of 10 scholarships, each valued at CAD $20,000, renewable for up to four years, amounting to a total of CAD $80,000. Additionally, there are 5 scholarships available, each worth CAD $25,000.
Application Deadline: The application window is open to all international students and the application deadline is February 14, 2025.
Also Read: Top Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students Abroad
University of British Columbia Scholarships for International Students
The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers many scholarships specifically designed for international students pursuing undergraduate degrees. These are aimed at recognising and supporting academic excellence. With over $30 million allocated annually to scholarships and financial aid, UBC provides opportunities to deserving students from around the globe. Following scholarships reward exceptional students, with award amounts ranging from $10,000 to $25,000. They are as under:
- International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES)
- Outstanding International Student Award
International Major Entrance Scholarship
Outstanding overseas students initiating their undergraduate studies at the UBC are awarded the International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES). These are renewable for up to three years of study, and students receive their IMES when they begin their first year of studies at the UBC. Depending on the funds available, different numbers and levels of scholarships are offered each year.
Outstanding International Student Award
The Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award is a one-time, merit-based entrance scholarship awarded to qualified students when they secure admission to the University of British Columbia (UBC). Students who are selected for this honour exhibit both academic strength and extracurricular activity.
Eligibility Criteria:
In order to become eligible for IMES and OIS, applicants should fulfil the following eligibility criteria:
- Applicant should be an international student new to UBC.
- Required educational qualification are:
- IMES: Secondary school pass out
- OIS: Secondary or post-secondary (college or university) school pass out.
- They should be pursuing their studies at the UBC on a Canadian study permit (student visa).
- They should showcase outstanding academic success and intellectual potential, along with significant engagement in extracurricular activities and community service.
- Applicants who are already nominated for a need and merit-based International Scholars award shall not be considered for this scholarship.
(Note: Changes to an applicant’s citizenship status will affect their scholarship eligibility.)
Application Procedure:
Separate applications for IMES and OIS are not required. Students who apply to UBC before or by the admissions deadline, shall automatically be considered. However, these merit-based awards are evaluated on the basis of an applicant’s academic and personal profile, making the process highly competitive for all international students. The applications for various courses are currently closed. Please visit the official website for further details.
Scholarship Award:
The scholarship awards for IMES and OIS are as follows:
- For the 2025/2026 academic year, IMES awards will be valued at $10,000 to $20,000/year.
- For the 2025/2026 academic year, OIS awards will be valued at $10,000 to $25,000.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) program aims to support outstanding PhD candidates hailing from Canada as well as all around the world. This fellowship, established by the three government granting organizations (CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC) of Canada, attempts to improve Canada’s standing in the world for higher education and research. It provides awardees with $50,000 per year for a maximum of three years to help fund their doctoral studies. Three main factors are taken into consideration throughout the selection process. They are as follows:
- Research potential
- Leadership experience
- Academic achievement
Early contact with schools is crucial because the Vanier CGS, which is open to both domestic and international students, needs candidates to be nominated by their universities.
Eligibility Criteria:
In order to become eligible for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (Vanier CGS), applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Applicants must be nominated by only one Canadian institution that has received a Vanier CGS quota.
- They must be pursuing their first doctoral degree. This includes joint programs such as MD/PhD, DVM/PhD, JD/PhD, or MBA/PhD, provided they have a significant research component.
- In the summer semester or academic year after the results are announced, applicants must plan to begin full-time PhD studies or a joint graduate research program at the nominated institution.
- In order to be eligible for this scholarship, applicants should not have previously received a doctoral-level scholarship or fellowship from CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC.
- Students applying for this scholarship should have achieved a first-class average (as defined by their institution) in each of the last two years of full-time study or its equivalent.
(Note: The decision of considering the applications of applicants who do not meet this average is totally at the discretion of the institutions.)
Duration of Prior Studies:
- Applicants must have completed not more than 20 months of full-time study in their doctoral program.
- They must have completed not more than 32 months of full-time study in their doctoral program if they are enrolled in a joint graduate research program (such as an MD/PhD) or have transferred straight from a Bachelor’s degree to a PhD program without attending another graduate program, or have started pursuing a doctoral program after enrolling in a Master’s program (but not finishing the Master’s degree).
- Click here for more details regarding the eligibility criteria.
Application Procedure:
A student’s application for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship needs to go through the following stages:
1. Applications are initiated in one of two ways:
- The student informs the faculty of graduate studies at their chosen institution about their intent to apply for the Vanier CGS program.
- The institution identifies and contacts a potential candidate to initiate the nomination process.
2. The student prepares their application using the ResearchNet application system. Applications must be submitted to the nominating institution by the internal deadline set by that institution as this deadline varies.
3. The nominating institution then conducts an internal selection process to evaluate candidates and submits its recommended nominations to the Vanier-Banting Secretariat.
4. The Vanier-Banting Secretariat then coordinates the review of all submitted nominations and presents the recommendations to the Tri-Agency Programs (TAP) Steering Committee. The TAP Steering Committee reviews, endorses, and approves final decisions for the Vanier CGS program.
5. Nominated candidates are informed of the competition results in the spring following the submission deadline.
Scholarship Award:
Under the Vanier CGS Programme, a total of 166 scholarships are awarded annually, each valued at $50,000 per year for eligible doctoral students in Canada.
Last but not least, how do Indian students maximise their chances of winning a scholarship? Let us consider some of the very important facets of exploring and ensuring a win-win outcome.
- Researching the Institutions Thoroughly: Identify schools and programs that align with your academic and career goals, ensuring they support your aspirations effectively.
- Excel Academically: Aiming for a strong GPA and compiling a track record of outstanding academic achievements to stand out.
- Crafting a Compelling Personal Statement: Highlight your unique qualities, experiences, goals, or aspirations that makes you stand apart from other applicants.
- Seeking Guidance from Experts: Consulting academic professionals, mentors, and program alumni provides valuable advice ensuring guided support for your applications.
- Build Meaningful Networks: Develop networking with students, faculty, and staff, as these connections can open doors to additional opportunities and insights.
- Exploring Alternative Funding Options: In addition to scholarships, consider other financial resources such as grants, part-time jobs, and student loans to support your education.
- Starting Early as a Part of Strategy: We all know that the scholarship applications are often highly competitive. And therefore begin with the application process well in advance, plan meticulously and seek assistance from knowledgeable advisors to strengthen your application.
By following these guidelines, Indian students can significantly enhance their chance of securing scholarships and advancing toward their academic and career ambitions in a wonderful study destination such as Canada.
Also Read: Top Scholarship Opportunities for Indian Students in Germany
Top Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in Canada: FAQs
Why is Canada considered a popular study destination for Indian students?
Canada is highly regarded for its esteemed universities, inclusive learning environment, and opportunities for work experience. Indian students are attracted by the ability to work for up to three years after graduation and the pathway to permanent residency.
What is the emerging trend in Indian student enrollment in Canada between 2019 and 2023?
Indian student enrollment in Canada saw a remarkable 76% increase, rising from 1,32,620 in 2019 to 2,33,532 in 2023.
Which Canadian universities are recommended for Indian students seeking scholarships?
Some of the recommended universities for scholarships are the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill University, University of Alberta, and Simon Fraser University, among others.
What financial aid is available for international students in Canada?
International students in general and Indian students in particular can benefit from a variety of financial aids available in Canada, including scholarships, grants, and cooperative educational opportunities. Platforms like EduCanada, ScholarshipsCanada, and university-specific websites provide detailed information on available scholarships.
How does Canada support students in building their careers after having completed the studies?
Canada offers international students the chance to gain work experience by allowing them to work for up to three years post-graduation. This experience helps students apply for permanent residency and advance their careers.
What are the steps required to be undertaken by the Indian students in order to increase their chances of securing scholarships in Canada?
Indian students should research institutions thoroughly, excel academically, craft compelling personal statements, seek guidance from mentors, build meaningful networks, explore alternative funding options, and start the scholarship application process early for better chances of success.
Do I qualify for scholarships in Canada?
In order to qualify for scholarships in Canada, you should be an international student with a strong academic record, proof of English language proficiency, and, in some cases, demonstrate financial need or community involvement. It is crucial to check the prerequisites for the scholarships you are interested in, as each one has distinct eligibility requirements.
What is CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC?
In Canada, the three main federal funding organizations are CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC. Research in the natural sciences and engineering is supported by NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council), research in the social sciences and humanities is funded by SSHRC (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council), and health and medical research is the focus of CIHR (Canadian Institutes of Health Research).
What is the role of the Tri-agency Programs (TAP) Steering Committee in the Vanier CGS Program?
The Tri-agency Programs (TAP) Steering Committee oversees the Vanier CGS program. It provides strategic guidance, ensures governance and accountability, and makes the final funding decisions based on recommendations from selection committees.
How are the scholarship amounts determined for the Faculty of Mathematics Global Scholarships?
Candidates for the Faculty of Mathematics Global Scholarships are primarily evaluated based on their academic performance, particularly in mathematics and related fields. Their engagement in extracurricular activities, such as clubs and competitions in computer science or mathematics, is also taken into consideration during the selection process.
How many students are rewarded the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships?
A total of 166 Vanier CGS scholarships are awarded annually, each valued at $50,000 per year for up to three years.
Does the University of Waterloo have scholarships for international students?
Yes, the University of Waterloo offers a variety of scholarships for international students. Many scholarships are automatically considered during the admission process, while some require a separate application.
What is the scholarship amount of IMES and OIS?
The following are the scholarship amounts for the Outstanding International Student (OIS) Awards and the International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES) for the 2025-2026 academic year: OIS rewards are between $10,000 and $25,000 annually, whereas IMES awards range between $10,000 and $20,000.