Scholarship for Indian Students in Canada .The number of Indian students in Canada has reached an impressive 997,820 in 2024. Canadian education’s appeal continues to grow among Indian students who want quality international degrees.
Canadian scholarships can help Indian students reduce their education costs by a lot. Students can access substantial financial support through various programs. The prestigious Vanier Graduate Scholarship provides INR 30L per year, while the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship offers INR 43L. Many universities have their own scholarship programs too. The University of Toronto awards its Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship to about 37 students each year. York University’s World Champion of Tomorrow Scholarships give students $80,000 spread across four years.
This piece will help you understand how to secure Canadian scholarships for 2025-2026. You’ll learn about government funding, university awards, and application steps. We’ll also share practical tips that are a great way to get better chances of winning these scholarships.
Types of Scholarships Available in Canada
Canadian scholarships offer multiple options with distinct eligibility criteria and benefits. Indian students can find suitable financial support options to fund their academic trip by understanding these different types.
Government-funded scholarships
Canadian government scholarships exist at both federal and provincial levels. Doctoral students in health research, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities can receive the prestigious Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships that provide 50,000 CAD yearly for three years. The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships give recipients 70,000 CAD each year for up to two years.
Students can also benefit from provincial government scholarships. The Ontario Graduate Scholarship gives master’s and doctoral students at Ontario universities 10,000-15,000 CAD. Quebec Graduate Scholarships support doctoral students with 25,000-35,000 CAD yearly.
University-specific scholarships
Canadian universities provide dedicated scholarships to international students extensively. These scholarships range from entrance awards to program-specific funding options.
Students at the University of Toronto can receive the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship that covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years. The University of British Columbia’s International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) gives students between 6-12 lakh INR yearly for four years. Outstanding first-year undergraduates at the University of Calgary can receive the International Entrance Scholarship worth 12 lakh INR over four years.
Non-government and private scholarships
Private organizations and foundations complement government and university funding with substantial support for Indian students. The Aga Khan Foundation’s scholarships cover tuition and living expenses for postgraduate studies. Doctoral candidates in humanities and social sciences can receive the Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships that provide up to 31 lakh INR stipend plus 12 lakh INR research allowance yearly for three years.
The Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute’s scholarships promote academic exchange between India and Canada through research fellowships and mobility programs.
Students can increase their chances of getting financial support for their Canadian education by applying to all three scholarship categories.
Top Government Scholarships for Indian Students
Top Government Scholarships for Indian Students
Canadian government scholarships are the primary source of financial support that makes education available to Indian students in Canada. These prestigious awards provide substantial funding opportunities.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
This elite scholarship honors Major-General Georges P. Vanier and awards INR 30 lakhs yearly for three years to exceptional doctoral students. Students must show academic excellence, research capabilities, and strong leadership qualities. The program requires candidates to receive a nomination from Canadian universities with Vanier CGS quotas. Students can pursue research across health sciences, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities.
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
Outstanding postdoctoral researchers can receive approximately INR 43 lakhs over two years through this fellowship. Students should complete their PhD between September 2021 and September 2025. Canadian host institutions must submit the applications. These institutions can be universities, research hospitals, or non-profit organizations that demonstrate strong research abilities.
EduCanada Exchange Scholarships
Students looking for short-term study options can get INR 6-8 lakhs for 4-6 months of research or study. Indian citizens can apply for the 2025-2026 academic year. Students must stay enrolled at their home institution during the exchange program.
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
Master’s and doctoral students in Ontario can receive this merit-based award of INR 6-9 lakhs for 1-2 years. Students need a valid Canadian study permit and must maintain an A- average in their previous two years. The scholarship remains valid only at the awarding institution.
Quebec Graduate Scholarships
Quebec’s specialized funding supports doctoral students with INR 15 lakhs yearly, postdoctoral fellows with INR 22 lakhs, and research scholars with INR 2 lakhs monthly. Students must live in Quebec and enroll in a Quebec university throughout their scholarship period. Research-focused Indian students find these scholarships especially valuable.
Top University and Private Scholarships in Canada
Canadian universities and private organizations provide substantial funding opportunities for Indian students who want to pursue higher education in Canada.
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto)
The University of Toronto awards its most prestigious scholarship that covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years. Each year, about 37 scholars receive this competitive award that recognizes outstanding academic achievement, creativity, and leadership potential. Schools can nominate only one student yearly, and the nomination deadline is October 10, 2025.
UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES)
Exceptional international students entering UBC undergraduate programs can receive between INR 843,804 and INR 1,687,609 yearly. Students must show exceptional academic achievement and impressive extracurricular activities. Recipients can renew the scholarship for up to three additional years.
University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
Two first-year international students receive this renewable scholarship worth INR 1,687,609 annually. Recipients need to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.60 over 24.00 units in previous terms to keep the scholarship.
York University International Student Scholarships
York University’s President’s International Scholarship of Excellence awards INR 15,188,481 (INR 3,797,120 x 4 years). The university selects recipients based on academic excellence, volunteer work commitment, and leadership skills. Students must apply by February 18, 2025.
Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
This 54-year-old scholarship supports outstanding scholars from selected countries including India. Students receive the award as half grant and half loan that covers tuition and living expenses. The application window for 2026-2027 opens in January 2026.
Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships
Doctoral candidates can receive up to INR 4,219,022 yearly for three years toward tuition and living expenses, plus INR 1,687,609 annually for research and travel. The scholarship targets social sciences and humanities students who study human rights, responsible citizenship, Canada’s global role, and environmental studies.
How to Apply for a Canada Scholarship for Indian Students
Getting scholarships in Canada takes smart planning and attention to detail. Here’s how Indian students can improve their chances of securing financial aid.
Step 1: Research and shortlist scholarships
Start your scholarship search early to get ahead of others. EduCanada’s scholarship search tool helps you find the right opportunities that match your academic background and financial situation. Make a scholarship calendar to track important dates. Look into government, university, and private scholarships to maximize your success chances.
Step 2: Check eligibility and deadlines
Take time to review each scholarship’s eligibility requirements carefully. Focus on academic criteria, nationality rules, and program qualifications. Note that you’ll just need proof of acceptance from a Canadian institution before applying. Pick scholarships where you meet all criteria instead of applying everywhere.
Step 3: Prepare required documents
Start collecting your documents early. You’ll need academic transcripts, recommendation letters from professors or employers, a compelling statement of purpose, English proficiency test results (IELTS/TOEFL), and proof of financial need if asked. Study permits require extra documents like acceptance proof and financial support evidence. Strong references from people who know you well can boost your application by a lot.
Step 4: Submit applications and track status
Send your applications early since many scholarships work on first-come basis. Keep an eye on your application status through the scholarship provider’s portal. Be quick to respond if they ask for more information. Feel free to send a polite follow-up email if you don’t hear back in time.
Conclusion
Getting scholarships in Canada takes hard work for Indian students, but the financial benefits make it worth every effort. This piece explores many more funding options that can reduce your Canadian education costs by a lot. Major government scholarships like the Vanier Graduate Scholarship and Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship give great support. University awards such as the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship provide detailed funding packages.
A strong scholarship application needs careful planning and attention to detail. Starting your research early helps you find the best options for your academic profile. Good document preparation boosts your chances to get financial aid. Most students who succeed start their scholarship search 12-18 months before their programs begin.
The competition for scholarships gets tougher each year as more Indian students choose Canada. You should apply for multiple scholarships instead of hoping for just one. Smaller, less prominent scholarships often give better chances of success compared to competitive national awards.
Canadian schools value Indian students’ contribution to their campuses. This explains why India-specific scholarship programs keep growing. These special opportunities reward academic excellence, leadership potential, and community involvement—qualities that many Indian students already have.
Your Canadian education path opens doors to academic growth, personal development, and career advancement. Scholarships help make this life-changing experience possible without heavy financial stress. This guide gives you the knowledge to chase these chances with confidence. Your Canadian education dream is within reach—start today by finding scholarships that match your academic goals and strengths.
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