Scholarships in Canada 2024: Complete Funding Available
Canada welcomed around 175,201 Indian students to study there in the first half of 2023. Canada is a popular study destination due to its high quality of education, renowned academic programs, and abundance of career opportunities.
Living in some Canadian cities costs a lot, but there are scholarships that pay for everything. These scholarships can help you if you can’t afford to live there. But, some courses in Canada are very expensive, which can stop many students for study in Canada.
But, there’s good news! Fully funded scholarships in Canada can help you pay for everything and make your dream of studying there come true. However, not everyone can get these scholarships, so you need to check if you’re eligible. It’s important to look at all the options and find the right scholarship for you.
In this blog, we will talk about fully funded scholarships in Canada for Indian students in 2024. We’ll cover who can apply, what you need, and what qualifications you should have.
Why study in Canada?
Canada is a popular choice for Indian students because it offers many benefits. The country has top universities like McGill and the University of Toronto, which are always ranked highly. You can also get scholarships and financial help to study there.
Canada has lots of good jobs in different industries, so you can gain valuable work experience while you study. In the past, many students who studied in Canada got work permits, which allowed them to work after they finished their studies. There’s also an option to work while doing postgraduate courses.
Canada is very diverse, with many different cultures and people. This makes it a welcoming place where you can learn from others and experience different ways of life.
All of these things make Canada a great place to live and study for international students like you.
Top 5 Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada
1. President’s International Scholarship of Excellence
York University provides an amazing opportunity for international students, including those from India, to get a fully-funded scholarship for various 4-year Bachelor courses. One such scholarship is The President’s International Scholarship of Excellence. It’s a great option for international students who want to study undergraduate courses in Canada. This scholarship is based on merit and gives up to CAD 45,000 (INR 27,36,985) to 20 international students every year. It’s important to note that this scholarship is only available for 4-year Bachelor’s courses, but it’s open to all international students, no matter where they’re from.
Who is eligible to apply?
In order to be eligible for this scholarship, you must fulfill the following requirements:
1. You must have completed your 12th standard.
2. You need to have achieved a minimum of 80% in your final admission average.
3. You must take a standardized English language proficiency test and score at least 88 in TOEFL, 6.5 in IELTS, or 60 in PTE.
4. You should apply to York University directly from high school within two years of graduation without any previous university or college studies.
5. You must apply for an undergraduate degree program at York that starts in the Fall.
6. Note: If you’ve already received a free bursary or applied for another scholarship offered by the university, you’re not eligible for this scholarship.
What it covers?
The scholarship provides up to CAD 45,000 (INR 27,36,985), but this amount only covers tuition fees. Its purpose is to help talented and deserving students pursue their academic and career goals without worrying about financial issues.
Who is this for?
This scholarship is available to all international students who are interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree, regardless of where they come from.
2. UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award
The Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award is among the top Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada, offered by the University of British Columbia (UBC). It’s aimed at international undergraduate students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership skills. The scholarship acknowledges students who have contributed positively to their communities through various service and school projects. Since 2001, they have welcomed over 500 international scholars through this program.
Who is eligible to apply?
To qualify for the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award at the University of British Columbia, you need to meet these requirements:
1. You must have completed high school no earlier than one gap year before the academic year you are applying for.
2. This should be your first undergraduate degree application.
3. You must have excellent academic performance, achieving all A grades.
4. You should demonstrate financial need that would otherwise hinder you from pursuing a UBC degree.
5. You need to attain a minimum score of 6.5 in IELTS, 65 in PTE, or 90 in TOEFL.
What it covers?
The Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award provides INR 21,12,640 (CAD 35,000) after considering your family’s contribution. This award is granted annually and is renewable each year depending on your performance.
Who is this for?
The Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award is available for international students who are applying to the undergraduate program at the University of British Columbia.
3. President’s International Distinction Scholarship
The University of Alberta offers the President’s International Distinction Scholarship to students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, leadership skills, community engagement, volunteer work, and participation in extracurricular activities. This scholarship, which is one of the most impressive Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada, is available to those who plan to pursue their undergraduate degree on a Student Visa Permit.
Candidates with exceptional academic standing and remarkable leadership qualities may receive up to CAD 120,000 (INR 72,98,629) over four years to support their academic journey and goals. The scholarship is contingent upon achieving a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a minimum of 24 credits over the most recent September to April period at the University of Alberta while studying on a Study Permit. Additionally, students cannot receive any other University of Alberta international entrance awards or scholarships.
The application deadline for this scholarship is 1st October 2024.
Who is eligible to apply?
To be eligible, you must:
Be applying for your undergraduate degree.
Demonstrate excellent academic performance.
Achieve a minimum score of 6.5 in IELTS, 65 in PTE, and 90 in TOEFL.
Have passed your 12th exams from a recognized school.
What it covers?
The President’s International Distinction Scholarship at the University of Alberta awards 120,000 CAD, which is approximately INR 72,98,629, spread over four years.
Who is this for?
The President’s International Distinction Scholarship at the University of Alberta is available for all international students who are applying for undergraduate programs at the university.
4. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship is a charitable organization dedicated to supporting students through scholarships, fellowships, and mentorships. It offers one of the most unique fully funded scholarships in Canada. This scholarship is available at various Canadian universities including McGill University, the University of Waterloo, and Ryerson University. It particularly benefits international students pursuing their doctoral degrees.
The scholarship is a three-year leadership program designed to train engaged leaders. It gives exceptional PhD candidates the skills they need to put their ideas into action and improve their communities, Canada, and the world. Each year, the foundation selects scholars who receive leadership training in Brave Spaces along with generous funding for their studies.
Who is eligible to apply?
To be eligible for the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:
1. You must be accepted into a full-time doctoral program for one or two years.
2. Your field of study should be broadly related to humanities or human sciences and have direct relevance to the future of Canada.
3. Your doctoral work must be related to at least one of the following themes: human rights and dignity, responsible citizens, Canada and the world, and people and their natural environment.
What does it covers?
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship covers the tuition fees for the entire duration of the program as well as living expenses. In addition to tuition fees, the foundation also covers the costs for travel, research, and other activities related to the doctoral program. This comprehensive support enables students to focus more on their doctoral studies without worrying about financial constraints.
Who is this for?
This scholarship opportunity is available for international students pursuing doctoral degrees in Canada.
5. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship is one of Canada’s premier fully funded scholarships for doctoral programs. It is jointly administered by CIHR IRSC, NSERC CRSNG, and SSHRC CRSH and is named after Georges P. Vanier, the first Francophone Governor-General of Canada. This scholarship supports aspiring doctoral researchers and students applying to combined Master’s programs at Canadian universities. The application process for the Vanier scholarship is handled exclusively through the university where the student is enrolled. Each year, up to 166 scholarships are awarded. The selection criteria include academic excellence, research potential, and leadership skills.
Who is eligible to apply?
In order to be eligible for this scholarship, you must fulfill the following requirements:
1. Demonstrate academic excellence, leadership qualities, and research potential.
2. Possess a first-class degree in both undergraduate and graduate studies.
3. Enrolled in a doctoral program.
4. Engaged in research within the fields of health sciences, natural sciences/engineering, or social sciences and humanities.
What does it covers?
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship covers the tuition fees and major living expenses for international students. Each student awarded the scholarship receives a maximum of 50,000 CAD (INR 30,41,095) per year for a duration of three years.
Who is this for?
This scholarship is available only to first-time doctoral degree students specializing in health research, natural sciences/engineering, social sciences, and humanities.
Top Universities Accepting Scholarships in Canada
Canadian universities provide a range of scholarships for international students, each with its own eligibility criteria. Apart from merit-based scholarships, international students might qualify for financial aid based on factors like physical disability or gender.
At times, you might need to actively apply for scholarships independently. However, in other cases, you’ll automatically be considered for scholarships or awards based on your university application. Here are some of the best universities in Canada where you can apply for scholarships:
1. University of Winnipeg
The University of Winnipeg is a research-focused public university. It provides a number of fully funded scholarships as well as other scholarships throughout Canada. To assist students in covering the cost of tuition, textbooks, and other expenditures, the institution offers a variety of scholarships, bursaries, and awards.
Both domestic and foreign students are eligible for these scholarships, which are given out according to a number of factors such as community service, financial need, and academic accomplishment. The President’s Scholarship, the Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative, and the Indigenous Student Awards are a few of the scholarships offered by the University of Winnipeg.
2. University of British Columbia (UBC)
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is renowned for its important academic programs and is frequently listed in the top 20 public universities in the world. With two campuses and more than 60,000 students from throughout the world, UBC provides undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs.
It also provides one of Canada’s top Fully-Funded scholarships. The Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award is given to international undergraduate students who have excelled in leadership roles, community service, and academics. Another scholarship program that UBC provides is the International Major Entrance Scholarship. It is given to deserving international students who are starting their first year of study at UBC.
3. McGill University
McGill University is a leading university in Canada, identified for its demanding academic programs and research possibilities. The institution offers a range of scholarships and financial aid alternatives to help international students pursue their academic goals without financial stress.
To assist students in a variety of fields, McGill University provides a number of scholarships and bursaries, including the Music Undergraduate Talent Scholarship, the Engineering International Student Award, and the Arts Undergraduate Research Internship scholarships.
4. University of Alberta
The University of Alberta provides fully financed scholarships in Canada to international students who demonstrate academic distinction and leadership abilities. The President’s International Distinction Scholarship is one such award that is fully funded and intended for international students pursuing undergraduate degrees.The University of Alberta is known for offering more fully funded scholarships in Canada.
Other scholarships are also available from the University of Alberta, such as the International Student Scholarship, the International Country Scholarship, and the International Entrance Leadership Scholarship. International students can apply for these scholarships to get financial aid depending on their financial need, country of origin, and academic merit. All things considered, the University of Alberta is dedicated to helping international students fulfill their academic and professional ambitions by offering them a range of scholarship options.
5. University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo provides a variety of scholarships and financial aid possibilities to undergraduate and graduate students. The purpose of these scholarships is to honor leadership, community service, and academic achievement. One of the University’s most distinguished prizes, the President’s Scholarship of Distinction offers up to $10,000 annually for a maximum of four years. The International Master’s and Doctoral Student Awards are other alternatives available to exceptional international graduate students.
Scholarships are also offered for particular programs and faculties, such as the International Student Entrance Scholarships for the Faculty of Engineering and the Mathematics Faculty. All things considered, the scholarship programs offered by the University of Waterloo give worthy students lots of chances to achieve their academic objectives.
Job prospects after studies in Canada
In Canada, students can find lots of job opportunities after they finish school. In 2023, the number of jobs in Canada went up by 64,000 in September and by 40,000 in August. After you finish studying, you can work full-time or get a special permit to work for up to three years in Canada.
Canada is a good place to study because its economy is strong and steady, and not many people are without jobs. There are lots of different kinds of jobs in Canada, like in healthcare, technology, money stuff, and engineering. People who finish studying in these areas can find jobs that pay well. Some of the most wanted jobs in Canada are web development and electrical engineering.
Also, the Canadian government has made some rules and programs to encourage students to stay and work in the country. One of these is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. This program lets students who finish studying in Canada work in the country for up to three years. This is really helpful when looking for a job.
In short, Canada is making it easier for students from other countries to start working after they finish school by offering programs like post-graduation work permits, having lots of different jobs available, and being friendly to newcomers.
Final Word
This blog provided valuable information about fully funded scholarships in Canada for international students. We learned that Canadian universities generously provide scholarships to cover tuition and living expenses for eligible international students seeking a high-quality education. Canada is home to world-class universities and promotes diversity and inclusion. International students can gain work experience during studies and secure good jobs after graduating by leveraging Canada’s strong job market.