As the number of students aspiring to study in Canada increases, some are discouraged by the high cost of tuition and living expenses. If you’re considering studying in Canada, be aware of the options available to help manage these costs. One solution is to apply for easy scholarships for international students in Canada.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are able to demonstrate your academic abilities and potential, you may be able to secure a scholarship. In this blog, we’ll explore the various scholarship opportunities available for international students in Canada.
Types of scholarships for international students in Canada
Financing your education in Canada can be a challenge, but applying for scholarships can help ease the burden. Scholarships can broadly be divided into three categories:
- Government scholarships
- Non-government scholarships
- University scholarships
In this section, we will delve into each category and explore the different types of scholarships you can apply for.
Easy scholarships for international students in Canada
The Canadian government offers several international scholarship programs that allow students to study in Canada at a more affordable cost. By taking advantage of these opportunities, you can manage your finances, reduce your dependence on student loans, and maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Additionally, these scholarships provide support for travel and other necessities during your time in Canada.
1. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships are awarded to both national and international post-graduate students to attract highly talented individuals. Recipients receive a yearly stipend of 70,000 CAD for a period of 2 years.
2. IDRC Research Awards
The IDRC Research Awards are available to students from developing countries and provide funding throughout their course of study, and is one of the easy scholarships for international students in Canada.
3. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships Program
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships Program, funded by the government of Canada, offers easy scholarships for international students in Canada to students pursuing Masters degrees in fields such as Science, Engineering, and the Humanities. Recipients receive an annual award of 50,000 CAD for a period of three years.
4. Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute (SICI)
This scholarship offers fellowships to graduate and postgraduate students from India who are enrolled at a recognized university.
Also, eligible students have the opportunity to participate in courses or receive online coaching from Canadian universities that are affiliated with SICI.
5. Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship provides annual grants to students from countries that are part of the Commonwealth and the benefits of this scholarship are subject to change each year.
6. Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program
The Province of Ontario along with the University of Toronto annually provide international students Ontario Graduate Scholarships for those who are ambitious and want to take up Master or Doctoral degree programs at the Toronto University.
Ontario Graduate Scholarship has been supporting international students from all around the world, as well as Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and protected persons with merit-based scholarships. The OGS is valued at $5,000 each session.
As a result, recipients may get $10,000 or $15,000 for two consecutive sessions or three consecutive sessions. In all cases, the awarding graduate unit will donate one-third of the total award earned by the students.
Furthermore, OGS criteria limit students to a lifetime maximum of 6 years of government-funded prizes and forbid students from simultaneously holding an OGS and another government-funded award.
7. Ontario Trillium Scholarship
The Ontario Trillium easy scholarships for international students in Canada are offered to international PhD students and they provide up to CAD 40,000 in funding over a period of 4 years.
8. Canada-ASEAN SEED
This scholarship is provided by Global Affairs Canada to support students pursuing higher education. It covers expenses such as visa and/or study/work permit fees, airfare, health insurance, living expenses, ground transportation expenses, books and supplies.
9. Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship
This scholarship offers financial assistance to students studying in Quebec (currently paused).It also awards scholarships of up to CAD 40,000.
10. National Research Council of Canada (NRCC)
The National Research Council of Canada (NRCC) offers research grants to students pursuing their Master’s or PhD. The amount and duration of the grant vary based on the level of study.
Non-Government scholarships in Canada
This easiest scholarships for international students in Canada are awarded by non-profit organizations or individuals with influence. It aimed at attracting international students to study in Canada. Some top scholarships for studying in Canada include:
11. Anne Vallee Ecological Fund (AVEF)
Provides two scholarships worth CAD 1,500 each to support students pursuing master’s or doctoral level research on animals at universities in Québec or British Columbia.
12. Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship
- Offers a prize of CAD 2,000 to undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in Canada.
- To apply, students must submit an essay.
13. Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships
- Offers 15 international easy scholarships for international students in Canada for doctoral students.
- Provides CAD 20,000 to CAD 40,000 in funding for a three-year period, including a travel allowance.
University scholarships in Canada
Canadian universities offer scholarships to exceptional international students. These scholarships are primarily awarded based on merit and are designed to attract the best and brightest students from around the world. If you believe you fit this criteria, consider applying for the following scholarships:
14. University of Toronto Ontario Graduate Scholarship
The University of Toronto Ontario Graduate Scholarship provides funding ranging from CAD 10,000 to CAD 15,000 to students pursuing a doctoral or master’s degree at the University of Toronto.
15. University of Waterloo International Funding
The University of Waterloo offers a variety of scholarships for international students, with awards ranging from CAD 2,500 to CAD 50,000 per year.
16. University of Calgary International Scholarships
The University of Calgary offers International Entrance Scholarships to international students who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents on an annual basis. The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage these students to pursue their studies and embark on their first cycle of university education.
The scholarship criteria include academic excellence and achievements beyond the classroom. The scholarship award is $15,000 and is renewable annually for the second, third, and fourth years of study at the University of Calgary, provided that recipients maintain a minimum GPA of 2.60 over 24.00 units in the previous autumn and winter terms.
The total cost of the four-year undergraduate program is estimated at $60,000. International students who wish to apply for this scholarship have the freedom to choose any subject offered in the University of Calgary’s Bachelor degree program.
17. University of Alberta International Scholarships
Several scholarship opportunities are offered to international students aspiring to study at the graduate/post-graduate level at the University of Alberta.
18. UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award
International students are offered a number of scholarships ranging from 1,500 CAD – 50,000 CAD to study at the University of British Columbia.
19. Queen’s University International Scholarships
Queens provide financial aids such as bank loans etc to international students studying at the university.
20. McGill University Scholarships and Student Aid
McGill University offers 3000 CAD – 12,000 CAD every year to students studying at the university.
21. University of Winnipeg President’s Scholarship for World Leaders
The University of Winnipeg offers the President’s Scholarship for World Leaders to international students who are starting their education in any of the university’s divisions for the first time. This scholarship is designed for students who plan to pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at the University of Winnipeg. In order to be eligible for the scholarship, international candidates must have an entrance average of at least 80% or equivalent and demonstrate leadership through their involvement in extracurricular activities.
The scholarship award is $5,000. In addition to the Bachelor’s and Master’s programs offered at the University of Winnipeg, international students can use this scholarship to enroll in the PACE (Professional, Applied, and Continuing Education) or ELP (English Language Program) programs that best align with their goals.
How to find easy scholarships for international students in Canada
Locating scholarships can be a daunting task, which is why it is crucial to understand where to look to find the scholarships that best fit your criteria.
Scholarships can be tailored to your academic pursuits, skills, extracurricular activities, career goals, location, and a range of other factors. To help you in your search, here are some of the most effective strategies for finding scholarships.
1. Consult your chosen university
To gather the necessary information, start by visiting the website of the university you plan to attend or by reaching out to their financial aid office.
This will allow you to inquire about easy scholarships for international students in Canada and get clarification on the application process.
Understand that applying for admission and applying for scholarships are two distinct processes. Don’t mix them up.
2. Try Networking
Connecting with others who share similar interests can be a valuable resource in your easier scholarship search. Utilize social media or engage in conversations with peers who are also interested in securing scholarships for their academic pursuits.
Don’t neglect the possibility of finding scholarships offered by federal and provincial governments, private foundations, and non-profit organizations in Canada.
3. Contact your academic advisor
Academic advisors can play a key role in helping students explore their academic interests, find information and support, and plan a suitable study program to achieve their educational goals. As a student, you have open access to your school counselor.
Make use of this resource and have a productive discussion about scholarships and other opportunities. Also, find out what resources are available if your school has a dedicated office for students who plan to study abroad.
