If a university in Canada is your preferred destination, that’s a solid decision you have made. Canada is one of the go-to countries for education right now. The standard of education is world-class, and this country also welcomes international students as well. In this post, we will talk about how to apply for scholarship in Canada for masters, and then get it. I’ll just point out those small details that a lot of students fail to pay attention to that actually cost them their scholarships.
I’ve also talked about some scholarships you might want to consider in this post. So, by the time you are done, you might want to apply for them alongside the ones you already have in mind. According to Times Higher Education, Canadian universities rank in the top 30 in 2024, specifically the University of Toronto. We also have many others in the top 100 in the world. So, yes, Canada is a top place for your masters degree.
How to Apply for Scholarship in Canada for Masters
We are going to look at the application process in 6 simple steps. Typically, scholarships have their step-by-step guides, including the eligibility requirements. However, this post will prepare your mind on what to generally expect from the application process for masters scholarships in Canada. Let’s get started.
1. Check if You Are Eligible
So, the first thing to do to apply for scholarship in Canada for masters and get it is to see if you are eligible to apply in the first place. Go to the university’s website for information on eligibility. Also, make sure the university offers scholarships for Master’s programs to Canadian students.
Before applying for masters scholarship in Canada, read the eligibility criteria, terms, and conditions of the scholarships. You need to be careful to identify the fine print usually available in the scholarship description and terms.
Again, before applying for a scholarship in Canada for your master’s, you should check if you meet the eligibility criteria. Scholarships such as the Hani Zeini Scholarship require proof of financial need, while others like the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships focus on academic excellence. For instance, if you are applying for the Humber International Entrance Scholarship, you need to have a strong academic record as it’s a fully funded scholarship requiring a 75% GPA for renewal. Always read the terms and conditions on the university’s website to understand the specific requirements.
If you are eligible, you are already like 50% into the process. Now, collect the necessary documents listed on the website to apply for the MS scholarship in Canada.
2. Research and Select Scholarships
There are lots of masters scholarships available for students in Canada, such as the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships and the Ontario Graduate Scholarships. I always advise students to start by listing scholarships that align with their profile. For example, if you have an excellent academic record, consider the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships, which offer up to USD 14,000. You can always do a quick Google to explore scholarships offered by universities such as the University of Toronto, McGill University, and others. I found that it’s even easier to apply and get a masters scholarship if you find those scholarships specific to universities. That’s because these are often less competitive, based on merit, and a lot of students always go for those popular ones that end up becoming saturated.
3. Gather Required Documents
The third step is for you to prepare the necessary documents you’ll need to apply for scholarship in Canada for masters. This typically includes academic transcripts, a CV, a statement of purpose, and financial proof, as required by scholarships like the Hani Zeini Scholarship. For government-funded scholarships, you need to have all documents ready for online submission. Create your CV and statement of purpose to highlight why you are the ideal candidate for the masters scholarship. You should also focus on your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and financial need.
4. Apply Early and to Multiple Scholarships
Unless you come across a scholarship too late, try to apply for it very early. The sponsors usually understand that sometimes applicants find that scholarship late but this shouldn’t stop you from applying to them as early as possible. If you want to improve your chances of approval, apply for multiple scholarships. For instance, if you are eligible for both the Humber International Entrance Scholarship and the Ontario Graduate Scholarships, apply to both. Check the application deadlines on the universities’ websites and prepare your applications accordingly. Remember, the early bird gets the worm, and applying early may give you an edge over others.
5. Apply Before the Deadline
Find out the final deadline for applications for the term you want to start your studies. This information is on the official website of the MS scholarship in Canada. If the university’s official website requires it, submit your applications for both the Master’s program and the scholarship before the deadline.
Some universities require you to apply separately for scholarships in addition to your Master’s program application. If you can’t find the information on the university’s website, contact them directly for more guidance on applying for an MS scholarship in Canada. But what I’ve seen is that a lot of schools automatically consider your application for admission for the scholarship. So, you won’t have to apply separately for a scholarship after admission.
When applying for various government-funded master’s scholarships in Canada, you typically need to provide a CV and a statement of purpose. In these cases, you should prepare the required documents and submit your online application through the official website of the government-sponsored scholarship.
6. Focus on Community-Based Financial Aid and Extracurriculars
Many scholarships, such as community-based ones in Canada, value extracurricular involvement. If you have a strong background in community service or extracurricular activities, highlight this in your applications. Prepare documents that showcase your involvement and achievements outside academics. This holistic approach can be beneficial, especially for scholarships that are not solely merit-based.
If you are an international student, I made an article about the hidden scholarships in Canada—make sure to check it out.
Are Masters Scholarships With it In Canada?
A master’s scholarship is worth it, whether you are applying as a domestic or international student. The cost for master’s courses in Canada is usually between CAD 6,000 and CAD 74,110 per year. With a scholarship, you can cut down on how much you need to spend on your education. Here are some benefits of getting a scholarship:
- Certain masters scholarships also cover expenses like housing, food, and school materials.
- Some scholarships cover the entire cost of a master’s degree in Canada, so you don’t have to pay tuition fees.
- A few master’s programs in Canada offer a stipend every two months to support your living costs.
- Others might pay all or part of your tuition fees, or deduct a specific amount from them.
Now, let’s look at some masters scholarships you might want to consider in your application checklist.
MS Scholarships in Canada
Now that you understand the benefits of getting a scholarship, you might be wondering, “Which scholarships can I apply for in Canada?” There are many scholarships for postgraduate studies that Canadian universities offer. These include scholarships sponsored by the government and others funded privately by well-known organizations, universities, and individuals in Canada. Here are some of the most common scholarships available for international students doing their Master’s in Canada.
Ontario Graduate Scholarships
You can apply for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship for your master’s studies in Canada. This scholarship is funded by the Canadian government, this scholarship is available for international students who want to do their master’s in Canada. It applies to all master’s programs in Canada.
Humber International Entrance Scholarship
This is one of the fully funded master’s scholarships in Canada for international students available. For eligible students, the whole tuition fee is covered. If a student doesn’t qualify for the full fee waiver, they can still apply for a partial waiver of up to CAD 2,000. Students who get this scholarship can renew it for their second year if they keep a 75% GPA in the first year of their program at the Canadian university.
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
If you are a student with excellent academic records, you can apply for the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships. These fellowships offer up to USD 14,000 for MSc scholarships in Canada for a 12-month academic period. This scholarship can be used for a two-year master’s program in Canada.
Hani Zeini Scholarship
We also have the Hani Zeini Scholarship. This scholarship for a master’s degree in Canada is for international students from less wealthy families. When you apply for the Hani Zeini Scholarship, you need to provide proof of your family’s financial situation. The biggest amount you can get from this scholarship is USD 1,000.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
This is one of the most advantageous scholarships available. It’s funded by the Canadian government. If you’re an international student looking to pursue a master’s degree in Canada and have outstanding academic achievements, you can apply for this scholarship. It offers a CAD 50,000 benefit to eligible candidates.
Now, we have talked about the various scholarships available in Canada for master’s studies. If you are unsure which one you qualify for, you can always narrow your search to the offers by the specific university. I explained earlier that many Canadian universities do offer scholarships for certain masters degrees. You can access the school’s website and see if they offer any scholarships for your specific degree. In the next section, we are going to look at some of the universities in Canada that provide masters scholarships.
Canadian Universities That Give Scholarships to Masters Students
A lot of universities in Canada offer scholarships to international students for Master’s degrees. Here’s a list of some well-known universities:
- McGill University
- University of Alberta
- University of Toronto
- Université de Montréal
- University of British Columbia
- University of Calgary
- Queen’s University
- Dalhousie University
- McMaster University
- Université Laval
- University of Manitoba
- University of Waterloo
Helpful Tips When Applying for MSc Scholarship in Canada
Now that you are aware of how to apply for scholarship in Canada for masters and the scholarships available, here are some tips that can help you stand out among the thousands of applicants for scholarships.
1. Don’t Apply if You Are Not Eligible
The first step is to make sure your application is eligible for the scholarship. You need to meet all the criteria listed for it to increase the chances of your application being accepted. If you apply for scholarships you don’t qualify for, you’ll be wasting both your time and that of the school
2. Don’t Be Late
Find out when they start accepting applications for the intake you want to join for your MS. Apply for the scholarship as early as possible. This is important because there are only a limited number of scholarships available. If you wait too long, they might be given to qualified students who applied earlier.
3. Research Different Scholarships
You have many options for master’s scholarships in Canada. Look into every scholarship that your university offers for your program. Confirm that you are eligible for each one and then apply.
4. Provide All Required Documents
Scholarships are given based on various factors. The organization offering the scholarship will list the documents you need to submit with your application. Commonly required documents include academic records, an updated CV, a statement of purpose, and proof of income.
5. Community-Based Financial Aid
International students have the opportunity to get community-based scholarships in Canada. If you have shown strong extracurricular skills at your previous educational institution, make sure to mention this on your resume. Be prepared with all the necessary documents to apply for these scholarships.
Conclusion
We have just touched on 6 important steps on how to apply for scholarship in Canada for masters. There are several masters scholarships available for domestic and international students. Always try to find out which scholarships are recognized by your chosen Canadian university or apply for a scholarship listed directly on the school’s website. Check if you meet the criteria, and then apply—these should make it easier to obtain a scholarship.
Read Also: Canada Student Visa Interview Questions and Answers
