Apply for a Master’s Degree Scholarship in Canada

For most international students, this would be one of the main reasons to choose Canada: scholarships help decrease the burden of pursuing a master’s degree.

From full funding to partial funding, Canada has a great range of scholarship opportunities available for international students.

Why Choose Canada for Your Master’s Degree?

Canada provides a home for many of the world’s highest-ranking universities, blending quality education with research and an interactive atmosphere. The primary reasons that draw students to Canada include:

1. Quality Education: Most of the Canadian universities feature among the world rankings among their peers globally.
2. Affordable Tuition: Compared to the US or the UK, studying in Canada is far more affordable.
3. Scholarship Opportunities: Several scholarships, grants, and financial aid are also provided to international students.
4. Post-Study Work Opportunities: International students are allowed to work in Canada by getting a post-graduate work permit.
5. Diverse Culture: Canada, being a multicultural place, has several advantages as it welcomes all categories of students from different corners of the world.

Top Scholarships for Master’s Degrees in Canada

The following are some of the prestigious scholarships available to international students to pursue their Master’s degree in Canada:

1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are among the highest-ranking and most competitive scholarships. While it targets students for doctorates, master’s students willing to pursue a Ph.D. may also apply.

• Award Amount: CAD 50,000 per year for three continuous years.
• Eligibility: Academic excellence, research potential, and leadership skills.

2. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship is provided by the Ontario provincial government to its master’s and doctoral-level students.

• Award Value: CAD 5,000 per term, up to CAD 15,000 in a year.
• Eligibility: Academic merit and must enroll in an Ontario participating institution.

3. University of Calgary Graduate Awards

The University of Calgary offers several scholarships for international students studying for master’s in all subjects.

• Award Value: Up to CAD 18,000.
• Eligibility: Academic merit and other program requirements.

4. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF)

UMGF is a need-based scholarship provided to international students pursuing higher education in various postgraduate courses at the University of Manitoba.

• Award Amount: CAD 14,000 annually.
• Eligibility: Academic merit.

5. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships

This foundation provides scholarships to bright students for research-based master’s or doctoral programs in social sciences and humanities-related disciplines.

• Award Amount: CAD 40,000 annually.
• Eligibility: Leadership qualities that match up with the themes of the foundation.

6. Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED)

This scholarship targets students from ASEAN countries for short-term studies in Canada, which may include courses at the master’s level.

• Award Amount: Up to CAD 15,900.
• Eligibility: Citizens of ASEAN countries and academic excellence.

7. Global Affairs Canada Scholarships

The Canadian government supports many scholarships through Global Affairs Canada to pursue more opportunities for international academic exchange.

• Award Amount: Some vary by program.
• Eligibility: Academic and leadership potentials.

8. University-Specific Scholarships

Most Universities in Canada give scholarships to master’s students. Examples include:

• University of British Columbia, UBC Graduate Global Leadership Fellowships.
• McGill University Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Fellowships.
• Carleton University Entrance Scholarships.

How to Apply for a Master’s Degree Scholarship in Canada

Application for scholarships in Canada is very competitive; therefore, careful planning and preparation are called for. Here is a step-by-step process to increase your success rate:

Step 1: Research Scholarships

First, search for available scholarships matching your academic goals and qualifications. Access the official websites of Canadian universities and government scholarship portals for up-to-date information.

Step 2: Check Eligibility Criteria

Every scholarship has certain eligibility criteria, including academic performance, research experience, and leadership qualities. Ensure that you are qualified enough for the particular scholarship you wish to apply for.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

Most of the scholarship applications require the following documents:

• Academic transcripts.
• Statement of purpose (SOP).
• Letters of recommendation.
• Research proposal, if applicable.
• Proof of language proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL, etc.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Go by the application requirements. Some require an application through the university, while for others, you may have to submit your applications directly to the scholarship provider.

Step 5: Follow Up

After you have applied, be sure to check your e-mail. Some scholarships could want to interview their applicants or require additional documentation.

Tips to Make Your Master’s Degree Scholarship Application Successful

1. Apply Early: The search and application are supposed to be well in advance before the deadlines.
2. Customize Your SOP: Tailor your Statement of Purpose to bring forth why you will be the best fit for the scholarship.
3. Strong References: Get letters of recommendation from professors or other professionals who know you and your capabilities.
4. Highlight Achievements: Highlight your academic, research, and leadership achievements.
5. Proofread: Your application should not have grammatical errors or any other issue that involves adherence to the rules.

FAQs About Master’s Degree Scholarship in Canada

1. What is the minimum GPA requirement for applying to scholarships in Canada?

The minimum requirement for most of the scholarships is a 3.0 GPA out of 4.0, which, however, varies concerning scholarship programs and universities.

2. Can international students apply for government-funded scholarships in Canada?

Yes, most of the government-based scholarships, in particular, have included Vanier CGS and those by Global Affairs Canada.

3. Are the scholarships fully funded to do a Master’s in Canada?

Yes, all costs, like the Vanier CGS and Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation, include allowance coverage; tuition fees and all research expenses will also be covered.

4. Is there a requirement for IELTS or TOEFL in any type of Canadian Scholarship?

Yes, most scholarships require English proficiency, tested through tests like IELTS or TOEFL, assuming that English is not your first language.

5. Can I work while studying on a scholarship in Canada?

Yes, while studying on scholarship in Canada, international students with a study permit can work part-time during their course and full-time during course breaks, subject to scholarship conditions.

Conclusion

While a master’s degree in Canada is a dream for many students worldwide, scholarships make it even more achievable. By following the steps above and being aware of many types of funding to watch out for, you will secure financial backing that helps you reach academic success in one of the best educational destinations globally.

Get started now and open yourself up to possibilities galore!