In the last few years, Canada has been one of the major destinations of international students, in terms of scholarships and education grant, besides its world-class education system, diversified culture, and high quality of living. Cost, however, is a concern for many students in choosing to pursue an education outside of their country.

The good thing about Canada is that it offers different types of scholarships and education grants that simply lighten up one’s burden. Are you considering studying in Canada but don’t know how to go about the costs involved?

The present piece will equip you with every relevant detail on the scholarships and grants opportunities provided to the international students.

Why Studying Abroad Is Popular in Canada

Well, before we delve into scholarships and education grants, let’s first have a quick look at some of the reasons why Canada features as one of your favorite study destinations:

• Quality Education: The Canadian University features among the most recognized institutions in the world because of its academic standing and research opportunities.
• Diversity in Culture: With a diverse setting, international students find Canada very accommodating. This helps them settle down with relative ease in a completely foreign environment.
• Affordable Living: Compared to other popular destinations such as the USA or the UK, the cost of living in Canada is relatively more affordable.
• Work Opportunities: International students have the opportunities to work while studying and even apply for a post-graduation work permit.

Various Forms of Scholarships and Educational Financial Aids that can be found in Canada

Canada offers numerous scholarships and grants to students from both within and outside its borders. These aids come in a host of forms. The various types of grants and scholarships offered are:

1. Government-Funded Scholarship
2. University-Specific Scholarship
3. Non-Governmental Scholarship
4. Private Scholarship and Grants

1. Government-Funded Scholarship

The government of Canada has been providing a good number of scholarships in an attempt to attract brilliant international students. These scholarships are competitive but very financially rewarding.

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are considered some of the most prestigious government scholarships to PhD students studying in Canada. It tries to attract and retain world-class students who demonstrate leadership skills and a high standard of academic achievement in their area.

• Amount: The total amount for the scholarship is CAD 50,000 per year for three years.
• Eligibility: PhD students, international or Canadian
• Primary Sectors: Health research, biological sciences, engineering, anthropology, and arts.

Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
If you are a postdoctoral researcher looking to continue in Canada, then you might consider the generous funding through the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships.

• Amount: CAD 70,000 per year for a period of 2 years.
• Eligibility: Postgrad students, international and Canadian
• Fields of Study: Health sciences, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities

Awards and Academic Exchanges for Development Canada-ASEAN SEED
This programme seeks to enhance the links connecting Canada and Southeast Asia for Canadian students and those from the region. The scheme provides short-term exchange opportunities to students from ASEAN member countries.

• Value: CAD 10,200 for students attending programs that are for 4-6 months period
• Eligibility: Students from the member states of ASEAN studying in Canada

2. University Specific Scholarships

Various scholarships are available in many Canadian universities, one factor used by various institutions to lure in exceptional foreign students. Each university is different; it always makes proper research concerning your desired institution.

University of Toronto International Scholarships
The University of Toronto is among the top universities in Canada. This university usually provides a number of scholarships to international students.

The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship covers the expenses for a total of four academic years inclusive of tuition, study materials, and accommodation.

• Amount: Tuition, books, and residence covered
• Eligibility: The top achieving international high school students
• Field of Study: All undergraduate programs available

UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award
UBC’s International Leader of Tomorrow Award is for international students demonstrating leadership ability as well as top academic achievement. This award is particularly helpful to those students requiring financial assistance.

• Amount: Tuition and living costs as shown by financial need
• Eligibility: International undergraduate students

McGill University Scholarships
Students can be considered for numerous merit-based awards at McGill University. McGill is highly recognized due to providing entrance awards to the best academic standing international students.

• Amount: Partial, full tuition award
• Eligibility criteria: International undergraduate students
• Field of Study: All

3. Nongovernmental Scholarships

Nongovernmental organizations NGOs and private foundations also provide scholarship opportunities for those students who want to apply to study in Canada.

Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
The Trudeau Foundation provides up to 20 scholarships every year to PhD applicants in the social sciences and humanities. The scholarship is one of the most prestigious ones available to students who wish to specialize in public policy and governance.

• Amount: CAD 60,000 maximum per year
• Eligibility: Students pursuing a PhD
• Fields of Study: Social sciences and humanities

FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship
This scholarship aims at women who have been pursuing graduate studies in finance. The FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship supports gender equality and mobilizes women to become leaders within the financial professions.

• Amount: CAD 20,000
• Eligibility: Female graduate student studying finance

4. Private Scholarships and Grants

There are many private companies and organizations within Canada offering scholarships and grants to international students.

Scotiabank International Student Scholarships
Some banks, such as Scotiabank, offer scholarships to international students enrolled in partnered universities in Canada. Most offer further benefits, including financial planning support.

• Award amount: Depends on the institution
• Eligibility criteria: International students enrolled in a partnered institution

International Education Grant by Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
RBC offers grant money to international students who are studying in select fields, including business and technology.

• Quantity: Varies based on academic merit
• Eligibility: Students from targeted region of study

Application Process for Scholarships and Education Grants in Canada

Winning a scholarship or grant to study in Canada is often highly competitive; therefore it’s necessary that you are well prepared. Here are some tips which can help you enhance your possibility of gaining a scholarship or grant:

• Get an Early Start: Deadlines for scholarship applications come months in advance of the start of the academic year, so make sure you’re well aware of all deadlines.
• Research Thoroughly: Search for scholarships in your field of study, background, and achievements.
• Tailor Your Application: Individualize your personal statement with a concept regarding what the scholarship program addresses.
• Get Strong Recommendations: Letters of recommendation from professors or employers go a long way in application.
• Maintain Good Grades: As many scholarships are merit-based, maintaining good grades will, therefore, be important.

Conclusion

In Canada, there is a great variety of scholarships and education grants for international students. This makes the following of your academic dreams quite more accessible without having to experience overwhelming financial stress.

From government-funded scholarships such as the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship to private opportunities like the FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship, there is quite literally a scholarship for almost every kind of student.

This can be done by being well-researched in applying, preparing applications with care, and applying early for better chances of securing the right amount of financial aid that you require to succeed in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What type of scholarship is available to international students in Canada?
Government-funded, university-specific, non-governmental, and private scholarships are available in Canada.

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

Certainly, many governments provide different types of scholarships to foreign students for example the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships as well as the Banting post-doctoral fellowships.

3. How can I apply for scholarships in Canadian universities?
It varies at every university. In general, students directly apply after they get admission on the website of the university.

4. Do undergraduate students have scholarship opportunities in Canada?
Yes, many Canadian universities grant scholarships to undergraduate students, including the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship – University of Toronto.

5. Is financial aid available to postdoctoral students in Canada?
Yes, there are scholarships that exist to give financial aid to postdoctoral students, including the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships.