Canada is one of the most popular destinations for international students who want to pursue higher education abroad. With its world-class universities, multicultural society, and high quality of life, Canada offers a great opportunity for students to learn, grow, and experience a new culture.
However, studying in Canada can also be expensive, especially for international students who have to pay higher tuition fees and living costs than domestic students. That’s why many students look for scholarships to help them fund their studies in Canada.
Scholarships are a form of financial aid that does not have to be repaid. They are usually awarded based on academic merit, leadership potential, community involvement, or other criteria. Scholarships can cover part or all tuition fees, living expenses, books, travel, or additional costs associated with studying in Canada.
Suppose you are interested in studying in Canada and looking for ways to fund your education. In that case, this blog post will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to apply for scholarships in Canada. We will cover the types of scholarships available, the eligibility criteria, the application process, and some tips to increase your chances of winning a scholarship.
Types of Scholarships in Canada
There are different types of scholarships in Canada that you can apply for depending on your level of study, field of study, country of origin, and financial need. Some of the main categories of scholarships are:
Government-funded scholarships: These are scholarships funded by the Canadian government or its agencies to support international students and researchers. Some examples are:
- International Scholarships Program: This program offers scholarships for international and Canadian students who want to study abroad. It includes various sub-programs such as the Study in Canada Scholarship, the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED), and the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP). The eligibility criteria, application process, and benefits vary depending on the sub-program.
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: This prestigious scholarship program awards up to $50,000 per year for three years to doctoral students who demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership. The scholarship is open to Canadian and international students pursuing a doctoral degree at a Canadian institution. The application process is highly competitive and requires nomination by the institution.
- Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships: This fellowship program provides $70,000 per year for two years to postdoctoral applicants who will positively contribute to Canada’s economic, social, and research-based growth. The fellowship is open to both Canadian and international applicants who have completed their doctoral degree within the past three years. The application process is highly competitive and requires endorsement by the institution.
- International Development Research Centre Awards: These awards support Canadians, permanent residents of Canada, and citizens of developing countries who are pursuing their doctoral studies at a Canadian university.
University-funded scholarships: These are scholarships funded by individual universities or colleges in Canada to attract and retain talented international students. Each university or college has its own criteria and application process for these scholarships. Some examples are:
- University of Toronto International Scholar Award: This merit-based scholarship awards up to $10,000 per year for four years to outstanding international students admitted to an undergraduate program at the University of Toronto.
- The University of British Columbia International Leader of Tomorrow Award: This is a merit-based scholarship that covers the full cost of tuition, fees, living expenses, and books for international undergraduate students who demonstrate superior academic achievement, leadership skills, involvement in student affairs, and community service, and recognition for achievement in fields of endeavor such as the performing arts, sports, debating or creative writing. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years of study.
- McGill University Entrance Scholarships: These are merit-based scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $12,000 per year for up to four years for international students admitted to an undergraduate program at McGill University.
- University of Alberta International Student Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to international students with superior academic achievement who are studying at the undergraduate or graduate level.
- -University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship: This merit-based scholarship awards $15,000 (renewable annually) to international undergraduate students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership skills. The scholarship is open to students admitted directly from high school into the first year of an undergraduate degree program at the University of Calgary.
- University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program: This is a merit-based scholarship that covers the full cost of tuition, fees, books, and living expenses for four years of undergraduate study for international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and creativity, leadership potential, and commitment to community service. The scholarship is awarded to up to 37 students each year.
Organization-funded scholarships: These are scholarships funded by non-governmental organizations, foundations, corporations, or associations to support international students who share their vision, mission, or values. Some examples are:
- International Business Scholarships: The Canadian government offers these scholarships in partnership with private sector companies to support students pursuing a career, furthering their studies in international business, or combining business with environmental or sustainability studies.
- Dick Martin Scholarship Award: This award is sponsored by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) to support students enrolled in occupational health and safety-related course or program in Canada.
- Royal Military College Scholarships and Awards: These scholarships are available for officer cadets who are members of the Regular Officer Training Plan.
- The Fisayo Canada International Student Guide Scholarship: This scholarship is offered by The Fisayo, a travel and lifestyle platform for international students who want to study in Canada and share their experiences through blogging, vlogging, or podcasting.
Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships in Canada
The eligibility criteria and application requirements for scholarships vary depending on the type, level, field, and source of the scholarship. However, some of the standard criteria and conditions are:
- Academic performance: Most scholarships require applicants to have a high-grade point average (GPA) or equivalent in their previous studies and meet the academic requirements of the program they are applying to. Some scholarships may require applicants to submit standardized test scores such as TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, GMAT, or SAT.
- Leadership potential: Many scholarships look for applicants who have demonstrated leadership skills or potential in their academic, professional, or community activities. Applicants may have to provide evidence of their leadership achievements, such as awards, honors, positions, projects, or initiatives.
- Community involvement: Some scholarships value applicants who have contributed to their local or global community through volunteering, service, advocacy, or other activities. Applicants may have to provide details of their community involvement, such as the organization, role, duration, impact, or outcomes.
- Research interest: Some scholarships aim to support applicants with a specific research interest or topic that aligns with the objectives or priorities of the scholarship provider. Applicants may have to submit a research proposal, statement of interest, or letter of intent that outlines their research question, methodology, significance, and expected results.
- Personal statement or essay: Many scholarships require applicants to write a personal statement or essay that explains their motivation, goals, challenges, achievements, or aspirations related to studying in Canada or their field of study. Applicants may have to answer specific questions or prompts given by the scholarship provider or write a general essay that showcases their personality and potential.
- Letters of recommendation: Some scholarships require applicants to provide letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees who can attest to their academic performance, leadership potential, community involvement, or research interest. Applicants may have to provide the contact information of their referees or ask them to submit the letters directly to the scholarship provider.
- Other documents: Some scholarships may require applicants to provide other documents such as transcripts, diplomas, certificates, resumes, portfolios, publications
Application Process for Scholarships in Canada
The application process for scholarships in Canada differs depending on the type, level, and source of the scholarship. Generally, you will need to complete an application form, provide academic transcripts, write a personal statement or essay, and provide letters of recommendation. Some scholarships may require you to submit a resume, a portfolio, a research proposal, or other supporting documents.
You should check the official website of the scholarship program or the university or college that offers it for the specific application instructions, deadlines, and selection criteria. You should also contact the scholarship provider, university, or college directly if you have any questions or concerns about the application process.
Some tips to help you prepare a successful scholarship application are:
- Start your research early and identify the scholarships that match your profile, interests, and goals.
- Read the eligibility criteria and application requirements carefully and make sure you meet them before applying.
- Gather all the necessary documents and information in advance and follow the formatting and submission guidelines.
- Write a compelling personal statement or essay that showcases your academic achievements, career aspirations, personal qualities, and reasons for applying for the scholarship.
- Ask for letters of recommendation from professors, mentors, employers, or others who know you well and can vouch for your abilities and potential.
- Proofread your application materials for spelling, grammar, and clarity and ask someone else to review them.
- Submit your application before the deadline and keep a copy of your confirmation email or receipt.
Conclusion
Applying for scholarships in Canada can be a rewarding and challenging experience that can help you achieve your academic and professional goals. Following this guide, you can find and apply for the scholarships that suit your needs and qualifications. We wish you all the best in your scholarship journey!
