Overview of scholarships in Canada
Scholarships in Canada offer a wide range of opportunities for both domestic and international students at various levels of study. These scholarships are designed to support students in various fields, from natural sciences and engineering to social sciences and humanities.
The Canadian school system provides education of outstanding quality that is recognised globally. Therefore, a qualification acquired from Canada can provide worldwide prospects. Furthermore, Canadian educational institutions demonstrate a notable level of receptiveness and support for overseas students. This improves the quality of student life and allows students to obtain more advantages from their academic endeavours beyond just qualifications. Studying in Canada can also open doors for future residence and employment in Canada’s flourishing industries. Therefore, Canada is a top choice for international students seeking outstanding higher education in a very unique setting.
Scholarships for international students
Canada actively offers a diverse array of scholarships for international students across various levels of study, including undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. programs. These scholarships aim to alleviate financial burdens, empowering deserving students with the opportunities they rightfully merit.
However, securing a scholarship in Canada typically demands applicants who most effectively embody the ideals and objectives of the scholarship programs. To enhance your chances of successfully obtaining a scholarship in Canada as an international student, here’s a dynamic and detailed analysis of the crucial steps you need to undertake.
First step: Discover the Scholarship programme that suits you
Canada offers numerous scholarship possibilities to international students through various organisations. International students seeking to study in Canada have the opportunity to obtain scholarships from several sources, including the Canadian government, international organisations, foreign governments, and non-governmental organisations.
Again, various colleges offer distinct scholarship programmes, each with its own eligibility criteria. Each programme is tailored to cater to a certain category of students. It takes into account their chosen field of study, educational background, and level of expertise.
A list of popular scholarships in Canada for international students, their specific programmes, and application deadlines:
1. University of Winnipeg President’s Scholarship for World Leaders
For: international students entering any university’s divisions for the first time.
Eligibility: minimum 80% admission average or equivalent; international student entering the first year of any programme.
Deadline: June 1, 2024.
2. Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Programme Scholarship
For: full-time teaching or research staff; master’s or doctoral graduates.
Deadline: March 2024.
3. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
For: Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and foreign citizens in health, natural sciences and engineering, social sciences, and humanities.
Amount: CA$70,000 per year for two years.
Deadline: September 30, 2024.
4. UBC Undergraduate Scholarships
For: international students at the undergraduate level.
Types: Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award and International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES).
Institution: University of British Columbia (UBC).
5. Dalhousie University Scholarships
For: International students pursuing Master’s or Ph.D. studies.
Amount: $30,000.
Deadline: August 31, 2024.
6. University of Canada West Scholarships
For: international students at undergraduate and master’s levels.
Amount: Up to $20,000 for undergraduates and $10,000 for masters.
Institution: University of Canada West.
7. McGill University Scholarships
For: international students at undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. levels.
Amount: Up to $8,500 for undergraduates.
Institution: McGill University.
8. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
For: Ph.D. studies.
Amount: $50,000 per year.
9. University of Ottawa Scholarships
Undergraduate, Masters, Ph.D., Microprograms, Short Programmes, and Graduate Diplomas.
Institution: University of Ottawa.
10. University of Waterloo Scholarships
For undergraduate and graduate degree programmes.
Institution: University of Waterloo.
Government-supported scholarships in Canada
A key priority for international students studying in Canada is obtaining a government scholarship. The Canadian government provides a wide range of scholarships that differ significantly based on the applicant’s country of origin. Global Affairs Canada (GAC) is a key organisation within the Canadian government responsible for overseeing and allocating scholarships to international students. The purpose of these scholarships is specifically to cover all significant expenses incurred by international students. These costs include, among others, tuition fees, housing and accommodation expenses, health insurance, study permits, and even airfare.
A compilation of notable scholarship possibilities offered by the GAC in Canada:
1. Emerging Leaders in the Americas Programme (ELAP): This scholarship supports students from Latin America and the Caribbean to undertake short-term study or research opportunities in Canadian post-secondary institutions. The scholarship application process involves Canadian institutions applying on behalf of eligible students.
2. Study in Canada Scholarships:These scholarships provide short-term exchange opportunities for students from select countries in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The programme focuses on study or research at Canadian post-secondary institutions at the college, undergraduate, and graduate levels.
3. Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED): This programme offers scholarships to students from ASEAN member states for short-term exchange opportunities for study or research in Canadian post-secondary institutions.
4. Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Programme (CCSEP): This programme provides scholarships to full-time, permanent teaching or research staff, master’s or doctoral graduates, and professionals from China to conduct research in Canada.
5. 700+ Short-Term Exchange Scholarships:Global Affairs Canada offers over 700 scholarships for international students and faculty to study, conduct research, or undertake professional development in Canada during the academic year.
Each of these scholarship programs actively stipulates specific eligibility criteria and application processes. Typically, Canadian institutions proactively submit scholarship applications on behalf of the students. During their academic tenure in Canada, students must maintain active enrollment in their home institutions. These scholarships comprehensively cover various expenses, including visa fees, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and living expenses, ensuring a well-supported educational experience for the beneficiaries.
Step 2: Verify Your Qualification for scholarships in Canada
Navigating scholarship opportunities in Canada involves meeting specific and stringent eligibility criteria. These scholarships are often granted to those who exhibit a significant need and display commendable merit. To maximise the benefits of these scholarships, each programme instills in its selected international students foundational principles, perpetuating the program’s longstanding legacy.
Prospective applicants must diligently engage with the various requirements unique to each Canadian university. However, some standard criteria apply across most scholarships in Canada for international students:
1. Proactive Application: Candidates must actively apply online to one of Canada’s Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs).
2. Language Institute Admission: Secure admission to the desired language institute to demonstrate language proficiency.
3. Academic Documentation: It’s imperative to include copies of all academic transcripts with the application.
4. Eligibility Confirmation: Validate eligibility with formal documentation like a high school diploma.
5. Statement of Intent Submission: Applicants should articulate their motivations and reasons for applying through a well-crafted statement of intent.
6. Aptitude Test Performance: Undertake an international aptitude test, such as the GMAT or SAT, and submit the scores with the application.
7. English Proficiency Evidence: Demonstrate English language competence by taking and passing exams like the IELTS or CELPIP.
8. Health Check Compliance: If necessary, complete a medical examination to prove good health.
9. Additional Requirements Fulfilment: Ensure all other specific requirements for admission to Canada are met.
This proactive and comprehensive approach ensures that applicants not only meet the necessary criteria but also present a strong case for their scholarship candidature.
Step 3: Compile the necessary paperwork
To ensure an approved application, you must gather the required documents after meeting the application criteria. Each scholarship demands specific documentation, and fulfilling these requirements is essential for consideration. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you satisfy the specific needs of your chosen programme. The necessary documentation required to obtain a scholarship in Canada includes:
Primary Documents:
1. Complete all sections of the scholarship application form accurately before submission. If you need assistance, consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) for help in filling out the application.
2. Submit a valid passport or ID. Note: The passport or ID must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended entry date into Canada. Remember to submit only a copy of the main page, which includes your full photograph.
3. Provide copies of your transcripts or diplomas. Note: Make sure all transcripts and certificates are verified and as recent as possible.
Proof of language ability is required, which includes providing your score for one of Canada’s key language testing programmes.
- For English, the available options are IELTS and CELPIP.
- For French, the Test d’Evaluation de Français (TEF) and Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF) are used to assess proficiency.
Your institution may necessitate further language assessments or assessments in alternative languages. Once again, it is advisable to seek guidance from your selected DLI regarding the specific test that is necessary.
Your previously specified expression of purpose.
Please elucidate the ways in which you would derive advantages and gains from the programme that you have selected. We strongly advise verifying this statement prior to submission by a competent third party. RCICs provide a service in which they can assess and revise letters of motivation.
Recommendation Letter
This letter is an endorsement from a recognised individual, such as a professor, lecturer, or employer, outlining your qualifications for this curriculum and how it will benefit your professional development. It is vital to have at least two persons assist you in writing many letters, as some programmes may require more than one letter.
Scores obtained from standardised tests
The specific examinations you are required to undertake are contingent upon the programme you are enrolled in. Nevertheless, the following measures are widely acknowledged for standardisation:
The user has mentioned four standardised tests: GMAT, SAT, Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), and Grade Point Average (GPA).
Supplementary materials
Although it is not mandatory for all Canadian scholarship applications, numerous colleges also require supplementary documentation. Here is the usual information they request:
Supplementary document
The topic for this is often assigned to you by your selected programme or university. It is typically included alongside your motivation letter to assess your cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills in specific scenarios.
Collection of works or projects that demonstrate one’s skills, abilities, and achievements.
This is mostly intended for individuals pursuing art, design, or other humanities-based degrees that necessitate project-based assessments to evaluate their proficiency in the respective field. The configuration of the portfolio varies depending on your course.
Financial data of parents, such as tax filings
Primarily, this is intended for financial aid programmes to provide a rationale for the necessity of financial support.
Step 4: Complete and send in your application.
After meeting all the required conditions and gathering all the appropriate paperwork, it is now time to submit your application on the website of your programme. To ensure awareness of the precise application date, please submit it in advance. This allows for additional paperwork if needed. Following the conclusion of the processing of your application, your institution will swiftly notify you of the next step(s) that you must take. It’s critical to keep in mind that these processes require a substantial amount of time. If you have completed the necessary steps and are in the waiting period, or if you are excited to start your academic career, you should definitely get immigration help. To improve your educational experience in Canada, you must take this step.
