Scholarships for studying in Canada can be applied in multiple ways by Indian students. One primary factor that is needed to be fulfilled to apply for scholarships in Canada is the good marks. This is because there is a lot of competition, and the scholarships available are limited but the number of students is much more. Here we take a look at the different aspects of scholarship for Indian students in Canada.
Along with attaining good grades in earlier education, a prospective student needs to perform well in English language proficiency tests. There are several language proficiency tests that one can attempt and clear to pursue education in Canada, such as IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL. If students can score well in an English language proficiency test, they stand a good chance of receiving a scholarship.
Along with performing well in studies and attaining a high standard of language proficiency, one also needs to be active in extracurricular activities. If you can show accomplishments in various extracurricular activities, then you stand a better chance of getting a scholarship. Anything that you have accomplished during your previous education will work in your favour in taking a scholarship. Scholarships for Indian students in Canada are there, it all depends if you are eligible for them or not.
How to become eligible for scholarships?
Every university and institution has its eligibility criteria to award scholarships to Indian students. Some of the general factors that apply to every application that is submitted for scholarships include the level of education you have attained and your academic standing. Canada offers both need-based and merit-based scholarships to international students coming to study here. Another categorisation of these scholarships includes partially-funded and fully-funded scholarships. International students studying in Canada need to have a valid study permit to maintain their eligibility for the awarded scholarship.
How You Can Apply for Scholarships in Canada
Finding a scholarship that suits your requirements and the one you are eligible for requires fulfilling a stepped procedure. The first step is thorough research for there may be many country-specific scholarships, so you need to be certain that you are eligible for the scholarship you want to apply for. The best source to use for your search is online, where you can access all the scholarship databases and university websites to get the right information.
It is important to give time at this juncture and make sure you thoroughly understand all the requirements to be eligible for and maintain your scholarship eligibility. You can consult overseas education consultants in Chandigarh to find out all the requirements and be clear on this factor. Many institutions and universities include the requirement for scholarship candidature in the application form for admission. The student’s eligibility is determined automatically when they apply for admission to the university. In many cases, scholarships are awarded only when they are admitted to a Canadian university.
Second, timing is essential here, as there are other students too who are applying for scholarships just like you. Many universities serve on a first-come, first-serve basis, so even if you have the eligibility but are late in applying for the scholarship, you will miss out on the chance. Make sure you have gathered all the documents that will be required well in advance. Regular follow-up to check the status of your application is important, for you may be asked for some documents needed to be submitted by the deadline. Take assistance from a knowledgeable and experienced counsellor to be aware of everything on applying for a study visa to Canada.
Diverse Scholarship For Indian Students in Canada are Available
Indian students have many financial benefits available in the form of scholarships. The Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship is one benevolent financial aid that is available for international students, including Indian students, who want to study at the University of Toronto. The scholarship takes care of almost everything, including tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.
Humber College International Entrance Scholarships – This scholarship is awarded automatically to international students graduating from the institution depending on their academic performance. A scholarship of more than CAD 4,000 is awarded to students who can score 95% or higher GPA.
The University of British Columbia International Leader of Tomorrow Award aptly rewards high academic achievers who have also shown exceptional performance in extracurricular activities. When you are awarded this scholarship you join a community of supportive and engaged changemakers and young leaders, who enrich the institution with their live experiences, diverse perspectives, involvement and innovation.
Canada-India Research Centre of Excellence (IC-IMPACTS) Graduate Fellowship provides scholarships for Indian students in Canada who want to pursue master’s or doctoral degrees in the fields of health, engineering, and other related discipline. Stipends of up to CAD 30,000 per year can be provided under this scholarship scheme.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships is another magnanimous scholarship from the government of Canada for students who want to pursue doctoral studies in the country. Students who can exhibit both a high standard of scholarly achievement and leadership skills in the fields of natural sciences and engineering, social sciences and humanities and health-related fields are eligible. The scholarship is valued at CAD 50,000 per year for up to three years is available.
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship awards up to CAD 20,000 per year for three years in scholarships for research, networking, and travel related to their doctoral research. Scholars of this foundation form a vibrant community of mentors, scholars, and fellows, all of them are leaders in their respective sectors and fields.
McMaster University Entrance Awards for International Students is another amazing scholarship option available to students who have shown promising potential in terms of their merits, leadership and community involvement. One has to submit an application to be considered for the scholarship.
If you can show the potential to provide value to the institution by scoring good grades and serving the community, then the Simon Fraser University International Major Entrance Scholarship can reward you appropriately. The scholarship ranges in value from CAD 20,000 to 140,000.
Nearly CAD 46 million is awarded by the University of Alberta in the form of scholarships, awards and financial aid to all kinds of students including international students. In most cases, you will be evaluated for scholarships even if you do not apply for them. The average of your previous academics will be automatically considered when you apply for admission. In Gold Standard Scholarship up to $6,000 is awarded to students based on performance.
Numerous other scholarship opportunities are available to Indian students who apply to study in Canada. However, not every university in Canada provides scholarships for international students or Indian students. Many students may have questions about when to apply for a scholarship in Canada. Talking to immigration consultants in Canada will give you a better understanding of when to apply as per your circumstances, however, eight to nine months before the preferred intake period can be a good time to start.
Many students ask why is there a language requirement to apply for a scholarship. The answer to this question is easy integration into the society. Simply because you have a good command of the language will put you in a better position to express yourself and understand people around you. Given that you have this flexibility, the government rewards you by easing the financial burden of studying in the country.
The Takeaway
You will not have to spend a penny if you are capable and deserving. The above elaboration on the number of scholarships available for international students clearly shows that top institutions need good students as much as we need them. Now it is up to us to decide how much we can grab. If you want to be awarded a scholarship you need to start early, concentrate on your studies and maintain good grades, plus, be active in serving the community.
