Masters Scholarships in Canada for International Students

Benefits & How to Apply

Canada is one of the most popular destinations for international students. According to the Canadian Bureau of International Education (CBIE), Canada was home to more than 500,000 international students in 2018. Some of the world’s best universities are found in Canada, known for their exceptional academic resources and expertise. These universities consistently rank high in the QS World University Rankings.

Students from all over the world are drawn to Canada due to its impressive infrastructure, diverse educational offerings, renowned professors, innovative teaching methods, and excellent job placement assistance. However, studying in Canada can be expensive.

Scholarships are a great way to make your studies more affordable, allowing you to focus on your academic program without the stress of tuition and living expenses. Scholarships for international students are the best way to reduce the overall cost of getting a master’s degree in Canada. Many students hesitate to apply for scholarships because they don’t know how or think it’s too difficult to get one. While it might look difficult to secure a scholarship, it is certainly not impossible.

Are you an ambitious student with dreams of pursuing a master’s degree in Canada? Look no further! Canada offers many scholarships specifically designed to support international students like you. In this article, we will explain the scholarships offered by top universities for master’s programs in Canada, their benefits, and the step-by-step application process. So, keep reading to find out more.

Why Choose Canada?

Out of the many countries abroad, Canada is one of the best places to study worldwide, with top-notch universities and a mix of cultures.

Studying in Canada means you’ll get hands-on experience and research opportunities. fields like engineering, computer science, and healthcare, with research excellence in areas such as environmental science and sustainability. In fact, 11 Canadian universities are among the world’s top-ranked institutions. 

Canada is also affordable for students, with lower tuition fees compared to other English-speaking countries. Canadian universities have unique programs, like Indigenous studies and environmental science, which show their commitment to diverse learning.

You can learn in English or French in Canada, and as a full-time student, you can work part-time during the school year and full-time during breaks.

Canada is welcoming to students from all over the world, celebrating different cultures and languages. Big cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal have lots of fun things to do outside of school, like museums, music, and nightlife.

Studying in Canada means getting a great education in a friendly place where you can grow personally and academically.

Benefits Of Masters Scholarship In Canada

As an international student, you have the opportunity to apply for a Master’s scholarship in Canada. The annual tuition for master’s programs in Canada varies from CAD 6,000 (INR 3,62,400) to CAD 74,110 (INR 44,77,300). Scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of pursuing your education. Here are some key benefits of receiving a scholarship:

1. Full coverage of tuition fees, making your master’s degree in Canada fully subsidized.
2. Partial or full waiver of tuition fees, easing your financial commitment.
3. Some scholarships cover additional expenses such as housing, food, and school supplies.
4. Certain Canada Master’s programs offer a bimonthly stipend to assist with living expenses

Types of Scholarships in Canada for International Students

Here are the three main types of fully funded scholarships in Canada for Indian students:

1. Government-Funded Scholarships: These scholarships are fully funded by the Canadian Government and are aimed at encouraging students to pursue higher education.
2. Non-Government Funded Scholarships: These scholarships are provided by entities other than the government, such as charities and trust funds. They are often designated for specific courses of study.
3. Institutional Scholarships: Offered by schools and universities, these scholarships are provided directly by the educational institutions themselves.

Available Masters Courses to Study in Canada 

If you want to pursue a master’s degree program in Canada, you may apply for the following fields:

• Nursing
• Health Sciences
• Pharmacy
• Information Technology
• Architecture
• Arts
• Education
• Computer Science
• Business Administration
• Engineering
• Natural and Social Sciences
• Management
• Humanities

Requirement For Scholarship In Canada

When planning to study in Canada, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. Here are some key factors:

1. Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English or French is typically required for admission to Canadian universities. Applicants may need to provide language test scores, such as IELTS or TOEFL for English or TEF for French, to demonstrate their language skills.
2. Educational Transcripts: Academic transcripts from previous education institutions are essential for applying to Canadian universities. These transcripts provide a record of your academic achievements and are used to assess your eligibility for admission.
3. Financial Accounts: Canadian universities often require proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs associated with studying abroad. This may include bank statements or sponsorship letters demonstrating financial support.
4. Medical Records: Some universities may require students to provide medical records or undergo a medical examination as part of the admissions process. This ensures that students are in good health and able to study in Canada without any health-related concerns.

Eligibility For Scholarship In Canada

Eligibility rules change for each scholarship, but you might qualify for a scholarship for international students studying in Canada if you meet these requirements:

• Demonstrate excellent academic performance.
• Meet English/French language requirements (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL).
• Provide a Letter of Acceptance to a Canadian university or college.
• Reside in an eligible country, as some scholarships have specific nationality criteria.
• Have professional or research experience.
• Some scholarships may focus on specific fields of study.
• Engage in extracurricular activities and volunteer work.
• Membership in certain organizations.
• Show proof of financial need.

Top Universities Offering Scholarships in Canada for Masters

Here are some top universities in Canada that offer scholarships for master’s programs:

1. University of Toronto: Ranked among the top 25 universities globally, the University of Toronto provides various scholarships for master’s students.
2. University of British Columbia (UBC): UBC offers merit-based scholarships to support international students pursuing master’s degrees in various fields. This opportunity is open to undergraduate students who demonstrate leadership skills and exceptional academic achievement.Click here for the full details. 
3. McGill University: Known for its research excellence, McGill provides scholarships, including the McGill Entrance Scholarship Program and the PBEEE – Quebec Merit Scholarship for Foreign Students, for both Canadian and international master’s students.
4. Click here for the full details. 
5. McMaster University: McMaster offers a range of scholarships for master’s programs, including the prestigious Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships.Click here for the full details. 
6. University of Alberta: This university provides a range of funding opportunities for master’s students, including the Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarship.Click here for the full details. 
7. University of Manitoba: Scholarships to study in Canada at the University of Manitoba is open to international undergraduates. They offer all programs except MBA, MFin and MSCM.Click here for the full details. 
8. University of Waterloo: The University of Waterloo offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities for graduate students. These scholarships aim to recognise academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement. Click here for the full details.

How To Apply For Masters Scholarships in Canada? 

Applying for a master’s scholarship in Canada requires careful planning and preparation. Here are some key steps to guide you through the process:

1. Research and Identify Scholarships: Explore available scholarships through official government websites, university platforms, and reliable scholarship databases to find ones that match your academic and career aspirations. Ensure you understand the eligibility criteria, deadlines, and required documents for each scholarship.
2. Prepare Your Documents: Commonly required documents include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and proof of language proficiency (like IELTS or TOEFL scores).
3. Write a Compelling Application: Your application should highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and why you are a good fit for the scholarship. Personalize your statement to reflect your passion and commitment to your chosen field of study.
4. Letters of Recommendation: Reach out to professors, mentors, or employers who can vouch for your abilities. Their letters play a crucial role in your application.
5. Submit Before Deadlines: Scholarship deadlines vary, so keep track of them and ensure you fill the forms and your application is submitted on time. Late applications are typically not considered.
6. Follow Up: After submission, follow up with the scholarship provider to confirm receipt of your application and inquire about the next steps.
7. Prepare For The Scholarship Interview: Your scholarship provider might request a live interview with you. For international students, this interview typically takes place virtually through video conferencing. It’s crucial to prepare for this interview by studying the organization offering the scholarship, its mission, and your field of study.

Remember, each scholarship has its unique requirements, so tailor your application accordingly. And don’t forget to think creatively; not all scholarships are solely based on academic merit. Some scholarships are awarded based on sportsmanship or other talents you possess, such as music or dance.

Conclusion

Pursuing higher education in Canada offers an exceptional opportunity to broaden your horizons and acquire invaluable experience applicable to your professional journey. The main thing is to meet the requirements. I hope this article makes applying for a scholarship in Canada easier for you. Just relax, follow the steps, and believe you can do it!