Are you thinking about how to get a scholarship to study in Canada from India? You’re not alone. With the rising tuition costs and the dream of a world-class education, scholarships are the golden ticket. Whether you’re looking for undergraduate scholarships in Canada for Indian students or planning to pursue a master’s degree, you’ve got plenty of options. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get a scholarship for studying in Canada from India, explore Canadian scholarships for Indian students in 2025, and help you understand how to apply for scholarships in Canada from India. Oh, and yes—there are fully funded scholarships in Canada for Indian students, too!
Why Study in Canada?
Let’s be real—Canada is the dream. World-class universities, a multicultural vibe, safety, and serious maple syrup action. But it’s not cheap. Tuition, living expenses, flight tickets…it adds up. That’s where scholarships swoop in like superheroes.
What’s a Scholarship Anyway?
Think of scholarships as a reward. You get money (yay!) to study without the stress of repaying it like a loan. It can be based on academics, sports, arts, community service—or even financial need.
Types of Scholarships Available in Canada
Here’s the quick scoop:
- Merit-based Scholarships – For toppers and achievers
- Need-based Scholarships – For students from low-income backgrounds
- Government Scholarships – Offered by Canadian or Indian governments
- University Scholarships – Directly from Canadian universities
- Private Scholarships – From organizations or NGOs
Are You Eligible? Let’s Check!
Before dreaming big, make sure you tick these boxes:
- Academic excellence (usually 80%+ in your previous studies)
- Strong English or French skills (IELTS, TOEFL scores)
- Great SOP or essay
- Letter of Recommendation
- Leadership and extracurriculars help a lot, too!
Top Scholarships for Indian Students
Government Scholarships
Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute
Supports research and academic exchange between Indian and Canadian institutions.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
It is worth CAD 50,000 per year for doctoral studies. It is super competitive but worth it.
University Scholarships
University of Toronto
One of the best Canadian scholarships for Indian students in 2025. Awards include full tuition and living expenses!
UBC International Leader of Tomorrow
If you’re a high achiever with leadership potential, this one’s gold.
Private/NGO Scholarships
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
Open to master’s and doctoral students. Based on academic merit.
Canada-India Research Centre of Excellence
Focused on tech, innovation, and research-driven programs.
What is a Fully Funded Scholarship?
You’re probably wondering—what does fully funded even mean?
Well, it usually covers:
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
- Health insurance
- Airfare (sometimes!)
Some even give you a monthly stipend. No joke.
Undergraduate Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students
Just finished 12th? Here are some great options:
- York University International Student Scholarship
- Carleton University Entrance Awards
- Humber College International Entrance Scholarships
Postgraduate Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students
Doing your Master’s or PhD? Check these out:
- Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
- Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
- Dalhousie University Scholarships
How to Apply for Scholarships in Canada from India
Let’s simplify this:
- Research – List out scholarships that suit you
- Prepare documents – Transcripts, resume, SOP, LORs
- Check deadlines – Don’t be that person who misses the last date
- Apply online – Most applications are done through portals
- Follow-up – Some require interviews or more documentation
Easy? Maybe not. Doable? Totally.
Tips for a Winning Scholarship Essay
This part can make or break your application.
- Be authentic—tell your story
- Show passion, not just grades
- Link your goals with the scholarship provider’s mission
- Keep it crisp, personal, and positive
Build Your Profile Like a Pro
Grades matter, but here’s what else counts:
- Volunteering
- Internships
- Sports and cultural activities
- Leadership roles
Show them you’re more than just a mark sheet.
Preparing for Interviews (If Required)
Some scholarships include an interview round.
- Practice common questions (Why this university? What’s your career plan?)
- Dress smart, be confident, stay honest
- Show how you’ll contribute to the university and society
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let’s dodge these:
- Missing deadlines
- Poorly written essays
- Generic applications
- Ignoring smaller or lesser-known scholarships
- Not proofreading (yes, grammar matters!)
Real Stories: Indian Students Who Made It
Aarti from Pune to McGill
She applied to five scholarships and got two. Her secret? Starting early and customizing each application.
Rohan from Delhi to UBC
His essay focused on building solar energy solutions for rural India. That passion won hearts—and funding.
Stay Updated: Canada Scholarships for Indian Students 2025
Don’t miss out on new opportunities.
- Follow university websites
- Join scholarship forums
- Subscribe to portals like ScholarshipsCanada.com
- Set Google Alerts with keywords like “Canada scholarships for Indian students 2025.”
Conclusion: You’ve Got This!
If you’ve made it this far, you’re already ahead of most. Knowing how to get a scholarship to study in Canada from India is just the beginning. Put in the work, be honest, and stay focused. The land of maple leaves, mountains, and moose is waiting for you—and yes, there’s money to help you get there.
FAQs
1. Can I get a scholarship in Canada with 70% marks?
Yes! While top scholarships need 80%+, there are plenty of university-specific or need-based options with lower cutoffs.
2. When should I start applying for 2025 scholarships?
Start at least 12–15 months in advance. For 2025, begin researching by mid-2024.
3. Are there scholarships for diplomas or short-term courses?
Scholarships are mostly for degree programs, but a few colleges offer aid for diploma students as well. It’s worth checking!
4. Can I apply for multiple scholarships at once?
Absolutely. You should! Just make sure to customize your application for each one.
5. Do I need IELTS for scholarships?
Most scholarships require proof of English proficiency. IELTS or TOEFL scores are often mandatory.
