Canada Scholarships For Indian Students: Eligibility, Scholarship Amounts, Required Documents & Application Process

One of the most important Canada scholarship eligibility criteria is securing an official admission letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). The approximate scholarship amount for Indian students studying in Canada may range from CAD 2,000 to CAD 60,000. Popular government-funded scholarships in Canada include the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS), Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, and the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan. McCall MacBain Scholars Program, Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, and UBC International Scholars Program are some prominent private scholarships awarded to Indian students aspiring to study in Canada. Documents you may need to submit for Canada scholarship applications include official academic transcripts, an SOP, and IELTS scores. Maintaining a strong GPA and applying early for highly competitive scholarships are some of the best ways to secure a scholarship for Canada.

What are the Criteria for Applying to Scholarships to Study in Canada for Indian Students?

One of the most important Canada scholarship eligibility criteria is securing an official admission letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). A strong GPA score of over 80% is also a vital requirement. Some other criteria include:

  • The required IELTS score (overall 6.5)

  • Extracurriculars like leadership potential 

  • Proof of financial background for need-based aid

Related source: https://caribbean.britishcouncil.org/exam/ielts/blog/university-in-canada

What Amount of Money is Available Through Scholarships?

The approximate scholarship amount for Indian students studying in Canada may range from CAD 2,000 to CAD 60,000. The exact scholarship amount may vary and depend on the specific program.

Related source: https://www.topuniversities.com/student-info/scholarship-advice/scholarships-study-canada

Government-Funded Canada Scholarships Available for Indian Students

Some of the most popular government-funded scholarships in Canada include the Ontario Graduate Scholarship, Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, and the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan.

Scholarship 

Benefits 

Pradeep Khare Memorial Scholarship 2026 (Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute)

CAD 2,500 (merit-based)

Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program 

CAD 10,000 for 2 consecutive study terms

CAD 15,000 for 3 consecutive study terms

Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship 

CAD 25,000 per year for doctoral research programs

CAD 35,000 for post-doctoral fellowship

CAD 3,000 per month for short-term research programs

Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships 

CAD 70,000 per year for 2 years

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships 

CAD 50,000 per year for 3 years during doctoral courses

Related sources: https://concordia.ab.ca/scholarships/pradeep-khare-memorial-scholarship/
https://osap.gov.on.ca/OSAPPortal/en/A-ZListofAid/PRDR019245.html
https://www.quebec.ca/en/education/study-quebec/financial-assistance-international-students/merit-scholarships
https://banting.fellowships-bourses.gc.ca/en/home-accueil.html
https://vanier.gc.ca/en/home-accueil.html

*This is an indicative list. Please speak with your experts for details and the best available options suited to your profile.

Non-Government Scholarships to Study in Canada

McCall MacBain Scholars Program, Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, and UBC International Scholars Program are some prominent private scholarships awarded to Indian students aspiring to study in Canada. Some of the most popular non-government scholarships are highlighted below:

Scholarship 

University

Benefits 

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 

University of Toronto

Tuition fees, books, and full residence support for 4 years

McCall MacBain Scholarships 

McGill University

Tuition fees, CAD 2,300 per month stipend for living costs, and a one-time relocation grant

International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) For Vantage One

University of British Columbia

Up to CAD 25,000 for the first year and up to CAD 20,000 per year for the remaining 3 years

University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship 

University of Calgary

CAD 20,000 

Related sources: https://future.utoronto.ca/pearson-scholarships
https://mccallmacbainscholars.org/program/
https://vantagecollege.ubc.ca/scholarships-awards
https://www.ucalgary.ca/registrar/awards/university-calgary-international-entrance-scholarship

Essential Documents Required to Apply for Canada Scholarships

Documents you need to submit as part of Canada scholarship requirements include official academic transcripts, a Statement of Purpose, and English proficiency test scores, such as 6.5 overall. Some other documents that are required include:

Related source: https://www.ielts.ca/blogs/study-in-canada-scholarships/

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Canada Scholarship

Achieving a high IELTS score, consistently maintaining a strong GPA, and starting early applications for highly competitive scholarships are some of the best ways to secure a scholarship for Canada. Below are some more helpful tips on how to improve your chances of studying in Canada:

  • Customise your SOP for each scholarship application.

  • Seek strong references for your LORs.

  • Showcase leadership skills.

How IDP Education Can Help You Apply for Scholarships

IDP Education, one of the best study abroad consultants, helps Indian students apply for scholarships to study in Canada. We provide professional guidance to assess individual student profiles and match them with relevant study abroad scholarship programs for Canada.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Ques. What types of scholarships are available for international students to study in Canada?

Ans. There are various types of scholarships available for international students in Canada, including merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, country-specific scholarships, program-specific scholarships, research scholarships, and government-funded scholarships.

Ques. What are the eligibility criteria for scholarships to study in Canada?

Ans. The eligibility criteria for scholarships to study in Canada vary depending on the scholarship, but generally, they include academic excellence, financial need, leadership potential, community involvement, and proficiency in English or French language.

Ques. How do I find scholarships to study in Canada?

Ans. You can find scholarships to study in Canada by searching online scholarship databases, checking with your desired university's website, or by contacting the Canadian embassy or consulate in your country.

Ques. How do I apply for scholarships to study in Canada?

Ans. The application process for scholarships to study in Canada varies depending on 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. Make sure to carefully read and follow the instructions for each scholarship application.

Ques. When should I apply for scholarships to study in Canada?

Ans. It's recommended that you start researching and applying for scholarships to study in Canada as early as possible, ideally 6-12 months before the start of your program. Scholarship deadlines can vary, so make sure to check the specific deadlines for each scholarship you are interested in.

Many Canadian universities and colleges also have their own list of scholarships for Indian students. Don’t worry if you get stuck anywhere, our international education experts will be more than happy to guide you through.

Updated on 27 October, 2026