Scholarships to study in Canada

Looking for scholarships in Canada for Srilankan students? We’ve got the list

Canadian universities and colleges provide a wide range of scholarships to meritorious international students to help them fund their studies. Apart from this, many scholarships, grants and bursaries are also offered by the Canadian government, public and private establishments. Before you apply to any of these scholarships, do check the eligibility and criteria, along with the closing date.

What is the criteria for applying to scholarships?

The primary criterion for most scholarships is a good academic score, however it also depends on factors such as your chosen institution, subject and level. In some scholarships, factors like extracurricular activities, and volunteering can also be used to advantage.

What amount of money is available through scholarships?

The amount of money available and type of award varies between various institutions. Getting a scholarship is competitive and so, it is important that you apply well ahead in time. We recommend you to start with the procedure about 8-12 months before the preferred intake begins.

Here’s an overview of some of the popular scholarships you can apply to as an Srilankan student:

S. No.	Name of the scholarship	Description
1	Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute	Offers various fellowships at different levels from graduate to post-doctorate and from research to training fellowships Shastri Research Student Fellowship: For students enrolled in Bachelors, Masters, M.Phil degree programmes in recognised Srilankan universities or institutions to undertake research in their interested areas/ fields in a Canadian university Eligible students can also pursue an e-course (module/part of a course), or do an e-internship at Canadian universities, which falls under SICI network The value of this fellowship is CAD 500-1,000 (expenses that are not provided by the applicant’s home institution, and related to subscription of online meeting software, internet connection, telephone bills, affiliation fee or registration fee to access library or lab facility will be considered, if any) The duration is up to 8-12 weeks for students (Source: https://www.shastriinstitute.org/SRSF-Student-2020-21)
2	Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan	This scheme identifies students with high intellect from Commonwealth countries applying to programs of advanced study and research at the Master and PhD level The award comprises travel, living allowance and the compulsory tuition fees It includes Graduate Students Exchanges (GSEP), which provide $10,000 for transportation, living and other expenses in Canada for 5-6 months (Source: https://www.collegesearch.in/study-in-canada)
3	Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program	For graduate students in a wide variety of disciplines As a pre-requisite to applying, students must accept an offer from a university in Ontario and obtain a valid study permit The scholarship amount is $5,000 per session. So, you may receive $10,000 (two consecutive sessions); $15,000 (three consecutive sessions). In all, the unit will limit itself to one-third of the cost of the total award to be received by you Each award is tenable for one year (two to three academic sessions). The value and duration are determined by the awarding graduate unit and detailed of which will be mentioned in your offer letter Deadlines are set by the current or proposed graduate unit (Source:https://www.sgs.utoronto.ca/awards/ontario-graduate-scholarship/#section_1)
4	National Research Council of Canada (NRCC)	Research associateship is offered to master’s degree holders in engineering and PhD holders in natural science or engineering disciplines (Please connect with your IDP counsellor for more information)
5	Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship	For students studying in Quebec Financial assistance to students at master’s level or above Each application is assessed on its merit Value and duration are determined as per the level of study: Doctoral program: $25,000 a year and duration is up to 3 years with a possible extension to it of 12 months Postdoctoral scholarships: $35,000 for one year and can’t be renewed Short-term research or professional development scholarship: $3,000 each month for 4 months (Source:http://www.education.gouv.qc.ca/en/references/studying-in-quebec/merit-scholarships/)
6	Ontario Trillium Scholarship	First announced in November 2010 for doctoral students from around the world to study in Ontario Each scholarship is worth $40,000 annually, renewable for a maximum of four years 75 scholarships are awarded each year Ontario universities are responsible for selecting and awarding the scholarship to international PhD students based on merit and program criteria (Source: https://grad.uwo.ca/finances/external_funding/ots.html)
7	Partnership Grants by Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada	For PhD candidates Supports new or existing research initiatives in social sciences and humanities Worth up to CAD 20,000 Duration: 4 to 7 years (Source:https://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/funding-financement/programs-programmes/partnership_grants_stage1-subventions_partenariat_etape1-eng.aspx)
8	Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships	Offered by the Canadian government to international students to pursue postgraduate program within the natural science, social sciences or healthcare research This Postdoctoral Fellowship is worth $70,000 per year (taxable) for two years Deadline for this scholarship is 1st October 2020 (Source:https://www.educanada.ca/scholarships-bourses/news-nouvelles/2020/2020-06-01.aspx?lang=eng)
9	Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships	This scholarship is awarded by Government of Canada to meritorious students who aspire to pursue a doctoral degree at a Canadian institution Duration is for 3 years (non-renewable) and amount is 50,000 CAD per year Deadline is November 3, 2020 (Source:https://www.educanada.ca/scholarships-bourses/news-nouvelles/2020/2020-06-24.aspx?lang=eng)

*This is an indicative list, please speak with your counsellor for details and best available options suited to your profile

Some non-government scholarships are also available for you to study in Canada:

S. No.

Name of the scholarship

Description

Anne Vallee Ecological Fund

These scholarships are designated for international students to support them undertake animal research at master or doctoral program in Québec or British Columbia University
This fund offers two $1,500 scholarship

(Source: https://www.grad.ubc.ca/awards/anne-vallee-ecological-fund)

Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships

These are offered to international students at doctorate level for some specific Canadian institutions
The amount is $40,000 each year for three years; and $20,000 each year for three years, as research and travel allowance
Deadline: Mid Fall Session, your IDP counsellor can help you with the application process

(Source: https://www.mcgill.ca/gps/funding/students/trudeau)

*This is an indicative list, please speak with your counsellor for details and best available options suited to your profile

Remember, Ontario universities are known for selecting and awarding scholarships to international PhD students based on merit and program.

Do check if there are scholarships specifically available for Srilanka natives. Also, every university and college has its own list of scholarships for international students. Ask your IDP counsellor for guidance and they will help you with all the available scholarships during the application process.

Note: Given the current COVID-19 situation, there might be some changes in the 2020/2021 intakes. Don’t worry, our international education experts are here to guide you with the latest updates to help you apply to your desired course and institution. Feel free to connect with our experts for a free counselling session and keep posted about the latest COVID- 19 updates.