10 Best Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in Canada

Did you know tuition fees for international students in Canada can hit over 30,000 CAD per year, which feels like someone just dropped a Bollywood plot twist into your bank account? Let us not sugarcoat this.

For most Indian families, the numbers look terrifying and the idea of funding a degree abroad sounds like preparing for a never ending IPL auction where the bids only go higher.

But here is the good news. Scholarships for Indian students to study in Canada are not some mythical treasure hunt. They exist, they are accessible, and if you know where to look, you can cut your expenses by a huge margin.

I will walk you through the best options and insider tricks that actually work because I know what keeps students up at night when they think about studying abroad.

Why Study Abroad in Canada in 2025?

As Raj from 3 Idiots once said, “Jab life me phas jao, toh Canada chale jao.” Well, not exactly, but you get the point.

Canada in 2025 is not just maple syrup and ice hockey, it is a magnet for students who want world class education without selling their kidneys.

• Degrees from a university in Canada are globally respected. You are not just studying; you are investing in credibility.
• Various scholarships are available for international students entering both undergraduate and graduate programs. This is not pocket change; it can save you lakhs.
• Living in Canada is safe, multicultural and welcoming for students from developing countries like India.
• Education in Canada connects you directly to employers through internships and co ops. Think of it as Netflix autoplay for your career.
• Canadian government scholarships and university scholarships reduce the dependency on student loans. “Yeh dil maange more” but your wallet will finally breathe.

10 Best Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in Canada

What if I told you Canada throws around more than 200 million CAD annually in scholarships to international students? Yes, money is literally on the table. The only problem is students rarely know which scholarships are available.

Let us dig into the top scholarships for Indian students without making it boring like a classroom lecture.

1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

This one is the Sachin Tendulkar of graduate-scholarships. Valued at 50,000 CAD per year for three years, it is awarded to doctoral students and graduate students pursuing research.

The focus is leadership and academic excellence. Pro tip: your statement of purpose and letter of recommendation must scream originality.

2. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship

If you are an undergraduate who shows evidence of leadership, creativity and solid academis, this is your ticket. It covers tuition, books and living expenses over four years being at the University of Toronto. It is like Netflix premium, except you never pay for WiFi again.

3. Ontario Graduate Scholarship

Awarded to graduate-students in a variety of fields of study, this entrance scholarship supports one year of study with amounts ranging between 10,000 and 15,000 CAD. GPA, transcripts and a solid personal statement matter a lot here.

4. Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute Scholarships

These scholarships are offered to Indian students pursuing research or graduate programs in Canadian universities. Scholarships may require academic merit and research proposals. It feels niche, but that is where the opportunity lies.

5. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships

For doctorate students and students pursuing research, these fellowships provide 70,000 CAD annually for two years. They are Canadian government-scholarships designed to retain top talent. Getting this feels like winning an Oscar, but for academics.

6. Trudeau Foundation Scholarships

This is not for everyone. It is awarded to doctoral students who want to study in Canada in social sciences and humanities. Funding goes up to 40,000 CAD per year with additional research support. In short, “picture abhi baaki hai mere dost.”

7. Canada Graduate Scholarships- Master’s Program

This program supports graduate-students across multiple scholarships with 17,500 CAD for one year. Scholarships require excellent GPA and strong references. If you want to study in Canada without a heavy loan, this is the quick fix.

8. Carleton Prestige Scholarships

University scholarships offered to undergraduate students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance. These scholarships can cover full tuition. It is like getting front row seats without buying the ticket.

9. UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award

This scholarship in Canada for Indian students covers tuition and living costs proportional to your financial need. Undergraduate students who demonstrate leadership and academic excellence can benefit. It is basically Canada saying, “Tera future secure hai.”

10. York University International Student Scholarship Program

Awarded to students who wish to study in Canada at York University. Scholarships are awarded based on GPA, personal statement, and resume. Ranges up to 100,000 CAD across four years. Not bad at all.

Do You Need Scholarships to Study in Canada (for Indian Students)?

Let me be brutally honest. If you wish to study in Canada without scholarships, be ready for fees that rival Bollywood movie budgets. Scholarships to international students are not optional luxuries; they are lifelines.

Scholarships for Indian students include tuition fee waivers, living stipends and sometimes even travel grants. Government scholarships for Indian students like Vanier or Trudeau can cut your costs by lakhs.

University-scholarships and non government funded options also help students achieve their academic objectives.

What are the Different Types of Scholarships for International Students in Canada?

You think scholarships are just one type? Wrong. Scholarships are awarded in multiple forms and scholarships would require different criteria.

Let me break it down simply.

• Government funded scholarships: Canadian government scholarships include Vanier and Banting. These are top scholarships for Indian aspirants.
• University-scholarships: Scholarships offered to students by a university in Canada. Examples are UBC and York.
• Non government and private scholarships: Accessible for international students through NGOs and institutes. Variety of scholarships here often overlooked.

Government Scholarships vs Non-Government Scholarships for Indian Students in Canada

The fight is not like Marvel vs DC but pretty close. Government-scholarships in Canada are prestigious, but non government ones are hidden gems.

Scholarships are available to students based on merit, financial need or research goals.

• Government-scholarships for Indian aspirants offer larger funding but tougher competition.
• Non-government scholarships could require research proposals but are less competitive.
• University-scholarships are awarded to students based on transcripts and GPA, often renewable every year.

How to Apply for Scholarships in Canada as an International Student?

Applying for scholarships is like auditioning for Indian Idol. Everyone sings, only a few win.

Scholarships require strong documents and perfect timing.

• Prepare transcripts, GPA proof, personal statement, statement of purpose, resume and letter of recommendation early. Do not wait for last minute drama.
• Most scholarships may require English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, SAT or ACT. Do not underestimate these.
• Apply to multiple scholarships at once. Think of it like Swiggy; order from different places, at least one will deliver.

Is It Difficult to Get Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for International Students?

Short answer? Yes. Long answer? Not impossible. Scholarships are awarded to students who want to study in Canada but only if they are persistent.

• Fully funded scholarships are rare, but students who demonstrate excellence in academics and leadership do get them.
• Scholarships available for Indian students like Lester B. Pearson and UBC can cover almost everything.
• Different scholarships have different criteria, so applying to several scholarships increases your chance of success.

Conclusion

The most important takeaway from this article is one thing: scholarships aren’t add-ons; they are the entire order if you study in Canada.

Scholarships for Indian aspirants to study in Canada aren’t only available; they are created to help students meet their academic goals without it negatively impacting their bank accounts. My key takeaway for you is easy to understand: apply early, apply broadly, and have your documents prepared.

If you want an expert who can help you work through it all and make sure you don’t miss any deadlines, Ambitio can take you step by step.

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