Canada is still one of the most popular places for Indian students to study, and for good reason. It has a lot of good things going for it, like world-class universities, multicultural campuses, and policies that make it easy for immigrants to settle in. But studying abroad can be very expensive. The good news is that there are a lot of scholarships that can help you pay for school. This complete guide takes you through the top 25 Canadian scholarships for 2025. It includes national, provincial, institutional, and field-specific awards, as well as tips to help you win them.
Scholarships for the whole country
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
Amount: CAD 50,000 per year for a maximum of three years
Eligibility: PhD students who have shown academic excellence, leadership, and the ability to do research.
• Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship
Amount: Tuition plus a stipend
Who can apply: Master's and doctoral students from Commonwealth countries.
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
Amount: The value of the OGS is $5,000 per session. Thus, awardees may receive $10,000 for two consecutive sessions or $15,000 for three consecutive sessions
Who can apply: Graduate students at universities in Ontario.
• UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship
Amount: $10,000 – $20,000/year
Who can apply: Be an international student who will be studying at UBC on a Canadian study permit (student visa)
• The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship
Amount: $50,000 per year for three years to cover tuition and reasonable living expenses to focus on your doctoral studies plus an additional $20,000 per year for three years for research, networking and travel expenses
Who can apply: PhD students in the humanities and social sciences.
Scholarships for Specific Universities
Most of the best universities in Canada give international students large scholarships. Here are a few examples:
• Fellowships at the University of Toronto (different for each program)
• Entrance Scholarships at McGill (CAD 3,000–12,000/year)
• International Master's Awards from the University of Waterloo (CAD 2,500 per term for up to 6 terms)
• International Awards from Queen's University
• International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES) from the University of British Columbia (UBC)
Provincial Grants
Canadian provinces also give money for scholarships based on partnerships with local universities:
• Scholarships for graduate students in Alberta
• Scholarships for graduate students in Manitoba
• Scholarships for Innovation and Opportunity in Saskatchewan
• British Columbia Graduate Scholarship (BCGS)
• Québec Merit Scholarships (FRQNT, FRQSC)
Scholarships for Specific Fields and Fairness
There are specific awards for women in STEM, Indigenous students, and groups that deserve fairness:
• Scholarships from the Canadian Engineering Memorial Foundation
• TD Scholarships for Community Leadership
• RBC Diversity Scholarships
• Canadian Nurses Foundation Awards
• CBC Future 50 Indigenous Scholarships
Outside Scholarships for Indian Students
Don't forget about Indian organizations that give money to Canadian studies:
• Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation
• Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship
• KC Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad
• JN Tata Endowment
• Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
How to Get Canadian Scholarships
• Start looking for scholarships 9–12 months ahead of time
• Use a scholarship calendar to keep track of deadlines
• Make SOPs and CVs that are unique to you Use Letters of Recommendation that are strong in both academics and leadership.
Show how your goals are in line with those of Canadian research or the community.
Last Thoughts
Getting a scholarship in Canada not only helps you pay for school, but it also makes you more attractive to employers and helps you get permanent residency. Indian students can get a world-class education without spending all their money if they prepare well, make the right documents, and target the right schools. This guide is your starting point. Don't forget to check out our free tools and expert help.
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