One of the interesting things about Canada is that beyond the breathtaking landscapes, and friendly locals lies a world-renowned education system, with universities consistently ranking among the best globally. Also, Canada prioritizes attracting international talent, offering a plethora of scholarships and financial aid options to make your educational dreams a reality.
There are vast numbers of available scholarships in Canada ranging from Government-funded scholarship programs to university-specific awards, and private scholarships. There are also some program-specific scholarships like Aeronautical Engineering scholarships, Computer Science awards, and even Nursing scholarships in Canada.
It doesn’t just stop there, if you’re athletically stable, some sports scholarships like basketball, rugby, swimming, and badminton scholarships in Canada, etc might be best for you.
Before we get started, we would love to show you how you need to find and apply for these scholarships without so much hassle.
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How to Find and Apply for Scholarships in Canada
We have tried our best to provide a list of some available scholarships in Canada, so in this section, we’ll be showing you how you need to prepare for these scholarships before applying and some other important information.
Note, that this advice is not necessary for scholarships that are awarded automatically by Canadian higher institutions because the scholarships are awarded along your admission when you’re joining the school.
Prepare Properly in Advance
First of all, you need to prepare in advance, i.e., you need to gather all the required documents like transcripts, recommendation letters, essays, and proof of financial need early on.
Proofread Your Application
Secondly, you need to meticulously proofread your application making sure it’s clear from any error, and concise.
Practice your Interview Skills
You might also need to practice your interview skills depending on the scholarship you’re applying for.
Tailor the Application to Each Scholarship
Endeavor to always tailor your application to each scholarship ensuring to speak about your achievements and experiences relevant to the specific criteria.
Additional Tips
- Write compelling essays that demonstrate your passion, goals, and how the scholarship would benefit your academic pursuits.
- Follow deadlines and instructions
- Attend scholarship fairs, connect with alumni associations, and reach out to potential contacts related to your field of study.
Now we’ve established these facts, let’s list these scholarships immediately.
Available Scholarships in Canada
1. The Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships
This scholarship is provided by the University of Toronto which is Canada’s largest university for outstanding international students. The scholarship is awarded annually and international high school students in Canada can also benefit from it.
Out of so many applicants, only 37 scholars will be chosen making it very competitive.
2. EduCanada – Study in Canada Scholarships
This is one of the available scholarships in Canada that focuses on helping international students from a wide range of countries enroll in Canadian postsecondary institutions with less financial burden. Besides being an international student to be eligible, you also need to be enrolled full-time at a post-secondary institution in an eligible country/territory.
3. Government of Canada’s Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP)
These scholarships were established in 2009 by the government of Canada to support the development of human capital and the next generation of leaders in the Americas. These scholarships are meant for students from post-secondary institutions located in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The scholarships are worth between $8,200 to $11,100 depending on your level.
4. Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development
This is among the available scholarships in Canada provided by the government of Canada for students from ASEAN member states to conduct short-term study or research in Canadian post-secondary institutions. The scholarships are worth between $10,200 to $15,900 depending on your level.
5. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
This available Canadian scholarship is exclusively for highly qualified doctoral students which is worth $50,000 per year for three years during doctoral studies. Applicants have to be Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada, or foreign citizens and have to focus their research on Health, Natural sciences and/or engineering, or Social sciences and humanities.
6. Fonds de recherche du Québec
One of the interesting things about scholarships provided by Fonds de recherche du Québec is that they update their list of scholarships to the most recent. Also, they have different kinds of scholarships depending on your level whether undergraduates, postgraduates, graduates, and even interns.
7. The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation
This is among the available scholarships in Canada that focus on the leadership development of their Scholars, that’s one of the reasons they have the Foundation’s leadership program. The foundation provides a three-year leadership program for 15 outstanding doctoral candidates.
The scholarship is provided annually which is worth up to $60,000 per scholar.
8. University of Saskatchewan Scholarships
USask provides several scholarships especially to students newly joining them. Their scholarships are in different categories, there are the “Guaranteed Entrance Scholarships” where students are automatically considered and the award amount varies based on the admission average.
Also, there are the “Best and Brightest Entrance Scholarships” which are awarded based on academics, leadership, and contributions to school and community life. Plus a handful of other categories.
9. Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program (CCSEP)
This scholarship is basically for exchange students who are full-time, permanent teaching or research staff, master’s or doctoral graduates as well as non-academics in China holding senior professional posts. The scholarship is meant to last for 4 (four) to 12 (twelve) months for candidates in China to conduct research in Canada.
10. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
This is one of the available fellowships in Canada that provides funding to the very best postdoctoral applicants, both nationally and internationally. 70 scholars are chosen annually for this award and are distributed by three different research institutions.
The scholarship is worth $70,000 per year and lasts for two years.
11. Organization of American States (OAS) Academic Scholarship Program
OAS provides multilateral available scholarships in Canada on behalf of all participating OAS member states. Their awards permit graduate students from an OAS member state to apply for scholarships to study in another OAS member state.
12. University Canada West (UCW) Scholarships
UCW automatically awards their new students scholarships depending on the one they are eligible for. Note that you can only receive one award, scholarship, grant, or continuing student award if eligible.
If you’re eligible for more than one award, the one with the highest value will be awarded to you.
13. Canada-CARICOM Skills Training for the Green Economy Scholarships Program
This scholarship is awarded to students from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states with short-term exchange opportunities at publicly funded Canadian colleges and institutes. The scholarship is worth between $8,200 to $14,700 depending on the length of the training.
14. University of Regina Scholarships
Just like some other scholarships in Canada provided by schools, URegina scholarships are awarded automatically to outstanding international students. There is the International Entrance Scholarship ($3,000) and the International Student of Distinction Scholarship $80,000 ($20,000 x 4 years).
15. Lakehead University International Scholarships and Awards
This school has three categories of international scholarships which include;
- International Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships
- International Graduate Scholarships
- International Lakehead-Georgian Scholarships
Key Takeaway
So, there you have it! You must have noticed that the Canadian scholarship landscape offers a dazzling array of options for both domestic and international students. From government-funded programs to university-specific awards, there’s a scholarship out there waiting to support your academic aspirations.
Remember, the journey starts with taking that first step – research, reach out, and apply!
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