Canada remains one of the most popular study destinations for Indian students in 2025. With globally recognized universities, affordable tuition compared to the US or UK, and clear pathways to permanent residency (PR), Canada attracts more than 3 lakh international students every year, a large portion of whom are from India.
However, the cost of studying in Canada — which includes tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and travel — can be overwhelming. This is where scholarships for Indian students play a crucial role. Scholarships reduce financial burden, rewad academic merit, and sometimes even cover 100% of tuition + living costs.
This guide covers:
- Types of scholarships for Indians in Canada
- Top government, external, and university-funded scholarships
- Cost comparison (with vs without scholarship)
- Application process & deadlines
- Tips to maximize chances of getting funded
Cost of Studying in Canada (2025)
Before diving into scholarships, let’s understand the costs.
Tuition Fees (Annual Average)
- Undergraduate Programs: CAD 15,000 – CAD 30,000 (₹9 – ₹18 lakhs)
- Postgraduate Programs: CAD 18,000 – CAD 35,000 (₹11 – ₹21 lakhs)
- MBA Programs: CAD 30,000 – CAD 60,000 (₹18 – ₹36 lakhs)
Living Expenses (Annual Average)
- Housing: CAD 8,000 – CAD 15,000 (₹4.8 – ₹9 lakhs)
- Food & Transport: CAD 5,000 – CAD 8,000 (₹3 – ₹5 lakhs)
- Health Insurance & Miscellaneous: CAD 1,000 – CAD 2,000 (₹60,000 – ₹1.2 lakhs)
👉 Total Annual Cost: CAD 25,000 – CAD 50,000 (₹15 – ₹30 lakhs)
Types of Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students
- Government Scholarships – Funded by Canadian federal or provincial governments.
- University Scholarships – Merit-based, need-based, or program-specific.
- External/Private Scholarships – Offered by foundations, NGOs, and Indian organizations.
1. Government & External Scholarships for Indians in Canada (2025)
| Scholarship | Coverage | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | CAD 50,000/year for 3 years | Doctoral students with academic excellence | Nov 2025 |
| Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship | Tuition + living + travel | Postgraduate students from Commonwealth nations | Varies by program |
| Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute Fellowships | Partial funding (CAD 500 – 10,000) | UG, PG, Doctoral | May 2025 |
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) | CAD 15,000/year | Master’s & PhD students in Ontario | Oct 2025 |
| Tata Scholarship for Cornell (Canada collaboration) | Full tuition + living | Indian undergraduates | Dec 2025 |
| Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships | CAD 40,000/year + CAD 20,000 research allowance | Doctoral in humanities/social sciences | Sep 2025 |
2. University Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students (2025)
| University | Scholarship | Coverage | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship | Full tuition + living for 4 years | Exceptional UG students |
| University of British Columbia (UBC) | International Leader of Tomorrow Award | Up to full tuition + living | Strong academic + leadership |
| McGill University | Entrance Scholarships | CAD 3,000 – 12,000 | High academic achievers |
| University of Waterloo | International Master’s Award of Excellence | CAD 2,500/term | Master’s students |
| University of Alberta | International Undergraduate Scholarships | CAD 9,000 – 54,000 | UG students |
| York University | Global Leader of Tomorrow Award | CAD 20,000/year | UG with strong grades |
| Carleton University | Entrance Awards | CAD 4,000 – 16,000 | UG students |
| Dalhousie University | Graduate Funding Programs | Tuition + stipend | PG research programs |
Cost Comparison: With vs Without Scholarship
| Program | Without Scholarship | With Scholarship | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| UG at UofT | CAD 45,000/year | CAD 0 (Pearson) | 100% |
| PG at UBC | CAD 35,000/year | CAD 10,000 – 25,000 | 30–70% |
| MBA at McGill | CAD 55,000/year | CAD 20,000 – 30,000 | 40–50% |
| PhD in Ontario | CAD 40,000/year | CAD 15,000 – 25,000 | 50%+ |
How to Apply for Scholarships in Canada (Step-by-Step)
- Research Early – Identify university deadlines (often 8–12 months before intake).
- Prepare Documents
- Academic transcripts
- SOP (Statement of Purpose)
- LORs (Letters of Recommendation)
- English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Financial documents (if need-based aid)
- Apply with Admission – Most scholarships require an offer letter first.
- Attend Interviews (if required) – Some scholarships like Vanier may involve interviews.
- Follow Deadlines Strictly – Missing a deadline = automatic rejection.
Tips to Increase Chances of Winning a Scholarship
- Maintain 75%+ grades or CGPA 8.0 and above.
- Highlight extracurriculars, leadership roles, and social impact.
- Write a powerful SOP that aligns with Canada’s research or innovation goals.
- Apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously.
- Get strong LORs from professors/employers.
Student Loans & Financial Aid
Even with scholarships, students may need extra funds. Popular Indian loan providers:
- SBI Global Ed-Vantage Loan – up to ₹1.5 crore.
- HDFC Credila / Avanse / InCred – NBFCs with flexible repayment.
- PNB Udaan, Canara Bank Vidya Loan – Government-supported loans.
👉 Detailed guide here: Best Student Loan Options in India 2025
Career Scope After Studying in Canada
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Up to 3 years.
- PR Pathway: Canada’s Express Entry favors international graduates.
- Salary Range:
- UG Graduates: CAD 45,000 – 60,000/year
- PG Graduates: CAD 60,000 – 90,000/year
- MBA Graduates: CAD 80,000 – 120,000/year
FAQs
Q1. Can Indian students get 100% scholarships in Canada?
Yes, through programs like Lester B. Pearson (Toronto) and UBC Leader of Tomorrow.
Q2. Do I need IELTS/TOEFL to apply for scholarships?
Yes, most require proof of English proficiency.
Q3. What is the deadline for 2025 scholarships?
Varies: Aug 2025 – Jan 2026, depending on program.
Q4. Are scholarships available for MBAs in Canada?
Yes, McGill, UBC Sauder, and Rotman offer partial MBA scholarships.
Conclusion
Canada offers excellent opportunities for Indian students to study affordably with scholarships in 2025. From government-funded programs like Vanier to prestigious university awards at Toronto, UBC, and McGill, scholarships can reduce tuition by up to 100%.
For students still facing financial gaps, Indian banks and NBFCs provide study abroad loans. With the right mix of scholarships + financial aid, Canada becomes one of the most cost-effective and rewarding destinations for higher education.
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