Canada is one of the most popular destinations for Indian students who want to pursue their master’s degrees. Its high-quality education system, multicultural environment, and opportunities for research and employment make it attractive. However, studying abroad can be costly, especially at the master’s level. To support Indian students, many Canadian universities, government bodies, and private organizations offer scholarships specifically tailored for international master’s students.
This article provides a detailed guide to the best scholarships for Indian students in Canada for masters. You will learn about scholarship types, eligibility criteria, application tips, and a comprehensive list of top scholarships to consider. Whether you want merit-based, need-based, or research-focused scholarships, this guide will help you find funding opportunities to make your Canadian education affordable.
Understanding Scholarships for Indian Students in Canada for Masters
Before listing scholarships, it is important to understand the common types of scholarships available for Indian master’s students in Canada:
Types of Scholarships
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Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded based on academic excellence, high test scores, and achievements.
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Need-Based Scholarships: Designed for students who require financial aid due to economic constraints.
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Research Scholarships: Offered to students pursuing research-intensive master’s degrees in specific fields.
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University-Specific Scholarships: Many universities have their own scholarships for international students.
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Government Scholarships: Canadian government and Indian government sometimes collaborate to provide scholarships.
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Private and External Scholarships: Offered by private organizations, foundations, and international bodies.
Importance of Scholarships
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Reduce Tuition Fees: Scholarships often cover part or full tuition.
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Support Living Expenses: Some scholarships provide stipends or allowances.
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Enhance CV: Winning competitive scholarships boosts your academic and professional profile.
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Ease Visa Process: Scholarship offers can strengthen your visa application.
Eligibility Criteria Commonly Required
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Must be an Indian citizen.
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Admission or conditional admission to a recognized Canadian university for a master’s program.
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Academic excellence or specific achievement in the chosen field.
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Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL) or French proficiency where applicable.
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Some scholarships require research proposals or letters of recommendation.
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Financial need documentation for need-based scholarships.
How to Apply for Scholarships in Canada as an Indian Master’s Student
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Research Extensively: Start with universities you want to apply to and check their scholarship pages.
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Prepare Your Documents: Academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, CV, statement of purpose, test scores, and proof of financial need if needed.
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Meet Deadlines: Scholarship applications often close before or at the same time as admission applications.
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Write Strong Essays: Personal statements and essays should clearly explain your goals and why you deserve the scholarship.
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Apply Widely: Don’t limit yourself to one scholarship—apply to many to increase chances.
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Follow Up: Confirm receipt of applications and check for any additional requirements.
Top Scholarships for Indian Students in Canada for Masters
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
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Type: Merit-based
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Coverage: $50,000 CAD per year for up to three years
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Eligibility: International doctoral students, but Indian students pursuing joint master/PhD programs may be eligible
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Description: Highly competitive scholarship for world-class doctoral students, supported by Canadian government.
2. Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program
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Type: Merit and need-based
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Coverage: Tuition fees, airfare, monthly allowance, and other expenses
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Eligibility: Citizens of Commonwealth countries including India pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees
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Description: Funded by the Canadian government for students from Commonwealth countries.
3. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
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Type: Merit-based
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Coverage: Up to $15,000 CAD per year
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Eligibility: Indian students admitted to a master’s program at participating Ontario universities
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Description: For students demonstrating academic excellence and research potential.
4. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto)
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Type: Merit-based
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Coverage: Tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support
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Eligibility: International students including Indians admitted to the University of Toronto
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Description: Prestigious scholarship for international students demonstrating leadership and academic achievement.
5. University of British Columbia International Leader of Tomorrow Award
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Type: Need and merit-based
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Coverage: Tuition, fees, and living costs
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Eligibility: Indian international students with demonstrated financial need and strong academic record
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Description: One of the top financial aid awards at UBC.
6. York University International Graduate Student Scholarship
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Type: Merit-based
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Coverage: $10,000 CAD
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Eligibility: Indian students applying for master’s or doctoral programs at York University
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Description: Awarded for academic excellence.
7. McGill University International Tuition Award
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Type: Merit-based
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Coverage: Tuition reduction
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Eligibility: Indian students admitted to master’s programs
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Description: Supports outstanding international students enrolled at McGill.
8. Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarship
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Type: Research-based
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Coverage: $17,000 CAD per year
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Eligibility: Indian students in research-based master’s programs at University of Alberta
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Description: Supports students engaged in energy and environment research.
9. University of Waterloo International Master’s Awards of Excellence
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Type: Merit-based
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Coverage: $2,500 CAD for one year
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Eligibility: International students including Indians applying to master’s programs
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Description: Recognizes academic excellence.
10. Canada-India Education Society Scholarships
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Type: Merit-based and need-based
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Coverage: Variable tuition assistance and stipends
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Eligibility: Indian students studying in Canadian institutions
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Description: Facilitates educational exchange and supports Indian students.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities and Tips
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External Scholarships: Check Indian government scholarships such as the ICCR scholarships.
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Research Assistantships and Teaching Assistantships: Many Canadian universities offer assistantship roles which include tuition waivers and stipends.
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Faculty-Specific Scholarships: Some departments offer their own scholarships for master’s students.
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Professional Organizations: Certain industry bodies offer scholarships for Indian students in specific fields like engineering, business, and health sciences.
Summary Table: Best Scholarships for Indian Students in Canada for Masters
| Scholarship Name | Type | Coverage | Eligibility | Application Deadline |
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| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | Merit-based | $50,000/year (doctoral level) | International doctoral students | Usually November |
| Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship | Merit & need-based | Tuition + living + airfare | Commonwealth countries including India | Varies by country |
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship | Merit-based | Up to $15,000/year | Ontario universities, international | Varies by university |
| Lester B. Pearson Scholarship (UofT) | Merit-based | Tuition + residence | International students | Usually January |
| UBC International Leader of Tomorrow | Need & merit-based | Tuition + living costs | International students | Usually January |
| York University Graduate Scholarship | Merit-based | $10,000 CAD | International master’s students | Usually February |
| McGill International Tuition Award | Merit-based | Tuition reduction | International students | Varies |
| Alberta Innovates Graduate Scholarship | Research-based | $17,000/year | Research master’s students | Usually February |
| University of Waterloo Awards | Merit-based | $2,500 CAD | International master’s students | Usually March |
| Canada-India Education Society | Merit & need-based | Variable | Indian students | Contact organization |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are scholarships for Indian students in Canada only merit-based?
No, there are need-based and research scholarships as well.
2. How can Indian students find university-specific scholarships?
Check the official websites of Canadian universities and their graduate studies pages.
3. Can international students work while studying in Canada?
Yes, students can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters.
4. Is IELTS or TOEFL mandatory for scholarships?
Most scholarships require proof of English proficiency.
5. Are scholarships available for all master’s programs?
Scholarships vary by program and university; research-focused and STEM fields often have more funding.
6. How competitive are these scholarships?
Highly competitive; strong academic records and well-prepared applications improve chances.
7. Can Indian students get funding for living expenses?
Some scholarships include stipends to cover living costs.
8. Do scholarships affect student visa applications?
Yes, having a scholarship can strengthen your study permit application.
9. Are there scholarships for part-time master’s students?
Mostly scholarships are for full-time students, but check with individual universities.
10. How early should Indian students apply for scholarships?
At least six months before the program starts, to meet all deadlines.
Conclusion
Canada offers excellent opportunities for Indian students pursuing master’s degrees, but funding remains a key concern. Fortunately, many scholarships cater specifically to Indian students, ranging from merit-based to research scholarships and need-based aid. By understanding scholarship options, eligibility criteria, and application strategies, Indian students can significantly reduce the cost of studying in Canada.
Start your scholarship search early, apply broadly, and prepare a strong application to increase your chances. With the right scholarship, you can focus more on your studies and less on financial worries, making your Canadian master’s experience enriching and rewarding.