For international students, the prospect of studying in Canada is an appealing one. With some of the world’s top universities, groundbreaking research opportunities, and a peaceful, welcoming society, Canada has become a preferred destination for students looking to gain a world-class education abroad.
However, the financial requirements of studying internationally can be a significant barrier for many. This is where Government of Canada scholarships become invaluable for helping offset the costs and making a Canadian education accessible.
Funding Your Education
While Canada provides high-quality education, international student tuition fees can range anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000 per year at the undergraduate and graduate levels. On top of tuition, you need to factor in additional expenses like housing, healthcare, books, transportation, food and other living costs.
Luckily, Canada offers an array of merit-based scholarships to fund international students’ academic and professional ambitions. Securing funding to finance your education will allow you to focus on your studies and get the most out of your time in Canada.
Scholarships to Discover
The good news is, for degree-seeking international students, scholarships in Canada are abundant. There are university-specific awards, subject-specific scholarships in fields like research, STEM and business, government scholarships like the prestigious Canada Scholarships, and scholarships offered through external private or non-profit organizations.
Canada also provides scholarships aimed to increase diversity, such as awards for women in technology or Indigenous students. Understanding the range of scholarship opportunities can help you identify awards suited to your background, field of study and academic credentials.
Criteria for Success
While requirements differ between scholarships, many factors determine eligibility. For government scholarships like the Canada Scholarships, academic merit as demonstrated through grades, publications, awards and recommendations is a primary consideration.
Other criteria include your field of study aligning with national economic and skill priorities, as well as personal attributes like leadership skills and volunteer work. When applying, highlight why you are an ideal candidate in terms of matching the scholarship criteria closely. This grabs the attention of selection committees and strengthens your candidacy. Preparing a well-crafted application demonstrating your qualifications and strengths is key.
Notable Government of Canada Offerings
Within Canada’s broad scholarship landscape, Government of Canada scholarships stand out as prestigious and generous funding opportunities:
- Canada Scholarships – These doctoral awards provide $50,000 per year for up to four years for international PhD students and researchers. Recipients become eligible for permanent residence post-graduation through Express Entry.
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships – With a focus on nurturing research excellence, these scholarships provide $50,000 per year for up to three years to world-class doctoral candidates pursuing innovative research at Canadian universities.
- Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships – Offering $70,000 per year for two years, Banting Fellowships enable postdoctoral applicants to advance their research across all disciplines under the mentorship of Canadian university faculty.
- Scholarships Supporting Innovation and Skills Development – Various federal scholarships aid students in priority areas like technology and engineering, supporting Canada’s innovation economy. These include Mitacs Globalink Graduate Fellowships, the ICT Digital Education Scholarship Program and Siemens Canada Engineering and Technology Scholarships.
Leveraging Scholarships for Your Post-Study Future
A powerful incentive for pursuing Government of Canada scholarships is that many boost prospects of securing permanent resident status. By supporting priority research and skill areas, scholars become prime candidates for permanent residence pathways like Express Entry where awardees gain additional ranking points.
Scholarships like Vanier CGS and Canada Scholarships also make obtaining a Post-Graduation Work Permit straightforward, enabling recipients to gain valuable Canadian work experience to further strengthen an Express Entry application. Ultimately, coupling an excellent education with scholarship funding can pave the pathway to building your future in Canada if you choose.
First Steps to Take
Identifying scholarships aligned with your background, strengths and field of study is central to piecing together funding for a Canadian education. Leveraging scholarships in combination with self-funding, education loans and on-campus work opportunities is key to managing expenses. Therefore, dedicating time to research scholarship options even before applying to universities is wise. Touching base with your target university’s international student services office also provides guidance.
Lastly, giving yourself ample time to craft scholarship applications spotlighting your talents will optimize your chances of success. Financial support makes ambitious academic goals achievable, enabling you to enrich your life story by joining the vibrant international student communities at Canadian universities.