Canada is one of the top study destinations for international students. Some of the reasons for this include the quality of education and research opportunities, a multicultural and welcoming environment, and a high standard of living.
However, education costs can be high, which is why many international students seek scholarship opportunities to finance their education. In this article, we will be discussing the top scholarship programs available to international students in Canada.
1. Trudeau Foundation Scholarship Program
The Trudeau Foundation Scholarship Program is a prestigious scholarship for doctoral students in the social sciences and humanities. The scholarship awards are up to $60,000 per year for up to four years, and the program funds research related to four themes: Human Rights and Dignity, Responsible Citizenship, Canada and the World, and People in their Natural Environment.
The scholarship is highly competitive, with up to 20 students receiving awards each year. To be eligible, applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and they must be enrolled in a doctoral program or planning to enrol in one within a year.
2. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships program is another prestigious scholarship for doctoral students. The scholarship awards are up to $50,000 per year for up to three years, and the program funds research in health sciences, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities.
To be eligible, applicants must be nominated by the Canadian institution where they plan to conduct their research. They must also be pursuing a doctoral degree, have achieved a first-class average in their previous academic work, and demonstrate leadership potential.
3. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships program is intended for postdoctoral researchers in any discipline. The program awards $70,000 per year for two years, and recipients receive a wide range of benefits, including opportunities for professional development and mentorship.
To be eligible, applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, non-Canadians who have received PhD degrees from Canadian institutions, or non-Canadians who have completed a PhD at an eligible institution abroad. Applicants must also have completed their PhD within the last two years or will complete it before the fellowship begins.
4. Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS)
The Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) program is offered by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). The program awards up to $35,000 per year for up to three years for master’s and doctoral students.
To be eligible, applicants must be pursuing a graduate degree in a field supported by CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC. They must also be Canadian citizens or permanent residents or international students studying in Canada.
5. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) program is available to master’s and doctoral students studying in Ontario. The scholarship awards up to $15,000 for one year, and recipients may receive the scholarship for up to three years.
To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled in a graduate program at an Ontario university and must have achieved at least an A- average in their previous academic work. They must also be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, or international students studying in Ontario.
Conclusion:
Canada offers a range of scholarship opportunities for international students, from doctoral scholarships to postdoctoral fellowships and scholarships for master’s students.
While these scholarships are highly competitive, they offer significant financial support and a range of benefits, including opportunities for professional development and mentorship. If you are an international student considering studying in Canada, be sure to explore these scholarship opportunities and apply as early as possible.
