Prestigious government scholarships for international students in Canada

Government scholarships in Canada promote the cross-cultural exchange of knowledge. They facilitate short-term exchange programmes in Canadian institutions, building on years of diplomatic development between countries. If you’re looking to clinch one, here are some scholarships popular among international students every year — most are still accepting applications for the 2021-22 session.

Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED)

If you’re from an ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) nation, this is your opportunity to pursue a short-term exchange opportunity in Canada. SEED scholars study and research at college, undergraduate, and graduate levels. To qualify, you must be studying in an institution in your home country which is a SEED partner; students may only apply for exchange through their home university.

There are SEED government scholarships for students and mid-career professionals. Students enrolled in partner universities in ASEAN countries including Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and the Phillippines can apply.

Views of Vancouver from Queen Elizabeth Park. Source: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images/AFP

Canada-CARICOM Skills Training for the Green Economy Scholarships Programme

CARICOM refers to the Caribbean Community, which includes Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago. Students from member states are invited to do a short-term exchange at a public institution in Canada, particularly in programmes or disciplines related to the green economy. Think climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, sustainable construction, agro-forestry, or coastal and fisheries management — you will get to gain global knowledge while sharpening your skills for a future career.

Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Programme

This scholarship traces back to premiers Pierre Elliot Trudeau and Zhou Enlai, who forged a collaboration to offer Chinese scholars an immersive education on Canada. It is open to teaching or research staff, master’s or doctoral graduates, as well as non-academics in senior professional posts. Applicants involved in management, economics, law, education, administration, public health and policy management are especially welcome to apply.

The full-time scholarship covers four to 12 month periods of research in Canada. You will not be enrolled in the institution but placed as a visiting scholar. Candidates typically travel to Canada by the end of February, but delays are to be expected this year.

Emerging Leaders in the Americas Programme

Bright minds from Latin America and the Caribbean pursue short-term exchange programmes in Canada under this scheme. Applicants are welcome to get into college, undergraduate, or graduate courses via their Canadian institution of choice — as long as they return to their home institutions to complete their studies. You must be enrolled in a collaborating institution back home to apply for this study or research opportunity.

Your education experience in Canada could help you soar to greater heights. Source: Johannes Eisele/AFP

Study in Canada Scholarships

Students from 21 African and Asian countries are eligible for these government scholarships in Canada. Candidates do short-term exchange programmes, facilitated by partner institutions in their home country. Since so many countries are involved, you can expect to embark on this journey with a diverse group of scholars, who will set the foundation for your international networking and learning. There are at least 50 scholarships for the 2021-22 academic year and this number is set to increase every year.

Canada-CARICOM Virtual University Scholarship Program

Yes, online study scholarships exist. This particular opportunity invites candidates to study one of the three programmes entirely from a distance: social work, tourism, or university and college administration. It is only open to applicants from CARICOM countries, who will be able to plan a future in Canada with the degree they earned 100% online.