Want a scholarship to fund your studies in Canada? 🍁 Here’s how…

04 Apr 2018

scholarship in Canada — Struggling to finance your studies in Canada? These scholarships could be the answer. Source: Shutterstock.

Your heart is set on Canada as the destination for your exciting journey as an international student, but people have warned: it is expensive to study abroad. Counting your pennies, it may seem like your dreams of studying in Canada are unobtainable, but there are other options.

Despite what it may seem, an education abroad is not reserved just for those with fat wallets. Canada, like many countries, wishes to welcome international students from all backgrounds so it offers many scholarships, both through the government and the institutions themselves.

Eligibility requirements tend to vary from application to application so where one scholarship may ask for a personal essay, another may just want references. Some scholarships are offered entirely on academic merit or sporting achievements or even creative pursuits so be mindful of your skills and match them to what’s out there.

And the best part? The scholarship money does not need to be repaid like a loan does.

When you realise you could gain a scholarship. Source: GIPHY.

Sounds good, right? Of course you would want your studies to be at least part-funded – every dollar counts – but you might not know what is out there, or where to begin.

Canada Study News detailed many of the most popular scholarships in Canada and what you need to know to get your hands on the reward (and the rest of you on the plane to Canada!).

Here are just a few of the best scholarships which just might be perfect for you…

Global Affairs International Scholarship for Non-Canadians

Canada is partnered with organizations all over the world that work to increase accessibility for international students, many of which work through research opportunities. There are numerous scholarships of this nature available.

The amount you will be awarded varies depending on your level of study and how long you will spend studying in Canada but typically these scholarships offer between CA$7,200 (US$5,600) and CA$14,700 (US$11,400) in scholarship money.

Canada Graduate Scholarships-Master’s Program (CGS-M)

Running at many universities across the country, the CGS-M is open to international students already enrolled and on permanent residence status in Canada. It is awarded to support students’ research in the fields of health, natural sciences and/or engineering, and social sciences and/or humanities.

If successful, you will receive CA$17,000 (US$13,100) for up to 12 months of your studies. Every year up to 2,000 students enrolled in Master’s courses at Canadian universities benefit from the scholarships.

My heart swells with pride as @NedNedbert (@UFVGeography, @goUFV) has successfully been awarded a Canada Graduate Scholarship [@SSHRC_CRSH Master's (CGS M)] to support her MA research commencing next fall. Congratulations, a well deserved recognition! @ufvResearchServ

— Terah Sportel (@tsportel) April 2, 2018

To apply for the CGS-M there are a fair few requirements including being enrolled in – or have applied for an eligible full-time graduate program at Master’s or Doctoral level at a Canadian institution with a CGS-M allocation as well as averaging a first-class. You must also be a permanent resident of Canada so already studying and/or living there is a must.

Be sure to refer to the dedicated CGS-M webpage for further details.

Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

If you wish to study in the Canadian province of Ontario, you may be in luck. The OGS is funded by Ontario’s provincial government together with the school you will attend. It awards graduate students with CA$10,000 (US$7,750) or CA$15,000 (US$11,650) depending on how many terms make up their study program.

Each year Ontario spends approximately CA$30 million (US$ 23 million) on supporting the program.

So excited to have received 3 grad school offers each with an #OntarioGraduateScholarship – decision time is proving to be very difficult 😊

— Suzanne Kennedy (@i001555) March 5, 2018

You will be assessed on your academic capabilities, research skills, and volunteering and leadership experience. You must be currently enrolled in a graduate program at Master’s or Doctoral level at a participating Ontario school on a valid permit and studying for at least two terms full-time.

And it’s not just the OGS available to Ontario students…

Ontario Trillium Scholarship (OTS)

In 2010, the Government of Ontario introduced the OTS to encourage the crème de la crème of Canada’s international student body to Ontario to undertake their PhD studies.

Successful students are awarded CA$40,000 (US$31,000) and are automatically eligible – so long as they retain their academic record – for renewal every three years following the first year.

Have a look at the website for further details and to check which Ontario universities participate in the scheme.

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship

The Vanier CGS program awards postgraduate students with CA$50,000 (US$39,000) each year for three years of doctoral studies. Every year the government chooses up to 167 new Vanier CGS recipients.

You must show academic excellence as well as strong leadership skills on your PhD-level program and be nominated by your institution.

Be sure to look at the government website for further details and deadlines.

School-specific scholarship awards

Many universities and colleges across Canada offer various entrance scholarships to international students.

Canada Study News lists five of the key awards as:

Humber College’s International Entrance Scholarships offering between CA$1,000 (US$780) and CA$1,500 (US$1,170).
University of Manitoba’s Graduate Fellowships offering between CA$14,000 (US$10,900) and CA$18,000 (US$14,000) depending on Master’s or PhD-level.
University of Calgary’s Graduate Awards offering between CA$1,000 (US$780) and CA$40,000 (US$31,100).
The University of British Columbia’s.UBC Graduate Global Leadership Fellowships – for citizens of developing countries offering CA$18,200 (US$14,100) per year for a total of four years in doctoral studies.
Dalhousie University’s Scholarships offering up to CA$40,000 (US$31,100).

The CanadaVisa Study Hub $500 Scholarship Contest

This contest gives members of the CanadaVisa Study Hub – an online portal offering a wide range of tools for international students in Canada – the chance to win CA$500 (US$390). A new winner is randomly chosen every month.

Join us in congratulating our last 2017 CanadaVisa Study Hub winner, Maggie Lee. Read what Maggie had to say, and don’t forget to join the Study Hub for your chance to win $500! https://t.co/nmOuaTNKGY pic.twitter.com/zidrU82ewr

— Canada Study News (@canadastudynews) January 13, 2018

All you need to do is be a member of the CanadaVisa Study Hub, have a valid study or post-graduation work permit and be able to provide proof of your enrolment at a Canadian institution.

This list is only the tip of the iceberg for what is out there so search, search, search and don’t lose hope too quickly.

Keep in mind the deadlines and ensure you are eligible for the scholarship before applying – you don’t want to waste your energies if you aren’t even in with a chance.

And lastly, good luck!