What kind of scholarships are accessible to international students?
The quick answer is: all kinds!
No matter what you are studying or your level of knowledge. Most are awarded on merit, thus the higher your grades, the better your chances of receiving one. However, many scholarships are awarded based on qualities other than your academic performance, such as volunteer work and extracurricular activities.
There are also a variety of sums available, so you are not confined to receiving a single scholarship or bursary. Some will cover your complete tuition, while others may only cover a portion of your living expenses while studying.
In terms of where the money comes from, some scholarships are awarded by federal organizations and are available regardless of where you study; others are limited to specific provinces or countries, or are awarded directly by colleges and universities.
What are the most popular scholarships?
Here are some of the best scholarships available to overseas students in Canada.
Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan is open to students from Commonwealth countries pursuing graduate or postgraduate degrees.
Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute – Provides several grants and awards to Indian students in Canada.
The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council are two federal entities that provide several scholarships and grants to students pursuing graduate or postgraduate degrees.
Ontario Trillium Scholarship – Worth $40,000 per year, with 75 scholarships available.
The Government of Canada maintains an online portal where you can search for scholarships that may be available to you.
How can I apply for scholarships and bursaries?
That depends on where you plan to study. The application procedure and standards differ according to the college or university you attend.
However, several documents are virtually usually necessary, so gathering these would be a good start:
- Copy of your academic transcripts and diplomas
- Copy of your passport or ID
- Statement of purpose or letter of motivation.
- A recommendation letter
- Proof of your language proficiency, such as an IELTS test.
