Canada Scholarships for Indian Students: Study Abroad on a Budget

     Published: June 14, 2025    Updated: June 14, 2025    by Editorial Team

Canadian education is the dream of every Indian student. It has world-class universities, multicultural vibrant communities, and post-study work to put the cherry on top. Yeah, it’s the deal package. But overseas education is an expensive affair. That’s where scholarships come to the rescue.

This blog is your one-stop online resource for Canadian scholarships for Indian students — from government and institutional scholarships to applying and how Palanivel Overseas can guide you through the process to be funded.

Study Abroad on a Budget

The cost of Canadian higher studies ranges between CAD 15,000 and CAD 35,000 per year, besides living costs. Scholarships can make this financial load easier to bear, allowing students to receive quality education without limitations of tuition fees and charges. From fully sponsored scholarships in Canada to half remissions of tuition charges and monetary awards, Indian students have options that vary greatly.

Government Scholarships and Institutional Scholarships

Let’s divide the most sought-after government scholarships for Indian students and institutional scholarships:

1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (VCGS)

For PhD studies

Award: CAD 50,000 annually for 3 years

Eligibility: Good academic achievement and research potential

2. Canada-India Research Centre of Excellence Scholarships

For collaborative research projects and postgrad studies

Aided by the Canadian government and Indian institutions

3. Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute Fellowships

Available at undergraduate to postdoc levels

Pays tuition, travel, and living costs

4. University-Specific Scholarships

Every university has scholarships for international students. Here are a few top choices:

• University of Toronto – Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
• Fully covered undergraduate award
• Pays tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence bursary
• University of British Columbia – International Leader of Tomorrow Award
• Awarded on the basis of financial need and academic merit
• Renewable up to a maximum of 3 years
• McGill University Scholarships
• Undergraduate and graduate award opportunities
• Merit-based entrance scholarships and discipline-based grants

Merit-Based vs. Need-Based Awards

It is helpful to understand the type of scholarship prior to applying:

Merit-Based Scholarships

Based on academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and leadership skills

Examples: Lester B. Pearson, UBC International Major Entrance Scholarships

Need-Based Scholarships

• Based on financial need and ability to pay the tuition fees
• Need income documentation, family details, and strong personal statement

There are certain awards which are a combination of both—merit scholarships in Canada that also take into account your financial need.

Undergraduate Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students

If you are applying after 12th grade, the below are some of the best undergraduate scholarships available in Canada for Indian students:

Carleton University Entrance Scholarships

• Granted automatically for 80% and above averages
• Range is from CAD 4,000 to CAD 16,000
• University of Alberta International Scholarships
• Grant up to CAD 9,000

Merit-based

• York University Global Leader of Tomorrow Award
• CAD 80,000 over 4 years
• Good academic and leadership profile necessary
• Concordia University Scholarships
• Number of entrance and departmental scholarships granted

How to Apply: Tips and Documents

Here’s the step by step application for Canadian scholarships:

Step 1: Research

Write down a list of scholarships according to your program, degree level, and financial need

Step 2: Read Eligibility

Check GPA requirement, IELTS score, nationality requirement, etc.

Ensure that you know about eligibility for Canadian scholarships

Step 3: Document Collection

• Academic transcripts
• IELTS/TOEFL scores
• Letter of Intent / Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
• Income certificate (for need-based awards)

Step 4: Application Submission

The majority of the scholarships are submitted online and university application

Pay attention to Canadian university scholarship deadlines, which may be different from program deadlines

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Deadline miss: Double-check scholarship-specific deadlines

Generic SOPs: Tailor your SOP to reflect the objectives of the scholarship issuer

Incomplete documentation: Incomplete transcripts or LORs can exclude your application

Small award blunder: Every dollar counts — don’t overlook smaller scholarships

Composing a Winning SOP for Scholarship

Your Statement of Purpose (SOP) plays a critical role in admission and scholarship success. Here is the blueprint for a winning SOP:

• Clear career objectives
• Why study in Canada and specific university
• Academic background and accomplishments
• Volunteer experience, internships, or leadership experiences
• Financial need (in case of need-based scholarships)
• Follow a formal structure, and have it critiqued by pros  like the Palanivel Overseas advisors.

Let Us Guide You to the Right One

Palanivel Overseas guides the students in searching and applying for the correct source of financial aid to international students in Canada. Our packages include:

Scholarship Mapping:

We match you with scholarships on a basis of academic ability, choice of course of study, and financial requirements.

SOP and LOR Support:

Experts assist you in writing personalized SOPs and guide referees in writing effective LORs.

Support Service:

We ensure all documents and forms are filled and submitted on time correctly.

Deadline Reminders:

We remind you of all critical deadlines so that you do not miss one.

Post-Scholarship Support:

After we have funded you, we guide you through your visa, travel, and accommodation arrangements.

Final Thoughts

Canada scholarships provide opportunities for talented Indian students to pursue their dreams without stepping stones of cost. There are everything from completely funded Canadian scholarships to scholarships available at specific universities, so you will find something that suits your needs.

Palanivel Overseas is your reliable gateway to scouting, applying, and getting scholarships in Canada. Allow us to minimize the cost of further studies abroad and ensure your Canadian post-secondary education is a success.

Apply now?

Begin today with a complimentary consultation!