10 Exclusive Scholarships for International Students Pursuing Master’s Degrees in Canada

In an increasingly globalized world, obtaining a Master’s degree from a reputable international institution can significantly enhance one’s academic and professional profile. Among various destinations, Canada stands out due to its high-quality education system, welcoming atmosphere for international students, and abundance of scholarship opportunities. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information about 10 of the most exclusive scholarships for international students seeking Master’s degrees in Canada.

Why Canada Should Be Your Destination for a Master’s Degree?

In the academic realm, Canada is renowned for its world-class universities, innovative research facilities, and a broad range of study programs. Canada hosts nearly half a million international students every year, making it one of the most popular destinations for higher education. Studying in Canada also paves the way for possibilities like working during and after your studies, and even the opportunity for permanent residence.

In addition, the cost of living and tuition fees for international students are generally lower in Canada than in other countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. Furthermore, numerous scholarships are available for international students, reducing the financial burden and enabling a diverse student population.

The Panorama of Scholarships for International Students

Canadian scholarships are typically merit-based, with recipients selected on the basis of academic excellence, leadership potential, and outstanding contributions to the community or extracurricular activities. Some scholarships also consider financial need. Let’s now delve into the specifics of these scholarships.

Understanding the Eligibility Criteria and Application Process

While specific eligibility criteria may vary, most scholarships require applicants to have been accepted into a graduate program at a Canadian university, have achieved a certain level of academic performance, and demonstrate proficiency in English or French.

The application process for scholarships generally involves filling out an application form and providing supporting documents, such as transcripts from previous institutions, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement or essay. Some scholarships may also require applicants to submit a research proposal or attend an interview.

Now, let’s explore 10 highly sought-after scholarships for international Master’s students in Canada.

A Deep Dive into 10 Exclusive Scholarships for Master’s Students in Canada

1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are among the most prestigious scholarships available in Canada, awarded by the Government of Canada. These scholarships are open to international students pursuing a Master’s or doctoral degree at participating Canadian universities.

• Deadline: The nomination deadline typically falls in November.
• Tuition Fees: Varies depending on the university and program.
• Scholarship Tuition Fees Covered: The scholarship provides $50,000 per year for three years.
• Available Scholarships: Approximately 166 scholarships are awarded annually.
• Application Fee: None.
• Courses: Health research, natural sciences and/or engineering research, and social sciences and/or humanities research.
• Admission Requirements: Must be nominated by a Canadian institution with a quota to host Vanier scholars.
• Eligibility: Must be pursuing a first doctoral degree (including a joint graduate research program).
• Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive.

You can apply for Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship here

2. Ontario Graduate Scholarship

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) program encourages excellence in graduate studies at the master’s and doctoral levels. It’s a merit-based scholarship, with applications open to all students, including international students.

• Deadline: Varies depending on the university.
• Tuition Fees: Varies depending on the university and program.
• Scholarship Tuition Fees Covered: The scholarship provides $40,000 per year for up to four years.
• Application Fee: None.
• Courses: All graduate-level disciplines.
• Admission Requirements: Must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a graduate program.
• Eligibility: Both domestic and international students can apply.
• Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive.

You can apply for an Ontario graduate scholarship here

3. University of Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE)

The IMAE is awarded to international students entering a research-based graduate program at the University of Waterloo.

• Deadline: Varies depending on the university.
• Tuition Fees: Varies depending on the university and program.
• Scholarship Tuition Fees Covered: The scholarship awards $2,500 per term for a maximum of five terms.
• Available Scholarships: Not specified.
• Application Fee: None.
• Courses: Research-based graduate programs.
• Admission Requirements: Must be accepted into a graduate program at the University of Waterloo.
• Eligibility: International students can apply.
• Acceptance Rate: Competitive.

You can apply for Waterloo IMAE  scholarship here.

4. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships

The Trudeau Foundation offers doctoral scholarships for Canadian citizens and foreign nationals.

• Deadline: Typically in January.
• Tuition Fees: Varies depending on the university and program.
• Scholarship Tuition Fees Covered: The scholarship provides up to $60,000 per year for up to three years.
• Available Scholarships: Up to 20 scholarships.
• Application Fee: None.
• Courses: Humanities and social sciences.
• Admission Requirements: Must be enrolled in a doctoral program.
• Eligibility: Both domestic and international students can apply.
• Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive.

You can apply for Pierre Elliott  Trudeau Doctoral scholarship from the official website here.

5.  University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF)

The UMGF are merit-based awards open to students of any nationality who are enrolling in a Master’s or doctoral program at the University of Manitoba.

• Deadline: Mid-March.
• Tuition Fees: Varies depending on the university and program.
• Scholarship Tuition Fees Covered: The scholarship provides $18,000 for PhD students and $14,000 for Master’s students per annum.
• Available Scholarships: Not specified.
• Application Fee: None.
• Courses: All disciplines.
• Admission Requirements: Must be accepted into a graduate program at the University of Manitoba.
• Eligibility: Both domestic and international students can apply.
• Acceptance Rate: Competitive.

You can apply for Manitoba Scholarship here.

6. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships

This scholarship offers up to CAD 60,000 per year for a maximum of three years to doctoral students in the social sciences and humanities.

• Deadline: Typically in January.
• Tuition Fees: Varies depending on the university and program.
• Available Scholarships: Approximately 20 scholarships.
• Application Fee: None.
• Courses: Humanities and social sciences.
• Admission Requirements: Must be enrolled in a doctoral program.
• Eligibility: Both domestic and international students can apply.
• Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive.

You can apply for the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation here.

7. The University of Calgary Graduate Awards

The University of Calgary offers a variety of awards to students pursuing graduate studies at the university.

• Available Scholarships: Not specified.
• Deadline: Varies depending on the award.
• Tuition Fees: Varies depending on the university and program.
• Scholarship Tuition Fees Covered: The value of the scholarships can vary based on the specific award.
• Available Scholarships: Numerous awards are available.
• Application Fee: None.
• Courses: All disciplines.
• Admission Requirements: Must be accepted into a graduate program at the University of Calgary.
• Eligibility: Both domestic and international students can apply.
• Acceptance Rate: Competitive.

You can apply for Calgary graduate awards here.

8. UBC Graduate Global Leadership Fellowships

The University of British Columbia provides these fellowships to promising leaders from developing countries to undertake doctoral studies.

• Deadline: Typically in March.
• Tuition Fees: Varies depending on the university and program.
• Scholarship Tuition Fees Covered: The fellowship offers $18,200 per year plus tuition for four years.
• Available Scholarships: Approximately 2 fellowships each year.
• Application Fee: None.
• Courses: All disciplines.
• Admission Requirements: Must be a student from a developing country accepted into a doctoral program at UBC.
• Eligibility: International students from developing countries.
• Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive.

You can apply Global Leadership fellowships here.

9. The University of Saskatchewan Graduate Scholarships

The University of Saskatchewan offers scholarships to students entering a Master’s or doctoral degree program at the university.

• Deadline: Varies depending on the university.
• Tuition Fees: Varies depending on the university and program.
• Scholarship Tuition Fees Covered: The scholarships provide $16,000 for Master’s students and $20,000 for PhD students per annum.
• Available Scholarships: Not specified.
• Application Fee: None.
• Courses: All disciplines.
• Admission Requirements: Must be accepted into a graduate program at the University of Saskatchewan.
• Eligibility: Both domestic and international students can apply.
• Acceptance Rate: Competitive.

You can apply For University Of Saskatchewan Graduate Scholarships here.

10.  The Queen’s University Master’s Scholarships

Queen’s University offers a variety of scholarships to international graduate students.

• Deadline: Varies depending on the university.
• Tuition Fees: Varies depending on the university and program.
• Scholarship Tuition Fees Covered: The scholarship covers between CAD 10,000 to CAD 15,000 for international student
• Available Scholarships: Numerous scholarships are available.
• Application Fee: None.
• Courses: All disciplines.
• Admission Requirements: Must be accepted into a graduate program at Queen’s University.
• Eligibility: Both domestic and international students can apply.
• Acceptance Rate: Competitive.

You can apply for The queen’s University Master’s Scholarship here.

Conclusion

Choosing to pursue a Master’s degree in Canada can be a life-changing decision. With its top-notch education system and multicultural environment, Canada is indeed an excellent choice. What makes it even more appealing are the scholarships that lighten the financial burden for international students. With the right qualifications and persistence, you can be the recipient of one of these prestigious scholarships. Make sure to review each scholarship’s criteria and deadlines carefully, and give your best in the application process. Your journey to a world-class education in Canada could be just an application away!

 Frequently Asked Questions

Are there other scholarships for international students in Canada apart from these?

Yes, there are numerous other scholarships available for international students in Canada. It’s always best to check the scholarship page of the university you’re applying to or use scholarship search engines for more opportunities.

Do I need to be fluent in English to apply for these scholarships?

Yes, most Canadian universities require proof of English language proficiency. This can be demonstrated through tests like the TOEFL or IELTS. The specific requirements may vary from university to university and from program to program.

Can I apply for multiple scholarships at once?

Yes, you can apply for as many scholarships as you are eligible for. Applying for multiple scholarships increases your chances of receiving financial aid.

When should I start applying for scholarships?

You should start applying for scholarships as soon as you begin your university application process. Many scholarships have early deadlines, so it’s beneficial to start the process as early as possible.

Do all scholarships cover the full tuition fee?

No, the amount of financial aid provided varies among scholarships. Some scholarships cover the full tuition fee, while others provide a set monetary award that can be used towards tuition, living expenses, or research costs.

Can I work while studying in Canada?

Yes, most international students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks, like the summer or winter holidays.

What’s the duration of these scholarships?

The duration of the scholarships varies. Some are a one-time award, while others can be renewed for several years, depending on the student’s academic performance and the rules of the specific scholarship.

Investing time and effort in your scholarship application can bring significant rewards and make your dream of studying in Canada a reality. Start the process early, stay organized, and persistently seek out opportunities. The effort will pay off in the end.