How To Get Scholarships in Canada

If you’re wondering how to get scholarships in Canada, then this is for you. To many people, getting a scholarship in Canada is a very difficult thing to achieve. But this is not always the case.

Note: DO NOT be in a haste to read and go! Take your time. The information that can help you secure the scholarship may just be in a paragraphy you might have skipped. Alternatively, you can check around for more scholarship opportunities here.

It’s no news that Canada is one of the many countries that offer the best educational experience to students, including International students. The best universities and colleges in Canada offer various science, art, and technology courses. There are also colleges for short courses and diplomas. In addition, Canada has a wide range of scholarships from which international students can choose. So, getting a scholarship there will definitely mean alot.

Another benefit of studying in Canada is that it offers work and study opportunities. Full-time students can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during winter/summer break.

These and many more are the advantages of working in Canada. In this article, I will explain how to get scholarships in Canada.

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How To Get Scholarships in Canada

To successfully get that Canadian Scholarship you applied for, here are a few tips to guide you:

Research on available Scholarships: Canada offers fully funded and partial scholarships to interested students pursuing a degree at a Canadian university. You have to research these scholarships and apply for the ones you are interested in. Some of these scholarships are based on more than academic merit. Other scholarships are also offered based on sportsmanship, skills, or talent. Through research, you will increase your knowledge and apply for the one that suits you.

Ensure you understand the requirements and your eligibility status before applying: Some requirements must be met before you are eligible for the scholarship; meeting them will lead to disqualification. Most scholarships are based on merit, so a good grade can increase your chances of getting the Scholarship.

Get the required documents ready on time: The records required will include a certificate of degree, Reference letter/Letter of recommendation, IELTS score, etc. Doing research will let you know which document is needed to prepare them.

Have a good relationship with your academic professors, or supervisors: They will be of help to you when it comes to writing a letter of recommendation.

Submit the applications on time: You will definitely lose the opportunity if you submit after the deadlines have passed . Again, this shows you are not fully prepared and this can mar your chances of getting the scholarship.

These few tips can help you become successful and be among the recipients of a scholarship to study in Canada.

There are many Scholarships in Canada you can apply for; they include:

The Canadian Study Hub

The Canadian Study Hub scholarship grants international students and postgraduate workers in Canada an opportunity to win $500 every month.

To be eligible for this ScholarshipScholarship:

You have to be a member of the Canadian study hub.
It would help if you had a valid study permit or a postgraduate work permit.
You need to provide proof of enrollment at a Canadian post-secondary institution.

University of Manitoba graduate fellowship(UMGF)

The University of Manitoba graduate fellowship program is open to all students, including international students. Students can get grants through the financial aid scheme to help them through their study programs. Financial aid is offered to full-time master’s and Ph.D. students to support their academic journey. It is only provided to students with superior intellectual ability and educational accomplishment.

To be eligible for this fellowship, applicants must

Maintain a minimum of 3.0 GPA; some faculties might need a higher grade point average.
Must be a full-time student not under any other scholarship program.
Must be recommended by their department or unit to the Faculty of Graduate Studies for a UMGF.

The UMGF master’s awards offer $14,000 per year for 12 or 24 months to students doing their Masters program. Those with a doctoral degree are given $18,000 per year for 12, 24, 36, or 48 months, for up to $72,000. Some faculties and departments can also determine the value and duration of an award, and students must meet the eligibility criteria before they can receive it.

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)

This scholarship program is open to doctoral students interested in studying at a Canadian institution. The award is valued at $50,000 annually for three years during the recipient’s doctoral studies. To be selected for this award, the student must have outstanding academic excellence, Research Potential, and Leadership ability.

Candidates for this award must be nominated by a recognized Canadian institution with a quota to host Vanier scholars. Candidates can also seek a nomination from the institution they want to study.

To be eligible for nominations;

Applicants must either be Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada, or Foreign citizens.
Applicants must be interested in the following areas of research: natural sciences, Health Research, Engineering, Social sciences, or humanities.

To be eligible for this scholarship scholarship:

Applicants must be nominated by a Canadian institution with the permission to host scholars for the Vanier CGS.
Applicants must be pursuing their first doctoral degree. For joint graduate research programs, only the Ph.D. portion of the program is eligible for funding.
As of May 1, 2024, applicants must have completed at most 20 months of full-time study in their doctoral program.
Their program of study must have a significant research subject matter that leads to the completion of a thesis, project, dissertation, scholarly publication, performance, or exhibit that is expert-reviewed at the institutional level as a requirement for program completion.
Applicants must begin the doctoral program after completing a master’s degree.
Applicants must have completed no more than 32 months of full-time study in their doctoral program directly from a bachelor’s degree, previously enrolled without obtaining a master’s degree, by May 1, 2024.
Applicants must have achieved a first-class average, as stipulated by their institution, in each of the last two years of full-time study.

Before applying for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS), confirm that you and your nominating institution meet all the above criteria. You can also visit the official website for more information about this scholarship program.

READ: 10 Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in Canada.

Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program

The Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program is part of Global Affairs Canada’s International Scholarships Program. This program offers short-term scholarships to Canadians wishing to pursue tertiary studies, research, Chinese language training, or a combination of both at institutions in China. More than 1,100 scholars have benefited from this program.

To be eligible for this program, candidates must fulfill any of the following requirements:

Must be a citizen of Canada.
Must be a full-time teaching or research staff at a tertiary or research institution in Canada.
Or a student enrolled in a college, undergraduate, or graduate program at a Designated Learning Institution in Canada.
Or a mid-career professional from a Canadian government, cultural, or media organization. Or a national education association with a graduate (Master’s or doctoral) degree who has had managerial, policy development, or decision-making responsibilities within this organization for at least three years.
Must have achieved the required level of written and spoken Chinese proficiency. If Chinese is the language of instruction in the host institution, the candidate must have proficiency in HSK level 3 for undergraduate studies and HSK level 4 for graduate studies;
Must pursue an exchange in China
Must not be seeking a degree in China;
Must be under 45 years of age if applying under the “General Scholar” category of the China Scholarship Council (CSC) and
Must be under 50 years of age if applying under the “Senior Scholar” category of the CSC.

This ScholarshipScholarship is awarded for a duration of:

4 to 12 months for students
Eight weeks to 12 months for mid-career professionals, faculty members, and researchers

This ScholarshipScholarship covers:

tuition fees at participating Chinese institutions ;
a monthly stipend.
2,500 Yuan for undergraduate students
3,000 Yuan for Master’s students.
3,500 Yuan for Doctoral students.
Accommodation on campus or a subsidy for off-campus accommodation.
Comprehensive medical insurance.
Cost of travel from your point of origin to your host university.

Once you qualify for this Scholarship, you will receive information regarding your Scholarship from the host institution. The Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China disburses funds. To apply, submit the online application form to the portal.

The OAS Scholarship

The OAS Academic Scholarship Program(ASP) offers scholarships for students who wish to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies and short-term professional training. The program is open to residents of the OAS member states and is ongoing. Universities can submit applications before April 30. Studies may be conducted onsite, online, or both.

The OAS Scholarship Program caters to students from the English-speaking Caribbean and Suriname areas. It offers up to $10,000 per academic year for students to pursue master’s Degrees, Doctoral Degrees, and Graduate Research leading to a graduate degree and for the last two years of undergraduate studies solely to citizens and residents.

The scholarship package includes tuition waivers and discounts for academic studies. The OAS Manual of Procedures for the Scholarship and Training Program offers the ScholarshipScholarship.

Eligible to apply for this scholarship scholarship are:

Selected institutions for partnership applications.
Scholarship applicants studying at an institution outside of their country of origin.
Scholarship applicants also must be aware that scholarship recipients must return to their country of origin unless they have permission to stay in the country of study to pursue higher education or join an international organization to work that serves the development of the Americas.

Continuity of the Scholarship is contingent on the following:

The student’s academic performance during the first academic year is exemplary.
The availability of funds.
The academic institution also confirmed that the second-year renewal period is necessary to conclude the program of study for which the ScholarshipScholarship was initially awarded.

Further inquiries can be directed to the official email or scholarship website: scholarships@oas.org.

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship

The University of Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships program awards international students a grant to study at a Canadian university. Students with exceptional academic excellence and remarkable creativity are considered for this Scholarship.

International Entrance Scholarship at the University of Regina

International students who want to embark on an undergraduate program at the University of Regina can apply for the International Entrance scholarship. The ScholarshipScholarship grants the student $3,000 to cover their tuition and accommodation.

FAQS | How to Get Scholarships in Canada

How Can I Get a Scholarship for Study in Canada?

Research on available Scholarships on www.scholarshipstoday.com.ng. Once you find the one that interest you, make sure you meet the requirements before applying. Then, also ensure you’ve the requirement documents.

Can I Get a Scholarship in Canada From Nigeria?

Yes, as a Nigerian seeking to study in Canada, different scholarship programs are committed to helping international students apply for study in Canada. These scholarships aim to help students advance in their academics and research journey.

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships, the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program, the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, and the International Entrance Scholarship at the University of Regina. There are other scholarships; you must research and apply for the ones that best suit you.

Having an excellent academic record, such as a Second-Class Upper or its equivalent, will improve your chances of gaining a scholarship to study in Canada.

Can a Foreigner Get a Scholarship in Canada?

Yes, as a foreigner seeking a scholarship to study in Canada, you can take advantage of the many scholarship opportunities available. You can choose a government-based scholarship or one funded by the institution. The OAS scholarship program and the Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program are examples of scholarships foreigners can apply for.

Is There a 100% Scholarship in Canada?

Yes, several Canadian universities offer scholarships that cover 100% of tuition fees for international students. These scholarships are usually highly competitive and are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and research achievements.

Some scholarships that are 100% fully funded include:

The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship covers tuition, books, fees, and residence costs for exceptional international students.
The International Leader of Tomorrow Award by the University of British Columbia which provides full scholarships for outstanding students.
The University of Waterloo’s International Master’s Award of Excellence covers full tuition and additional support for research-based master’s programs.
The International Entrance Scholarship by the University of Calgary supports international students pursuing undergraduate studies with a fully-funded scholarship.
Dalhousie University offers Entrance Scholarships for International Students to complete their studies at the Master’s Level, which is fully funded.

Before applying for these scholarships, you must check their websites to learn about eligibility,

application requirements, and deadlines.

Final Thought

On how to get scholarships in Canada. It will be of good help if you research a suitable scholarship and apply for one that meets the requirements.

Studying in Canada is a good investment. You can network with people from all over the world and access many rewarding career opportunities.

How To Get Scholarships in Canada