Canada is a popular destination for international students, offering world-class education, a multicultural environment, and numerous opportunities for research and career growth. One of the most attractive aspects of studying in Canada is the availability of various scholarships that can significantly reduce the financial burden on students. In this article, we will explore the top 10 scholarships in Canada for 2024 and provide a comprehensive guide on how to avail them.
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Overview
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) are prestigious awards designed to attract and retain world-class doctoral students. This scholarship supports students who demonstrate leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in graduate studies in the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and engineering, and health.
Eligibility
- Nomination by a Canadian institution with a quota to host Vanier scholars.
- Pursuing a first doctoral degree (including joint programs such as MD/PhD, DVM/PhD, or JD/PhD).
- Not have completed more than 20 months of doctoral studies as of May 1, 2024.
- Demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.
Application Procedure
- Identify a Nominating Institution: Contact the institution you wish to attend to confirm they have a Vanier CGS quota.
- Prepare Application Package: Complete the Vanier CGS application through ResearchNet, which includes a CV, research proposal, and personal leadership statement.
- Institutional Nomination: Submit your application to the nominating institution. If nominated, the institution will forward your application to the Vanier CGS program.
- Final Selection: The Vanier Selection Committee reviews nominations and selects recipients based on academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.
2. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships
Overview
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships at the University of Toronto provide exceptional international students with the opportunity to study at one of the world’s best universities in one of the world’s most multicultural cities.
Eligibility
- An international student (i.e., a non-Canadian requiring a study permit).
- Currently in your final year of secondary school or have graduated no earlier than June 2023.
- Beginning your studies at the University of Toronto in September 2024.
Application Procedure
- Nomination by School: Your school must nominate you for this scholarship. Ensure your school is participating in the program.
- Apply to the University of Toronto: Submit your application for undergraduate study.
- Complete the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship Application: Once you have been nominated and applied to the university, you will receive a personalized link to the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship application.
- Await Results: The selection committee will evaluate applications and select recipients based on academic excellence, creativity, and leadership.
3. Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program (CGS-M)
Overview
The Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s (CGS-M) program provides financial support to high-caliber scholars who are engaged in eligible masters or, in some cases, doctoral programs in Canada.
Eligibility
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada, or a protected person under subsection 95(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
- Be enrolled in or intend to apply for a full-time master’s or doctoral program at a Canadian institution with a CGS-M allocation.
- Have completed, as of December 31 of the year of application, between zero and 12 months of full-time studies in the program for which you are requesting funding.
Application Procedure
- Create a Research Net Account: Register and create a profile on Research Net.
- Identify a Suitable Program: Ensure your chosen program and institution are eligible for CGS-M.
- Prepare Application: Complete the online application, including a research proposal, CV, and references.
- Submit Application: Submit your application through the Research Net portal by the deadline.
- Selection and Notification: Successful candidates will be notified by their institutions.
4. Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
Overview
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships support outstanding doctoral students in the social sciences and humanities who are interested in growing their leadership potential and making a difference in their communities.
Eligibility
- Be a doctoral candidate already accepted into or in year one, two, or three of a full-time program in the social sciences or humanities.
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or international student enrolled in a doctoral program at a Canadian institution.
Application Procedure
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather transcripts, reference letters, and a research proposal.
- Complete Online Application: Fill out the online application form available on the Trudeau Foundation website.
- Submit Application: Submit your completed application by the specified deadline.
- Interview and Selection: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, and final selections are based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to public engagement.
5. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
Overview
The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships program provides funding to the very best postdoctoral applicants, both nationally and internationally, who will positively contribute to the country’s economic, social, and research-based growth.
Eligibility
- Must fulfill or have fulfilled all degree requirements for a PhD, PhD-equivalent, or health professional degree between September 15, 2021, and September 30, 2025.
- Must not hold a tenure-track or tenured faculty position.
Application Procedure
- Identify a Host Institution: Secure a host institution in Canada where you will undertake your fellowship.
- Prepare Application: Complete the application through the Research Net portal, including a CV, research proposal, and reference letters.
- Submit Application: Submit your application by the deadline.
- Evaluation and Selection: Applications are evaluated based on the applicant’s research excellence, leadership potential, and the host institution’s research environment.
6. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
Overview
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) program encourages excellence in graduate studies at the master’s and doctoral levels. The scholarships are awarded to students based on merit and are available to students of all disciplines of academic study.
Eligibility
- Be enrolled in or intend to enroll in a full-time graduate program (master’s or doctoral) at a participating Ontario institution.
- Achieve a first-class average (A-/80%) in each of the last two years of full-time study.
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or an international student studying in Ontario with a valid study permit.
Application Procedure
- Check Eligibility: Confirm your eligibility based on academic performance and citizenship status.
- Prepare Application: Gather required documents, including transcripts and letters of reference.
- Apply through Institution: Submit your application to your institution’s graduate studies office.
- Selection and Notification: The institution will review applications and notify successful candidates.
7. Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Postgraduate Scholarships
Overview
The NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships provide financial support to high-caliber scholars who are engaged in eligible master’s or doctoral programs in the natural sciences or engineering.
Eligibility
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
- Be enrolled in or intend to enroll in a full-time master’s or doctoral program in the natural sciences or engineering at a Canadian institution.
- Have achieved a first-class average in each of the last two completed years of study.
Application Procedure
- Create an Account on NSERC Online System: Register and create a profile on the NSERC online system.
- Prepare Application: Complete the application, including a research proposal, CV, and references.
- Submit Application: Submit your application through the NSERC online system by the deadline.
- Selection and Notification: NSERC reviews applications and selects recipients based on academic excellence and research potential.
8. Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program
Overview
The Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program offers opportunities for students from Commonwealth countries to pursue graduate studies in Canada. This program aims to develop human capital and improve teaching and research capacity in developing countries.
Eligibility
- Be a citizen of a Commonwealth country other than Canada.
- Be accepted into a graduate program at a Canadian university.
Application Procedure
- Check Eligibility and Application Details: Visit the website of the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program to confirm eligibility and application procedures specific to your country.
- Secure Admission: Apply for and secure admission to a graduate program at a Canadian university.
- Submit Application: Submit your scholarship application through your country’s nominating agency or directly to the program, depending on the specific guidelines.
- Selection and Notification: Selected candidates will be notified by the Canadian institution or the program.
9. University of Calgary Graduate Awards
Overview
The University of Calgary offers a wide range of graduate awards to support high-achieving students in various disciplines. These awards include scholarships, bursaries, and fellowships for both Canadian and international students.
Eligibility
- Be enrolled or planning to enroll in a graduate program at the University of Calgary.
- Meet the specific eligibility criteria for each award, which may include academic excellence, research potential, and financial need.
Application Procedure
- Explore Available Awards: Visit the University of Calgary Graduate Awards Database to find scholarships that match your profile.
- Prepare Application: Complete the required application forms and gather supporting documents such as transcripts and reference letters.
- Submit Application: Submit your application by the specified deadlines for each award.
- Selection and Notification: The university will review applications and notify successful candidates.
10. UBC Graduate Global Leadership Fellowships
Overview
The UBC Graduate Global Leadership Fellowships support outstanding international students from developing countries who are committed to contributing to the development of their home country.
Eligibility
- Be a citizen of a developing country.
- Be starting a PhD program at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in September 2024.
- Demonstrate leadership in their home country and an intention to return to contribute to its development.
Application Procedure
- Secure Admission to UBC: Apply for and secure admission to a PhD program at UBC.
- Complete Fellowship Application: Complete the fellowship application, including a research proposal and leadership statement.
- Submit Application: Submit your application through the UBC online portal by the deadline.
- Selection and Notification: UBC reviews applications and selects recipients based on academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.
Conclusion
Canada offers a diverse range of scholarships for international students, each with its unique set of eligibility criteria and application procedures. Whether you are an undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral student, these scholarships provide an excellent opportunity to pursue your academic and research goals in one of the world’s most dynamic and inclusive countries. By carefully reviewing the requirements and deadlines for each scholarship, preparing a strong application, and demonstrating your academic and leadership potential, you can increase your chances of securing financial support for your studies in Canada.