This article provides detailed information on how to secure scholarships in Canada for both domestic and international students at all levels of study. By following this guide, you will learn everything involved in securing both partial and fully funded scholarships to study in Canada.
Canada is renowned for its exceptional education, both internationally and domestically. The country does not hesitate to open its doors to students from all backgrounds, inviting them to partake in its world-class educational offerings. Recognized globally as one of the top study destinations, choosing to pursue a degree in Canada is a wise decision.
Scholarships in Canada
In addition to providing excellent education, Canada is known for its generous scholarship offerings available to both domestic and international students at various levels, including undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D.
However, these scholarships may be fully funded or partially funded, depending on the organization or institution offering them. Regardless, all these scholarships assist with educational funding.
Continue reading this article to learn precisely how to obtain scholarships in Canada and the essential requirements needed to secure these scholarships.
The process of applying for Canadian scholarships can be daunting and overwhelming, which is why we have conducted extensive research to simplify the process for you. This article compiles all the necessary information for students aiming to study in Canada through scholarships, providing a comprehensive guide.
All the information you need as an undergraduate, master’s, Ph.D., international, or domestic student on how to secure a scholarship in Canada is explained step-by-step in this article, so sit back and read thoroughly.
How To Get Scholarships In Canada For Domestic And International Students
Certain questions are bound to arise when it comes to obtaining a scholarship in Canada, such as the best way to secure a full scholarship and the challenges involved. I will provide direct answers to some of these questions before delving into the main topic.
Is it easy to get a scholarship in Canada?
Yes, it is easier for domestic students, but not as much for international students, as there are fewer scholarships available for them compared to domestic students.
It is important to note that most scholarships in Canada are available only to students who have been admitted to a university. Nearly every university in Canada offers special scholarship programs for international students, but the catch is that they must have secured admission to the university first to qualify for them.
How can I get a full scholarship in Canada?
Securing a full scholarship in Canada is feasible, but it largely depends on your determination and effort. You need to actively search for opportunities, conduct as many searches as possible, and read articles like this one.
It’s crucial to understand that being qualified is not enough to win scholarships. This is a stark reality.
Many qualified individuals miss out on scholarships because they passively wait at home for opportunities to come to them, rather than actively seeking them out.
Be persistent in your scholarship search, apply for every available opportunity, and do not give up if you face several rejections.
You should also be an exemplary student, with excellent academic performance and significant contributions to education, research, or related services, which will enhance your CV, especially if you are a Ph.D. student seeking scholarships.
Scholarships are often awarded based on these criteria, so it is essential to qualify as an outstanding student in academics, achievements, good behavior, and involvement in extracurricular activities.
These factors might seem minor, but most scholarships are awarded based on such qualifications. Additionally, discuss your scholarship search with friends, family members, community members, teachers, and lecturers, as this can also be a form of networking. You might be surprised by how effective this strategy can be!
If the scholarship is offered by your host institution, contact them to learn about the necessary requirements and how to apply for the scholarship. Always apply for scholarships early and apply for multiple opportunities; the more you qualify for, the better your chances.
For international students, ensure your passport is ready for use. Prepare all the necessary documents for studying abroad so that when an opportunity arises, you are fully prepared. You can find all the basic study abroad requirements here.
Canadian Scholarship Requirements for Domestic Students
Canadian Scholarship Requirements for Undergraduate Domestic Students
Below are the requirements that an undergraduate Canadian domestic student would need to apply for a scholarship to a Canadian university:
- Applicants must have attended or be in their final year at a Canadian high school and planning to study at an accredited university in Canada, or must have already been admitted to an undergraduate program at an accredited Canadian university.
- Applicants must possess a valid student identification card or another official form of identification.
- Applicants must qualify for the specific scholarship they wish to apply for.
- Apply early and fill out your scholarship application form with accurate information, submitting it well before the deadline.
- Applicants’ academic transcripts will be required, giving them the chance to qualify for merit-based scholarships, which are awarded based on the student’s previous academic performance. Such scholarships do not require an application.
- There are numerous undergraduate scholarships that Canadian domestic students can apply for, each with different requirements. Follow the requirements of each scholarship accurately.
You can apply for some of the scholarships offered by the Canadian government for international and domestic students.
Canadian Scholarship Requirements for Domestic Masters Students
Below are the requirements that a master’s domestic student would need to apply for a Canadian scholarship:
- Applicants must have completed a three to four-year undergraduate program at an accredited university in Canada or abroad.
- To apply, applicants must have applied for a full-time or part-time (as requested by the scholarship body) master’s degree program at an accredited Canadian university and have received an offer of admission.
- Submit scholarship applications early and follow the guidelines accurately.
- Most Canadian master’s scholarship programs award students based on either merit (academic performance, involvement in extracurricular activities, and significant contribution) or need-based (awarded to students with financial constraints). Before applying for a master’s scholarship, ensure you fall into one of these categories unless the scholarship requirements state otherwise.
Additional documents that may be required as part of the scholarship application process include:
- Letters of recommendation, which can be obtained from past academics, high school teachers, or employers (optional)
- Academic transcripts or diplomas from previous education (undergraduate)
- Essays (optional)
- A statement of purpose
- Proof of financial need (usually an official presentation of the family’s annual income)
These documents listed above may or may not be needed, depending on the scholarship body involved. Every published scholarship opportunity usually comes with all the eligibility criteria for that specific opportunity, application requirements, and process.
Canadian Scholarship Requirements for Domestic PhD Students
Below are the requirements that a Ph.D. domestic student must follow to apply for a Canadian scholarship:
- Candidates must first apply and be enrolled in a Ph.D. program at an accredited Canadian university.
- Must have completed an undergraduate and master’s degree program.
- Candidates should have at least two or more years of work experience with proof.
- Applicants who demonstrate excellent academic performance and contributions in their field of study are typically selected.
- Apply for other external Ph.D. scholarships and follow the guidelines and requirements accurately.
The following documents may be required or as stated by the scholarship body:
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Resume or CV
- Academic transcripts from previous education
It is crucial for students to conduct further research to understand more about the required documents and other requirements, as scholarship applications are specific and have different requirements as well.
Below are some Ph.D. scholarships in Canada to look out for:
Also, here is an informative article we wrote specifically on how to win Ph.D. scholarships in Canada.
Canadian Scholarship Requirements for International Students
Canadian Scholarship Requirements for International Undergraduate Students
The following is a list of requirements for undergraduate international students applying for a Canadian scholarship:
- Applicants must have applied and been offered admission, or will apply for admission, to an undergraduate program at a Canadian university or college.
- Begin your application early and adhere to the deadlines.
- Some scholarship applications may require international candidates to submit an essay or request a reference from past teachers; prepare both just in case.
- Apply for external Canadian scholarships intended for international students and abide by the guidelines and requirements.
- Have your academic transcript in your possession.
- Passport or another official means of identification
- Curriculum vitae or Resume
- Standardized test scores (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Have a valid study permit that will serve you in Canada until the end of your studies abroad.
- Scholarships may be awarded based on the applicant’s academic performance, extracurricular involvement, other creative talents, or financial needs, so ensure you fall into one of these categories before applying. However, some scholarships do not use any of these criteria but instead create their own, therefore, further research is essential.
- Provide the necessary undergraduate scholarship application documents; contact the host institution or scholarship program for further details.
Here are some available undergraduate international scholarships in Canada to look out for.
Canadian Scholarship Requirements for International Masters Students
The following are the requirements for master’s international students applying for a Canadian scholarship:
- Must have completed an undergraduate program at a recognized institution.
- Applicants must be enrolled in, have applied for, or will soon apply for admission into a full-time or part-time accredited master’s degree program at an accredited Canadian institution.
- Passport or another official means of identification
- Curriculum vitae or Resume
- Standardized test scores (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Begin an early scholarship application
- Meet the scholarship program’s evaluation criteria, which may include leadership, research potential, and academic excellence, or otherwise as stated by the program.
- Hold a valid Canadian study permit.
You can apply for as many external Canadian master’s scholarships as you can and abide by the guidelines, requirements, and deadline.
The following documents should be in your possession as they may be required:
- A valid international passport
- Residence permit
- Student visa
- Admission letter
- Letters of recommendation
- Essays
- Statement of purpose
- Academic transcripts from previous education
Contact the host institution or scholarship body to learn more about the required documents for any published scholarship opportunity.
Here are some available Master’s scholarships in Canada to look out for.
Canadian Scholarship Requirements for International PhD Students
The following are the requirements for Ph.D. international students applying for a Canadian scholarship:
- Applicants must have a valid study permit
- Already admitted or intend to pursue a full-time or part-time Ph.D. program at a recognized Canadian university or college.
- Applicants must have excellent research potential combined with an excellent academic record or meet the assessment criteria set up by the scholarship body.
- Apply for external scholarships and meet their deadline and other requirements
- Working experience and provide proof too
- Academic transcripts or diplomas
- Passport or another official means of identification
- Curriculum vitae or Resume
- Standardized test scores (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Essays
Here are some available Ph.D. scholarships in Canada to look out for.
