Scholarship Opportunities for International Students Pursuing Masters Degrees in Canada

Canada is renowned for its high-quality education and vibrant academic environment. International students eager to pursue a masters degree can find a variety of scholarships to ease the financial burden of education. This article provides an overview of some notable scholarship options available in Canada.

Notable Scholarship Programs

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Description: This prestigious scholarship program aims to attract and retain world-class doctoral students.

Eligibility: Open to both Canadian and international students pursuing a doctoral degree, though some recipients may have completed a masters program prior to application.

Coverage: A yearly stipend of CAD 50,000 for up to three years. Apply here.

Canadian Graduate Scholarships (CGS)

Description: Offered by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

Eligibility: For students enrolled in a master's or doctoral program in Canada.

Coverage: Scholarships are available at the rate of CAD 17,500 annually. Find more details here.

University-Specific Scholarships

Many Canadian universities offer their own scholarships for master's students. Here are a few examples:

University of Toronto: Offers various scholarships for international graduate students, including funding through the School of Graduate Studies (SGS). Learn more. University of British Columbia (UBC): Provides international student scholarships and awards for graduate studies. Check eligibility here. McGill University: Offers numerous scholarships for graduate students, including the McGill Graduate Excellence Fellowship. Explore opportunities here.

Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

Description: A merit-based scholarship for students in graduate programs at Ontario universities.

Eligibility: Open to both domestic and international applicants.

Coverage: A maximum of CAD 15,000 for one academic year. Apply here.

Alberta Graduate Scholarship

Description: Supports students in graduate programs in Alberta.

Eligibility: Open to both domestic and international students.

Coverage: A yearly stipend of CAD 15,000. Learn more here.

Mitacs Globalink Research Award

Description: Provides funding for international students to conduct research in Canada.

Eligibility: Open to students from specific countries who are enrolled in a master's or doctoral program.

Coverage: Up to CAD 6,000 for research projects. Discover more here.

Commonwealth Scholarship Program

Description: Offers scholarships for students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries to pursue master's degrees in Canada.

Eligibility: Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country.

Coverage: Varies by scholarship and typically covers tuition and living expenses. Find your program here.

Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships

Description: While primarily aimed at postdoctoral research, some candidates may enter through master's programs.

Eligibility: Open to Canadian and international students.

Coverage: CAD 70,000 annually for two years. Apply here.

External Scholarships

Varying organizations and foundations offer scholarships for international students studying in Canada, such as...

Fulbright Canada: Offers scholarships for U.S. students to study in Canada. Explore opportunities. Rotary Foundation: Provides funding for international students through the Rotary Global Grant Scholarships. Learn more.

Research and Teaching Assistantships

Many universities also offer funding through research or teaching assistant positions, which can cover tuition fees and provide a stipend for living expenses.

Conclusion

Canada boasts numerous scholarship opportunities for international students pursuing master's degrees. It is highly advisable to check individual university websites for specific scholarship offerings and eligibility criteria. Additionally, applying early and thoroughly can improve your chances of securing funding. Strengthen your application with research, preparation, and a strategic approach.