Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity for international students to broaden their horizons and gain a world-class education. Canada, with its top-ranked universities and welcoming environment, has become a popular destination for postgraduate studies.
However, pursuing higher education can be financially challenging for many students. To alleviate this financial burden, various international postgraduate scholarships in Canada are available to international students seeking postgraduate (PG) programs in the country.
This article will reveal seven popular international PG scholarships in Canada and delve into their specific requirements.
[ez-toc]
7 International Postgraduate Scholarships in Canada
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) program aims to attract and retain top-tier doctoral students who demonstrate leadership skills, academic excellence, and research potential. Successful candidates are awarded $50,000 a year for three years. To be eligible, candidates must be nominated by a Canadian institution with a quota of applications.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be pursuing a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent)
- Excellent academic records
- Demonstrated leadership skills
- Research potential in their specific field
2. Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
The Trudeau Foundation Scholarships support doctoral candidates pursuing research in areas related to social sciences and humanities. These scholarships provide funding for up to four years and are valued at $60,000 per year. The selection process for Trudeau Scholarships is highly competitive.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be pursuing a doctoral degree in social sciences or humanities
- Strong academic background
- Research proposal aligned with the foundation’s themes
- Leadership potential and commitment to public engagement
3. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) program offers financial awards to international students pursuing graduate studies in Ontario.
It is a merit-based scholarship that recognizes academic excellence across various disciplines. The value of the scholarship ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 per year.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be enrolled in a full-time graduate program at an eligible university in Ontario
- Strong academic performance
- Research potential
- Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person
4. The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships are designed to support exceptional international students who show excellent academic achievement and leadership potential.
These scholarships are available at the University of Toronto and cover tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence support.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be an international student
- Demonstrated leadership skills
- Excellent academic records
- Intention to enroll in a full-time undergraduate program at the University of Toronto
5. The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships support exceptional doctoral candidates pursuing research in humanities and social sciences disciplines. The scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, travel, and research-related costs, providing up to $60,000 per year for three years.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be pursuing a doctoral degree in humanities or social sciences
- High academic achievement
- Research proposal aligned with the foundation’s themes
- Leadership potential and commitment to public engagement
6. Quebec Merit Scholarship Program for Foreign Students
The Quebec Merit Scholarship Program for Foreign Students offers scholarships to international students pursuing postgraduate studies in Quebec. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and research potential and provide financial support ranging from $14,000 to $25,000 per year.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be pursuing postgraduate studies in Quebec
- Outstanding academic achievement
- Research potential in their field
- Must not have previously received a scholarship from the Quebec government
7. Ontario Trillium Scholarship (OTS)
The Ontario Trillium Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship program that attracts international Ph.D. students to Ontario’s universities. These scholarships provide full tuition coverage and a generous living allowance. The OTS is highly competitive and available across various disciplines.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be pursuing a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in Ontario
- Excellent academic records
- Research potential
- Must not have studied in Canada previously
Read: Canada Express Entry: A Guide to Immigrating through the Federal Skilled Worker Program 2024
Summary
Securing a scholarship can significantly ease the financial burden for international students pursuing postgraduate studies in Canada. The scholarships mentioned in this article, such as the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Trudeau Foundation Scholarships, Ontario Graduate Scholarships, etc., offer opportunities for outstanding students to pursue their academic dreams.
Don’t forget to thoroughly review the specific eligibility criteria for each scholarship and submit a compelling application to maximize your chances of success.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Can I apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously?
Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously, but be mindful of meeting the eligibility criteria and adhering to the application requirements of each scholarship.
2. Are these scholarships open to students from all countries?
Yes, these scholarships are open to international students from various countries. However, specific eligibility requirements may vary for each scholarship.
3. Do I need prior acceptance from a Canadian university before applying for these scholarships?
For most scholarships, you do not need prior acceptance from a Canadian university. However, it is essential to verify the requirements of each scholarship before applying.
4. Are there any age restrictions for these scholarships?
In general, there are no age restrictions for these scholarships. But, since requirements vary depending on the program, some scholarships may have specific age requirements.
5. Can I apply for these scholarships if I have already started my postgraduate studies in Canada?
Eligibility requirements may vary, but some scholarships, such as the Ontario Trillium Scholarship, may not be available to students who have already started their postgraduate studies in Canada.