Not only is it an opportunity to enhance your academic and professional profile, but it can also serve as a pathway toward permanent residency in the country. To help you better understand the scholarship process in Canada, this document explains how the system works and how to maximize your chances of success.

What is a scholarship?

A scholarship is a form of financial aid provided by private or government institutions to support a student’s education. In Canada, scholarships generally consist of a monetary award disbursed directly to the student, who then uses it to pay tuition and cover expenses like housing, food, equipment, and textbooks.

• Scholarships may be full (covering tuition + living expenses) or partial (covering tuition only)
• They can be tied to specific universities/programs (requiring prior admission) or be more flexible
• Strong academic performance and high scores on English/French proficiency tests (like IELTS or TOEFL) significantly improve chances of success

How to get a scholarship in Canada

Each program has its own eligibility criteria—such as nationality, academic level, grade history, and language proficiency. Key steps include:

1. Check detailed requirements for each program (deadline, language scores, GPA, study intent).

2. Secure admission to a Canadian institution if required.

3. Prepare a standout application, highlighting high grades, strong language proficiency, and extracurricular achievements.

4. Submit a complete package, including transcripts, test scores, recommendation letters, essays, etc.

High academic achievement (e.g., GPA ≥ 3.5/4.0), combined with strong English test scores and leadership/community involvement, increases your chances.

Other types of programs

• Graduate and doctoral scholarships: such as Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships, and Canada Graduate Scholarships—focusing on research excellence.
• Short-term exchanges and certificates: e.g., Study in Canada Scholarships, Canada‑ASEAN SEED, and Canada‑China Scholars’ Exchanges.
• Commemorative programs: like the Flight PS752 Scholarship, focusing on specific fields of study.

Why top performance matters

Scholarship committees—especially for competitive programs—prioritize applicants with:

• Outstanding academic records
• High language test scores
• Demonstrated leadership, volunteer work, or research experience

These qualities help you stand out and demonstrate your potential impact.

Finding the right scholarship

Start with these official sources:

• EduCanada (Global Affairs Canada): Offers multiple short-term exchange scholarships (ELAP, Study in Canada, Canada‑ASEAN SEED, etc.):
• Flight PS752 Commemorative Scholarship: Honours Flight PS752 victims; open for 2025–26 cycle; deadline June 15, 2025:
• Canada Graduate Scholarships hub: Lists Vanier, Banting, CGS, and other national-level awards.
• Canada Graduate Research Scholarships – Doctoral (NSERC): Research funding $40,000/year:
• Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP): Short-term exchange for Latin America/Caribbean students; though the 2025–26 cycle is closed, it is offered annually via Canadian institutions.

Final tips

• Match your profile to program eligibility
• Prepare high-quality documents and meet deadlines
• Contact your institution’s international or research office for internal support
• Apply early and apply broadly

We wish you all the best! Good luck. :)

-The Greenboards Team.