If you are looking to study master’s in Canada, that’s a great idea. One of the ways to reduce costs when studying abroad, especially as an international student, is to seek scholarship opportunities.

Just before we talk further about being able to study master’s in Canada with scholarships for international students, let’s look at the pros and cons of this option.

Pros Of Studying Masters in Canada With Scholarships As International Students

• Top-notch Education: Canadian universities are globally respected, offering excellent Master’s programs in many fields. You’d be getting a high-quality qualification.
• Scholarship Savings: Scholarships can be a game-changer, making studying in Canada much more affordable. Free money for learning? Yes, please!
• Immigration Pathway: A Master’s degree and some Canadian work experience (through a post-graduate work Permit) can seriously boost your chances of getting permanent residency through programs like Express Entry or PNP (Provincial Nominee Programs).
• International Experience: Studying abroad broadens your horizons, exposes you to new cultures, and enhances your overall resume.

Having listed a few of the pros, let’s explore some of the cons.

Cons:

• Cost: Even with a scholarship, there will likely still be tuition fees and living expenses to consider.
• Competition: Scholarships can be competitive, requiring strong academic records and compelling applications.
• Time Commitment: Master’s programs typically take 1-2 years, so be prepared for a dedicated study period.
• Job Market: While a Canadian degree can be valuable, landing a job after graduation depends on your field, experience, and overall job market conditions.

Scholarship Opportunities For International Students To Study Masters in Canada

While there are a limited number of scholarship opportunities for international students to study master’s in Canada, we will be sharing a few of the options available for you to engage with. While this information is for informational purposes only, we recommend that you extensively do some research if you choose to pursue any of these options.

1. University of Waterloo International Master’s and Doctoral Awards:

The University of Waterloo (Waterloo) offers some exciting funding opportunities for international students pursuing Master’s and Doctoral degrees! Here’s a breakdown of the awards you might be eligible for:

• International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE): This is a merit-based scholarship valued at CAD 2,500 per term, for a maximum of five terms (the typical duration of a Master’s program).
• Eligibility: Open to international students enrolled full-time in a research-based Master’s program (thesis or major research paper).
• Selection: Faculties nominate students based on their academic excellence as demonstrated through your application for admission to the graduate program.
• Application Process:
  • Students are automatically considered for these awards upon admission to a research-based graduate program at the University of Waterloo.
  • No separate application is required.

2. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship funded by the Ontario provincial government. It is highly competitive but offers significant financial support. This funding option is a shining beacon of financial aid for high-achieving graduate students in Ontario, Canada, including international students pursuing Master’s or Doctoral degrees at the University of Waterloo or any other participating university in the province.

OGS awards are a significant financial boost, offering scholarships valued at CAD 10,000 for two consecutive terms (21-52 weeks) or CAD 15,000 for three consecutive terms.

Eligibility:

• Citizenship or Permanent Residency: You’ll need to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada to apply.
• Graduate Program Enrollment: You must be registered full-time in a Master’s or Doctoral program at a designated Ontario university. The University of Waterloo is one such university!
• Academic Strength: Demonstrating a stellar academic record is crucial. Strong grades and a compelling academic background will strengthen your application.

The Application Process:

• University Nomination: OGS applications are not submitted directly by students. Instead, universities nominate outstanding students based on their eligibility and qualifications.
• Contact Your Program: Reach out to the graduate office of your program at the University of Waterloo (or your chosen Ontario university) for specific deadlines and nomination procedures. They can guide you through the process.

3. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF)

The University of Manitoba (UM) offers the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF) – a fantastic funding opportunity for Master’s and PhD students embarking on their scholarly journeys at UM. UMGF awards are available for both Master’s and PhD students, providing valuable financial support throughout your graduate studies.

Master’s students can receive an annual stipend of CAD 14,000, while PhD students receive CAD 18,000 annually. This can significantly reduce your financial burden and allow you to focus on your research and studies.

Eligibility:

• Academic Brilliance: This fellowship is all about academic excellence. You’ll need to demonstrate strong academic performance in your previous studies.
• Full-Time Commitment: You must be registered as a full-time student in a graduate degree program offered at the University of Manitoba.
• Maintaining Good Standing: Throughout the fellowship period, you’ll need to maintain good academic standing to continue receiving the UMGF award.

Application Process:

• Departmental Recommendation: UMGF applications are not submitted directly by students. Instead, graduate departments at UM nominate outstanding students based on their academic record and research potential.
• Contact Your Department: Reach out to the graduate coordinator or advisor within your department at UM to inquire about UMGF nomination deadlines and procedures. They can provide specific guidance.

4. University of Calgary Graduate Awards

The University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada, offers a glittering array of scholarship opportunities under the umbrella of the University of Calgary Graduate Awards. This is fantastic news for international students seeking financial aid while pursuing their Master’s or Doctoral degrees at this esteemed institution.

The University of Calgary Graduate Awards encompass various scholarships, fellowships, and bursaries, each with its own eligibility criteria and value. Some exciting options for international students include:

• Graduate Entrance Scholarships: These merit-based awards recognize academic excellence and research potential. They can provide significant financial support throughout your graduate program.
• Doctoral Recruitment Scholarships: Specifically designed to attract high-caliber PhD students, these awards offer substantial funding packages.
• President’s Doctoral Scholarships: These prestigious awards are offered to a select few exceptional PhD students, providing top-tier financial support.
• Faculty-Specific Awards: Many faculties at the University of Calgary offer their own graduate awards. Be sure to research opportunities within your chosen faculty or department.

Eligibility and Selection:

Eligibility requirements and selection processes vary depending on the specific award. Some awards are based solely on academic merit, while others might consider research experience, letters of recommendation, or your proposed area of study.

General Requirements (may vary):

• Strong academic record in your previous degree program.
• Meeting the admission requirements for your chosen graduate program at the University of Calgary.
• Demonstrating research potential and a clear research focus (particularly for PhD students).

How do I apply for a scholarship in Canada?