Study in Canada for FREE! 4 Best Degree Options for Indian Students

Introduction

Studying in Canada is a dream for many Indian students due to its world-class universities, excellent job prospects, and diverse cultural experience. However, the cost of studying abroad can be a major concern. While tuition fees and living expenses in Canada can be expensive, there are several scholarships and funding opportunities that can help Indian students study in Canada for free or at a significantly reduced cost.

In this article, we’ll explore the best scholarship opportunities that allow Indian students to pursue their higher education in Canada without financial burden.

Study in Canada

Feature	Details
Tuition Cost	CAD 20,000 – CAD 40,000 per year (before scholarships)
Top Scholarships	Lester B. Pearson, UBC International, Vanier Canada, University of Calgary Entrance
Eligibility Criteria	Academic excellence, leadership skills, research potential
Covered Expenses	Tuition, books, living expenses (varies by scholarship)
Application Timeline	6-12 months before the start of the academic year
Official Scholarship Websites	University of Toronto, UBC, Vanier CGS, University of Calgary

Studying in Canada for free is possible with the right scholarships and financial planning. Indian students can significantly reduce tuition costs and even receive full funding by applying for scholarships like the Lester B. Pearson, UBC International, Vanier CGS, and University of Calgary Entrance Scholarship.

Apart from scholarships, part-time work, government funding, and affordable universities can also help manage expenses. If you’re planning to study in Canada, start preparing early and apply for multiple scholarships to maximize your chances.

Also Check: America’s EB-4 Green Card Limit Reached! What It Means for Indian Applicants

Top 4 Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in Canada for Free

Many Canadian universities and government programs offer full-ride scholarships that cover tuition, accommodation, and additional expenses. Below are the best scholarship options that Indian students should consider.

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto)

The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships in Canada for international students. This fully-funded scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, creativity, and leadership skills.

Benefits:

1. Full tuition fees for four years
2. Coverage for books and study materials
3. Full residence support

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Must be an international student
2. Should demonstrate strong academic performance
3. Must be nominated by the high school before applying
4. Must apply for an undergraduate program at the University of Toronto

Apply Here

University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholarships

UBC offers several merit-based scholarships for international students, reducing the financial burden for undergraduate programs.

Study in Canada: Scholarship Options

1. Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award – A one-time, merit-based award given upon admission.
2. International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) – A renewable scholarship granted to top-performing international students.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Must have excellent academic records
2. Strong extracurricular involvement
3. Apply for an undergraduate program at UBC

Apply Here

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (For PhD Students)

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (Vanier CGS) is designed to attract high-caliber PhD students from around the world, including Indian students.

Benefits:

1. $50,000 per year for three years
2. Funding covers tuition, research expenses, and living costs
3. Open to PhD students across social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and health research

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Strong academic background and research potential
2. Must be nominated by a Canadian university
3. Must be pursuing a doctoral degree in Canada

Apply Here

Also Check: Flipkart’s Mega Holi Sale! Get Up to 85% Off on Smartphones, Laptops & More!

Study in Canada: University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to outstanding first-year undergraduate international students based on academic excellence.

Benefits:

1. $20,000 per year, renewable for up to four years
2. Supports students in all undergraduate programs

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Strong academic performance (minimum GPA requirement)
2. Must be applying for an undergraduate degree at the University of Calgary

Apply Here

Additional Ways to Study in Canada at Low Cost

While these scholarships cover full or partial tuition, there are other ways Indian students can minimize their expenses:

Work While Studying

International students in Canada can work up to 20 hours per week during their studies and full-time during scheduled breaks.

1. Popular part-time jobs: Retail, food service, tutoring, research assistantships
2. Average hourly wage: CAD 15 – CAD 20

Government and External Scholarships

In addition to university-based scholarships, Indian students can apply for government-sponsored scholarships like:

1. Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute Scholarship
2. Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program
3. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

Affordable Cities & Universities

Some cities and universities in Canada offer lower tuition fees and living costs:

1. Affordable Cities: Quebec, Winnipeg, Halifax
2. Affordable Universities: Memorial University, University of Regina, Simon Fraser University

Also Check: Yogi government will give 3000 rupees for the education of children in UP, the amount will go directly into the account

Study in Canada (FAQs)