Pursuing a master's degree abroad is a life-changing decision for many students as these countries offer high-quality education and abundant research opportunities. With its reputation for providing a well-rounded and globally competitive education, Canada stands out as a top destination for international students seeking to further their academic qualifications. However, the cost of higher education can often become a substantial barrier. In this regard, scholarships play a key role in making education more accessible and affordable for deserving students.
There are numerous scholarships available for international students commencing their education in Canada. So, to address the major challenge of arranging finances to pay for education at these prestigious institutions, here’s a detailed article on some popular scholarship choices available for international students pursuing their master’s degrees in Canada. Let's dig in!
Among the numerous scholarships available for international students, here are some of the most sought-after masters scholarships in Canada that can help you ease the financial burden.
Ontario Graduate Scholarship
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) program is funded by the Government of Ontario and supports graduate students in all disciplines of academic study. The scholarship is awarded based on merit and aims to recognize and support outstanding students pursuing their master's or doctoral degrees in Ontario-based institutions.
Scholarship Amount - Recipients of the OGS receive an award value of CAD $5,000 per session. Furthermore, they can also receive CAD $10,000 for two consecutive sessions or CAD $15,000 for three consecutive sessions.
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships are available to international students pursuing a master's or doctoral degree at the University of Manitoba. These fellowships are offered to full-time international students to recognize and support academic excellence. This award provides financial support to help cover tuition fees and living expenses for students who have demonstrated higher intellectual ability and academic accomplishment. The value of the fellowship varies depending on the level of study and the duration of the program.
Scholarship Amount - UMGF for a master’s degree is valued at CAD $14,000 per year.
University of Waterloo Scholarships
The University of Waterloo offers a wide range of scholarships and awards to both domestic and international students. It offers more than 170 scholarships for international students, for most of them you are automatically considered while some scholarships will require an application. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, research potential, extracurricular activities, and financial need. Some of the notable scholarships include the International Student Entrance Scholarship which is available for all programs.
Scholarship Amount – CAD $10,000 each for recipients of the International Student Entrance Scholarship.
University of Ottawa Scholarships
The University of Ottawa offers various scholarships and financial aid options for international students pursuing their master's degrees. This Canadian university scholarships include the Admission Scholarship and Special Merit Scholarship for International Students, which covers the different amounts of international tuition fees
Scholarship Amount - The scholarship amount varies for every intake.
In addition to these scholarships, there are numerous other funding opportunities available for international students pursuing their master's degree in Canada. These include scholarships offered by the Canadian government, individual universities, private organizations, and international foundations. As the list is practically never-ending, you can also check our exclusive article on MBA scholarships for international students in Canada.
You need to explore all available options and apply to as many scholarships as possible to maximize the chances of receiving financial support for your studies.
Securing a scholarship for a master's degree in Canada is a competitive process that requires careful planning and preparation. Here are some tried and tested strategies to enhance your scholarship application and the chances of receiving the scholarship award.
Start Early
Begin your scholarship search and application process well in advance to ensure you have enough time to research available scholarships, gather required documents, and submit your applications before the deadlines.
Research Eligibility Criteria
Thoroughly read and understand the eligibility criteria for each scholarship to ensure you meet all requirements before applying. Pay attention to specific criteria such as academic achievements, research experience, extracurricular activities, and financial need.
Write a Strong Personal Statement
Make a compelling personal statement that highlights your academic achievements, research interests, career goals, and why you deserve the scholarship. Modify your statement for each scholarship application and ensure that it reflects your passion for your chosen field of study.
Obtain Strong Letters of Recommendation
Request letters of recommendation from professors, supervisors, or mentors who can speak about your academic abilities, research potential, and personal qualities. Choose individuals who know you well and can provide specific examples of your accomplishments and strengths.
Submit a Well-Organized Application
Pay attention to detail and ensure your scholarship application is complete, error-free, and submitted before the deadline. Double-check all required documents, including academic transcripts, CV or resume, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and any additional materials requested by the scholarship provider.
Summing up this article, these are just the tip of the iceberg, there are a lot more scholarship options available for international students like you. As you all know, scholarships play a vital role in making higher education more accessible and affordable for international students pursuing their degrees in a foreign country. By exploring various scholarship opportunities and implementing effective application strategies, you can increase your chances of securing funding for studies.
However, if you cannot bag any scholarships, then don’t worry about funding. You can reach out to our team at ELAN Overseas Education Loans, we are dedicated to supporting students in achieving their academic goals through our comprehensive education loan for Canada solutions.
For more information and loan assistance, you can contact the team to schedule online or offline counseling services.
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