Canada is one of the most popular destinations for international students to pursue a Master’s degree. Its high-quality education system, quality of life, and diverse and inclusive environment are some of the top reasons.
On average, pursuing a Master’s in Canada costs $10,000 to $30,000 per year, depending on the program, specialization & the university. Securing a scholarship can be a perfect way to manage your expenses. In this blog, we will learn about everything you need to know about Masters scholarships in Canada.
Table of Contents:
- Why Do You Need an MS Scholarship in Canada?
- Top Scholarship for MS in Canada
- Top Universities for Scholarship for MS in Canada
- Eligibility Criteria for Scholarship for MS in Canada
- How do you get an MS Scholarship in Canada?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do You Need an MS Scholarship in Canada?
Studying Master’s in Canada comes with various benefits, such as post-study work opportunities, quality of life, and job opportunities. However, pursuing a Master’s in abroad comes with multiple expenses. A scholarship can ease your burden. Here are some reasons why you need a scholarship for an MS in Canada:
- To have financial support for your studies
- Gives you access to quality education by enabling you to study at top universities
- Reduces your debts, especially on student loans
- Motivate you to excel in your studies and inspires you to aim higher
- Promotes studies in high-level fields, such as STEM courses
Top Scholarship for MS in Canada
International students receive scholarships from Canada, irrespective of background, color, religion, etc. It encourages acceptance and helps in providing scholarship opportunities for students to finish their studies. The top scholarships for MS in Canada are as follows:
| Scholarship | Amount |
| Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) | $10,200 – $12,700 |
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Study in Canada Scholarships | $10,200 – $12,700 |
| University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF) | $20,000 per year ($40,000 for 2 years) |
| Haskayne Entrance Scholarship | $1,500 – $20,000 |
Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED)
The Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) program is an initiative the government takes to strengthen the relationship between Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. The details are as follows:
- The scholarship covers airfare, living expenses (select), health insurance, visa or study/work permit fees, and other eligible expenses.
- To be eligible, the Student must be a citizen of an ASEAN member state (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos (Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR)), Malaysia, Myanmar, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, or Vietnam)
- The scholarship is awarded for one academic term (value amount: $10,200) or 5 – 6 months (value amount: $12,700).
Ontario Graduate Scholarship
Ontario Graduate Scholarship is given to students pursuing their Master’s program. The scholarship is jointly funded by the Province of Ontario and the University of Toronto. The value of this scholarship is $5,000 per session. Awardees may receive $10,000 or $15,000 for two or three consecutive sessions. The scholarship details are as follows:
- The student must be a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident, or International Student protected under subsection 95(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada).
- Students must be registered or planning to register in a full-time program of at least 2 years.
- Students must have an A- or equivalent in the last two years of full-time study program.
- Exceptions can be made for highly meritorious Students below the required GPA.
Study in Canada Scholarships
Study in Canada Scholarships are offered to international students from various countries. It aims to increase opportunities for Canadian universities to welcome students. The scholarship is a short-term exchange program under Global Affairs Canada’s International Scholarships Program. The details are as follows:
- Student must be a citizen of an eligible country/territory
- Asia: Bangladesh, Nepal, Taiwan
- Europe: Türkiye, Ukraine
- Middle East and North Africa: Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia
- Sub-Saharan Africa: Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda
- Students must be enrolled full-time at a post-secondary institution in any eligible country/territory.
- For four months or one academic term, the scholarship amount is $10,200.
- For five to six months, the scholarship value is $12,700.
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF)
The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships are offered to full-time Master’s students in Canada. The fellowship is awarded to those students who have demonstrated academic excellence & superior intellectual ability. The scholarship details are as follows:
- The awards are valued at $20,000 per year ($40,000 for 2 years)
- Students must have a minimum of 3.0 GPA to be eligible for the fellowship.
- Students must be enrolled in a graduate program at the University of Manitoba.
Haskayne Entrance Scholarship
Haskayne Entrance Scholarship is awarded by the University of Calgary to its MBA students. The details are as follows:
- The scholarship amount ranges from $1,500 – $20,000 per individual.
- Scholarships are awarded based on prior academic performance, including undergraduate GPA & GMAT scores.
- When you apply to the MBA program at the University of Calgary, you will be automatically considered for the Scholarship.
Top Universities for Scholarship for MS in Canada
Various universities in Canada offer scholarships to international students to ease their financial burden. Some of the top universities for Masters scholarships in Canada are:
| University of Toronto | University Of British Columbia |
| McGill University | University of Alberta |
| University of Waterloo | Queen’s University |
| University of Calgary | University of Ottawa |
Eligibility Criteria for Scholarship for MS in Canada
Fulfilling the eligibility criteria is essential for a scholarship for MS in Canada. The basic eligibility criteria are:
- Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or above
- English Language Proficiency Score (such as IELTS / TOEFL / DET / Pearson, etc)
- Standardized Test Scores (if applicable)
- Letters of Recommendation (if applicable)
Note: Some scholarships may require you to give an Interview for selection.
How do you get an MS Scholarship in Canada?
To get a scholarship for MS in Canada, you should:
- Start Early: Begin your scholarship search well in advance.
- Eligibility Criteria: Check eligibility for the scholarship. Check all the requirements, such as academic transcripts, work experience, etc.
- Statement of Purpose: Prepare a strong statement of purpose that highlights your academic and professional life. Ensure that your statement is adjusted according to the scholarships you are applying for.
- Letters of Recommendation: Ask your professors or mentors to write a good LoR for you. Request them to highlight your accomplishments.
- Efficient Application: Your scholarship application should be accurate & complete. Check the application thoroughly and attach all the required documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much financial support do scholarships offer for a Master’s in Canada?
Scholarship amounts vary widely. Some scholarships cover only tuition fees, while some may cover living and other expenses as well. The scholarships can range from CAD 5,000 – CAD 50,000 per year.
Are scholarships renewable every year for a Master’s in Canada?
Some scholarships are renewable yearly, depending on how well you have maintained your GPA or research progress.
When should I start applying for scholarships for a Master’s in Canada?
You should start applying for scholarships as soon as possible. Starting early, 7. 6-12 months before the intended start date is advisable.
Do I need Canadian work experience to qualify for scholarships for a Master’s?
No, you do not need Canadian work experience to qualify for scholarships for a Master’s in Canada.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships once for a Master’s in Canada?
If you are eligible, you can apply for multiple scholarships as it increases your chances of securing them.
