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Scholarships for International Students Based on Canada Intakes: Many international students dream of studying in Canada due to its world-class education, diverse culture, and excellent career opportunities. However, the cost of tuition and Cost of living in Canada can be a major concern for international students. Meanwhile, scholarships play a vital role in easing this financial burden, making it essential for students to explore funding options early.
A crucial aspect of securing scholarships is knowing how their availability varies across different Canada Intakes 2025—Fall, Winter, and Summer. Each Canada intake offers varying opportunities for financial aid, with the Fall intake providing the majority of the options, while Winter and Summer have relatively fewer scholarships. Students can maximize their chances of receiving financial support for their study in Canada by strategically planning their applications according to the scholarships for international students based on Canada intakes.
Read More: Reasons To Study In Canada For Indian Students
When applying to Canada universities, international students should consider how scholarship opportunities vary depending on the intake. Canada offers three main intakes: Fall (September), Winter (January), and Summer (May). Each intake offers different levels of scholarship for international students. The table below provides an overview of scholarship opportunities based on these intakes.
Scholarships for International Students Based on Canada Intakes
Intake
Scholarship Availability
Notes
Fall (September)
High
Government, university, and external scholarships are available.
Winter (January)
Moderate
Fewer scholarships compared to Fall, but still offers institutional and departmental funding.
Summer (May)
Limited
Few scholarships are available, as fewer programs admit students during this intake.
Scholarships in Canada come in various forms, catering to different academic levels and financial needs. These scholarships can be categorized into different types based on their funding sources and eligibility criteria. Below are some of the major types of scholarships available to international students:
Government-Funded Scholarships: Provided by the Canadian government to attract global talent.
University-Specific Scholarships: Offered by individual universities based on merit, financial need, or other criteria.
External Scholarships: Funded by private organizations, NGOs, or international bodies.
Research and Assistantship Scholarships: Available for students pursuing research-intensive programs.
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The Fall intake is the dominant and competitive intake in Canada. Universities offer the highest number of scholarships during this period as they enroll the largest number of students. If you are applying for the Fall intake, you will have access to a wide range of scholarship opportunities across different institutions.
Popular Scholarships for Fall Intake:
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (VCGS): This prestigious scholarship is for doctoral students demonstrating academic excellence and leadership skills.
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship: Offered by the University of Toronto, this scholarship is awarded to exceptional undergraduate students who have shown outstanding leadership and academic potential.
University of British Columbia (UBC) International Leader of Tomorrow Award: This scholarship is designed for undergraduate students with strong academic backgrounds and leadership qualities.
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS): Available for graduate students studying in Ontario, this scholarship recognizes academic excellence.
York University International Student Scholarship: Ranges from CAD 20,000 to CAD 35,000 per year for outstanding students applying for undergraduate programs.
The Fall intake attracts the highest number of applicants and offers more financial aid opportunities. Some reasons why this intake has the majority of scholarships include:
More funding and grants are allocated for the largest student intake.
Greater availability of research assistantships and teaching assistant positions.
Better chances for merit-based and entrance scholarships.
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The Winter intake serves as a second chance for students who missed the Fall intake. While fewer programs are available, it still offers excellent opportunities for students. Many universities continue to provide funding options to attract students during this period.
Popular Scholarships for Winter Intake:
University of Waterloo International Master’s and Doctoral Awards: These awards are given to graduate students based on merit and research potential.
Humber College International Entrance Scholarships: Partial tuition scholarships are available for undergraduate students enrolling in the Winter intake.
Carleton University Entrance Scholarships: Designed for academically strong undergraduate students joining in the Winter semester.
University of Alberta Graduate Recruitment Scholarship: Awarded to graduate students with exceptional academic records and research contributions.
Dalhousie University Entrance Awards: Merit-based scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students enrolling in the Winter intake.
While the Winter intake has fewer scholarship opportunities than the Fall intake, it still offers significant benefits:
Fewer applicants mean reduced competition for available scholarships.
Some universities offer leftover scholarships from the Fall intake.
More chances for assistantship positions due to fewer students applying.
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The Summer intake has the least number of scholarships, as it is the smallest intake with fewer programs offered. However, specialized and short-term course scholarships may be available. If you are looking for financial aid in the Summer intake, your options may be limited but still worth exploring.
Popular Scholarships for Summer Intake:
Mitacs Globalink Research Internship: A competitive research internship program for undergraduates that provides funding for students to engage in research projects.
Centennial College Scholarships: Provides financial aid for students in diploma and certificate programs enrolling in the Summer intake.
University of Winnipeg President’s Scholarship for World Leaders: Designed for international students in various programs, recognizing leadership and academic excellence.
Concordia University Entrance Scholarships: Limited scholarships are available for students enrolling in Summer programs, particularly in specialized fields.
The Summer intake offers fewer scholarship opportunities due to the following reasons:
Fewer universities offer full-time programs during this intake.
Major funding opportunities are allocated for Fall and Winter intakes.
Scholarships are often specific to short-term or diploma programs.
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Securing a scholarship requires proper planning and preparation. Here are some key strategies to increase your chances of receiving financial aid:
Apply Early: Scholarship deadlines often close before admission deadlines, so start your application process early.
Maintain a Strong Academic Record: The majority of the scholarships are merit-based, so high grades improve your chances.
Write a Compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP): Showcase your achievements, goals, and why you deserve the scholarship.
Look for External Funding: Explore scholarships from private organizations and government bodies.
Check University-Specific Scholarships: Each university has its own scholarships; regularly check their official websites.
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Ans. Yes, full scholarships are available for international students in Canada, primarily through government programs (e.g., Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships) and university-specific awards. However, they are highly competitive and often based on academic excellence, leadership, or research potential.
Ans. The Fall (September) intake is the best for international students as it offers the most programs, scholarships, and internship opportunities. It also provides better chances for financial aid and networking compared to Winter (January) and Summer (May) intakes.
Ans. Scholarship eligibility varies, but common criteria include strong academic records, leadership qualities, extracurricular achievements, and research experience. Some scholarships also consider financial need, community service, or specific fields of study.
Ans. The minimum percentage varies by scholarship, but most require at least 70–80% (GPA 3.0+ on a 4.0 scale). Highly competitive scholarships may demand 85–90% or higher, along with additional achievements.
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