Carleton University Indira Gandhi Fellowship 2027 | Study in Canada — Carleton University
Stating a specific preference for visa students, rather than simply allowing international applicants alongside domestic ones, gives the Indira Gandhi Fellowship a distinctly international-first framing among Carleton’s broader graduate funding structure.
About the Fellowship
Carleton University offers the Indira Gandhi Fellowship, valued at $10,000 CAD annually, specifically for outstanding graduate students, with a stated preference for visa students. This distinctive named fellowship sits within Carleton’s broader Graduate Funding Package structure, which ranges in value from $1,000 to $20,000 CAD per year, based on the academic grades of a student’s previous degree, open to both domestic and international students.
Because funding for international students specifically at Carleton is described as limited, with only a few outstanding international applicants selected, the Indira Gandhi Fellowship’s explicit visa-student preference makes it a particularly relevant named award for international PhD applicants to specifically target, rather than relying solely on the broader, more competitive general funding package.
Carleton also offers smaller named awards, including the GSA International Student Award, worth up to $500 CAD, giving a more modest but accessible additional funding option alongside the broader fellowship and package structures. Eligible graduate students may separately pursue the Ontario Graduate Scholarship, typically covering $5,000 CAD per study term for up to three consecutive terms each academic year.
As a university located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada’s national capital, Carleton University offers international graduate students direct proximity to federal agencies and research institutions, combined with particular strength in public affairs, journalism, and engineering programs.
Fellowship Benefits
- An Indira Gandhi Fellowship worth $10,000 CAD annually, with a stated preference for visa students
- A broader Graduate Funding Package ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 CAD per year
- A GSA International Student Award worth up to $500 CAD
- Separate Ontario Graduate Scholarship access worth $5,000 CAD per term for eligible students
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be an outstanding graduate student at Carleton University, with visa students specifically preferred for Indira Gandhi Fellowship consideration
- Your broader Graduate Funding Package amount depends on your academic grades from your previous degree
- You must meet Carleton University’s standard graduate admission requirements for your program
- International student funding overall is limited, making strong academic credentials particularly important
Fields of Study Covered
The fellowship and broader funding structure applies across Carleton University’s graduate programs, with particular strength in public affairs, journalism, and engineering.
Required Documents
- A completed Carleton University graduate program application
- Academic transcripts from your previous degree, since funding amount is tied to these grades
- Letters of recommendation
- A statement of purpose or research interests, as required by your specific program
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Apply for admission to your chosen graduate program at Carleton University
- Submit all required application materials, including transcripts, recommendation letters, and your statement of purpose
- Confirm your visa student status if specifically targeting Indira Gandhi Fellowship consideration
- Complete your application by your program’s specific graduate application deadline
- Review your funding package details once you receive an admission offer
Selection Process
Individual departments at Carleton University evaluate graduate applicants based on academic record from their previous degree, with the Indira Gandhi Fellowship specifically weighing visa student status as a preference alongside overall candidacy strength.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Submit the strongest possible academic transcripts from your previous degree, since Graduate Funding Package amount is tied directly to these grades
- Clearly indicate your visa student status if targeting Indira Gandhi Fellowship consideration specifically
- Research Carleton’s strong public affairs, journalism, or engineering programs if relevant to your interests
- Compare this against other Ottawa-area graduate funding like the Carleton University President’s Welcome Award if you are also applying at the undergraduate level
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Indira Gandhi Fellowship amount?
$10,000 CAD annually, preferably awarded to outstanding visa students.
What is the broader Graduate Funding Package range?
$1,000 to $20,000 CAD per year, based on academic grades from your previous degree.
Is funding for international students at Carleton limited?
Yes, funding for international students specifically is limited, with only a few outstanding applicants selected.
What is the GSA International Student Award?
A smaller award worth up to $500 CAD.
Can I also apply for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship at Carleton?
Yes, eligible students can pursue this separately, typically covering $5,000 CAD per study term for up to three consecutive terms.
What is Carleton University known for academically?
Particular strength in public affairs, journalism, and engineering programs.
Where is Carleton University located?
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada’s national capital.
Can I combine this fellowship with outside funding?
Check Carleton University’s current policy on combining institutional fellowship funding with external scholarship sources.


