India has become Canada’s largest source of international students, and a dedicated India-Canada academic exchange body sits alongside federal, provincial, and Indian foundation funding that genuinely supports strong Indian applicants.
The ten options below give Indian applicants a realistic starting point, and complement the broader list of [fully funded scholarships in Canada](/fully-funded-scholarships-in-canada/).
1. Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute Scholarships
This dedicated India-Canada academic body funds research fellowships, doctoral exchanges, and short study visits for Indian scholars and students at Canadian institutions.
2. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Open to doctoral candidates of any nationality, the [Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship](/vanier-canada-graduate-scholarship/) has supported a steady number of strong Indian PhD applicants over the years.
3. Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships
This program has included India among its partner countries in several exchange cycles, funding study periods at Canadian universities through shared government and university funding.
4. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
This Indian foundation funds postgraduate study at top global universities, including several in Canada, covering tuition and living costs for exceptionally strong candidates.
5. JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship
The JN Tata Endowment offers a hybrid loan-scholarship for Indian students admitted to Canadian postgraduate programs, with part of the award structured as a low-interest loan.
6. IDRC Doctoral Research Award
Indian doctoral candidates conducting development-relevant research can apply for this award, offered through Canada’s International Development Research Centre.
7. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship
The [Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship](/pierre-elliott-trudeau-foundation-doctoral-scholarship/) funds doctoral research connected to major public issues and has supported strong Indian applicants in past cycles.
8. Rotary Global Grant Scholarship
Rotary clubs across India sponsor candidates for Canadian graduate study tied to one of the organization’s recognized areas of focus.
9. University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
This entrance award covers a significant portion of tuition for incoming international undergraduates, including Indian applicants, renewable each year the required grade average is maintained.
10. Global Affairs Canada Scholarships
Global Affairs Canada funds a range of scholarship initiatives connected to Canada’s broader development and academic partnerships, which periodically include programs relevant to Indian students.
Because Canadian study permit processing volumes from India remain extremely high, applying for both the scholarship and the study permit as early as possible within the admissions cycle helps avoid a last-minute scramble closer to the intake date.
Indian applicants should also budget for Canada.’s proof-of-funds requirement at the study permit stage, since a scholarship covering tuition alone may still leave a documented gap that needs to be shown through personal or sponsor funds.
Building relationships with Indian alumni already studying at a target Canadian university, often reachable through student associations or social media groups, can provide practical guidance that is not available through official program materials.
Comparing tuition and living costs across different Canadian provinces before finalizing a shortlist also helps, since a scholarship of the same nominal value can stretch considerably further in a smaller university town than in a major city.
Applicants should also double check whether a chosen Canadian scholarship counts toward the funds required for a study permit application, since some awards are disbursed only after arrival rather than before.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute actually fund?
It funds a range of academic exchanges between India and Canada, including doctoral fellowships, short research visits, and collaborative projects between institutions in both countries.
Are undergraduate Indian students eligible for Vanier?
No, Vanier is a doctoral-only scholarship, so undergraduate applicants would need to look at university entrance scholarships instead.
Do Indian foundations like JN Tata require repayment for Canadian study?
Yes, part of the JN Tata Endowment award is structured as a low-interest loan expected to be repaid after graduation, regardless of destination country.
How competitive is the IDRC Doctoral Research Award for Indian applicants?
It is competitive, since funding is limited and applicants are expected to propose research clearly connected to development outcomes.
Does a confirmed scholarship improve Canadian study permit approval chances?
It can help by demonstrating financial support, though a study permit is still assessed on its own full set of requirements beyond the scholarship itself.
Is work experience required for Rotary Global Grant Scholarships?
Not always required, though relevant experience connected to the proposed area of focus can strengthen an Indian applicant’s case.
Can Indian students combine a Canadian scholarship with part-time work?
Yes, most Canadian study permits allow international students to work part-time during the academic year under standard conditions.