Best MSc Scholarships in Canada for International Students

Master’s scholarships in Canada for international students range from CAD 10,000 (≈ INR 6.1 lakh) to CAD 50,000 (≈ INR 30.5 lakh) annually. Leading options include the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) and Canada Graduate Scholarships.

These awards are merit-based, often requiring a GPA of 3.0 or higher, strong research proposals, and recommendation letters. For international students, securing an MSc scholarship in Canada provides both financial relief and access to globally ranked universities in Canada.

Key Highlight:

Aspect	Details
Funding Range	CAD 10,000 – CAD 50,000 annually (INR 6.1 – 30.5 lakh)
Key Programs	Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS), Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s (CGS-M)
Eligibility	GPA 3.0+ or 90%+, strong research proposal, recommendation letters, language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
Application Timeline	Typically December – April, varies by program
Duration	1–3 years depending on scholarship
Target Audience	Domestic and international MSc students
Competitive Factors	Academic excellence, leadership, research output, publications

Thinking about how to study in Canada? Get everything from university selection to scholarships in one place.

Top MSc Scholarship in Canada

Canada offers several major funding programs for graduate students. An MSc scholarship in Canada can ease tuition and living costs, with awards ranging from CAD 10,000 (INR 6.1 lakh) to CAD 50,000 (INR 30.5 lakh). 

Leading options include the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS), and Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program (CGS-M). These merit-based awards focus on academic excellence, leadership, and research potential, making them highly competitive for international applicants.

Top Scholarships for MSc in Canada:

1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships is Canada’s most prestigious graduate award, offering CAD 50,000 per year (≈ INR 30.5 lakh) for three years. It is designed to attract top-tier students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and strong research potential. 

Aspect	Details
Funding Amount	CAD 50,000 annually (≈ INR 30.5 lakh)
Duration	3 years
Number of Awards	Up to 166 scholarships granted each year
Eligibility	Academic excellence, leadership qualities, and research potential
Application Process	Nomination by Canadian university, submission of academic transcripts, CV, research proposal, and references
Target Audience	Domestic and international MSc students
Selection Criteria	Weighted on academic record, leadership experience, and research contributions
Deadline	Typically November each year

2. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship supports master’s students with CAD 10,000–15,000 (≈ INR 6.1–9.1 lakh) depending on study terms. It is awarded based on academic merit and requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent. 

Aspect	Details
Funding Amount	CAD 10,000 for two terms or CAD 15,000 for three terms (≈ INR 6.1–9.1 lakh)
Duration	2–3 academic terms
Number of Awards	Thousands distributed annually across Ontario universities
Eligibility	Minimum GPA of 3.0 (70–75%), full-time enrollment in a graduate program
Application Process	Apply through the graduate office of participating Ontario universities; requires transcripts, CV, and references
Target Audience	Domestic and international MSc students studying in Ontario
Selection Criteria	Academic excellence, research potential, and program fit
Deadline	Varies by institution, typically between October–January

3. Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s (CGS-M)

The CGS-M program provides CAD 17,500 (INR 10.7 lakh) for one year, supporting students with strong academic records and research proposals. It is jointly administered by Canada’s three federal granting agencies: CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC. 

Aspect	Details
Funding Amount	CAD 17,500 (≈ INR 10.7 lakh)
Duration	1 year
Number of Awards	Approximately 3,000 scholarships awarded annually
Eligibility	Strong academic record, research proposal, enrollment in eligible Canadian institution
Application Process	Apply via Research Portal; requires transcripts, CV, research proposal, and references
Target Audience	Domestic and international MSc students
Selection Criteria	Academic excellence, research potential, and program relevance
Deadline	Typically December each year

4. University of British Columbia (UBC) Graduate Scholarships

University of British Columbia (UBC) provides a wide range of merit-based and need-based funding for graduate students. Awards vary by program but can reach CAD 18,200 (INR 11.1 lakh) plus tuition coverage. 

Aspect	Details
Funding Amount	Up to CAD 18,200 annually (≈ INR 11.1 lakh) + tuition
Duration	1–2 years depending on award
Number of Awards	Varies by program; competitive merit-based distribution
Eligibility	Strong academic record, research proposal, enrollment in UBC graduate program
Application Process	Apply through UBC Graduate School; requires transcripts, CV, SOP, references
Target Audience	Domestic and international MSc students
Selection Criteria	Academic excellence, leadership, and research achievements
Deadline	Varies by program, typically December–March

5. McGill University – McCall MacBain Scholarships

McGill University hosts the McCall MacBain Scholarships, Canada’s first comprehensive leadership-driven scholarship for master’s and professional degrees. It offers full funding (tuition + living stipend) to up to 30 scholars annually, plus 100 entrance awards. 

Aspect	Details
Funding Amount	Full tuition + living stipend (≈ CAD 20,000–30,000 annually, INR 12.2–18.3 lakh equivalent)
Duration	Entire length of MSc program (1–2 years)
Number of Awards	30 full scholarships + 100 entrance awards annually
Eligibility	Leadership potential, academic excellence, community engagement
Application Process	Apply directly via McCall MacBain portal; requires transcripts, CV, SOP, references, and interviews
Target Audience	Domestic and international MSc students
Selection Criteria	Leadership, character, service, and academic merit
Deadline	Typically September each year

Check out:  How to Study in Canada for Free in 2026? Check List of Scholarship, Eligibility 

Application Process for MSc Scholarships in Canada

Applying for an MSc scholarship in Canada requires careful planning and timely submission of documents. Most scholarships follow a structured process, and missing a step can affect eligibility.

Steps to Apply:

1. Research Scholarships Identify suitable programs such as Vanier, OGS, or CGS-M, and check eligibility criteria.
2. Prepare Academic Documents Collect transcripts, proof of GPA (minimum 3.0 or 90%+), and standardized test scores (IELTS/TOEFL if required).
3. Draft Research Proposal & SOP Write a clear statement of purpose and research plan highlighting academic excellence, leadership, and research potential.
4. Secure References Obtain strong  letter of recommendation from professors or supervisors.
5. University Nomination (if required) For scholarships like Vanier, students must be nominated by a Canadian university.
6. Submit Application Online Apply through official portals (e.g., Research Portal for CGS-M, university graduate offices for OGS).
7. Track Deadlines Deadlines vary:
   • Vanier: November
   • CGS-M: December
   • OGS: October–January (depending on university)
8. Await Results Selection is based on academic merit, leadership, and research potential. Successful applicants are notified by email or through the portal.

Must check out: Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada 2026

Tips to Strengthen Your Scholarship Application

Winning an MSc scholarship in Canada requires more than just good grades. A strong application highlights your academic excellence, leadership, and research potential. Here are practical tips to make your profile stand out:

Key Tips:

1. Maintain a High GPA 
   Aim for at least 3.0 (≈ 70–75%) or higher, as most scholarships are merit-based.
2. Craft a Strong Statement of Purpose (SOP) 
   Clearly explain your academic goals, research interests, and how the scholarship will help you contribute to your field.
3. Develop a Solid Research Proposal 
   Showcase originality, feasibility, and alignment with Canadian research priorities.
4. Highlight Leadership & Extracurriculars 
   Scholarships like Vanier value leadership, community service, and teamwork alongside academics.
5. Secure Strong References 
   Choose referees who know your academic and research abilities well, and can provide detailed endorsements.
6. Prepare Early for Deadlines 
   Applications often close between October–December. Start drafting documents months in advance.
7. Showcase International Outlook 
   Emphasize how studying in Canada will enhance global collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Also check out: Cost of Studying in Canada: A Complete Guide    

Conclusion

Securing an MSc scholarship in Canada is a powerful way to reduce costs while gaining access to world-class education. With options like the Vanier, OGS, CGS-M, and university-specific awards at UBC and McGill, students can receive funding between CAD 10,000–50,000 (INR 6.1–30.5 lakh). These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and research potential, making Canada an attractive destination for international students seeking both financial support and global career opportunities.

Book a free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad’s expert advisors today and take the first step towards your global education journey!