Canada has unveiled a $100 million scholarship programme aimed at expanding higher education opportunities for Indian students while strengthening academic and research collaboration between the two countries. Under the new initiative, up to 200 fully funded scholarships will be offered to Indian students admitted to participating Canadian universities. The programme will be managed by the University of Toronto and will support students across multiple levels of study.
The scholarship scheme forms a key component of the Canada–India Talent and Innovation Strategy, which aims to enhance student mobility, academic partnerships, and collaborative research between institutions in Canada and India.
Scholarship Coverage and Study Levels
The new funding programme is designed to support Indian students pursuing higher education in Canada at different academic levels. The scholarships will cover:
- Undergraduate (UG) programmes
- Postgraduate (PG) programmes
- Doctoral (PhD) programmes
- Postdoctoral research programmes
In many cases, the funding will include:
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
- Research costs and academic resources
This comprehensive support aims to reduce financial barriers and make Canadian higher education more accessible to talented Indian students.
Hybrid Study Centres in India
One of the most innovative aspects of the programme is the creation of three hybrid study centres in India. These centres will allow students to begin their Canadian degree programmes in India before completing their studies in Canada.
The hubs will focus on advanced research and training in areas such as:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Technology and innovation
- Interdisciplinary research collaborations
These centres will facilitate joint academic programmes, collaborative research projects, and specialized training initiatives between Indian and Canadian universities.
University Partnerships
The initiative will involve several leading Canadian universities working with Indian institutions. One proposed centre will be developed by Dalhousie University in collaboration with Indian academic partners.
In total, Canadian and Indian universities have signed 13 new agreements to strengthen educational ties. These agreements aim to promote:
- Student exchange programmes
- Joint academic degrees
- Collaborative research projects
- Short-term training programmes and courses
The partnerships will focus on high-impact sectors including:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Clean Energy
- Agriculture
- Health Sciences
- Public Policy
Quick Reference Summary
| Feature | Details |
| Programme Value | $100 Million |
| Total Scholarships | Up to 200 |
| Managing Institution | University of Toronto |
| Study Levels | UG, PG, PhD, Postdoctoral |
| Additional Benefits | Tuition, living expenses, research support |
| Hybrid Study Centres | 3 centres planned in India |
| Key Research Areas | AI, technology, innovation, clean energy |
| Official Partner Universities | Multiple Canadian and Indian institutions |
Context: Canada’s International Student Policy
While Canada continues to attract international students, the government recently reduced the number of international study permits to manage temporary migration and address visa-related fraud.
According to government data:
- Around 74% of Indian study permit applications were rejected in August 2025, compared with 32% in 2024.
- Approximately 40% of all international student applications were rejected during the same period.
- About 24% of applications from China were also denied.
Despite these stricter policies, Canada’s new scholarship programme demonstrates a commitment to attracting high-quality international students, particularly from India.
Why This Initiative Matters
The Canada–India Talent and Innovation strategy reflects growing cooperation between the two countries in education, research, and innovation. By combining scholarships, hybrid study models, and research partnerships, the initiative aims to:
- Enhance academic mobility
- Encourage cross-border innovation
- Support talented students and researchers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| How many scholarships are available under the new Canada programme? |
| Up to 200 fully funded scholarships will be offered to Indian students. |
| Who will manage the scholarship programme? |
| The programme will be managed by the University of Toronto. |
| Which study levels are covered? |
| UG, PG, doctoral, and postdoctoral programmes are included. |
| Will the scholarship cover living expenses? |
| Yes, in many cases it will cover tuition fees, living expenses, and research costs. |
| What are hybrid study centres? |
| They allow students to start their Canadian programmes in India before completing them in Canada. |
| Which research areas will the programme focus on? |
| AI, technology, innovation, clean energy, agriculture, health sciences, and public policy. |
| How many academic agreements have been signed between Canada and India? |
| A total of 13 new agreements have been signed to strengthen collaboration. |
| Why did Canada reduce international student permits recently? |
| To manage temporary migration and address fraud related to student visa applications. |
Canada’s $100 million scholarship programme for Indian students marks a major step in strengthening academic collaboration and research partnerships between the two countries. With 200 fully funded scholarships, hybrid study centres, and new university agreements, the initiative aims to make global education more accessible while fostering innovation and knowledge exchange. Students interested in studying in Canada should monitor official university announcements and government portals for application details. Bookmark this page for the latest updates on international scholarships and study abroad opportunities.
