Scholarships for Pakistani Students in Canada

Scholarships for Pakistani Students in Canada

One of the most popular study destinations for international students is Canada. Pakistani students are also catching up on this path in their higher education. Canada is not only good for its high academic standards but also for its huge scholarship opportunities. Need more information? This article will let you explore scholarships for Pakistani students in Canada.

Why Canada is a Choice Destination for Pakistani Students

The reason Canada is becoming the number one choice for Pakistani students is its academic excellence. The education system in Canada is top-notch. They offer high-quality learning and excellent research opportunities. Students can get a great education that is recognized globally.

Another good thing about Canada is its welcoming and inclusive culture. People from all over the world live in Canada, making it a truly multicultural country. You will find people from various backgrounds and feel welcomed and accepted.

The Canadian government supports international students and offers many scholarships to help them. These scholarships help students with their education costs, making studying in Canada easier. The government, universities, and other organizations provide financial support to talented students worldwide.

Types of Scholarships: Partially Funded vs. Fully-Funded Scholarships

There are two main types of scholarships you should know about. They are— partially-funded scholarships and fully-funded scholarships.

Partially Funded Scholarships

Partially funded scholarships cover only a part of your education costs. This might include some of your tuition fees, or it could help with living expenses like housing and food.

Pros

• They can reduce a significant part of your expenses.
• You have more chances because there are many options available for this.
• They often have less competition compared to fully-funded scholarships.

Cons:

• You still need to find a way to cover the rest of your expenses.
• You may need to work part-time to make up the difference.

Fully-Funded Scholarships

Fully funded scholarships are the dream for many students. These scholarships cover everything from your tuition fees to living expenses. Sometimes, these even cover your travel costs, books, and supplies.

Pros:

• They take care of all your financial needs, allowing you to study without stress.
• They often come from prestigious programs or institutions, which can enhance your resume.
• You can focus more on your academics and extracurricular activities.

Cons:

• Highly competitive.
• The application process can be more demanding, requiring a strong academic background.

Which One is Right for You?

Apparently, every student wishes to get a fully funded scholarship to study abroad. As the first option, you should always go for a full-fund scholarship. But if your chances are below average, apply for partial-funded scholarships instead.

A fully-funded scholarship is the best option if you need full financial support. But the competition is higher to get this, and you must meet all the criteria. Thus, choosing between partially and fully funded scholarships sometimes depends on your situation. For example, poor CGPA or IELTS score, weak SOP, etc., can lower funding grants' chances.

In such cases, you may opt out of a partially funded scholarship. Though it will not entirely cover your tuition fees, it can reduce your financial burden significantly.

Undergraduate Scholarships for Pakistani Students

There are several free scholarships for Pakistani students in Canada. To get these scholarships, you need to meet specific requirements. Let's go through the key things you need to know.

Eligibility and Criteria

Most scholarships will look at your school grades before selecting you. You usually need to have good academic results at your high school level. Some scholarships also check your participation in extracurricular activities. These are to assess how active and engaged you are in your community.

Many top Canadian universities offer undergraduate scholarships to international students. Pakistani students can apply for these as well. These can be merit-based or need-based.

Some Fully-funded scholarships for Pakistani Undergraduate Students

University/Institute	Scholarship Name	Amount
University of Toronto (UOT)	Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship	Covers tuition, books, and full residence support for four years
University of Waterloo	The University of Waterloo Scholarship	$1,000 to $40,000
University of Calgary	University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship	$60,000, $15,000 (renewable annually). $10,000 (non-renewable)
Université de Montréal	Université de Montréal Scholarships	Up to $27,300 per year
University of British Columbia (UBC)	Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES)	$10,000 – $25,000/year. $10,000 – $20,000/year.
University Canada West	University Canada West Scholarship	Up to $20,000
McGill University	McGill University Scholarships	Up to $8,500
University of Winnipeg	University of Winnipeg Scholarships	Valued from $3,500 to $5,000
Humber College	Humber College Entrance Scholarship	Up to $3,000-$5,000
York University	York University Scholarship	$35,000 per year (total value $140,000)
Douglas College	Douglas College International Student Scholarship	Up to CAD 7,000 of the tuition fees

Masters Scholarships for Pakistani Students

Master's scholarships often require a bachelor's degree with excellent academic performance. You may also need to show your research capabilities. Having any published research paper increases the chances of getting a postgraduate scholarship. Here's a list of universities that offer scholarships for their Master's Programs.

• University of Waterloo
• Université de Montréal
• University of Saskatchewan
• Dalhousie University
• University Canada West
• McGill University
• University of Winnipeg
• Newcastle University

Besides these, some popular scholarships are available specifically for Master's Programs. For example,

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program
• University of Calgary Graduate Awards
• Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
• UBC Graduate Global Leadership Fellowships
• IMAE program (University of Waterloo)

Specialized Degree Scholarships

Apart from undergrads or Masters, there are also scholarships for specialized degrees. Some of these are mentioned below:

Canadian PhD Scholarships for Pakistani Students

PhD scholarships are available for various research fields and are often fully funded. For example, The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are available for doctoral students. Usually, these scholarships require a strong research proposal and academic record.

MBA Scholarships for Pakistani Students

Many top Canadian business schools have MBA scholarships. These are awarded based on academic performance, leadership skills, and professional achievements. Some leading business schools that offer these scholarships are:

• The Rotman School of Management (UOT)
• Sauder School of Business (University of British Columbia)
• Schulich School of Business (York University).

Medical Scholarships: MBBS Scholarships for Pakistani Students

Several scholarships are available for students pursuing medical degrees. These scholarships are very competitive but available. For example,

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
• Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at UOT

Besides these, there are university-specific and government scholarships for MBBS programs in Canada.

What Documents Do I Need to Apply for a Scholarship in Canada as a Pakistani Student?

Checklist of Required Documents

• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement or essay
• Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, DET)
• Resume or CV
• Passport copy
• Specific scholarship application forms

Can I Apply for Multiple Scholarships Simultaneously in Canada?

You can undoubtedly apply for multiple scholarships at the same time. In fact, it's good to apply for multiple instead of just one scholarship program. To manage this, keep a detailed calendar of deadlines and requirements.

Canadian universities specifically read all applications thoroughly. So, avoid submitting the same generic application. While applying for any scholarship program, always avoid submitting incomplete applications. Also, never miss the deadlines.

How to Apply for Scholarships in Canada: A Step-by-Step Guide

Before you apply for scholarships in Canada, do your research carefully. Canadian universities or other scholarship providers actively update their websites. You'll find all kinds of information on admission or scholarship. Visit the sites and apply online. Follow the below steps in your application process:

• List up universities that offer the scholarships you are looking for.
• Visit the universities' websites. Find out scholarships that match your field of study and eligibility.
• Prepare and gather all required documents.
• Write compelling essays (for undergrad) or SOP (for postgraduates).
• Complete and submit the application forms by the deadline.
• Keep checking your email for responses.

Free Scholarships for Pakistani Students: The Fine Print

While "free" scholarships imply no tuition fees, they may not cover living expenses or other costs. On the other hand, Fully-funded scholarships cover all expenses.

Even with a scholarship, there are hidden costs that you need to pay. For example, some scholarships don't cover application fees, books, and personal expenses. It's good to budget for these additional costs to avoid financial strain.

FAQs: Your Scholarship Questions Answered

How Can I Apply for a Canadian Government Scholarship?

Research the specific government scholarships available. Check eligibility criteria and fill out your application form online. Then, submit the necessary documents (online/post) within the deadlines.

What Are the Fully Funded Scholarships for Pakistani Students in Undergraduate Courses?

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships and the International Leader of Tomorrow Awards.

What's the Deadline for Most Scholarship Applications in Canada?

Deadlines vary. But it's usually between December and March of the following academic year.

Are There Scholarships That Don't Require a High GPA?

Yes. Some scholarships focus on leadership or specific talents rather than academic performance. TD Scholarships for Community Leadership, for example.

Can I Still Apply for a Scholarship if I'm Already in Canada?

Yes, many scholarships are available to current international students in Canada.

Conclusion

Whether partially or fully funded, scholarships can ease your financial burdens. The mentioned scholarships for Pakistani students in Canada can open new doors to your higher education. Finding the right scholarships that meet your eligibility can increase your chances of getting one. So, keep up your research and find a scholarship to study at Canadian universities.

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