In a major step to encourage more Indian students to pursue higher education in Canada, the country has announced a $100 million scholarship initiative aimed at expanding academic opportunities and strengthening educational ties between the two nations. The programme forms part of a broader effort to deepen Canada–India academic partnerships, enhance research collaboration, and improve student mobility through new funding pathways.
A key highlight of the initiative is the provision of up to 200 fully funded scholarships for Indian students. These scholarships will be administered through the University of Toronto and will be available to students admitted to participating Canadian institutions. The funding will support students at multiple academic levels, including undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral programmes. In many cases, the scholarships are expected to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and research-related costs, helping reduce the financial burden associated with studying abroad. Officials have stated that the goal is not only to attract talented students and researchers but also to build long-term academic cooperation between institutions in both countries.
Another important aspect of the programme is the establishment of three hybrid study centres in India. These centres will allow students to begin their Canadian degree programmes in India before completing them in Canada, making international education more accessible and affordable. The proposed academic hubs are expected to focus on high-growth fields such as artificial intelligence, technology, innovation, and advanced research. One of the centres is likely to be developed by Dalhousie University in collaboration with Indian institutions, while the remaining hubs will involve partnerships with other leading Canadian universities.
As part of the wider initiative, 13 new agreements have been signed between universities in Canada and India to expand cooperation in areas such as student exchange programmes, joint degrees, collaborative research projects, and short-term training courses. These partnerships are expected to focus on priority sectors including artificial intelligence, clean energy, agriculture, health sciences, and public policy.
The announcement comes at a time when international student policies are evolving globally. In 2024, Canada introduced a temporary cap on international student permits, reducing approvals by around 35 percent to ease pressure on housing, healthcare, and other public services. Since Indian students make up the largest group of international students in Canada, the policy had a noticeable impact, with reports indicating a significant drop in study permit approvals in 2025. At the same time, changing visa policies and rising costs in other countries have also influenced student decisions. Through this new scholarship initiative, Canada is signalling its continued commitment to strengthening education ties with India while creating structured and sustainable pathways for aspiring students.
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