Canada launches $100 million scholarship fund for Indian students under new talent strategy

Canada unveils $100m scholarships for Indians

Canada has unveiled a new scholarship initiative worth up to $100 million to support Indian students, as part of a broader education and talent partnership between Ottawa and New Delhi, Times of India reported. The announcement was made last week during official bilateral talks.

The scholarship scheme falls under the Canada–India Talent and Innovation Strategy, a framework aimed at deepening collaboration in higher education and research between institutions in both countries.

According to an official government statement, the strategy outlines multiple measures to expand academic cooperation and joint research efforts between Canadian and Indian universities.

At the heart of the initiative is a $100 million scholarship fund that will offer up to 200 fully funded scholarships to Indian students pursuing studies at Canadian universities. The funding will be administered through the University of Toronto and will support selected Indian students admitted to recognised Canadian institutions.

Specific eligibility criteria, timelines and application procedures have yet to be announced. However, officials indicated that the scholarships are expected to cover tuition fees and other academic expenses.

The scholarship programme forms just one component of the wider Canada–India Talent and Innovation Strategy.

The plan also establishes 13 new institutional partnerships between universities in the two countries. These collaborations are designed to promote student exchanges, facilitate joint research projects and streamline pathways for cross-border study.

Additionally, the initiative proposes the creation of three “hybrid study locations” in India. These centres will be jointly operated by Canadian universities in partnership with Indian institutions, focusing on priority sectors such as technology and artificial intelligence.

The hybrid centres will allow students to begin Canadian university programmes in India before completing their degrees in Canada.

The Canadian government also said the strategy includes enhanced research collaboration, expanded faculty and student mobility, and a memorandum of understanding covering cooperation in creative industries, including visual arts, music, publishing and entertainment technologies.

India remains one of the largest sources of international students in Canada. The new programme is viewed as part of Ottawa’s efforts to strengthen its position as a preferred destination for global talent and higher education.