How to Get Scholarship in Canada from Bangladesh?
- Humayra Arshi
- 8 min Read
Scholarships for studying in Canada from Bangladesh require researching Canadian institutions and their scholarship programs, meeting academic and language proficiency requirements, preparing strong application essays, and submitting applications early. Students should explore government, university-specific, and private organization scholarships.


Studying abroad is a dream for many, but for those in Bangladesh, the cost of obtaining an education in a foreign country can seem insurmountable. However, with the help of scholarships, that dream can become a reality. Scholarships offer students the financial support necessary to pursue their education. As a student from Bangladesh, the thought of studying in Canada might seem like a far-fetched dream. But scholarships are your ticket to unlocking the doors to a world-class education in Canada. With the right guidance and preparation, you can secure a scholarship that will cover your tuition fees and living expenses, making your journey to Canada an achievable one. Let’s embark on this exciting journey together as we explore the various opportunities available for students from Bangladesh to study in Canada with scholarships.
General Criteria for Applying to Scholarships in Canada as an International Applicant
International applicants willing to study in Canada can apply for scholarships based on both merit and needs. However, the primary factor that determines the chances of receiving a scholarship in Canada is the applicant’s academic record. A strong academic record significantly increases the likelihood of securing scholarships for international applicants, including Bangladeshi students. Again, this is not the only eligibility criterion for applying for scholarships. Factors such as education level and field of study also come into play. Some scholarships consider the participation of applicants in extracurricular activities and volunteer work. Scholarships are only available to international students who hold a valid study permit. Agencies that provide consultancy services for admission and visa can be contacted to make the process less hectic. Different scholarships in Canada have varying deadlines and eligibility requirements. Depending on which university you choose to apply to, the criteria might be different in each case. The general criteria of eligibility for scholarships include the following factors:
Decent academic performance record
Legal and valid study permit
Extracurricular activities
Volunteer works
Competence in leadership roles
Valid documents of enrollment at a Canadian post-secondary educational institution
Advantages of Scholarship Programs in Canada
Scholarship programs in Canada are designed to support aspiring students in their pursuit of higher education. They offer financial assistance to students who demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, or other criteria such as leadership potential, athletic ability, or community involvement. Let’s explore the advantages of scholarship programs in Canada.
Access to Higher Education
Most students from least-developed countries like Bangladesh generally do not have the access to higher education in the niche academic fields due to constraints in both funding and availability of resources. Fully funded scholarships mainly grant them access to continue their educational pursuits with the most advanced technology and resources.
Reduced Financial Burden
Scholarships help alleviate the financial burden on students and their families, enabling them to focus more easily on their studies and achieve their academic goals. This can help to reduce student debt and the financial stress that often comes with pursuing higher education.
Career Development
Scholarships in Canada can help students build a strong foundation for their future careers by providing financial support for internships, co-op programs, and other work-integrated learning opportunities. This can help students gain the hands-on experience they need to succeed in their chosen field.
Encouragement of Excellence
By rewarding students for their academic success, scholarships promote an environment of achievement and motivate them to pursue excellence. This, in turn, helps to maintain the high standards of education in Canada.
Diversification of the Student Population
Scholarships can help increase the diversity of the student population by offering support to students from underrepresented groups, including low-income families, Indigenous students, and students with disabilities. This diversification helps to create a more inclusive and representative student body.
Types of Scholarships Available for International Applicants in Canada
Canadian institutions offer a wide range of Canadian scholarship programs to international applicants including Bangladeshi students. The main three types of scholarships available for international students include:
Institutional Scholarships
Institutional scholarships include scholarship programs funded by particular institutions. Many colleges and universities in Canada offer undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate scholarship programs funded by the institutions.
Non-governmental Scholarships
Non-governmental bodies like organizations, foundations, and trusts offer sponsorship to aspiring international students to fund their tuition fees in order to motivate students in a particular field of study.
Top Scholarship Programs in Canada for Bangladeshi Applicants
There are many scholarships available in Canada for Bangladeshi students. The steps of applying for scholarships in Canada as a Bangladeshi student and getting selected are quite a hectic process. But with proper information and guidance, the process can be streamlined for anyone. Here, we will provide a list of all available scholarships in Canada for Bangladeshi students, along with their eligibility criteria for application. If you’re from Bangladesh and interested in studying in Canada on a scholarship, keep reading!
Brock University Scholars Award
The largest award in terms of grants offered by the university is the Brock Scholars Award. To be eligible for this award, you need to apply for an undergraduate degree program at Brocks University as a first-year incoming international student. Overall, Brock University offers scholarships of up to CAD 16,000 to international students.
Ontario Tech University International Entrance Scholarships
If you are an international student entering an undergraduate program at Ontario Tech University on a study permit and are currently studying outside of Canada, you can apply for the entrance scholarships offered by the university. Among them, the most prestigious entrance scholarship is the Global Leadership Award (GLA), and it is application-based. However, the amount awarded by Ontario Tech University through other scholarships is up to $4000.
North Island College Financial Awards
International students including students applying from Bangladesh are eligible for two of the generous financial awards provided by NIC, the English Proficiency Award and the Language Pathway Student Awards. The awards are given to three individuals per intake.
Both are one-time scholarships awarded directly towards the tuition once the full-time student status is confirmed. The eligibility for the English Proficiency Award is automatically determined on the basis of the English Proficiency Test documents submitted with the main application.
For the other award, you need to submit a separate letter directly to the Manager of International Enrollment and Recruitment at the time of application. Overall, the NIC offers scholarships of up to 2,000 CAD to international students.
Georgian College Entrance Awards
International Entrance Scholarship 2023/24 is the Georgian College Entrance Scholarship specifically designed for international students. The scholarship is awarded to first-year international students joining Georgian College for the academic year 2023-24.
However, the scholarship is limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, with additional criteria applied if necessary. The scholarship is valued at up to CAD 2000.
Thompson Rivers University Scholarships
There are a number of scholarships and awards available for international students at Thompson Rivers University. Among them, the most lucrative ones are the Academic Excellence Award and the Exceptional Student Award. No separate applications are needed for any of these awards.
Students are automatically identified by the international marketing team at the university based on the main application and contacted directly if deemed eligible.
Vancouver International University Worldwide Entrance Award
This award is provided annually to international applicants, including students from Bangladesh, applying to the university in the Fall semester for a degree-seeking program. The VIU Worldwide Entrance award is granted to a maximum of 20 international students based on the grades submitted with the main application. No separate application is required to be considered for this scholarship. Students may be eligible to receive up to CAD 2,000.
University Canada West Entrance Scholarships
Among the wide range of entrance scholarships offered to international students by UCW, students from Bangladesh are eligible for the following: the Entrance Scholarship for Academic Excellence, the International Student Leader Award, the Live Our Vision of Education Scholarship, and the SouthEast Asia (SEA) Regional Grant. To be eligible for the scholarships, you need to submit a personal statement explaining your personal, educational, and career goals and how a degree from UCW will help you achieve them, along with your primary application. The value of the award is determined on the basis of the personal statement.
Lakehead University International Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship
Suppose you are an international student applying to an undergraduate program at Lakehead University for the academic year 2023-24. In that case, you are eligible for the International Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship valued at up to CAD 40000. The scholarship is awarded to top international students based on academic merit and ranges from $6,000 to $40,000 per year. International students are automatically considered for this scholarship, and no separate scholarship application is required.
The Government of Canada Scholarship Program
The Government of Canada Scholarship Program offers funding to international students from countries with which Canada maintains diplomatic relations. The scholarship applies to the citizens of these countries who are studying in Canada for an undergraduate or graduate-level degree. The scholarship provides $2,500 per semester and is applicable for up to three semesters. The eligibility criteria include a good academic performance record along with being a full-time student at an accredited Canadian post-secondary educational institution.
Partnership Grants by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
The grant is offered to PhD students. Candidates support new or existing research initiatives in social sciences and humanities. The scholarship amount is up to $20,000 and applies for 4 to 7 years.
Summary
Getting a scholarship to study in Canada from Bangladesh requires research and preparation. There are a number of options available, including scholarships offered by the Canadian government, universities and colleges, and private organizations. A good academic record, proof of financial need, and relevant work or professional experience will boost your chances of receiving a scholarship in Canada. Another important factor is taking the time to craft a compelling statement that highlights your relevant experience and career aspirations for the scholarship application. You can improve your chances of securing a scholarship by utilizing online resources, contacting Canadian institutions, and consulting with experts.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What criteria do I need to meet to be eligible for a scholarship to study in Canada?
Answer: The eligibility criteria vary based on the scholarship provider and program, but generally, you need to have a good academic record, meet language requirements, and demonstrate financial need.
How do I apply for a scholarship to study in Canada from Bangladesh?
Answer: You typically apply for scholarships through the scholarship provider’s website or by submitting a completed application form to the Canadian embassy in Bangladesh.
What types of scholarships are available for international students to study in Canada?
Answer: There are various types of scholarships available for international students, including merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, and scholarships specifically for students from certain countries, including Bangladesh.
Can I work while studying in Canada on a scholarship?
Answer: It depends on the scholarship and your immigration status. Some scholarships may include funding for living expenses and may not allow you to work while studying. However, some international students may be eligible to work part-time on campus while studying in Canada.

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