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 provide students with the financial support needed 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. So, 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 main factor that drives the chances of receiving a scholarship in Canada is the academic record of the applicant. A good academic record influences the probability of receiving scholarships for international applicants including Bangladeshi students. Again, this is not the only eligibility criteria for applying for scholarships. Factors such as education level and field of study come into play too. There are also some scholarships that take into account the participation of applicants in extracurricular activities and volunteer work. Scholarships can only be availed by international students who are in possession of a valid study permit. Agencies that provide consultancy about admission and visa services can be contacted for making the process less hectic. Different scholarships in Canada have varying deadlines and requirements for eligibility. Depending on what 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 the access to continue their academic pursuits with the most advanced technology and resources.

Reduced Financial Burden

Scholarships help to reduce the financial burden on students and their families, making it easier for them to focus 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 the available scholarships in Canada for Bangladeshi students and their eligibility criteria for applying. 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 provides up to $16000 CAD of scholarships 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 CAD.

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 during the time of application. Overall, the NIC offers up to $2000 CAD scholarships 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 assigned on a first-come, first-served basis with additional criteria if required. The scholarship is valued at up to $2000 CAD.

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 and up to $2000 CAD could be availed by the students.

University Canada West Entrance Scholarships

Among the wide range of entrance scholarships offered for international students by UCW, students applying from Bangladesh qualify for the following - Entrance Scholarship for Academic Excellence, International Student Leader Award, Live Our Vision of Education Scholarship, and SouthEast Asia (SEA) Regional Grant. To be eligible for the scholarships, you need to submit a personal statement explaining your personal, educational, and career goal and how a degree from UCW will help you achieve them along with your main application. The value of the award is determined on the basis of the personal statement.

Lakehead University International Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship

If you are an international student applying to an undergraduate program at Lakehead University for the academic year 2023-24, you are eligible for the International Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship valued at up to $40000 CAD. The scholarship is awarded to top international students based on academic merit and ranges from $6000 - $40000. 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 to fund only international students from countries with which Canada has diplomatic relations. The scholarship is applicable 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 Ph.D. candidates and supports new or existing research initiatives in social sciences and humanities. The amount of the scholarship is up to $20,000 and it is applicable 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 making use of 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.