MBBS and Medicine-related Scholarships for International Students in Canada
Scholarships are an essential consideration for international students. Students who cannot cover entire study costs often seek aid to lessen the financial burden.
But international scholarships for the Canadian medical program are limited. For the most part, students are expected to self-fund their costs entirely. The cost of a Canadian MBBS/MD averages USD 69,000. The figure only covers the tuition costs for one year; actual annual attendance costs can go beyond USD 100,000. Canadian dentistry programs, too, can cost well above six figures.
Although there are as many as 17 medical universities in Canada, international students are accepted in only five. The high competition often leads students to choose other popular degrees in science and health sciences. There are quite a few scholarship options for these undergraduate degrees.
MBBS/MD scholarships in Canada for international students
This section mentions scholarships for the Canadian MD program. The scholarship amount may vary for each selected applicant. They may be based on the number of scholars and the availability of funds.
Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship
The Queen Elizabeth Scholarships or the QES program was established to encourage talent exchange between Canada and other nations. 46 Canadian universities participate in these scholarships. The program has funded 106 projects so far, and over 2,200 scholarships have been awarded to date.
Scholarships are open to all international students looking to enroll in Canadian programs. Scholars need to participate in community activities and leadership development programs.
King Abdullah Scholarships Program
King Abdullah Scholarships are open to only Saudi Arabian citizens. Students who wish to study medicine or health sciences abroad can apply. The scholarship program also covers Canadian dentistry degrees.
Eligible countries include the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and 19 other countries in Europe and Asia. The scholarships are open to undergraduate and graduate-level students.
International scholarships for medicine-related programs
Students who pursue undergraduate/graduate degrees in science and health sciences have more options for scholarships. Many external organizations offer awards to help local talent gain advanced training overseas. In addition, universities provide entrance awards to international students with academic merit.
Premed courses in Canada are covered under these scholarships as most premed courses are BSc degrees in science.
Please note that, unless specified, the scholarship amount for listed scholarship programs varies. The amount will depend on the number of applicants and available funding.
University Entrance Awards and Scholarships
Universities often award scholarships to newly enrolled undergraduates. Students entering the university for the first time are eligible to apply. Entrance scholarships are based on academic merit. The amount and renewability vary for each university.
Several prominent universities in Canada provide these scholarships.
- Simon Fraser University
- University of British Columbia
- Western University
- McGill University
- York University
- Trent University
There are more universities offering entrance scholarships apart from the listed ones. Students should check the university website for the latest updates on international scholarships.
J.N Tata Endowment for the Higher Education of Indians
JN Tata fund has been helping Indian students since 1892. Students consider it an honor to be known as ‘JN Tata Scholar.’
Graduate students who have secured at least a 60% aggregate score in their graduation or post-graduation can apply.
Students who have completed the first year of their overseas graduate education and entering the second year can also apply.
The scholarship is categorized as a loan scholarship. The amount carries a simple interest of 2%, which is waived off if the amount is repaid by the seventh year.
The scholarship amount ranges from INR 100,000 to 10,00,000. Additionally, students may receive travel grants up to INR 50,000 and gift awards between INR 2,00,000-7,50,000.
Eligible study fields are a wide range and include
Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship Program
The Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation awards Indian students scholarships for their graduate studies. Students must be below 30 years of age and must be graduates of a recognized Indian university to be eligible. The foundation sets high standards for selection. Only a select few with exceptional merit are given awards.
McGill-UAE Graduate Studies Fellowships
In association with the Crown Prince Court of UAE, McGill University awards graduate students scholarships to pursue their advanced studies.
The scholarship award is roughly CAD 60,000 to cover tuition fees and living costs. An additional prize of CAD 18,000 is given to cover expenses incurred in the internship abroad.
Students must be enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program at McGill University in any below-listed faculties.
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Arts (only Economics)
- Faculty of Medicine
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Government Scholarships for UAE Nationals
The Government of the United Arab Emirates grants scholarships to students at various levels of study. Undergraduate, graduate, self-funded, and professional students are all eligible to apply.
The government has laid down a few criteria for selection.
- UAE citizen
- Good academic record in their previous study
- Good conduct
- English-language proficiency score as specified by the foreign university
Global Study IELTS Awards
The British Council launched The Global Study Awards to help students study abroad. The British Council recognizes overseas education as an essential factor in developing personal and professional life. Irrespective of their nationality, students can benefit from the scholarship.
An amount of GBP 10,000 (CAD 16,068*) is awarded towards tuition. The payment is made directly to the educational institute. If tuition fees are below GBP 10,000, the rest of the funds will be used for living costs.
Students can choose any university. All levels of education-undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral-are eligible. Students must have taken the IELTS exam to be considered for the award.
* Scholarship amount has been converted to CAD at the exchange rate of 1 GBP = 1.61 CAD. Exchange rates are prone to periodic fluctuations.
Gscholar
Students can also apply for a scholarship through Gyanberry’s Gscholar. It is a time-limited scholarship program that offers a 20% guaranteed scholarship for first-year tuition to Gyanberry’s partnered universities in the UK.
Students are assessed based on their academic profile and extra-curricular achievements. The scholarship amount is credited to the university.
