By the IELTS experts

27 August 2024 - 16:53

Caribbean students walking on the campus after applying to a university in Canada

Do you want to study in a university in Canada? Exciting opportunities await, but securing scholarships can make the journey even better. We will explore the top five universities for international students, their eligibility, and requirements, and how your IELTS score can help you unlock those doors. 

Book your IELTS test now! 

The role of IELTS when applying for a scholarship for a university in Canada 

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) serves as a benchmark for assessing the English language proficiency of individuals from the Caribbean aspiring to study or work in English-speaking countries.  

In Canada, where English is one of the primary languages of instruction, IELTS scores hold significant weight in the admissions and scholarship processes.  

Many Canadian universities and scholarship-granting bodies require minimum IELTS scores as part of their eligibility criteria, ensuring that students from the Caribbean possess the language skills necessary to thrive academically. 

The correlation between IELTS scores and scholarship eligibility lies in the fundamental role of language proficiency in academic success.  

Institutions offering scholarships prioritise candidates who demonstrate a strong command of English, as this proficiency is essential for effective communication, comprehension, and engagement in coursework.  

Higher IELTS scores signal a greater ability to excel in academic settings, thereby enhancing the likelihood of securing scholarships. 

Top five scholarships to study in a university in Canada as an international student  

You should note that there are several types of scholarships available to study in a university in Canada, which are mainly divided into three groups: government, non-government, and the ones offered by Canadian universities.  

Now let's explore some of the top scholarships available to international students to study in a university in Canada.  

1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships 

Offered to doctoral students in the fields of social and natural sciences, humanities, engineering, and health-related areas, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships recognise academic excellence, research potential, and leadership qualities. Recipients receive $50,000 CAD annually for up to three years. 

They are administered by the Canadian government, and the programme was established in 2008. Here are some of its particularities:  

Requirement  Description 
Citizenship  Applicants must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada, or international students, including those from the Caribbean, who hold a valid study permit and intend to pursue doctoral studies at a Canadian institution. 
Academic achievement  Candidates must have achieved a first-class average, as determined by their institution. 
Nomination  Candidates cannot apply directly for the scholarship. Instead, they must be nominated by the Canadian institution where they intend to pursue doctoral studies. 
Language proficiency  While there is no specific language requirement, candidates must possess sufficient proficiency in English or French to undertake doctoral studies in Canada
International applicants may be required to provide evidence of language proficiency through standardised tests such as IELTS. 

 Check eligibility requirements here 

2. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program 

Available at the University of Toronto, the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program awards exceptional international students who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and community engagement.  

Recipients receive full tuition coverage, books, incidental fees, and residence support for four years of undergraduate study at a University in Canada.  

Requirements  Description 
International student status  Applicants must be international students, meaning they are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and they require a study permit. 
High academic achievement  Candidates should demonstrate outstanding academic achievement in their secondary school studies, particularly if they are from competitive education systems in the Caribbean. 
Leadership skills  The programme seeks candidates who exhibit leadership potential and have actively participated in extracurricular activities. 
English language proficiency  If English is not your first language, you must demonstrate proficiency when applying for a degree programme at the university. For example, you can take IELTS Academic and will need a 6.5 overall score.  
Nomination by school  Prospective candidates must be nominated by their secondary school or guidance counselor.  

 Learn more about the requirements here

As you can see, taking the IELTS exam to prove your English level is a priority when enrolling at the University of Toronto, to be able to understand classes and communicate with teachers and classmates, besides applying for this scholarship. 

Two classmates work together on a computer

3. International Leader of Tomorrow Award 

Offered by the University of British Columbia, this award recognises outstanding international students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership potential, and commitment to their communities.  

Recipients receive significant financial support to cover tuition and living expenses (up to $50,000 CAD) for undergraduate degrees to study in a university in Canada.

Requirements  Description 
Academic excellence  Candidates must exhibit exceptional academic achievement, typically demonstrated by maintaining a high academic average in their previous studies.
Leadership skills  The ILOT Award seeks students who have demonstrated leadership potential through their involvement in extracurricular activities, community service, or other initiatives.  
International status  Applicants must be neither Canadian citizens nor permanent residents of Canada, and they must be studying on a valid study permit. 
English language proficiency  Candidates must meet the university's general admission requirements, including English language proficiency test scores. If you are taking the IELTS exam, you need a 6.5 overall score and no section below 6.0.  

 Look at the detailed requirements here.

As a foreign student, you must take and English test, like IELTS, prior to the admission to the university, so that you secure a place, meet the language standards and apply latter to the scholarship.  

4. Trudeau Foundation Scholarships 

Aimed at doctoral candidates pursuing research in the social sciences and humanities, Trudeau Foundation Scholarships provide $40,000 CAD per year for up to three years, along with additional research and travel allowances. 

Requirements  Description 
Doctoral research  Candidates must be enrolled in or intending to enroll in a doctoral programme in the social sciences or humanities at a Canadian institution or abroad.
 The research must align with the Foundation's themes, which include human rights and dignity, responsible citizenship, Canada and the world, and people and their natural environment
Academic excellence  Applicants should demonstrate a strong academic record, including grades, awards, and distinctions. 
Applications from non-Canadian students  “Permanent residents or foreign nationals who have been accepted or are in year one or two of a full-time program at a Canadian university are eligible” (Trudeau Foundation). 
English language proficiency  Proficiency in English and/or French is typically required when studying in Canada, depending on the language of instruction at the institution where the candidate will pursue his or her doctoral studies. 

 Find more information here.

Please note that you should prove you English or French proficiency when applying for a Canadian institution or university to enroll in an academic programme.  

5. IDRC Research Awards 

The IDRC (International Development Research Centre) Research Awards programme provides opportunities for emerging scholars from developing countries to undertake research that will contribute to the advancement of knowledge and the creation of innovative solutions to pressing global challenges, particularly those related to development issues. 

Requirements  Description 
Citizenship  Applicants must be citizens of a developing country. They should have a master's degree to demonstrate a strong research background. 
Research areas  The research supported by IDRC spans a wide range of development issues, including agriculture and food security, environment and climate change, governance and justice, health and education, technology and innovation, and social and economic policy. 
Duration  The programme duration is one year.  
Funding  The IDRC Research Awards provide financial support to cover travel, living expenses, research-related costs, and other necessary expenses associated with the project. 
Impact  The research programme is expected to generate evidence-based insights and innovative solutions that can contribute to positive development outcomes in the awardees' home countries and beyond. 

 Find out more information here

Even if the scholarship doesn’t specify a required English level, you must demonstrate your proficiency when applying to a Canadian university or institution. This also might give you some advantage since in the form that you must fill, you will be asked how good your French and English skills are.    

Tips to boost your performance 

Here are some strategies to boost your IELTS performance and increase scholarship prospects, especially for students from the Caribbean looking to study in a university in Canada: 

  1. Engage in thorough preparation by familiarising yourself with the IELTS test format, practising regularly, and seeking guidance from reputable resources, such as study guides, online courses, and practice tests. Check out our exclusive IELTS Ready offer.  
  2. Identify your areas of weakness and focus on improving them through targeted IELTS study sessions. Allocate more time to challenging sections to enhance proficiency in these areas, particularly in sections where you might face specific difficulties, such as listening to different accents. 
  3. Consider enrolling in IELTS preparation courses or seeking guidance from qualified language instructors who can provide personalised feedback and support tailored to your specific needs. 
  4. Take advantage of our free online IELTS practice tests to simulate test conditions and assess your progress. Analyse your performance, identify areas for improvement, and adjust your study strategy accordingly. 
  5. If you don’t get the expected or needed result, we have the IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR), which allows you to repeat only one section of the exam, without having to take the full test all over again. Keep in mind that this option is available if you take IELTS on computer.  

Now, with these tips, you can prepare to take the IELTS exam and apply for scholarships to pursue your goal of studying in a university in Canada!  

Book your IELTS test in the Caribbean! 

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