In a landmark development for international higher education, Canada has pledged $100 million to fund scholarships exclusively for Indian students, signaling a renewed commitment to strengthening academic ties between the two nations. Announced on March 2, 2026, during Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to India, this initiative is led by the University of Toronto (U of T) and forms a cornerstone of the new Canada-India Talent and Innovation Strategy. The funding will support up to 200 fully funded scholarships over the coming years, targeting priority fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and clean energy technologies.
This move comes at a pivotal time, following a sharp decline in Indian student enrollments in Canada due to stringent visa caps introduced in 2024 and 2025. In 2025 alone, study permit approvals for Indian students plummeted by nearly 50%, with new arrivals dropping by up to 97% in some months compared to peak 2023 levels. Previously, Indian students comprised about 40% of Canada's international student population, contributing significantly to university revenues and cultural diversity. The scholarships aim to reverse this trend, fostering mutual benefits in research, innovation, and talent mobility.
🌐 The Announcement: Context and Key Commitments
The pledge was highlighted in a joint statement by Prime Ministers Carney and Narendra Modi, emphasizing higher education cooperation as a driver of economic growth and innovation. Beyond the $100 million, the strategy includes 13 new Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between Canadian and Indian universities, expanded research internships via a MITACS-AICTE partnership (300 spots annually for Indian undergraduates), and Canada's Indo-Pacific Scholarships for 85 Canadian researchers heading to India.
Prime Minister Carney described the initiative as opening 'a major new chapter in education ties,' focusing on industry-aligned skills and joint programs. This follows diplomatic strains but aligns with India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 goals for global collaborations and Canada's need for skilled talent in emerging sectors.
Reactions have been largely positive from academia. U of T officials noted they have already awarded $63 million in merit-based aid to 707 Indian undergraduates since 2020, positioning this as an expansion. Indian universities like O.P. Jindal Global University, involved in multiple partnerships, hailed it as a boost for transnational education.
Scholarship Details: Funding, Eligibility, and Application Insights
The $100 million corpus, administered by the University of Toronto, will fund up to 200 fully funded scholarships, covering tuition, living expenses, and research stipends—potentially $500,000 per scholar over graduate programs. While exact per-scholar values await confirmation, the rollout is eyed for a five-year period starting 2026, prioritizing master's and PhD levels in high-demand areas.
Eligibility is expected to target meritorious Indian students with strong academic records (minimum GPA equivalent to 3.7/4.0), relevant research experience, and alignment with focus fields. Priority for those from partner Indian institutions like the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) or Panjab University. Applications will likely open via U of T's international admissions portal in late 2026, involving essays, recommendations, and interviews—similar to the Lester B. Pearson Scholarships, which U of T uses for global talent.
- Full tuition waiver for 4-5 years
- Monthly stipend (~CAD 2,500)
- Health insurance and travel allowances
- Mentorship with leading faculty in AI labs or clean energy centers
Prospective applicants should prepare early by building profiles on platforms like AcademicJobs scholarships page and refining CVs using our academic CV guide.
13 Strategic University Partnerships: A Comprehensive List
The 13 MOUs, announced February 28, 2026, cover student/faculty exchanges, dual degrees, research in AI/clean energy, and pathway programs. O.P. Jindal Global University partners with five Canadian institutions, underscoring its role as a hub.
| Canadian University | Indian Partner | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| University of British Columbia | O.P. Jindal Global University | Exchanges, research |
| Simon Fraser University | O.P. Jindal Global University | Mobility, joint programs |
| University of the Fraser Valley | Panjab University | Cohort-based mobility |
| Algoma University | Parul University | Pathways in engineering |
| Algoma University | Chandigarh University | Psychology, management pathways |
| Dalhousie University | SRM Institute of Science and Technology | Nursing dual degree |
| Dalhousie University | Indian Council of Agricultural Research | Digital agriculture |
| University of Guelph | O.P. Jindal Global University | Training, research |
| Brock University | O.P. Jindal Global University | Public health exchanges |
| Royal Roads University | O.P. Jindal Global University | Faculty/student exchanges |
| Simon Fraser University | Hydrogen Association of India | Clean hydrogen research |
| University of Toronto | Indian Institute of Science | AI research/education |
| University of Toronto | Jio Institute | AI, management exchanges |
These partnerships exemplify NEP 2020's push for foreign collaborations, potentially leading to offshore campuses. For instance, Dalhousie's nursing program offers 25 supernumerary seats with clinical experience in Nova Scotia.
Addressing Enrollment Declines: From Caps to Comeback
Canada's 2024-2025 visa caps capped study permits at 437,000 for 2025 (down 10%), with 2026 at 309,670—severely impacting Indians, whose applications fell 80% in rejection rates. Universities reported revenue losses, prompting diversification. This $100M boost, exempt from caps for scholarship holders, could revive flows, benefiting institutions like U of T with its Vector Institute for AI.
Stakeholders view it as balanced: India gains global exposure, Canada accesses India's vast talent pool (1.4M STEM graduates yearly).
Focus Areas: AI, STEM, and Clean Energy Driving Innovation
Scholarships prioritize AI (e.g., U of T-IISc Temerty Centre collaboration), STEM pathways, and clean energy (SFU-Hydrogen Assoc). These align with India's Atmanirbhar Bharat and Canada's net-zero goals. Step-by-step: Students apply, secure funding, engage in joint projects—e.g., AI health models or hydrogen tech—leading to co-authored papers and job placements.
Real-world example: Prior UBC-IISc ties produced climate-resilient crop research, cited in 50+ publications.
Benefits for Indian Students and Universities
Indian beneficiaries gain world-class facilities, post-study work visas (up to 3 years), and pathways to permanent residency. Universities like IITs/IISc enhance global rankings via co-publications. Challenges: Intense competition (200 spots for millions), cultural adaptation. Solutions: Pre-departure orientations, alumni networks.Official partnerships list
- Enhanced employability: 90% scholarship alumni secure high-skill jobs
- Cultural exchange: 40% return as faculty leaders
- Economic impact: CAD 20B annual from intl students pre-cap
Stakeholder Perspectives: Experts and Institutions Weigh In
Dr. Anish Desai, U of T VP Global, called it 'transformative for bidirectional talent.' Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan praised alignment with Viksit Bharat@2047. Critics note limited spots, urging more PG slots. Balanced view: Complements Australia's 30k India slots by 2030.
Application Roadmap and Preparation Tips
1. Research programs at partner unis via AcademicJobs university listings.
2. Boost profile: Publications, internships.
3. Secure recommenders.
4. Apply by deadlines (expected Q4 2026).
Prepare finances proof despite funding. Link to postdoc advice for research prep.
Future Outlook: Long-Term Impacts and Trends
By 2030, expect 50+ joint campuses, doubled mobility. Ties to UBC-Atlas skills partnership.Related UBC news This positions India as higher ed exporter, Canada as innovation hub. Track via Rate My Professor for faculty insights.
In summary, this $100M pledge revitalizes Canada-India higher ed. Aspiring students, explore higher ed jobs, scholarships, career advice, and university jobs on AcademicJobs.com.
