Indian students aspiring to pursue higher education in Canada can now access expanded scholarships, exchange programmes and hybrid campuses under a newly signed talent strategy between India and Canada.
On March 2, 2026, the office of Prime Minister Mark Carney announced key measures aimed at strengthening academic and research collaboration between the two nations.
$100 million scholarship boost
A major highlight is a $100 million funding commitment from the University of Toronto, which will provide up to 200 fully funded scholarships for Indian students studying in Canada.
This move is expected to significantly enhance access for meritorious Indian candidates across disciplines.
New hybrid campuses in India
The agreement also introduces three new hybrid study locations in India. These include:
- An innovation campus through collaboration between Dalhousie University, Indian Institute of Technology Tirupati, and Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Tirupati.
- A University of Toronto Centre of Excellence focused on Artificial Intelligence research.
- A McGill University Centre of Excellence to foster joint innovation and talent development in AI.
These centres aim to enable collaborative research and skill-building without requiring students to relocate entirely.
13 new academic partnerships
Thirteen new memorandums of understanding (MOUs) have been signed between Indian and Canadian universities to facilitate student and faculty exchanges, joint research initiatives and curriculum collaborations.
Additionally, a broader MOU will promote cooperation in performing arts, visual arts, music, books, entertainment technologies and other creative industries.
While many collaborations are still in early stages, the agreement signals a deepening of academic ties and expanded opportunities for Indian students seeking global exposure.
The new strategy reflects a growing emphasis on knowledge exchange, AI innovation and talent mobility between the two countries.