Canada and India unveil $100M scholarship plan
Canada and India have announced a new bilateral education initiative that includes $100 million in scholarships for Indian students and expanded academic partnerships between institutions in both countries.
The initiative, revealed by Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office on March 2, 2026, aims to strengthen research, student mobility, and innovation through new agreements between leading universities and research organizations.
The measures form part of a broader talent strategy between the two nations, designed to enhance academic collaboration and create new pathways for education and research exchange.
- University of Toronto to provide $100 million for up to 200 full scholarships for Indian students.
- Thirteen new memoranda of understanding (MOUs) signed between Canadian and Indian universities.
- Three hybrid campuses to be developed in India focusing on innovation and artificial intelligence.
- Expanded partnerships in creative industries including performing arts and digital media.
- Deepening education cooperation following the largest-ever Canadian academic delegation to India.
Overview of the new education strategy
The Canada–India education framework announced in March 2026 focuses on expanding academic opportunities and research collaboration. The University of Toronto committed $100 million to fund up to 200 full scholarships for Indian students, while other Canadian institutions have entered new exchange and research agreements with Indian counterparts.
In addition to financial support, the plan includes the establishment of hybrid study campuses in India, offering programs that combine in-person and online learning. These facilities will be jointly operated by Canadian and Indian universities and are expected to focus on innovation, artificial intelligence, and other emerging disciplines.
University and research partnerships
Thirteen new MOUs were signed between Canadian and Indian universities, establishing frameworks for student and faculty exchanges, joint research, and dual-degree programs. Among the institutions involved are the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, University of Guelph, Dalhousie University, and McGill University.
Specific agreements include a nursing dual-degree program between Dalhousie University and SRM Institute of Science and Technology, collaborations on digital and climate-resilient agriculture between Dalhousie and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, and research partnerships in artificial intelligence between the University of Toronto and the Indian Institute of Science.
Hybrid learning and innovation campuses
The talent strategy also introduces three new hybrid study hubs in India. Dalhousie University will collaborate with the Indian Institute of Technology Tirupati and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Tirupati to develop an innovation campus. The University of Toronto and McGill University will each establish Centers of Excellence focused on artificial intelligence research and education.
These centers are intended to connect students and researchers across both countries, promoting knowledge exchange in high-demand technology fields.
Creative sector collaboration
Beyond science and technology, a new memorandum of understanding between the two governments will expand cooperation in cultural and creative sectors. The agreement covers performing arts, literature, entertainment technologies, and related industries, aiming to foster cross-border artistic exchange and professional training.
Background and context
The agreements follow a February 2026 visit by more than 20 Canadian university presidents to India, marking the largest Canadian higher-education delegation to the country. The meetings led to the formation of the latest education strategy and the signing of multiple institutional partnerships.
India continues to be one of Canada’s largest sources of international students and new permanent residents. According to federal data, over 1.8 million Canadians are of Indian origin, reflecting longstanding cultural and educational connections between the two nations.
The new partnerships signal a shift from individual, short-term collaborations to more structured and long-term institutional cooperation, aligning with both countries’ interest in developing sustainable academic and research networks.
Relevance to Canadian immigration and study pathways
These education initiatives complement Canada’s broader international education and immigration policies, which seek to attract global talent through study and research channels. Graduates from Canadian institutions often transition into the workforce through federal and provincial pathways, including programs such as the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program.
By expanding scholarship opportunities and institutional partnerships, the new strategy strengthens Canada’s position as a destination for international students and reinforces bilateral cooperation in research and innovation.
Ongoing developments
Work on program implementation and hybrid campus development is expected to proceed in phases. Participating institutions have begun outlining academic frameworks, with specific program details and start dates to be announced as agreements progress.
Officials from both countries have emphasized that these steps are part of a longer-term effort to deepen bilateral academic ties, encourage innovation, and expand access to education opportunities for students and researchers.
Further updates on Canada–India academic cooperation and scholarship initiatives are expected as implementation advances and institutional agreements take effect.