Canada-India reset: U of T pledges $100M, 200 scholarships

On March 2, 2026, Canada’s Prime Minister’s Office said Canada and India will expand education and talent ties under a new partnership that includes up to $100 million from the University of Toronto for up to 200 fully funded scholarships for Indian students, alongside expanded research and exchange programmes.

The announcement is being positioned as part of a broader Canada–India talent relationship “rebuild” at a time when Indian applicants have faced tighter conditions and uncertainty in Canada’s international student landscape. The PMO statement gives specific numbers (scholarships + researcher roles), making it more than a general “cooperation” headline.

Check University of Toronto Scholarships for Indian Students

What was announced?

Canada’s PMO listed these education-linked measures:

• Up to $100 million (University of Toronto) for up to 200 fully funded scholarships for Indian students.
• 300 funded Indian student researcher positions as part of expanded research collaboration.
• A new Canada–India Talent and Innovation Strategy with 13 new partnerships between Canadian and Indian universities, plus new Centres of Excellence in India (including University of Toronto and McGill).
• A separate cultural cooperation MoU covering performing arts, visual arts, music, books and other creative industries, including entertainment technologies.

A Global Affairs Canada news release dated February 28, 2026 had already confirmed the launch of the Canada–India Talent and Innovation Strategy and the signing of 13 new partnerships, and said the strategy would facilitate research, student exchanges, hybrid campuses, and AI centres of excellence between the two countries.

For Indian applicants, the most actionable part is the PMO’s reference to “up to 200 fully funded scholarships” linked to University of Toronto funding. 

What’s next

Watch for an official University of Toronto announcement specifying: eligible programmes, intake (Fall 2026/2027), coverage (tuition/living/insurance), and how to apply.

Track updates from partner institutions tied to the 13 new university partnerships, since many opportunities may be exchange/research-track rather than standard degree scholarships.