The Student Experience

London, Ontario, Canada, is the 11^th largest metropolitan area in Canada with almost 400,000 residents. It can be easily accessed through the London International Airport (YXU) and the Toronto International Airport (YYZ), which is approximately 2 hours away. VIA Rail train and bus services run conveniently throughout Ontario and Canada, and in London, the public London Transit Commission (LTC) operates a route to the London Airport with an approximately 10-minute walk to ITPS.

Our Student Support team helps students find suitable housing, car rentals and schools for families, and adjust to the Canadian climate. ITPS ensures that students (and families) are comfortably settled in and students are ready to learn.

High-quality Medical Access

One of Canada’s largest acute-care teaching hospitals, the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) has multiple locations, including Victoria and University Hospitals. 24-hour Emergency Room care with access to world-renowned medical specialists is available. St. Joseph’s Health Care London provides urgent care and further access to diagnostics and laboratory services. The LHSC Children’s Hospital, part of the centrally located Victoria campus, provides paediatric care and Ornge rotary wing aircraft transport patients to other hospitals if deemed necessary. Numerous medical clinics are available throughout the city on a walk-in basis, and dental practitioners accept patients. Medical insurance or payment at the appointment is necessary for most healthcare services. ITPS can provide a list of accessible medical care options to students.

Culture and Recreation

London is a diverse city. Students feel comfortable with the vast selection of international cuisine restaurants and ingredient shopping availability. Students and families can enjoy Storybook Gardens, Fanshawe Pioneer Village, sports leagues, conservation areas and parks, cycling paths, skiing, an abundance of nightlife options, and other activities. Yearly festivals such as Sunfest, Rock the Park, Ribfest, and the International Food Festival operate in the summer. The City of London offers classes, activities, and sports lessons for all ages. Most religious or spiritual beliefs have observance locations.

AIRSHOW LONDON is the largest military air display in Canada. Annually in September, London’s skies are brimming with aircraft at our base, the London International Airport. Pilots and crews from military fighter demonstration teams from across the continent descend on London for a weekend of unprecedented power.

Amenities

Two large malls and numerous other shopping centres provide availability of amenities such as groceries, clothing, furniture, literature, electronics, and household items. Library cards allow access to the 16 public libraries in the city, with approximately 2.5 million visitors per year. Taxis and rental cars are available with a selection of vendors.

Funding and Scholarships for Master of Science Students in Ontario, Canada

Master of Science (MSc) students, including those pursuing Engineering, have access to various funding opportunities at institutions across Ontario, Canada. Below is a summary of key resources available to both international and Canadian students:

1. Government Scholarships and Funding

• Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program
  This scholarship provides CAD $17,500 per year for graduate students enrolled in a Master’s degree in Canada.
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
  Available to graduate students at Ontario universities, this merit-based award provides up to CAD $15,000 per year to eligible students. Open to both international and domestic students.
• Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST)
  Provides funding to graduate students pursuing studies in science, engineering, and technology. The amount and eligibility vary by institution.

2. External Scholarships and Fellowships
Several external organizations offer scholarships to international and Canadian students, including:

• Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute
  Provides scholarships for students from South Asia, including India, but open to other international students from select regions as well.
• Mitacs Globalink Research Award
  Offers international students the opportunity to collaborate on research projects at Canadian universities, providing funding for short-term research stays.

3. Research and Teaching Assistantships (RA/TA)

• Research Assistantships (RA) and Teaching Assistantships (TA) are common funding opportunities for graduate students in Ontario. These positions offer stipends or hourly wages and often cover tuition or living expenses.
• Many MSc students are eligible to apply for RA/TA positions within their academic department or through university-wide programs. These positions allow students to gain teaching or research experience while supporting their financial needs.

4. Private Scholarships and Fellowships

• The Canadian Merit Scholarship Foundation (CMSF)
  Offers scholarships to graduate students based on merit, leadership, and community involvement.
• The Royal Canadian Institute for Science (RCIS)
  Provides fellowships to MSc students working in scientific and engineering fields.

5. External Loan Providers and Financial Aid

• Mpower Financing
  Offers student loans to international students, including those from the U.S. and other countries, studying at Canadian institutions without requiring a co-signer.
• Prodigy Finance
  A financial service offering loans to international students pursuing graduate degrees in Canada, including MSc and Engineering students. Loans are based on future earning potential rather than credit history.
• Scotiabank Student GIC Program
  International students can apply for a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) to demonstrate their financial ability to cover living expenses, which may also lead to access to small loans or financial support.

6. Student Loan Programs

• Canadian Federal Student Loans (for Canadian citizens and permanent residents)
  Canadian students can apply for federal student loans through CanLearn, which provides financial assistance for tuition, books, and living expenses.
• Provincial Student Loan Programs
  Students who are residents of Ontario may apply for loans through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), which offers both grants and loans to eligible students.

7. Scholarships for Specific Student Groups

• Women in Engineering Scholarships
  Many institutions, including those in Ontario, offer scholarships specifically for female students pursuing engineering or technology-related graduate programs.
• Indigenous Students Scholarships
  Several scholarships are available for Indigenous students pursuing graduate education, such as those offered by the Indigenous Graduate Student Fellowship.

Disclaimer
ITPS does not provide financial advice. The information provided is for informational purposes only. Students are encouraged to thoroughly research the specific eligibility criteria, application processes, and deadlines for each funding opportunity. For personalized financial guidance, it is recommended to consult with financial aid offices at the respective institutions or seek advice from
a professional financial advisor.