I want to do my Masters in International Relations, preferably in Canada. What are the steps and when should I start to prepare?Also, are there any scholarships available to ease up my finances?

First, if you're interested in doing a Master's in International Relations in Canada, then you've already got some things working in your favor! First research colleges that include this particular program. Some of the top schools are the University of Toronto, Carleton University, and the University of British Columbia. Examine their specific course curriculums, faculty, and what research areas interest you.

The application process generally starts about a year in advance. Most universities in Canada have deadlines toward the end of fall or early winter; thus, it is a good idea to forward all by November or December of the previous year if possible. You would need your academic transcripts, your letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and probably your GRE score if the university requires you to submit them. Prepare all these 6 months before the deadline.

Funding: Many universities also offer scholarships, but funding opportunities, for example, entrance scholarships on academic merit, also apply. For international students, there are options like the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships and the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships. Some programs also offer teaching or research assistantships, which, while helping to offset some of the costs, provide experience at the same time.

Don’t forget to check external scholarships too, like those offered by the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program or even funding from your home country that supports studying abroad. Start looking into these as soon as possible… scholarship deadlines often come early!