Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada
Canada has become one of the most attractive destinations for international students worldwide. With its globally ranked universities, high-quality education system, multicultural environment, and strong research opportunities, Canada offers an excellent academic experience. Degrees from Canadian institutions are widely recognised and respected across the globe, making graduates highly competitive in the international job market.
However, studying in Canada is not cheap. For international students, the total cost of education can be quite high, especially when considering both tuition and living expenses.
International students typically need to pay for:
International tuition fees (which are significantly higher than domestic fees)
University application fees
Study permit application fees
Biometrics fees
Health insurance
Accommodation (on-campus or off-campus)
Food and daily living expenses
Books and academic materials
Transportation
International airfare
Research or laboratory expenses (for certain programmes)
Winter clothing (especially important in colder provinces)
Personal and emergency expenses
Because of these costs, many students actively search for fully funded scholarships in Canada.
A genuine fully funded scholarship can cover tuition fees and provide enough financial support for accommodation and daily living expenses. Some scholarships may also include travel costs, relocation allowances, books, health insurance, and research funding.
However, students must be cautious. Many online sources incorrectly label scholarships as “fully funded” even when they only cover a portion of tuition.
For example, a scholarship worth CAD $20,000 per year may sound impressive, but if the total annual cost of studying is CAD $50,000 or more, the student still needs to cover a large gap.
This guide provides a detailed explanation of the most important fully funded and high-value scholarships in Canada. It explains who can apply, what each scholarship covers, how the application process works, and which popular scholarships are often misunderstood as fully funded.
Important: Scholarship values, eligibility criteria, deadlines, and immigration rules can change. Always verify the latest information through official university or Government of Canada websites before applying.
What Is a Fully Funded Scholarship in Canada?
A fully funded scholarship is a financial award that covers most or all of the essential costs required to complete a degree programme.
A strong fully funded package may include:
Full tuition fees
Mandatory university fees
Monthly living allowance
Accommodation or housing support
Books and academic materials
Health insurance
Study permit-related expenses
Relocation allowance
Return airfare
Research funding
Conference participation costs
Summer funding
Limited family support (in rare cases)
However, it is important to understand that “fully funded” does not always mean every personal expense is covered.
A scholarship may not cover:
Travel expenses for family members
Personal vacations
Luxury housing
Private vehicles
Shopping or lifestyle expenses
Unapproved research travel
Costs beyond the normal duration of the programme
Expenses for dependants (spouse or children)
Additional courses outside the approved programme
Students should always calculate the total cost of studying and compare it with the scholarship benefits before accepting an offer.
Fully Funded vs. Full-Tuition vs. Partial Scholarships
Understanding the difference between these types of funding is essential to avoid financial difficulties.
Fully Funded Scholarship
A fully funded scholarship typically covers both tuition and essential living expenses.
It may also include:
Accommodation
Books
Travel costs
Health insurance
Research funding
Relocation expenses
Full-Tuition Scholarship
A full-tuition scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees but does not include living expenses.
Students may still need to pay for:
Rent
Food
Transportation
Health insurance
Study permit costs
Flights
Personal expenses
Even with full tuition covered, living in Canada can still be expensive.
Partial Scholarship
A partial scholarship covers only part of the total cost.
Examples include:
CAD $5,000 entrance award
CAD $10,000 tuition scholarship
CAD $20,000 annual award
25% tuition reduction
One-time academic grant
Partial scholarships are helpful but should not be considered fully funded unless they cover the majority of expenses.
Funded Graduate Position
Many graduate students (Master’s and PhD) receive funding packages instead of a single scholarship.
These packages may include:
University fellowships
Supervisor funding
Research assistantships (RA)
Teaching assistantships (TA)
Departmental awards
External scholarships
Students must carefully check:
Whether funding is before or after tuition deduction
If funding is guaranteed for all years
Whether work (TA/RA) is required
If the amount is sufficient for the city’s cost of living
Whether it is available to international students
Renewal conditions
Main Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada
Canada does not offer one universal government scholarship that fully funds all international students. Instead, most fully funded opportunities are provided by universities, foundations, or research programmes.
Below are the most important and verified scholarships.
1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
University
University of Toronto
Study Level
Undergraduate
Overview
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is one of the most prestigious undergraduate scholarships in Canada. It is designed for exceptional international students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and creativity.
What Does It Cover?
Full tuition fees
Books
Incidental fees
Full residence accommodation
Four years of study
Approximately 37 students are selected each year, making it extremely competitive.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
Be international students
Be in their final year of secondary school or recently graduated
Begin undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto
Not have started post-secondary education elsewhere
Nomination Requirement
Students must be nominated by their school. Each school can nominate only one student per year.
Deadlines (Example Cycle)
School nomination: October
University application: October
Scholarship application: November
Ideal Candidate
Outstanding academic record
Strong leadership experience
Community involvement
Creativity and initiative
Excellent communication skills
Important Warning
No agents or consultants can guarantee nomination or selection. Only schools can nominate students.
2. UBC International Scholars Program
University
University of British Columbia
Study Level
Undergraduate
Overview
This programme supports talented international students with financial need who demonstrate leadership and academic excellence.
What Does It Cover?
Funding is based on financial need and may cover:
Tuition
Living expenses
Accommodation
Award Categories
Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award
Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award
International Impact Award
Vantage One Excellence Award
Eligibility
Applicants must:
Be international students
Apply directly from secondary school
Demonstrate academic excellence
Show leadership and community involvement
Prove financial need
Receive nomination
Timeline
Scholarship application: November
Admission application: December
Documents: January
Important Note
UBC merit-based entrance scholarships are not fully funded.
3. McCall MacBain Scholarship
University
McGill University
Study Level
Master’s and professional programmes
Overview
The McCall MacBain Scholarship is one of Canada’s most prestigious graduate scholarships focused on leadership development.
Coverage
Full tuition
Monthly living stipend
Relocation grant
Leadership training and mentorship
Access to a global leadership network
Eligibility
Open to international students with strong leadership and academic records.
Selection Criteria
Leadership potential
Community engagement
Academic excellence
Character and integrity
4. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship
Study Level
PhD
Overview
This scholarship supports doctoral students working in social sciences and humanities with a focus on leadership and public engagement.
Coverage
Up to CAD $50,000 per year
Additional research and travel funding
Leadership training programmes
Eligibility
International students must already be studying in Canada and enrolled in an eligible doctoral programme.
5. Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral
Study Level
PhD
Overview
This is a prestigious government-funded doctoral scholarship aimed at supporting high-quality research.
Funding
CAD $40,000 per year
Eligibility
Primarily available to students already enrolled in Canadian institutions.
6. University-Funded Master’s and PhD Packages
Many universities offer funding packages that include:
Scholarships
Teaching assistantships
Research assistantships
Supervisor funding
Important Details to Check
Total funding amount per year
Tuition deduction from funding
Duration of funding (1–4 years)
Work requirements (TA/RA hours)
Cost of living in the city
Renewal conditions
Students should carefully review funding details before accepting offers.
Government of Canada Scholarships That Are Not Full-Degree Scholarships
These are short-term exchange programmes:
Study in Canada Scholarships
4–6 months exchange programme funded by the Government of Canada.
Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program
Supports short-term academic exchange for students from Latin America and the Caribbean.
SEED-2 Scholarships
Supports academic mobility between Canada and ASEAN countries.
Important Note
Students cannot apply directly; institutions apply on their behalf.
Popular Canadian Awards That Are Not Automatically Fully Funded
University of Calgary Scholarship (CAD $20,000)
University of Alberta Scholarship (up to CAD $120,000 over multiple years)
UBC IMES (CAD $10,000–$25,000 per year)
CGRS Master’s (CAD $27,000)
These awards are valuable but may not cover full costs.
Which Canadian Scholarship Should You Target?
Your choice depends on:
Degree level (undergraduate, master’s, PhD)
Academic performance
Leadership experience
Financial need
Field of study
Students should focus on scholarships that match both their academic profile and financial situation.
How to Get a Fully Funded Scholarship in Canada
Step 1: Choose Degree Level
Decide whether you are applying for undergraduate, master’s, or PhD.
Step 2: Define Goals
Clearly identify your academic and career objectives.
Step 3: Check Eligibility
Ensure you meet all requirements before applying.
Step 4: Build a Shortlist
Select scholarships that match your profile.
Step 5: Calculate Costs
Understand total expenses and funding gaps.
Step 6: Prepare Documents
Common documents include:
Academic transcripts
Certificates
CV
Statement of Purpose
Recommendation letters
English test scores
Step 7: Write a Strong SOP
Explain your goals, achievements, and motivation clearly.
Step 8: Demonstrate Leadership
Provide real examples of leadership and impact.
Step 9: Prove Financial Need
Be honest and provide accurate financial information.
Step 10: Obtain Strong Recommendations
Choose referees who know your work well.
Step 11: Contact Supervisors (for graduate study)
Write professional emails explaining your research interests and how they align with the professor’s work.
Step 12: Prepare for Interviews
Practice answering questions about your goals, achievements, and leadership experiences.
Suggested Timeline
12 Months Before
Research universities and scholarships.
9–10 Months Before
Prepare for English tests and gather documents.
6–8 Months Before
Apply to universities and scholarships.
3–5 Months Before
Submit remaining documents and follow up.
1–2 Months Before
Prepare for interviews and final decisions.
Study Permit and Proof of Funds
Even with scholarships, students must show financial proof when applying for a study permit.
Important Points
You may need to show additional funds if the scholarship does not cover all expenses
Immigration officers assess your ability to support yourself
Proof may include bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsor documents
Scholarship Scams to Avoid
Be cautious of:
Guaranteed scholarships
Paid nominations
Fake agents
Unofficial websites
Requests for large upfront fees
Always verify information through official university or government websites.
Common Reasons Applications Fail
Not meeting eligibility criteria
Weak Statement of Purpose
Lack of leadership evidence
Poor recommendation letters
Late submission
Incomplete documents
Applying to unsuitable scholarships
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Study in Canada for Free?
It is possible but extremely competitive. Only a small number of scholarships fully cover all costs, and they are awarded to top-performing students with strong leadership profiles.
Do I Need IELTS or Another English Test?
Most universities require proof of English proficiency such as IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo. Some institutions may waive this requirement if your previous education was in English.
Can I Apply Without Nomination?
Some scholarships, such as the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship and UBC International Scholars Program, require school nomination. Others, like McCall MacBain, allow direct application.
Can I Work While Studying on a Scholarship?
Yes, international students in Canada are generally allowed to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions). However, some scholarships may have restrictions, so always check the terms.
Are Fully Funded Scholarships Available for Diploma or College Programmes?
Fully funded scholarships are rare for diploma or college-level programmes. Most fully funded opportunities are available at undergraduate (limited) and graduate levels.
Can I Apply for Multiple Scholarships at the Same Time?
Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships. In fact, it is recommended to increase your chances. However, some scholarships may not allow you to hold multiple major awards simultaneously.
What GPA Do I Need for a Fully Funded Scholarship?
There is no fixed GPA requirement, but most competitive scholarships require excellent academic performance (often equivalent to a GPA of 3.7 or higher).
Do Fully Funded Scholarships Cover Family Members?
In most cases, scholarships do not cover expenses for spouses or children. Some doctoral funding packages may offer limited support, but this is rare.
Can I Stay in Canada After Graduation?
Yes, many students apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows them to work in Canada after completing their studies.
When Should I Start Preparing for Scholarships?
Ideally, you should start preparing at least 10–12 months before the application deadline to allow enough time for research, document preparation, and test scores.
Is It Possible to Get a Scholarship Without Leadership Experience?
It is difficult but not impossible. Most top scholarships prioritise leadership and community involvement, so having some form of initiative or impact greatly improves your chances.
Final Checklist
All documents prepared
Deadlines met
Eligibility confirmed
Applications reviewed
Financial planning completed
Conclusion
Fully funded scholarships in Canada are limited but achievable for strong candidates.
Successful applicants typically demonstrate:
Academic excellence
Leadership skills
Clear goals
Financial honesty
With proper planning, preparation, and persistence, international students can secure funding and achieve their dream of studying in Canada.
