Canada has become one of the most popular destinations for international students, thanks to its world-class education and a diverse, welcoming environment. The country offers excellent post-study opportunities, making it even more attractive. However, the cost of tuition and living can be a concern.
If you are uncertain about choosing Canada due to financial challenges, you do not need to worry. Canada offers several fully funded scholarships that cover almost everything, from tuition to living expenses, and even travel costs.
Whether you are applying for an undergraduate program or postgraduate studies, these scholarships can ease the financial burden and help you focus on your education and growth.
In this post, we will highlight some of the top fully funded scholarships in Canada that are perfect for international students like you.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships:
If you are aiming for a fully funded PhD opportunity in Canada, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships should be at the top of your list.
This prestigious scholarship is offered by the Government of Canada and is designed for top doctoral students who show outstanding academic achievement, strong leadership potential, and a passion for research.
The Vanier Scholarship provides $50,000 per year for three years, helping to cover your tuition, living expenses, and research costs. To be eligible, you must be nominated by a Canadian university (you cannot apply directly and be either a Canadian or international student.
You must also show strong records in the following:
- Academic Excellence
- Research Potential
- Leadership (both demonstrated and potential)
What makes this scholarship even more attractive is that Canada offers permanent residency after your studies, making this an investment not just in your education but also in your future.
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: $50,000 Grants per year
- Deadline: The scholarship is currently closed, but you can check HERE for more information on how to apply.
2. University of British Columbia (UBC) IMES Scholarship:
If you are an undergraduate planning to study in Canada, the University of British Columbia (UBC) offers some of the most generous scholarship opportunities for international students.
One of the major scholarship options available is the International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES). This scholarship is awarded to outstanding international students who are new to UBC and demonstrate exceptional academic performance, strong intellectual promise, and active involvement in extracurricular or community activities.
As an international student, you do not need to apply separately. Once you receive an offer of admission, you are automatically considered for the IMES.To qualify, you must:
- Be entering UBC directly from secondary school (high school).
- Hold a valid Canadian study permit (student visa).
- Show a strong record of academic excellence and community engagement.
- Not be nominated for a need-and-merit-based International Scholars award at UBC.
This scholarship offers full sponsorship, covering major costs like tuition and more, which will give you the chance to focus on your studies without financial worries.
- Category: Undergraduate Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Nationalities
- Funding Reward: Full Sponsorship
- Deadline: The application for 2026 closed in May, but you can check HERE on how to apply.
3. University of Toronto Lester B Pearson Scholarship :
The University of Toronto offers the Lester B Pearson Scholarship to students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and creativity and who are recognized as leaders within their school.
The scholarship selection committee does not just consider your grades, but looks at your overall impact, your potential to contribute to the global community, and your leadership qualities.
The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship is highly competitive and awarded each year to international students, including those currently studying at Canadian high schools. It covers full tuition fees, stipends for books and incidental costs, and full accommodation for four years.
To be eligible, you must:
- Be an international student (i.e., a non-Canadian requiring a study permit)
- You are in your final year of secondary school
- Be nominated by your school and apply to begin studies at U of T in the upcoming academic year
- Category: Undergraduate Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Funding Reward: Full Scholarship | Stipend | Accommodation
- Deadline: The application is currently on and it closes, November 7, 2025. For more information on the eligibility requirement, check HERE.
4. University of Alberta Graduate Scholarships:
The University of Alberta scholarship is a master’s/PhD scholarship for international students. It is an excellent opportunity for international students interested in advanced research and academic advancement.
This fully funded scholarship covers both tuition fees and living stipends, and the funding is renewable each year until you complete your program, whether it is a master’s or doctoral degree.
To be eligible for this opportunity, applicants must:
- Hold a completed Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in fields like Materials Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering.
- Have a strong interest or background in the fabrication of microsystems (either through research or industry experience).
- Must be able to work independently and in a team, with excellent problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication abilities.
No IELTS required for some programs, especially if your previous degree was taught in English.
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Master’s Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Living Stipends | Research Costs
- Deadline: Closed in June 2025, but you can check HERE for more information on how to apply.
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5. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships:
If you plan to pursue your PhD in Canada and your research is connected to topics that shape the future of society, then you should choose the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship.
This fully funded scholarship provides up to $50,000 per year for three years to cover tuition fees and living expenses. In addition, it offers $20,000 annually for research, travel, networking, and professional development, totalling $70,000 per year in support.
To be eligible, you must:
- Be already accepted into or currently in year one or two of a full-time doctoral program, and expected to complete your PhD in 2026 or later.
- Be studying a field broadly related to the humanities or human sciences (especially topics relevant to Canada’s future).
- Ensure your research aligns with at least one of the Foundation’s four themes:
- Human Rights and Dignity
- Responsible Citizenship
- Be either: a Canadian citizen studying in Canada or abroad, or a non-Canadian student (international student or permanent resident) enrolled in a doctoral program at a Canadian university.
Aside from financial support, the award also offers mentorship, leadership development, and access to a powerful network of scholars and leaders.
- Category: PhD Scholarships | Fellowships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Up to $70,000 per year | Travel & Research Support
- Deadline: The application is currently ongoing, and the deadline is November 25, 2024. To apply, check HERE
6. York University International Scholarship:
York University offers a variety of fully funded scholarships to international students across undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels.
These scholarships not only cover full tuition fees but, in many cases, include living expenses, making them ideal for students who want to study in Canada without financial stress.
Some popular scholarship options under York University include the York University Glendon International Scholarship and York University Graduate Scholarships through the Integrated Circuits and Systems Labs (ICSL) for students interested in engineering and related fields.
The eligibility criteria depend on the specific scholarship you apply for, but generally, students must demonstrate academic excellence, community involvement, and leadership potential. Some scholarships are course-specific, so it’s important to check the requirements for each one.
- Category: Undergraduate, Graduate & Postgraduate Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Fully Funded | Includes Living Expenses
- IELTS Required: No
7. The University of British Columbia International Scholars Program in Canada:
The University of British Columbia annually offers full scholarship opportunities to international students seeking to study bachelor’s degrees at the institution in Canada.
There are four categories of prestigious need-and-merit-based awards available through UBC’s International Scholars Program: the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award. Vantage one excellence award, international impact award, and the Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award.
To be considered for the UBC International Scholars Program:
- You must be an international student studying in Canada on a study permit.
- You must be entering UBC directly from secondary school or transferring after your first year at another university.
- You must be applying for your first undergraduate degree.
- You must show excellent academic results (typically all A’s or equivalent).
- You must demonstrate financial need that would prevent you from studying at UBC otherwise.
- You must meet UBC’s admission requirements, including English proficiency and program-specific requirements.
- Category: Undergraduate Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
Funding Reward: Fully Funded | Covers Tuition + Living Stipends - IELTS Required: No
- Deadline: Application is closed. Check HERE for more information on how to apply.
8. McCall MacBain Scholarship of McGill University :
The McCall MacBain scholarship is a fully funded award for your entire master’s or professional program at McGill University in Canada.
Aside from the full tuition, the award also gives you a living stipend to cover your living expenses while studying. Additionally, you will get access to a dedicated mentor, coach, and advisors to guide you throughout your program.
To be eligible for the McCall MacBain Scholarship:
- You must currently be in your final year of a bachelor’s degree (to graduate by August 2026),
OR - You must have earned your first bachelor’s degree in 2020 or later, OR If you earned your degree before 2020, you must be 30 years or younger by 2025.
- You must meet McGill’s admission requirements, including language and academic qualifications for the specific program you’re applying to.
- Category: Undergraduate Final-Year Students | Postgraduate Scholarships | Master’s Programs
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | $27,600 Stipend/Year | Travel & Language Support
- Deadline: Application is currently ongoing and will close August 20, 2025. Check HERE on how to apply
ONGOING SCHOLARSHIPS
Required Documents for Scholarship Applications in Canada
1. Academic Transcripts
2. Proof/Letter of Admission
3. Statement of Purpose/ Personal Statement
4. Letters of Recommendation
5. Language of Proficiency
6. CV/Resume:
7. Passport/Valid Photograph
8. Research Proposal(Graduate):
Conclusion:
Aside from its academic excellence, funded opportunities also make Canada one of the top study destinations in the world. If selected for this fully funded scholarship, it will make it possible to focus on your studies, immerse yourself in a new culture, and build an exciting global future without the stress of financial burden.
However, it is advisable to start your scholarship applications early, pay attention to eligibility criteria, and submit strong supporting documents like the ones listed above when you are applying for any degree in Canada.
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