If you’ve ever thought about studying in Canada, you’re definitely not alone. It’s one of those places people dream of, good schools, safe cities, friendly people, and so much cultural mix, you feel at home no matter where you’re from.
But let’s be real, studying abroad isn’t cheap.
That’s why fully funded scholarships in Canada are such a big deal. Imagine going to a top university without having to stress about tuition or rent. Sounds like a dream, right?
In this post, I’m going to show you some of the scholarships that actually make that dream possible. I’ll explain what they cover, who they’re for, and how you can apply.
Here’s a breakdown of 7 awesome fully funded scholarships in Canada that can help make your study-abroad dream actually happen:
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
If you’re aiming for a PhD in Canada, this is one of the biggest ones out there. The Vanier Scholarship is designed to bring some of the world’s top doctoral students into Canadian universities.
- Who it’s for: Doctoral students in health, engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, or humanities
- What it covers: CAD $50,000 per year for 3 years
- What’s included: Tuition, living expenses, and research costs
- Why it’s great: It’s fully loaded, you don’t have to worry about juggling part-time jobs while trying to get your PhD.
2. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
Planning to study in Ontario? This one’s worth checking out. The OGS helps both Master’s and PhD students with solid academic records.
- Who it’s for: Graduate students (Master’s and PhD) in Ontario universities
- What it covers: Up to CAD $15,000/year for Master’s, and up to $30,000/year for PhD
- Why it’s helpful: It lightens the load on tuition and living costs, perfect for international students trying to make ends meet.
3. Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
This one’s not just about grades, it’s for students who are all about leadership, community impact, and changing the world (no pressure though).
- Who it’s for: Doctoral students with a passion for social change
- What it covers: Up to CAD $60,000/year for 3–4 years
- What’s included: Tuition, living allowance, research travel, and international fieldwork
- Why it stands out: It’s more than a scholarship,it’s a leadership journey.
4. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
Headed to the University of Toronto for undergrad? This is one of the most prestigious awards they offer for international students.
- Who it’s for: Exceptional international undergrads with strong leadership and academic skills
- What it covers: Full tuition, books, incidental fees, and 4 years of on-campus residence
- Why it’s a game-changer: You won’t just study at one of the best schools, you’ll do it stress-free.
5. UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award
UBC (University of British Columbia) doesn’t just look at your grades, they want to know if you’ve made a real impact in your community too.
- Who it’s for: International undergrads with strong academics + leadership + community involvement
- What it covers: Full tuition and a living allowance based on your financial need
- Why it matters: It rewards the full package, not just smart students, but change-makers.
6. University of Calgary Graduate Awards
Calgary’s not just known for mountains and oil, they’ve got some solid funding for grad students too.
- Who it’s for: International students doing Master’s or PhD programs
- What it covers: Tuition and living costs (amount varies depending on the program)
- Why it’s worth it: Calgary offers a range of scholarships, some based on academics, others on research or faculty nomination.
7. University of Alberta Scholarships
U of A rolls out the red carpet for international students. Whether you’re just starting undergrad or diving into grad school, they’ve got something for you.
- Who it’s for: International undergrad and graduate students
- What it covers: Tuition, and in many cases, extra money for living expenses
- Scholarships to look out for: International Entrance Leadership Scholarship, President’s Admission Scholarship
- Why it’s awesome: There’s a variety, and some are automatic, you don’t even need to apply separately.
A Quick Heads Up
Even with full tuition and living costs covered, you might still need to budget for a few things, like health insurance, books, or personal expenses. Every scholarship has its own rules, so make sure you double-check the details on the official university sites before applying.
More Info: What to Know Before You Apply
Before you get too deep into the scholarship hunt, here are a few things that are super important to keep in mind:
1. Deadlines Are Everything
Some scholarships close super early, like, months before the school year starts. Make a calendar, set reminders, and give yourself enough time to prepare everything.
2. You’ll Need Strong Documents
Most of these scholarships will ask for things like:
- Academic transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- A statement of purpose or research proposal
- Proof of leadership or community involvement
- Sometimes financial documents (for need-based ones)
Don’t rush these. They really do make a difference.
3. Not All Scholarships Are Automatic
Some scholarships, like U of Alberta’s entrance awards, are automatic, meaning you’re considered as soon as you apply for admission. But many others require a separate application, and missing it could mean missing the money.
4. You Don’t Always Need Straight A’s
Yes, good grades help, but leadership, volunteering, unique life experiences, or community impact can really tip the scale in your favor. Don’t count yourself out just because your GPA isn’t perfect.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
✅ Can I apply for more than one scholarship at once?
Yes, definitely. In fact, you should. Some are based on financial need, others on academic merit or leadership. Just make sure the deadlines don’t clash and your documents are customized for each one.
💰 Will these scholarships cover 100% of my expenses?
Some do. Scholarships like Vanier or Lester B. Pearson are fully funded, they cover tuition, living costs, books, and sometimes travel or research. Others might only cover tuition or part of your costs, so you’ll still need to budget for things like:
- Health insurance
- Daily living expenses
- Textbooks
- Personal spending
🌍 Are these scholarships open to all international students?
Most of them are, but always check the eligibility page. Some might be limited to students from specific countries, or they might prioritize students applying for certain programs (like STEM or social sciences).
📄 What if I don’t have a perfect academic record?
Don’t worry, you’re not out of the game. A lot of these scholarships look at the full picture: leadership, extracurriculars, personal story, and future goals. If you’ve made an impact in your community or overcome challenges, say that clearly in your application.
📅 When should I start applying?
As early as possible. Ideally 8–12 months before the school year you’re aiming for. So if you want to start school in September 2026, start researching and prepping your applications by late 2025.
🧾 Do I need IELTS or TOEFL scores to apply?
Usually yes, if English isn’t your first language. Most Canadian universities will ask for a valid proof of English proficiency. Some accept alternatives like the Duolingo English Test, so double-check with the specific university.
Want a shortcut?
If you’re overwhelmed or just need help figuring out which scholarship fits you best, feel free to drop what program you’re interested in or what level you’re applying for (undergrad, master’s, PhD), and I’ll point you in the right direction.
