Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for International Students 2025

Did you know? Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) are some of the most competitive and prestigious scholarships for doctoral students. They fund living expenses and tuition for up to three years.

Fully funded scholarships in Canada are highly attractive for international students in 2025. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reports that more than 1 million international students are enrolled, with tuition fees ranging between CAD 20,000–40,000 (INR 12–25 lakh) annually. Scholarships that cover tuition, cost of living, and health insurance ease this financial pressure. 

Some of the most prestigious Canada fully funded scholarships 2025 include: 

• Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship – University of Toronto 
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships – CAD 50,000 (INR 31 lakh) per year for three years 
• Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships – doctoral research support 
• Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships – CAD 70,000 (INR 43 lakh) per year for two years 

This blog will guide you through the different types of fully funded scholarships in Canada, eligibility requirements, application processes, and strategies to maximize your chances of securing one in 2025.

What Are Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada?

Fully funded scholarships in Canada are prestigious financial aid offerings that offer all financial support to international students for their higher education studies. These scholarships are typically awarded based on academic performance, exemplary leadership, and community involvement. 

Unlike partial scholarships that provide limited financial assistance, fully funded scholarships will be designed to completely cover all major costs related to studying and living in Canada. 

These financial aid programs are backed by Canadian universities or a federal or provincial government, or even organizations, and are aimed at attracting fabulous students globally.

What does a fully funded scholarship cover in Canada?

A fully funded scholarship in Canada essentially means that the student covers all the major costs the student pays for education and living. This typically includes, most importantly, full tuition (which can vary from CAD 15,000/ INR 9,42,874 to CAD 50,000/INR 31,42,915 yearly, depending on their program and institution). 

Students regularly obtain monthly allowances for living costs such as food, travel, and accommodation. Many fully funded programs offer an additional allowance for health insurance or textbooks, and supplies. Some even cover international airfare to support international students in entering Canada ready for their studies. 

Some scholarships, like the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships and Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships, provide the student with funding for the entire cost of the academic program. 

Those applying for fully funded scholarships should read the terms of the scholarship to let them know what is covered, as some coverage may vary slightly from one scholarship provider to the next.

Are fully funded scholarships really 100% free?

Yes, fully funded scholarships in Canada are generally meant to be 100% free in the manner in which they are related to educational expenses. This means most covered the full costs of tuition, basic living costs, health insurance, and sometimes travel costs. 

However, students should note that "100% free" does NOT usually mean not every possible expense is covered: generally, the above-mentioned costs of tuition, basic living costs, health insurance, plus entertainment, leisure travel, or nominal costs for coursework or extracurricular not covered in the scholarship terms will be out of pocket. 

While these scholarships are very generous, they still reduce the overall cost burden to a large extent for international students. Institutions also offer resources to assist students in managing their budgets with the scholarship. 

For students, "fully funded" means nearly all the needs are funded. It is wise, however, to clarify with the degree program scholarship administrator which items are covered in the funding package.

What is the difference between full and partial scholarships?

Here is a table with the help of which we will understand the difference between full and partial scholarships:

Feature	Full Scholarship	Partial Scholarship
Tuition Fees	Fully covered	Partially covered or a fixed amount
Living Expenses	Monthly stipend provided	May or may not be included
Accommodation	Included (on-campus or allowance for off-campus)	Rarely included
Health Insurance	Usually included	Sometimes included
Airfare/Travel Costs	Often covered (especially for international travel)	Not usually covered
Eligibility Criteria	Highly competitive, merit- or need-based	More flexible, sometimes based on specific factors
Duration	Covers the full duration of the program	May be one-time or limited duration
Examples	Vanier Canada Scholarship, Lester B. Pearson	University-specific entrance awards

Now that you know the difference between full scholarship and partial scholarship it will help you in your future decision-making.

Planning to pursue your masters degree from top universities in Canada? Learn about the Top Universities in Canada for MS.

Who Can Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada?

Fully funded scholarships in Canada are available to many international scholarship applicants, including undergraduate students, master's students, and PhD students. 

These scholarships typically have been merit-based scholarships and seek out individuals who have good academic standing, demonstrated leadership abilities, and a background in community service or research. 

Eligibility varies depending on the institution and specific program; however, fully funded scholarships for international students strongly encourage applications from international students, including developing countries such as India.

Are there scholarships for Indian students in Canada?

Yes, there are plenty of fully funded scholarships available based on various eligibility categories to Indian students wanting to study in Canada. 

Here is a table showing scholarships for Indian students in Canada with level of study requirement and type of funding:

Scholarship Name	Level of Study	Funding Type
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships	PhD	Fully Funded
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship	Undergraduate	Fully Funded
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)	Master’s/PhD	Fully Funded (Merit-based)
McGill University Scholarships	UG / PG / PhD	Fully Funded / Partial
University of British Columbia (UBC) Awards	UG / PG / PhD	Fully Funded / Partial
University of Toronto Awards	UG / PG / PhD	Fully Funded / Partial

As a bonus, there are several outside scholarships like the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute and the Commonwealth Scholarship that Indian nationals can also apply for. The scholarships usually cover tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and sometimes travel. Indians applicants are encouraged to apply if they have an excellent academic record, leadership experiences, and a strong profile.

Can I apply without IELTS or TOEFL scores?

In some cases, yes. While most Canadian institutions will require IELTS, TOEFL, or similar language test or score, some universities may provide an exemption from their language tests if you are studying in an English-medium institution, or provide some other proof to demonstrate English proficiency, i.e. letter from my previous school. 

Also, some scholarships do not require you to provide a language test score if the university accepted your admission based on language proficiency. 

In this case, it is essential to check the eligibility requirements for both the scholarship and the institution where you are applying. Also, note that other alternatives, i.e. Duolingo, are accepted in some cases, or PTE.

Do I need a high GPA to be eligible for fully funded scholarships?

Most fully funded scholarships in Canada are very competitive and typically require a strong academic background, usually a 3.5 GPA or above (4.0 scale or equivalent). That said, GPA will not be the only factor used to judge you. 

Many scholarships look at leadership experience, extracurricular involvement, research accomplishments, and community service. Some programs may allow flexibility for students with lower GPAs if they have performances or contributions that are exceptionally great in other areas. 

So, in some cases, a lower academic score can be offset by a strong holistic contribution, but a high capped GPA will only help your case.

Also Read: Top 10 Best Universities in Canada for International Students

What Are the Best Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for International Students?

The scholarships are helping the Canadian government, universities, and private foundations bring more global talent to Canada or support academic excellence. 

These scholarships include, but are not limited to, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, Trudeau Foundation Scholarship, and different awards funded by the provincial government, which will be discussed below.

What is the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship?

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship is a prominent, fully funded scholarship in Canada. This scholarship is designed to retain and attract top-quality doctoral students. It is worth CAD 50,000/ INR 31,42,915 per year for three years to both domestic and international students pursuing a PhD in Canada. 

The award of the scholarship is made based on academic excellence, research potential, and leadership ability. The scholarship supports students in the fields of health research, natural sciences, engagement, social sciences, and humanities. 

It is important to note that the scholarship also requires candidates to be nominated by the Canadian institution where they plan to study (the selection process can be extremely competitive). If you are a doctoral student with a strong research purpose and academic background, this scholarship can be well worth pursuing.

What is Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship?

The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is a funded undergraduate award at the University of Toronto. The scholarship covers tuition fees, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for 4 years of undergraduate study. 

The award is offered to international students of exceptional academic achievement and creativity and extraordinary leadership, as well as proven contributions to their school or the wider community.  Approximately 37 students are selected annually from around the world. 

To gain consideration for the award, students must be nominated by the high school and apply to an undergraduate program at the University of Toronto. This is one of the most competitive undergraduate scholarships available in Canada for international students.

Is the Trudeau Foundation Scholarship fully funded?

Yes, the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship is a funded doctoral student award, that is dedicated to developing engaged leaders who want to contribute in a meaningful way to public policy and society. 

The scholarship is valued at up to CAD 60,000/INR 37,71,498 per year for three years, including tuition fees, living expenses, travel for research, and leadership skills development programs. The award is open for both Canadian and international students who are enrolled in or who will be enrolled in a full-time doctoral program in the social sciences and humanities. 

Scholars benefit from additional mentorship and a network of academics, policymakers, and changemakers.

Are there any provincial government scholarships in Canada?

Many provinces in Canada also offer scholarships for international students through provincial government initiatives which may be fully or partially funded. Examples of provincial scholarship opportunities include the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS), the Quebec Merit Scholarship Program, and the Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship (AGES). 

Let us understand provincial scholarships in Canada with the help of a table: 

Scholarship Name	Level of Study	Amount (CAD/year + INR Equivalent)
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)	Master’s / PhD	CAD $15,000 (₹9,30,000)
Quebec Merit Scholarship Program	Master’s / PhD	CAD $14,000 – $30,000 (₹8,68,000 – ₹18,60,000)
Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship (AGES)	Master’s / PhD	CAD $12,000 – $15,000 (₹7,44,000 – ₹9,30,000)

Note: INR conversions are approximate and may vary based on currency exchange rates.

Students usually must be enrolled in an institution participating in the provincial scholarship program to be eligible. These scholarships provide a great opportunity for international students to fund their education through a local or regional charity.

Are There Fully Funded Scholarships for all levels of study?

Yes, there are fully funded scholarships at all levels of study (undergraduate, master's, and PhD programs) for international students that are offered in Canada. These scholarships are provided to attract bright academic talent from across the world by Canadian universities, the Canadian government, and sometimes private foundations. 

While undergraduate scholarships for international students are limited and quite competitive, master’s and PhD programs from institutions of higher learning tend to have more funding available. Some diploma programs may also have partial funding or merit-based support for international students.

Which are the Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships in Canada?

Fully funded undergraduate scholarships are few, but available at select universities and foundations. The most notable is the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto. This scholarship pays for tuition and fees, books, and living expenses for four years. 

Other prominent scholarships include the York University Global Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship and the University of British Columbia International Leader of Tomorrow Award. Both of which offer financial aid similar to the Pearson Scholarship, but are also very competitive. 

Most of these scholarships will be awarded to students and applicants who demonstrate superb academic performance, leadership,and community involvement. Students must also apply to undergraduate admission to the university to be eligible for a specific scholarship.

Which Scholarships are available for Master’s Students?

Master's students in Canada can access many scholarships that are fully funded. Some of the most popular are the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (open to PhD students as well), Canada Graduate Scholarships Master’s Program (CGS-M), and the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS). 

The fully funded scholarships provide tuition fees, living expenses, and research funds for master's students in Canada, which can range from CAD 17,500/INR 11,00,020 to CAD 50,000/INR 31,42,915 per year. McGill, UBC, and University of Alberta, and many others, also provide institutional scholarships for the top performing international master's students. Most scholarships require a strong academic profile, a research proposal (if required), and strong letters of support.

What are the top PhD scholarships in Canada for International Students?

Some top fully funded PhD scholarships are Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: CAD 50,000/ INR 31,42,915 per year for 3 years, Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships: CAD 60,000/ INR 37,71,498 per year, and Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships (postdoctoral studies, but often viewed together with PhD awards). 

Most programs focus on identifying exceptional researchers and future leaders. Universities also offer fellowships and assistantships that pay tuition and living expenses. Nearly all require a strong GPA, research experience, a strong proposal, and support from a Canadian institution. These scholarships attract the best talent worldwide in health, engineering, social sciences, and humanities.

Can Diploma students also get scholarships?

There are limited fully funded scholarships for diploma students. However, some institutions along with provincial programs do offer partial scholarships, bursaries, or entrance awards for international students interested in diploma or certificate programs. 

Based on research, major colleges in Ontario like Seneca, Humber, and Centennial College have merit-based scholarships specifically for international students to gain financial assistance to help with paying for their tuition. 

These awards cover some part of the tuition amounts but normally do not cover living expenses or books. Academic excellence, community participation, and evidence of English language proficiency are normally included for eligibility.

Which Canadian Universities Offer Fully Funded Scholarships?

There are several reputable colleges/universities in Canada that provide fully funded scholarships to recruit talented international students. Scholarships are generally offered to cover remaining tuition fees, living costs, and the possibility of covering academic costs. 

Universities like the University of Toronto, McGill, University of British Columbia, are examples  that will provide a variety of scholarships. Only each individual institution decides what criteria qualifies a student for a scholarship; normally it is a combination of academic merit, leadership, and extracurricular activities. Several of them also have specific scholarships for Indian or other international students.

University	Scholarship(s)	What It Covers
University of Toronto	Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship	Full tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence for 4 years
McGill University	Major Entrance Scholarships (UG), Graduate Fellowships (PG)	UG: Up to CAD 12,000/year (INR 7.5L),  PG: Fully funded assistantships & fellowships
University of British Columbia	ILOT Award, Donald A. Wehrung Award (UG), Four Year Fellowship (PhD)	UG: Full tuition, fees, living costs PhD: CAD 18,200/year (INR 11.5L) + full tuition

Which Canadian universities give 100% scholarships to Indian students?

A number of Canadian universities have fully funded scholarships for Indian citizens, though the scholarship is awarded on merit and competitive basis. Notable examples of Canadian universities who have scholarships for foreign students include:

• University of Toronto: Lester B. Pearson Scholarship
• University of British Columbia: ILOT and Donald A. Wehrung Scholarship
• McGill University: Graduate fellowships and entrance scholarships
• University of Alberta: International Admission Scholarship and Doctoral Recruitment Scholarship
• University of Waterloo: International Master's and Doctoral Scholarships.

These scholarships are not specifically only for Indian students, but Indian students will be included in the eligibility of these awards. The students will have to show academic excellence, leadership abilities, and financial need (in some instances).

How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada?

The application process for fully funded scholarships in Canada requires preparation, and the management of required deadlines and eligibility criteria. Scholarships may be provided by universities, government agencies or private foundations each with its own application processes. 

If you are looking to apply for fully funded scholarships in Canada, the first step is to research the universities and scholarship programs that are relevant for your academic level (bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD) and area of interest. 

Go to their official or scholarship portals, such as Vanier CGS or Lester B. Pearson Scholarship, and verify the eligibility criteria, and the timeline. Generally speaking, to apply for a scholarship, you will need to complete an online application form, submit your academic transcripts, and provide reference letters, a statement of purpose, and possibly additional documentation indicating extracurricular or leadership activities.

Many scholarship programs will ask that you apply directly, while some programs will automatically consider you for a scholarship if you apply for admission.

What documents are required for scholarship applications?

The exact documents required may vary from program to program; however, there should generally be: 

• Academic transcripts 
• Passport/national ID 
• Current CV/resumé 
• Letter of Intent/Statement of Purpose 
• Academic reference letters (usually 2-3) 
• Proof of English if required (IELTS/TOEFL) 
• Research proposal 
• Admission letter (if applicable) 

All of your documents must be either in English, or must be translated by sworn translators. There are not usually too many documents to prepare for a scholarship, but it is imperative that you plan ahead and prepare the required documents well in advance of the deadline. Waiting until the last minute to prepare documents can create challenges that can be avoided.

What is the best time to apply?

The best time to apply for fully funded scholarships in Canada is between September and December of the year prior to intake. The majority of core scholarships operate under the same academic cycle, with application deadlines typically between October and March. 

By submitting your application early, you are better positioned to pull together your required documents, confirm eligibility and required academic conditions, and time your admission offer in accordance with the scholarship deadlines. Sometimes the scholarship application happens before admission is received, so always check the timeline of each of the individual scholarships.

Do I need an offer letter before applying for a scholarship?

It varies with the scholarship. For example, there are eligible scholarships that are fully funded  like the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship that requires students to apply for admission first, but then be nominated by the school. 

Research-based scholarships like the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship often require students to be accepted into a PhD program before they can apply, so in many ways being offered a place in a program is a precondition of applying for the scholarship or a stage of scholarship application process. Review the official guidelines for the scholarship, you can find the correct process.

What Happens After You Receive a Fully Funded Scholarship in Canada?

Acquiring a fully funded scholarship in Canada is an important achievement, but this achievement leads to many questions about your future in the country. 

Whether it is staying back to work, applying for permanent residency (PR) or transitioning visas, knowing what steps to take next will help you plan your academic and career path effectively.

Can I stay in Canada after my scholarship ends?

Indeed, you can stay in Canada when your scholarship ends if you meet immigration or visa requirements. 

Most international students have an option (such as a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)) to stay and work in Canada for as long as three years depending on how long your degree program or study program was (as long as your study permit is valid until you complete your course you will be able to apply for PGWP). 

You can then submit to immigration your work experience and have it included as an aspect of your residency application.

Do scholarship recipients get a work visa automatically?

No, getting a scholarship does not qualify you for a work visa. After you complete your studies you must apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) by applying for it through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This PGWP allows you to work full time in Canada for a certain amount of time.

Your eligibility for the work permit will depend on the type of institution and length of your education. You should also make sure to apply within 180 days of receiving your final transcripts or proof of graduation.

Will a Canadian scholarship improve my chances of PR?

While a scholarship by itself does not lead you directly to permanent residency (PR), it can certainly provide indirect evidence to help strengthen your profile. A Canadian degree, especially if it is a fully funded scholarship, is an important part of your education credentials. 

If you gain some work experience while in Canada under the PGWP through, anything that would qualify under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry which meets the requirements under any PR pathway would increase your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Academic gains, particularly in highly employable fields and professions will help with provincial nomination programs (PNPs).

Conclusion

Fully funded scholarships in Canada give international students a real chance to study at top universities without the heavy financial burden. With tuition and living costs often crossing several lakhs a year, these scholarships cover almost everything and open doors to world-class education 

If you are planning to study in Canada, now is the time to research, prepare strong applications, and aim high. These opportunities are competitive, but with focus and determination, you can be one of the students who study in Canada fully funded. Remember, the right scholarship can change your future and help you reach your academic and career goals. 

Feeling overwhelmed about where to begin? Book a 1:1 free counseling session with upGrad experts today and get the right guidance for your study abroad journey.