Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada 2025: Everything You Need to Know

Latest update: The prestigious Vanier CGS program concluded its final cycle in 2024–25. It’s now been replaced by the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS D), offering CAD 40,000/year.

Canada welcomes over 800,000 international students every year, making it one of the top study destinations globally. A big reason? The growing number of fully funded scholarships in Canada covers tuition fees, living costs, travel, and health insurance.

These scholarships allow students from across the world to study in Canada for free, whether they’re pursuing undergraduate, master’s, or PhD programs. Popular scholarships, such as the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship and the McCall MacBain Scholarship, are open to students from around the world, including those from India, Nigeria, and Southeast Asia.

These government-funded and university-based awards aim to attract top global talent while easing financial pressure. So if you are wondering how to get a full scholarship in Canada, this guide will break it all down, clearly and practically.

 

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• MBA from IMT Ghaziabad and UCW, Canada
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What are the Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for International Students?

Canada offers a wide range of fully funded scholarships for international students, from undergraduate to PhD levels. These scholarships don’t just cover tuition; they often include living expenses, travel, and more.

Comparison Table: Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada

Scholarship Name	Coverage	Degree Level
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships	CAD 50,000/year for 3 years (tuition, research, living expenses) (approx. 30,50,000 INR)	PhD
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship	Full tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence support	Undergraduate
McCall MacBain Scholarship	Full tuition, CAD 2,000/month (INR 1,22,000) stipend, relocation grant	Master’s
Trudeau Foundation Scholarships	Up to CAD 40,000/year (INR 24,40,000) + research/travel allowance	PhD
University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship	CAD 20,000 total over 2 years (INR 12,20,000)	Undergraduate
UBC International Scholars Program	Full tuition and living expenses based on financial need	Undergraduate

Let’s know them in detail:

1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (Vanier CGS) is one of Canada’s most competitive and fully funded PhD scholarships. It was established by the Government of Canada to attract top-tier doctoral students and support them through their research journey.

What does it cover?

• CAD 50,000 per year (approx. INR 30–31 lakhs/year)
• Awarded for up to 3 years
• Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and research-related costs

Who can apply?

• Open to international students, Canadian citizens, and permanent residents
• For those enrolling in a PhD program at a Canadian university with a Vanier nomination quota
• Requires a first-class average in the last two years of study
• Applicants must show strong leadership qualities and research potential

Fields of study eligible

• Health Research
• Natural Sciences and Engineering
• Social Sciences and Humanities

2. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship

The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is a fully funded undergraduate scholarship offered by the University of Toronto. It’s one of the most in-demand Canadian scholarships for exceptional international students who have shown academic excellence, creativity, and leadership within their schools and communities.

What does it cover?

• Full tuition fees for four years
• Books and study materials
• Incidental fees
• Full residence support
• Total value estimated at CAD 80,000–100,000 over four years (approx. INR 48–60 lakhs)

Who can apply?

• Non-Canadian international students currently in their final year of secondary school
• Must be nominated by their school and then apply to the University of Toronto for undergraduate studies
• Must show strong academic performance, leadership, and community impact
• Must be applying to the University of Toronto as their first choice

Fields of study eligible

• Available for all undergraduate programs at the University of Toronto

3. UBC International Scholars Program

The UBC International Scholars Program offers multiple fully funded scholarships to outstanding international students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and financial need. The University of British Columbia runs four major award categories under this program, making it one of the most generous options in Canada for undergraduate international students.

What does it cover?

• Full tuition and living expenses for up to 4 years
• Renewable annually based on satisfactory academic progress
• The scholarship value can go up to CAD 85,000–100,000 (approx. INR 51–60 lakhs) depending on need

Types of awards under this program

1. Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award (ILOT)
   • For students with excellent academics, leadership, and community service
2. Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award
   • For students from war-torn or economically disadvantaged regions
3. International Impact Award
   • For students who’ve shown exceptional commitment to social justice and environmental sustainability
4. Vantage One Excellence Award
   • For academically strong students who need additional English language support

Who can apply?

• Must be an international student entering UBC directly from secondary school
• Should demonstrate financial need that would otherwise prevent attendance
• Need to apply for undergraduate programs at either the UBC Vancouver or UBC Okanagan campus
• Must meet UBC’s admission requirements, including English proficiency

Fields of study eligible

• All undergraduate programs offered by UBC

4. University of Waterloo International Master’s and Doctoral Awards

The University of Waterloo offers fully funded support to international students pursuing master’s and PhD programs. These awards help attract top research talent from around the world and reduce the financial burden of studying at a Canadian university.

What does it cover?

• International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE)
  • CAD 2,500 (INR 1,52,500) per term, for up to 5 terms
  • Total up to CAD 12,500 (approx. INR 7.5 lakhs)
• International Doctoral Student Award (IDSA)
  • CAD 15,000 annually (approx. INR 9 lakhs/year)
  • Offered for the normal duration of the PhD program (up to 4 years)

Who can apply?

• Open to international students enrolled full-time in a research-based master’s or PhD program at the University of Waterloo
• Must meet the academic excellence criteria set by the faculty/department
• No separate application for the award; students are automatically considered upon admission

Fields of study eligible

All faculties offering graduate programs, including:

• Engineering
• Mathematics
• Health
• Environment
• Science
• Arts

5. McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill University

The McCall MacBain Scholarship is one of Canada’s most prestigious fully funded scholarships for international and domestic students pursuing a master’s or professional program at McGill University. It’s designed to cover costs, to develop future leaders through mentorship, community engagement, and interdisciplinary learning.

What does it cover?

• Full tuition and fees for any eligible master's or professional program
• CAD 2,000 per month as a living stipend during the academic term (approx. INR 1.2 lakh/month)
• One-time relocation grant for students moving to Montréal
• Leadership training and personalized mentorship throughout the program
• Total value: Up to CAD 90,000–100,000+ depending on course length (approx. INR 54–60 lakhs)

Who can apply?

• Open to international and Canadian students
• Must have a bachelor’s degree (or be in the final year)
• Demonstrate leadership, character, academic strength, and community involvement
• Apply for Fall 2026 admission to a full-time master’s or second-entry professional program at McGill

Fields of study eligible

• Over 150+ eligible programs, including:
  • Public Policy
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Law
  • Business (non-MBA)
  • Urban Planning
  • Information Studies
  • Biology, Physics, and more

6. University of Calgary Graduate Awards

The University of Calgary offers a wide range of scholarships and awards for international graduate students, especially those enrolled in master’s and PhD programs. While not every award is fully funded on its own, students often receive a funding package that covers most, if not all, of their academic and living expenses.

What does it cover?

Depending on the specific award, students may receive:

• Tuition coverage
• Annual stipends ranging from CAD 5,000 to CAD 30,000
  • For example:
    • Graduate Entrance Award: CAD 12,000 (approx. INR 7.2 lakhs)
    • Doctoral Recruitment Scholarship: CAD 25,000/year (approx. INR 15 lakhs/year)
    • International Graduate Scholarships: Varies per department.

Who can apply?

• Open to international students admitted to a thesis-based master’s or doctoral program at the University of Calgary
• Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic background, research potential, and alignment with faculty research areas
• Some awards are automatically considered upon admission; others require a separate application

Fields of study eligible

All graduate-level fields, including:

• Engineering
• Medicine
• Environmental Design
• Social Work
• Science
• Arts
• Kinesiology
• Veterinary Medicine

7. University of British Columbia (UBC) Graduate Scholarships

The University of British Columbia, one of Canada’s top-ranked universities, offers several fully funded scholarships to support international master’s and PhD students. These awards are based on academic merit, research potential, and diversity.

What does it cover?

UBC doesn’t offer one single fully funded scholarship but instead provides a mix of major awards, departmental funding, and assistantships, which often result in a full-ride funding package. 

Key options include:

• Four-Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF)
  • CAD 18,200/year stipend + full tuition coverage for up to 4 years
  • Approx. INR 11 lakh/year + tuition
• International Tuition Award (ITA)
  • Up to CAD 3,200/year for international master’s and PhD students (approx. INR 1.9 lakh)
• Graduate Dean’s Entrance Scholarship
  • CAD 5,000 to 10,000 (approx. INR 3–6 lakh)
• Research Assistantships/Teaching Assistantships
  • Typically CAD 10,000–25,000/year, depending on hours worked and department (INR 6–15 lakh/year)

Who can apply?

• Open to international students pursuing thesis-based master’s or PhD programs
• You must have a strong academic performance, a research background, and meet individual department requirements
• Some scholarships are automatically considered with admission; others require a separate application

Fields of study eligible

Virtually all graduate-level programs, including:

• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Engineering
• Law
• Forestry
• Public Policy
• Global Affairs
• Biomedical Sciences
• Economics

How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada?

Applying for a fully funded scholarship in Canada isn’t a one-size-fits-all process; it depends on the university, program level, and the type of scholarship. 

Here is a step-by-step guide that works in most cases:

1. Shortlist your universities and scholarships

Research Canadian universities that offer fully funded scholarships for your course level (undergraduate, master’s, PhD). Each university’s website lists available awards and eligibility.

2. Check eligibility criteria

Typical requirements include:

• Strong academic record (GPA equivalent of 3.7+ or 75%+)
• Language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
• Research proposal or portfolio (for graduate students)
• Leadership or extracurricular achievements (for undergrad merit-based scholarships)

3. Prepare your documents

Most applications require:

• Academic transcripts
• Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement
• Letters of Recommendation
• Resume or CV
• Language test scores (IELTS/TOEFL)
• Research proposal (for PhD or research-based master’s)

4. Apply for admission + scholarship

Some scholarships require a separate application, while others are considered automatically when you apply for admission.
Always:

• Double-check deadlines (some are earlier than program deadlines)
• Follow the instructions from the university website or the funding body
• Submit all documents online via university portals or government platforms (e.g., ResearchNet for Vanier)

5. Get nominated (if applicable)

For certain prestigious scholarships like the Vanier CGS or Lester B. Pearson, you need to be nominated by the university before applying.

6. Track results and funding package

Once selected, you will get an offer letter with scholarship details. This often includes tuition waivers, living allowance, and additional support.

Scholarship Deadlines for 2025–2026 Intake

Planning is key if you are aiming for fully funded scholarships in Canada. Below is a university-wise list of important deadlines for the 2025–2026 intake, based on the latest official data.

University	Scholarship Name	Key Deadlines (2025–2026 Intake)
University of Toronto	Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship	School nomination: October 10, 2025 OUAC application: October 17, 2025 Scholarship application: November 7, 2025
Participating Canadian Universities (e.g., McGill, UBC, U of T)	Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships	Institutional nomination deadline: October 30, 2024 (Closed) Final submission on ResearchNet: November 2024 (Closed) Results announced: April 2025
University of British Columbia	UBC International Scholars Program	School nomination: November 15, 2024 (Closed) Student application: December 1, 2024 (Closed)
University of Waterloo	International Master's and Doctoral Awards	Based on program deadlines (Rolling intake) Still Open (Apply 6–8 months in advance)
University of Alberta	UAlberta Scholarships for International Students	Deadlines expected between January–March 2025 (Closed)
McGill University	McCall MacBain Scholarships	Application opened: June 1, 2024 Deadline: September 25, 2024 (Closed) Interviews: March 2025

Source: Official Website only

Conclusion

Securing a fully funded scholarship in Canada is not just a dream; it’s a real opportunity if you meet the right criteria and stay ahead of deadlines. Whether you're aiming for undergraduate studies, a master’s degree, or a PhD, Canada offers numerous scholarship options that cover tuition, living costs, and more. From prestigious awards like the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships and the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship to university-specific programs, the possibilities are wide-ranging.

Start early, research each scholarship’s eligibility and timeline carefully, and focus on building a strong application profile. Many of these scholarships are competitive but completely achievable with the right approach.

Ready to study in Canada on a fully funded scholarship? Talk to upGrad experts now.