Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada

23 Mar, 2024

Are you an international student looking to pursue higher education in Canada without worrying about the financial burden?

Canada offers a wide range of fully funded scholarships that can cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs associated with studying abroad.

These scholarships are highly competitive, but with the right preparation and determination, you can increase your chances of securing one.

Types of Fully Funded Scholarships

Government-Funded Scholarships

The Canadian government, through various federal and provincial agencies, provides scholarships to outstanding international students.
Examples: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships, and the Ontario Trillium Scholarship.

University-Specific Scholarships

Many Canadian universities offer their own scholarships to attract top international talent.
These scholarships may cover tuition fees, living expenses, or a combination of both.
Examples: University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, McGill University Entrance Scholarships.

Organization-Sponsored Scholarships

Various organizations, foundations, and private companies offer scholarships to support international students in specific fields or disciplines.
Examples: Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships, Mitacs Globalink Research Internship.

Eligibility Criteria

While the specific eligibility criteria may vary depending on the scholarship, some common requirements include:

Academic Excellence: Most fully funded scholarships require outstanding academic performance, as demonstrated by high grades, publications, or research experience.
English Language Proficiency: Applicants may need to meet specific English language test score requirements, such as IELTS or TOEFL.
Program of Study: Some scholarships are restricted to certain fields of study or levels of education (e.g., undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral).
Nationality or Country of Origin: Certain scholarships may be open only to students from specific countries or regions.

Best Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for International Students

University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
York University International Student Scholarships
International Scholars Program at University of British Columbia
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program at University of Toronto
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for US Citizens to Study Abroad
FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship
Winnipeg President’s Scholarships for World Leaders
Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award at University of British Columbia
PEO International Peace Scholarships for Women
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
Organization of American States Academic Scholarship Program
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral scholarships
Fonds de recherche du Quebec Scholarships and Grants
Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED)
Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP)
Study in Canada Scholarships
Canada-China Scholars' Exchange Program
Government of Canada International Scholarships (ELAP SEED Study in Canada)

1. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships

Idea: Offers funding for master's and doctoral studies.
Location: University of Manitoba, Canada.
Requirements: Varies annually, open to international students.
How to Apply: Check the University of Manitoba website for application details.

2. York University International Student Scholarships

Idea: Scholarships for bachelor's degree students.
Location: York University, Canada.
Requirements: Deadline annually on February 15th.
How to Apply: Visit York University's website for application instructions.

3. International Scholars Program at University of British Columbia

Idea: Scholarships for undergraduate students.
Location: University of British Columbia, Canada.
Requirements: Deadline annually on November 15th or December 1st.
How to Apply: Refer to the University of British Columbia's website for application guidelines.

4. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Idea: Supports doctoral students with exceptional academic achievements.
Location: Canadian universities.
Requirements: Deadline annually before November 1st.
How to Apply: Visit the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships website for application details.

5. University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship

Idea: Scholarship for undergraduate students.
Location: University of Calgary, Canada.
Requirements: Deadline annually on December 1st or March 1st.
How to Apply: Check the University of Calgary's website for application procedures.

6. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program at University of Toronto

Idea: Prestigious scholarships for exceptional international students.
Location: University of Toronto, Canada.
Requirements: Varies, typically based on academic excellence and leadership.
How to Apply: Visit the University of Toronto's website for detailed application instructions.

7. Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for US Citizens to Study Abroad

Idea: Supports US citizens with limited financial means to study abroad.
Location: Various international locations including Canada.
Requirements: Must be a US citizen receiving a Federal Pell Grant.
How to Apply: Check the Gilman Scholarship website for application deadlines and requirements.

8. FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship

Idea: Scholarship for women pursuing graduate studies in finance.
Location: Open to international applicants studying finance-related fields.
Requirements: Must be a woman enrolled in a graduate program.
How to Apply: Visit the FINCAD website for scholarship application details.

9. Winnipeg President’s Scholarships for World Leaders

Idea: Scholarships for international students demonstrating leadership potential.
Location: University of Winnipeg, Canada.
Requirements: Varies, based on academic merit and leadership qualities.
How to Apply: Refer to the University of Winnipeg's website for scholarship application guidelines.

10. Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award at University of British Columbia

Idea: Supports outstanding international students from developing countries.
Location: University of British Columbia, Canada.
Requirements: Demonstrated financial need, academic excellence, and leadership potential.
How to Apply: Check the University of British Columbia's website for award application details.

11. PEO International Peace Scholarships for Women

Idea: Scholarships for women pursuing graduate studies in the U.S. and Canada.
Location: Available for study in the United States and Canada.
Requirements: Must be a woman pursuing a graduate degree.
How to Apply: Visit the PEO International website for scholarship application information.

12. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships

Idea: Fellowships for postdoctoral researchers in health, natural sciences, engineering, and social sciences.
Location: Canadian universities and research institutions.
Requirements: Open to both Canadian and international applicants.
How to Apply: Refer to the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships website for application details.

13. Organization of American States Academic Scholarship Program

Idea: Scholarships for graduate and undergraduate studies in various fields.
Location: Participating universities in the Americas, including Canada.
Requirements: Varies based on the specific scholarship.
How to Apply: Check the Organization of American States website for scholarship opportunities and application procedures.

14. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral scholarships

Idea: Scholarships for doctoral students pursuing research in social sciences and humanities.
Location: Canadian universities.
Requirements: Focus on leadership potential and academic excellence.
How to Apply: Visit the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation website for scholarship details and application guidelines.

15. Fonds de recherche du Quebec Scholarships and Grants

Idea: Funding opportunities for research in Quebec, Canada.
Location: Quebec, Canada.
Requirements: Varies depending on the specific scholarship or grant.
How to Apply: Refer to the Fonds de recherche du Quebec website for scholarship and grant application information.

16. Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED)

Idea: Scholarships for students from ASEAN countries to study in Canada.
Location: Canada.
Requirements: Open to students from ASEAN countries pursuing studies in various fields.
How to Apply: Check the SEED program website for application details and deadlines.

17. Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP)

Idea: Scholarships for students from Latin America and the Caribbean to study in Canada.
Location: Canada.
Requirements: Open to students from Latin America and the Caribbean.
How to Apply: Visit the ELAP program website for application guidelines and deadlines.

18. Study in Canada Scholarships

Idea: Scholarships for international students to study in Canada.
Location: Canada.
Requirements: Varies depending on the specific scholarship.
How to Apply: Check the Study in Canada website for scholarship opportunities and application procedures.

19. Canada-China Scholars' Exchange Program

Idea: Scholarships for Canadian and Chinese students to study in each other's countries.
Location: Canada and China.
Requirements: Open to Canadian and Chinese students.
How to Apply: Refer to the Canada-China Scholars' Exchange Program website for application details and deadlines.

20. Government of Canada International Scholarships (ELAP SEED Study in Canada)

Idea: Various scholarships for international students to study in Canada.
Location: Canada.
Requirements: Varies depending on the specific scholarship.
How to Apply: Visit the Government of Canada International Scholarships website for scholarship opportunities and application procedures.

Application Process

The application process for fully funded scholarships in Canada can be rigorous and competitive. Here are some general steps you may need to follow:

Research and Identify Suitable Scholarships: Thoroughly research and identify scholarships that align with your academic goals, field of study, and eligibility criteria.
Prepare Required Documents: Gather all necessary documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statements, research proposals, and language test scores.
Meet Application Deadlines: Pay close attention to the application deadlines and ensure that you submit your application materials well before the due date.
Attend Interviews (if required): Some scholarships may require you to participate in interviews, either in-person or online, as part of the selection process.
Follow Up and Accept the Offer: If you are successful, promptly accept the scholarship offer and follow any additional instructions provided by the awarding organization or institution.

Tips for Increasing Your Chances

Maintain an Outstanding Academic Record: Consistently strive for academic excellence and maintain a high GPA or equivalent grading system in your current studies.
Gain Relevant Experience: Participate in research projects, internships, or extracurricular activities related to your field of study to strengthen your application.
Develop Strong Writing Skills: Craft well-written and compelling personal statements, research proposals, and other application materials that highlight your achievements and future goals.
Seek Guidance and Feedback: Consult with professors, academic advisors, or scholarship advisors to receive feedback on your application materials and strategies.
Apply Early and for Multiple Scholarships: Start the application process well in advance and consider applying for multiple scholarships to increase your chances of success.

Securing a fully funded scholarship in Canada can be a challenging but rewarding experience. With dedication, perseverance, and a strong application, you can pursue your academic dreams while minimizing the financial burden of studying abroad.