Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for International Students

Are you an aspiring international student with a burning desire to study in Canada? Are financial constraints holding you back from achieving your academic goals? Look no further! A plethora of fully funded scholarships in Canada for international students awaits you, opening doors to world-class education and a brighter future.

With its diverse academic landscape, welcoming environment, and thriving multicultural communities, Canada has earned its reputation as a top destination for international students. However, the cost of education can be a significant barrier for many. Thankfully, numerous fully funded scholarships exist to bridge this gap and empower international students to pursue their academic aspirations without financial burden.

These scholarships, offered by various institutions, government agencies, and private organizations, aim to attract talented international students and enrich the academic ecosystem in Canada. They cover tuition fees, living expenses, and sometimes even travel costs, allowing students to focus solely on their studies and immerse themselves in university life.

Whether you are an aspiring undergraduate, master's, or doctoral candidate, there are fully funded scholarships in Canada waiting to support your academic journey. With a little research and effort, you can unlock the doors to exceptional educational opportunities and embark on an unforgettable adventure in Canada.

Role of Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for International Students

Fully funded scholarships in Canada offer international students a unique opportunity to pursue their academic dreams at world-class institutions without the financial burden. These scholarships provide comprehensive support, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and sometimes even travel costs. This allows students to focus solely on their studies and immerse themselves in the university life.

Here are some of the key roles played by fully funded scholarships in Canada for international students:

1. Accessibility and Inclusivity:

These scholarships break down financial barriers and make studying in Canada accessible to talented students from all over the world, regardless of their socioeconomic background. This promotes inclusivity and diversity in the Canadian academic landscape.

2. Financial Freedom:

Fully funded scholarships provide students with financial security, allowing them to devote their time and energy to their academic pursuits without the pressure of part-time jobs or financial worries. This fosters a stress-free learning environment and promotes academic excellence.

3. Recognition of Excellence:

Scholarships often recognize and reward academic merit, motivating students to achieve their full potential. This fosters a competitive and ambitious academic culture, pushing students to excel in their chosen fields.

4. Cultural Exchange:

By attracting students from diverse backgrounds, fully funded scholarships promote cultural exchange and understanding. This creates a vibrant and multicultural campus environment, enriching the learning experience for all students.

5. Investment in the Future:

Fully funded scholarships are an investment in the future. These scholarships nurture talented students who will contribute to various sectors as future leaders and innovators. This ultimately benefits Canadian society as a whole.

Top fully funded scholarships in Canada for international students:

Doctoral and Postdoctoral Level:

  • Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS): These prestigious scholarships are awarded to doctoral students demonstrating academic excellence, research potential, and leadership qualities. Each scholarship provides a generous stipend of $50,000 per year for three years, covering tuition fees and living expenses.
  • Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships: Offered by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), these fellowships support promising researchers in the field of health and life sciences. They offer a substantial stipend of $70,000 per year for two years, enabling fellows to conduct research at Canadian institutions.
  • Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships: Recognizing outstanding doctoral students with exceptional leadership potential and a commitment to public service, these scholarships provide a yearly stipend of $60,000 for three years. Recipients also benefit from leadership development opportunities and mentorship programs.
  • IDRC Research Awards: The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) offers research awards to support projects undertaken by international students in developing countries. Funding ranges from $50,000 to $200,000 over two to three years, enabling students to conduct impactful research addressing global challenges.

Master's Level:

  • Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS): These scholarships are available to master's students at universities in Ontario. They offer a yearly stipend of $15,000 for two years, providing financial support and easing the burden of tuition fees.
  • Trudeau Foundation Master's Scholarships: Awarded to exceptional master's students demonstrating academic excellence and a commitment to social change, these scholarships offer a $15,000 stipend and access to leadership development programs.
  • University of Toronto Fellowships: Several fully funded fellowships are available at the University of Toronto for master's students in various fields, covering tuition fees and providing a living stipend.

Undergraduate Level:

  • Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program: Offered by the University of Toronto, this prestigious program awards full tuition fees, residence fees, and a living allowance to exceptional international undergraduate students.
  • President's International Scholarship of Excellence: The University of British Columbia offers this scholarship to outstanding undergraduate students with exceptional academic achievements and leadership potential. It covers full tuition fees and provides a living allowance.
  • McGill University Scholarships: Several fully funded scholarships are available at McGill University for undergraduate students, covering tuition fees and living expenses. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, leadership potential, and financial need.

Other Notable Scholarships:

  • Global Affairs Canada International Scholarships: These scholarships are offered by the Canadian government to support international students pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies in Canada. They cover tuition fees and provide a living allowance.
  • Francophone Scholarship Program: This program supports students from French-speaking countries who wish to pursue studies in French at Canadian universities. It covers tuition fees and provides a living allowance.
  • Commonwealth Scholarships: These scholarships are available to students from Commonwealth countries who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in Canada. They cover tuition fees, provide a living allowance, and offer travel costs.

Securing Your Scholarship:

To increase your chances of securing a fully funded scholarship, it's crucial to:

  • Research extensively: Explore various scholarship options and identify those that align with your academic goals and background.
  • Meet eligibility criteria: Carefully review the scholarship requirements and ensure you meet them all, including academic qualifications, language proficiency, and application deadlines.
  • Demonstrate academic excellence: Maintain strong academic performance and highlight your achievements in your application.
  • Highlight leadership potential: Showcase your leadership skills and commitment to community engagement or social change.
  • Craft a compelling application: Take time to write a well-structured and persuasive application essay,highlighting your unique qualities and motivations.

By pursuing these top fully funded scholarships and demonstrating your academic potential and passion, you can unlock the doors to a transformative educational experience in Canada. Remember, the journey to securing a scholarship requires thorough research, meticulous preparation, and a determined spirit.

Best Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada

  1. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
  2. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
  3. Ontario Graduate Scholarships
  4. Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships
  5. President's International Scholarship of Excellence
  6. UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award
  7. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships
  8. Donald A. Wehrung International Student Awards
  9. Schulich Leader Scholarships
  10. Loran Scholars Foundation
  11. Gates Cambridge Scholarships
  12. Rhodes Scholarships
  13. IDEX Fellowship
  14. Ontario Trillium Scholarships
  15. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships in Health Policy
  16. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships in Social Sciences and Humanities
  17. Mitacs Globalink Research Internship
  18. Go Global Canada Scholarship
  19. Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) Program
  20. Quebec Government Scholarships for International Students
  21. University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarships
  22. University of Saskatchewan International Excellence Awards
  23. McGill University International Student Scholarships
  24. University of Alberta International Entrance Scholarships
  25. University of Manitoba International Excellence Awards
  26. Western University International Admission Scholarships
  27. Brock University International Entrance Scholarships
  28. Dalhousie University International Scholarships
  29. Queen's University International Student Awards
  30. University of Victoria International Leadership Awards


Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships

The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships program is a highly prestigious and competitive program offered by the Canadian government. It aims to attract and retain top-tier postdoctoral talent, both nationally and internationally. The program provides outstanding researchers with two years of funding (valued at $70,000 per year) to conduct research in any field at eligible Canadian or international institutions. The Banting program particularly seeks applicants who demonstrate strong leadership potential and a commitment to contributing to Canada's economic, social, and research-based growth.

Key points:

  • Highly competitive: Only the top postdoctoral researchers are awarded Banting Fellowships.
  • Two years of funding: Recipients receive $70,000 per year for two years.
  • Research in any field: Applicants can propose research projects in any field of study.
  • Canadian or international institutions: Fellowships can be held at eligible institutions in Canada or abroad.
  • Leadership potential: The program seeks applicants who show potential for leadership in their research field.

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships program is another highly regarded program aimed at attracting and retaining top-tier doctoral students to Canadian universities. It provides exceptional students with three years of funding (valued at $50,000 per year) to pursue doctoral studies in any field of study at a Canadian university. The Vanier program considers academic excellence, research potential, leadership qualities, and contributions to Canadian society in its selection process.

Key points:

  • Exceptional doctoral students: Only the most outstanding students are awarded Vanier Scholarships.
  • Three years of funding: Recipients receive $50,000 per year for three years.
  • Doctoral studies in any field: Applicants can pursue doctoral research in any field of study.
  • Canadian universities: Scholarships are awarded for studies at Canadian universities.
  • Academic excellence, research potential, and leadership: Selection criteria include academic achievement,research potential, leadership skills, and contributions to Canada.

Ontario Graduate Scholarships

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) program supports outstanding graduate students pursuing Master's or doctoral degrees at universities in Ontario, Canada. It offers recipients a significant financial contribution towards their studies, with the value and duration varying depending on the specific scholarship. OGS programs emphasize academic excellence, research potential, and contributions to Ontario's economic, social, and cultural fabric.

Key points:

  • Supports Master's and doctoral students: Scholarships are available for both Master's and doctoral studies.
  • Financial contribution: Value and duration vary depending on the specific scholarship.
  • Ontario universities: Scholarships are awarded for studies at universities in Ontario.
  • Academic excellence, research potential, and contributions to Ontario: Selection criteria include academic achievement, research potential, and contributions to Ontario.

Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships

The Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships program recognizes exceptional doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers who demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities and a commitment to applying their knowledge to address critical global challenges. It provides recipients with generous financial support, access to mentorship opportunities, and a network of like-minded individuals. The program seeks individuals with a strong commitment to public service, collaboration, and creating positive change in the world.

Key points:

  • Exceptional leaders: Recipients are recognized for their leadership potential and commitment to public service.
  • Financial support and mentorship: Program provides generous financial assistance and access to mentorship opportunities.
  • Doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers: Supports both doctoral and postdoctoral studies.
  • Global challenges: Applicants' research should address critical global issues.
  • Collaboration and positive change: Program emphasizes collaboration and creating positive change in the world.

President's International Scholarship of Excellence

The President's International Scholarship of Excellence is a prestigious scholarship awarded to outstanding international students admitted to Master's or doctoral programs at specific Canadian universities. It provides recipients with a significant financial contribution towards their tuition fees, making graduate studies in Canada more accessible. The program seeks to attract top-tier international talent and contribute to the internationalization of Canadian universities.

Key points:

  • International students: Targets exceptional international students.
  • Master's and doctoral programs: Supports studies at the Master's and doctoral levels.
  • Financial contribution towards tuition fees: Provides significant financial assistance for tuition costs.
  • Specific Canadian universities: Scholarships are awarded by select Canadian universities.
  • Internationalization of Canadian universities: Program aims to attract international talent and contribute to the globalization of Canadian higher education.

UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award

Overview: This award recognizes outstanding international undergraduate students from impoverished or war-torn areas who have demonstrated academic excellence under challenging circumstances. It offers full financial support for tuition and fees, as well as living costs.

Key points:

  • For international undergraduate students: Open to students entering their first undergraduate program.
  • Financial need and merit-based: Requires both academic achievement and demonstrated need.
  • Full financial support: Covers tuition, fees, and living expenses.
  • Challenging circumstances: Given to students who have overcome obstacles in their education.
  • Focus on leadership potential: Seeks students who demonstrate leadership qualities and potential for positive impact.

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships

Overview: These prestigious scholarships recognize exceptional international students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership qualities, and a commitment to community service. They offer full financial support for four years of undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto.

Key points:

  • Highly competitive: Only the most outstanding international students are awarded Pearson Scholarships.
  • Full financial support: Covers tuition, fees, books, residence, and living expenses.
  • Four years of undergraduate studies: Supports students throughout their undergraduate degree.
  • Academic excellence and leadership: Requires strong academic performance and demonstrated leadership potential.
  • Community service: Seeks students who are actively involved in their communities.

Donald A. Wehrung International Student Awards

Overview: These awards are offered by the University of Waterloo to international undergraduate students demonstrating academic excellence and exceptional leadership potential. They provide significant financial support towards tuition fees.

Key points:

  • For international undergraduate students: Open to students entering their first undergraduate program.
  • Merit-based: Awarded based on academic achievement and leadership potential.
  • Financial support towards tuition fees: Provides a significant contribution towards tuition costs.
  • Focus on leadership: Seeks students who demonstrate initiative, creativity, and a commitment to making a difference.
  • Open to all fields of study: Supports students pursuing a wide range of undergraduate programs.

Schulich Leader Scholarships

Overview: These scholarships are awarded to exceptional Canadian high school students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership abilities, and entrepreneurial potential. They offer significant financial support towards undergraduate studies in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields.

Key points:

  • For Canadian high school students: Open to students entering their first undergraduate program.
  • Focus on STEM fields: Supports students pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
  • Merit-based: Awarded based on academic achievement, leadership potential, and entrepreneurial mindset.
  • Significant financial support: Provides substantial financial assistance towards tuition fees.
  • Recognizes future leaders: Seeks students who demonstrate potential to become leaders in their chosen fields.

Loran Scholars Foundation

The Loran Scholars Foundation identifies and supports exceptional young Canadians who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership qualities, and a commitment to service. They offer comprehensive scholarships that cover tuition, fees, books, living expenses, and mentorship opportunities.

Key points:

  • For Canadian high school students: Open to students entering their first undergraduate program.
  • Comprehensive scholarships: Covers all financial needs related to undergraduate studies.
  • Focus on well-rounded individuals: Seeks students who excel academically, demonstrate leadership potential,and are committed to service.
  • Mentorship opportunities: Provides scholars with access to mentors who offer guidance and support.
  • Long-term commitment: Supports scholars throughout their undergraduate studies and beyond.

IDEX Fellowship

  • Sponsored by the Initiative for Developing Excellence at Duke (IDEX), this fellowship provides funding for doctoral studies at Duke University.
  • Open to outstanding international students, with a focus on research excellence and leadership potential.
  • Competitive, with around 10-15 fellowships awarded annually.

Ontario Trillium Scholarships

  • Offered by the Government of Ontario, these scholarships provide financial support for graduate studies at Ontario universities.
  • Open to international students, with a focus on academic excellence and research potential.
  • Moderately competitive, with around 500 scholarships awarded annually.

Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships in Health Policy

  • Administered by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), these fellowships provide funding for postdoctoral research in health policy.
  • Open to outstanding researchers from around the world, with a focus on research excellence and the potential to contribute to health policy development.
  • Highly competitive, with around 20 fellowships awarded annually.

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships in Social Sciences and Humanities

  • Funded by the Canadian government, these scholarships provide financial support for doctoral studies in social sciences and humanities at Canadian universities.
  • Open to outstanding international students, with a focus on research excellence and leadership potential.
  • Highly competitive, with around 166 scholarships awarded annually.

Mitacs Globalink Research Internship

  • Offered by Mitacs, a Canadian non-profit organization, this program provides international undergraduate and graduate students with paid research internships at Canadian universities.
  • Open to students from various countries, with a focus on research collaboration and cultural exchange.
  • Moderately competitive, with around 3,000 internships awarded annually.

Go Global Canada Scholarship

  • Funded by the Canadian government, this scholarship provides financial support for Canadian undergraduate and graduate students to study abroad.
  • Open to Canadian students, with a focus on international experience and cultural exchange.
  • Moderately competitive, with around 1,500 scholarships awarded annually.

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

Supports students from ASEAN member countries (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) to study or conduct research in Canada.

Key points:

    • Short-term exchange opportunities at the college, undergraduate, and graduate levels.
    • Covers tuition fees, living allowances, and travel costs.
    • Focuses on promoting collaboration and development between Canada and ASEAN nations.

    Quebec Government Scholarships for International Students:

    • Overview: Provides financial assistance to international students pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies at universities in Quebec, Canada.
    • Key points:
      • Open to students from various countries worldwide.
      • Covers tuition fees, living allowances, and travel costs.
      • Aims to attract talented students to Quebec universities and promote international collaboration.

    University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarships:

    • Overview: Recognizes and rewards exceptional international students entering undergraduate programs at the University of Calgary.
    • Key points:
      • Renewable scholarships based on academic merit.
      • Covers a portion of tuition fees.
      • Encourages international students to contribute to the University's diverse academic community.

    University of Saskatchewan International Excellence Awards:

    • Overview: Awards outstanding international students entering undergraduate or graduate programs at the University of Saskatchewan.
    • Key points:
      • Based on academic excellence and leadership potential.
      • Covers a portion of tuition fees or living expenses.
      • Aims to attract and support high-achieving international students.

    McGill University International Student Scholarships:

    • Overview: Offers various scholarships to international students pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies at McGill University.
    • Key points:
      • Diverse scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, and specific programs.
      • Covers varying amounts of tuition fees, living expenses, or travel costs.
      • Promotes access to McGill's renowned academic programs for talented international students.

      University of Manitoba International Excellence Awards

      • Award Amount: Up to $7,500 per year
      • Eligibility: Undergraduate students
      • Selection Criteria: Academic excellence (minimum 85% average)
      • Key Features: Renewable for up to four years, based on maintaining academic standing
      • Application Deadline: March 1

      Western University International Admission Scholarships

      • Award Amount: Up to $10,000 per year
      • Eligibility: Undergraduate students
      • Selection Criteria: Exceptional academic achievements (minimum 90% average)
      • Key Features: Renewable for up to four years, based on maintaining academic standing
      • Application Deadline: February 1

      Brock University International Entrance Scholarships

      • Award Amount: Up to $10,000 per year
      • Eligibility: Undergraduate students
      • Selection Criteria: Academic merit (minimum 80% average) and leadership qualities
      • Key Features: Renewable for up to four years, based on maintaining academic standing and involvement in extracurricular activities
      • Application Deadline: March 1

      Dalhousie University International Scholarships

      • Award Amount: $2,500 to $15,000 per year
      • Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students
      • Selection Criteria: Merit-based, considering academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and personal statement
      • Key Features: Multiple scholarship options available, some renewable for up to three years
      • Application Deadline: March 15

      Queen's University International Student Awards

      • Award Amount: Chancellor's Scholarship (full tuition) and President's Scholarship (CAD 2,000 per year)
      • Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students
      • Selection Criteria: Academic excellence, leadership potential, and community involvement
      • Key Features: Prestigious scholarships recognizing outstanding students, renewable for up to four years
      • Application Deadline: March 1

      University of Victoria International Leadership Awards

      • Award Amount: Up to $15,000 per year
      • Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students
      • Selection Criteria: Leadership potential, community involvement, and academic excellence
      • Key Features: Encourages leadership development through workshops and mentorship opportunities
      • Application Deadline: February 15

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