EDUCATION

Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for International Students 2025

has become one of the most attractive destinations for students who want to study abroad without the financial pressure that often comes with it. Many international students dream of attending a Canadian university but are held back by high tuition and living costs. That’s where fully funded scholarships come in. These scholarships not only cover tuition fees but also provide allowances for living expenses, health insurance, travel, and sometimes even family support.

For 2025, several scholarship programs are open to students from different countries including Africa, Asia, and Latin America. If you’re planning to study in Canada next year, knowing the right opportunities and how to take advantage of them can be a game changer.

1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

The Vanier CGS is one of the most prestigious scholarships in Canada. It’s aimed at attracting highly qualified doctoral students from across the globe. Awarded based on academic excellence, research potential, and leadership, this scholarship is valued at $50,000 per year for up to three years. Applicants must be nominated by a Canadian university that receives Vanier allocation. So, choosing the right university is your first step if you’re aiming for this.

2. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program

Offered by the University of Toronto, this scholarship targets exceptional students at the undergraduate level. What makes it stand out is that it covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years. This scholarship is very competitive and is based on academic performance, creativity, leadership, and impact in your community. Students must be nominated by their school and apply to the University of Toronto.

3. Trudeau Foundation Scholarships

If you’re pursuing a doctoral program related to social sciences or humanities, the Trudeau Foundation offers a fully funded option with a strong emphasis on leadership and public engagement. The scholarship provides up to $60,000 annually for tuition, living expenses, travel, and research. Only Canadian institutions are eligible hosts, so students must secure admission into a participating university in Canada before applying.

4. University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program

UBC offers several scholarships under this program, including the International Leader of Tomorrow Award and the Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award. These are need-and-merit-based scholarships that cover tuition and living expenses proportional to the student’s financial situation. Applicants must demonstrate academic strength, financial need, and involvement in extracurricular or leadership activities.

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

This university offers generous funding to full-time international students who are enrolled in research-based programs. Master’s students can receive up to $2,045 per term, while PhD candidates may receive around $10,000 per year. Though not always “fully funded” by itself, it’s often combined with additional assistantships or external scholarships. To qualify, students must be accepted into a graduate program and maintain good academic standing.

6. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships

For postdoctoral researchers, the Banting Fellowship provides $70,000 per year for two years. It targets the very best researchers globally and emphasizes leadership and research that aligns with national priorities. Candidates must apply in collaboration with a Canadian institution. The focus is not just on the individual’s academic history but also how their research contributes to Canada’s growth and competitiveness.

7. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship supports graduate-level students across all disciplines. International students studying in Ontario can benefit from this scholarship, which provides $15,000 per year. While it may not be fully funded on its own, students often combine it with teaching or research assistantships to meet their full financial needs. To apply, students need to be enrolled or planning to enroll at a participating Ontario institution and must submit a detailed academic proposal.

8. McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill University

This new scholarship is gaining traction quickly. It covers tuition and fees for a master’s or professional degree at McGill University, along with a living stipend of $2,000 per month and funding for relocation. Leadership, community service, entrepreneurial spirit, and academic performance are essential criteria. Applications open in June each year and include multiple rounds of interviews.

9. University of Alberta Scholarships for International Students

The University of Alberta offers a variety of scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students. Fully funded options are available especially for graduate-level programs. Some scholarships are automatically considered once you apply for admission, while others require separate applications. Graduate students can benefit from entrance scholarships, research stipends, and faculty-specific awards that can make the entire program tuition-free.

10. York University Global Leader of Tomorrow Scholarships

York University offers full scholarships to exceptional international students entering undergraduate programs. These scholarships cover $35,000 per year for four years, making them fully funded when combined with other financial supports. Candidates must apply for admission and submit scholarship applications by the stated deadline to be considered.

There are more opportunities in Canada than many students realize. Whether you’re applying for a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program, there’s likely a fully funded option that matches your goals. Remember, most of these scholarships require early preparation—strong grades, leadership activities, recommendation letters, and personal statements can all make or break your chances.

Start with these application links to get ahead: