Fully-Funded Scholarships in Canada for International Students

Fully-funded scholarships in Canada are a popular solution for high course fees. These scholarships cover a major part of education expenses. This helps students to fulfill their dreams of studying in this top study-abroad destination.

The average yearly tuition fee in Canada is between 20,000 and 35,000 CAD, however, some of the top universities might charge upwards of 40,000 to 70,000 CAD. Fully-funded scholarships are a great way for students with superior academic records but financial hardship to satisfy the requirements. Therefore, it is important to research and identify the best scholarships available for students who wish to study in Canada.

What is a Fully Funded Scholarship? 

A fully-funded scholarship is a type of scholarship that covers all the expenses associated with studying in a particular program. This typically includes tuition fees, accommodation, travel expenses, living expenses, and other related costs.

In essence, a fully-funded scholarship is designed to provide financial support to students who would not be able to afford to study without assistance. Fully-funded scholarships are highly competitive and are usually offered by universities, governments, or private organizations.

Recipients of fully-funded scholarships are usually expected to maintain a certain level of academic performance and make progress towards completing their degree program. In some cases, they may also be required to contribute to research or other academic activities at their institution.

List of Popular Fully-Funded Scholarships in Canada

Canada is a very popular choice for international students because of the excellent education system and the presence of some low-cost universities. But for many, the hefty price of education can be a barrier. The best fully funded scholarships in Canada are listed below so that students from all over the world can follow their academic objectives without worrying about money.

Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) is a prestigious award that aims to recognize and encourage academic excellence in graduate studies (all disciplines) at any university in Ontario, Canada. This merit-based scholarship is available only to students who meet all the eligibility criteria. International students are also eligible to apply for the OGS award, provided they have a valid study permit and are enrolled in a full-time course at a Canadian university in Ontario.

Consistent academic performance is an essential factor in obtaining the Ontario Graduate Scholarship award. The scholarship provides financial assistance to students to help them pursue their academic goals without any financial burden. With the OGS award, students can focus solely on their studies and research, without worrying about the cost of education.

Eligibility

This award is merit-based, therefore if you meet the requirements listed below, your application will be examined and confirmed.

• You are obtaining your master’s or doctoral degree.
• You have a full-time course load.
• You are accepted into one of the Ontario Schools taking part.
• Have earned at least an A- (or equivalent) in each of the last two years of study that has been successfully completed on a full-time basis OR
• If the student has already finished two years or more of graduate study at the time of application, the student need only show an overall average of at least an A- (or equivalent) in all graduate courses that have been successfully completed.

Note: The most recent accessible undergraduate or graduate marks should be used to assess eligibility if the marks used to calculate an applicant’s grade point average (GPA) are not available (for example, because the courses were graded on a pass-fail basis).

Participating Ontario Schools

• Brock University
• Carleton University
• University of Guelph
• Lakehead University
• Laurentian University
• McMaster University
• Nipissing University
• OCAD University
• University of Ontario Institute of Technology
• University of Ottawa
• Queen’s University
• Ryerson University
• University of Toronto
• Trent University
• University of Waterloo
• Western University
• Wilfrid Laurier University
• University of Windsor
• York University

Scholarship Beneficiaries

This scholarship is specifically intended for students who are pursuing master’s or doctoral studies.

What Expenses are Covered by the Scholarship?

When it comes to master’s programs, the scholarship covers the tuition costs for two academic years, while doctorate programs are covered for four.

Maximum Amount

The scholarship provides financial coverage of 10,000 CAD for a duration of two study terms, and 15,000 CAD for three study terms.

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship

The Vanier scholarship, named after the first Governor-General of Canada, is designed for students pursuing doctoral studies or combined master’s degrees in Canadian universities. The scholarship application process is handled exclusively by the university where the student is enrolled.

Part-time students who are awarded the Vanier scholarship receive funding equivalent to that of a full-time scholarship. This means that they receive the same amount of financial assistance as full-time students, even though they are not studying full-time. Each year, up to 166 scholarships are given.

Eligibility

• You should be an international applicant for a Canadian Ph.D. program.
• Both your undergraduate and graduate degrees should be first-class.
• You should have limited your specializations to humanities, health sciences, and engineering.

Students applying for the combined master’s program may also apply for this grant if they meet the other requirements, however, the scholarship will only support the Ph.D. portion of the program. 

Scholarship Beneficiaries

Only students pursuing their first Ph.D. degree in the humanities, medicine, natural sciences, or engineering are eligible to apply for this grant.

What Expenses are Covered by the Scholarship?

The overseas student’s tuition and other significant living expenses are covered by this award.

Maximum Amount

A student can receive up to 50,000 CAD in grants over three years.

Trudeau Foundation Scholarships

A non-partisan organization called the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship has been actively involved in helping students by offering a variety of scholarships, fellowships, and mentorships. In different Canadian universities, such as the renowned McGill University, University of Waterloo, and Ryerson University, to name a few, this foundation gives scholarships. International Ph.D. students have tremendously benefitted from this scholarship program.

Eligibility

• You must be admitted to any university for full-time doctoral studies.
• You must complete your doctoral studies in 2026 or later.
• The doctoral research should cover any topic under humanities and human sciences.
• You should be an international student with a Canadian PR.

Scholarship Beneficiaries

Students pursuing Ph.D. in Canada

What Expenses are Covered by the Scholarship?

The full program’s tuition charge and living expenses are covered by this award. The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation not only pays for tuition, but also for travel, research, and other costs related to a Ph.D. program. This will enable the students to concentrate more on obtaining their doctorates.

Maximum Amount

This scholarship is worth a maximum of 20,000 Canadian dollars. 

Delta Kappa Gamma World Fellowships

The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, a professional honorary society with 100,000 prominent women educators in 17 countries, encourages the professional and personal development of women educators as well as academic success. To give international women a chance to pursue graduate studies in Canada and the US, the Global Fellowship Fund was formed.

 Participating Canadian Schools

• University of Alberta 
• University of Calgary
• University of Windsor
• University of Toronto
• University of  Manitoba
• McGill University
• University of Regina
• Queen’s University 
• Brandon University

Eligibility

• Must be currently enrolled full-time in a master’s or doctoral program at one of the specified universities.
• Must identify as a female student.
• Must hold a valid study permit (Canadian and American citizens and permanent residents are not eligible).
• Must have met the School of Graduate Studies’ English-language proficiency requirements.
• Must not be a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.
• Preference is given to candidates who plan to return to their home countries and make an impact.

Scholarship Beneficiaries

 International women who pursue graduate studies in Canada and the United States.

What Expenses are Covered by the Scholarship?

Delta Kappa Gamma Society International scholarships typically cover tuition fees, research expenses, and living expenses.

Maximum Amount

4,000 USD for one year

Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships

The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship is a prestigious program in Canada that aims to attract and retain top-tier postdoctoral talent. The program provides funding for exceptional researchers who have completed their doctoral studies and wish to pursue further research in any academic discipline at a Canadian institution. 

The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships have a highly competitive selection process, with applicants assessed based on their academic excellence, research potential, and leadership skills. The program aims to support research that has the potential to positively impact society, improve the quality of life, and contribute to the country’s economic and social development. 

Eligibility

• Candidates for Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships must meet or have met all prerequisites for a Ph.D., PhD-equivalent, or health professional degree
• Only Canadian institutions are permitted to host recipients of the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Scholarship Beneficiaries

The beneficiaries of the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships are outstanding postdoctoral researchers who have demonstrated academic excellence and leadership potential in their field of study.

What Expenses are Covered by Scholarship?

The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships provide financial support to successful applicants to cover their living expenses, research costs, and other related expenses during their fellowship period. The fellowship includes the following funding components:

Maximum Amount

70,000 CAD per year and is tax deductible.

The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships

The University of Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships offer exceptional international students the chance of a lifetime to attend one of the top universities in the world while living in one of the most diverse cities in the world. The scholarship program aims to honor students who exhibit remarkable creativity and academic accomplishment and who are regarded as leaders in their schools. The student’s influence on their school and community as well as their ability to benefit the world community in the future are given great consideration. A total of 37 scholarships are awarded annually. 

These scholarships, which are given out annually, honor deserving students from all around the world, including foreigners who attend Canadian high schools. The most renowned and competitive scholarship available to overseas students at the University of Toronto is this one.

Eligibility

• An international student (i.e., a non-Canadian requiring a study permit);
• Currently in your final year of secondary school
• Beginning your studies at the University of Toronto in September 2023 (students already attending post-secondary studies cannot be considered; students starting their studies in January 2023 at another post-secondary institution cannot be considered)

Scholarship Beneficiaries

Students who have shown remarkable academic ability and inventiveness, who are recognized as leaders in their schools, and who have the potential to make future contributions to the global community are considered to be Pearson Scholars. By virtue of their range of interests, intellectual vigor, and influence on the life of their school and society, they can be distinguished from other kids who may have comparable excellent academic accomplishments.

What Expenses are Covered by Scholarship?

During four years, full housing support, as well as tuition, books, and incidentals, are all included in the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships.

Maximum Amount

Varies

Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award

The University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada offers an undergraduate scholarship program called the Karen McKellin International Leader of Future Award. International students who exhibit academic brilliance, leadership abilities, and a dedication to giving back to their communities are the target audience for the scholarship.

Eligibility

• You must be an international student granted a study permit to study in Canada.
• You must be transferring from your first year of a post-secondary college or another university, or you must be attending UBC from a recognized secondary school.
• Before the academic year you are applying to, you must have graduated from high school no earlier than one year earlier.
• Your application for your first undergraduate degree must be submitted.
• You must show that you have achieved academically (achieve all As or equivalent standards).
• You must show that your financial situation is such that it would otherwise preclude you from obtaining a degree at UBC.

Scholarship Beneficiaries

The program offers financial aid to overseas undergraduate students who have excelled academically, exhibited leadership qualities, and desired to give back to their communities.

What Expenses are Covered by Scholarship?

The scholarship is renewable for up to three more years, or until the recipient’s degree program is finished, whichever comes first. It pays full tuition fees and living expenses for up to four years of study at UBC.

Maximum Amount

25,000 CAD per year

Conclusion

With globally recognized courses, numerous job opportunities, and some of the best student cities, Canada is indeed one of the best study destinations. Fully funded scholarships for international students in Canada provide significant financial relief, enabling them to pursue their studies without worrying about tuition fees and living expenses. These scholarships offer students the opportunity to focus on their academic goals. With the financial support provided by these scholarships and part-time jobs, international students can fully immerse themselves in their studies and take advantage of all that Canadian universities have to offer. Overall, fully funded scholarships are an excellent resource for international students seeking to advance their education and career prospects in Canada. For more information, contact Gyanberry at Gyanberry.