If you’re searching for fully funded scholarships in Canada for international students, you’re probably hoping to find an opportunity that can cover most or all of the major costs of studying in Canada.
The good news is that generous scholarships and funding opportunities do exist. The difficult part is knowing which ones genuinely provide substantial financial support and which ones only cover a portion of your tuition.
That distinction matters.
A scholarship worth thousands of dollars can still leave you responsible for tuition, accommodation, food, transportation and other expenses. On the other hand, some major awards can cover tuition and residence or provide substantial funding for living and research costs.
This guide focuses specifically on fully funded scholarships in Canada for international students, how they work, who they are designed for and what you should check before applying.
What Does a Fully Funded Scholarship in Canada Actually Mean?
There is no single definition of “fully funded” that applies to every Canadian scholarship.
Depending on the programme, a highly funded scholarship may cover:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation or residence
- Living expenses
- Books
- Health insurance
- Travel costs
- Research expenses
- Other educational costs
However, you should never assume that a scholarship covers everything simply because a website calls it fully funded.
Always check the official scholarship description and look at exactly what the award pays.
For example, the University of Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship covers tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years of first-entry undergraduate study.
That is very different from a scholarship that simply reduces tuition by $5,000.
If you want to explore more scholarship options beyond fully funded awards, our guide on how to get scholarships in Canada for international students covers different scholarship types, where to find them, eligibility requirements, and how to prepare a strong application.
Can International Students Get Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada?
Yes.
International students can receive major scholarships and other forms of financial support at Canadian universities.
However, these opportunities are usually competitive and may have very specific eligibility requirements.
Some are designed for undergraduate students.
Others are aimed at master’s or doctoral students.
Some are available only to students from particular countries, while others are tied to specific universities, programmes or research areas.
This is why searching for fully funded scholarships in Canada for international students should not begin with applying to every scholarship you find.
Start by identifying opportunities that actually match your academic level and profile.
What You Should Look Out For
When evaluating a scholarship, don’t focus only on the headline amount.
Look at the complete funding package.
1. Tuition Coverage
Does the scholarship cover your full tuition or only part of it?
This should be one of the first things you check.
2. Living Expenses
A scholarship can cover tuition while leaving you responsible for rent, food and transportation.
If your goal is to reduce your personal expenses significantly, check whether a living allowance or stipend is included.
3. Accommodation
Some awards include residence support.
Others don’t.
This can make a major difference because accommodation can become one of the largest expenses during your studies.
4. Travel and Insurance
Certain international scholarship programmes may include travel costs or insurance.
These benefits should never be assumed.
Check the official funding terms before making financial plans.
5. Duration
A scholarship covering your first year is very different from one covering your entire programme.
Always check whether the award is renewable and what conditions you must meet to keep receiving it.
Even when a scholarship covers tuition and provides additional financial support, you should still understand your expected living expenses. Our guide to the cost of living in Canada for international students can help you estimate expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, and other everyday costs.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for International Students
1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is one of the most substantial undergraduate scholarship opportunities for international students in Canada.
The University of Toronto says the scholarship covers tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years. It is available for first-entry undergraduate programmes at the university.
The scholarship is aimed at exceptional students who demonstrate strong academic achievement, creativity, leadership and positive impact within their schools or communities.
There is an important catch, though.
You cannot simply submit a normal scholarship application whenever you want.
Eligible students must be nominated by their high school before completing the scholarship process with the university.
Who Should Consider It?
This opportunity is particularly relevant if you are:
- An international student
- Applying for your first undergraduate degree
- Academically strong
- Active in your school or community
- A student with demonstrated leadership or creative achievement
If you are applying for a master’s or PhD, this is not the scholarship for you.
2. UBC International Scholars Program
The University of British Columbia offers its International Scholars Program for high-achieving international undergraduate students who demonstrate leadership, strong academic performance and meaningful financial need.
UBC says the programme includes several award categories and that applicants are assessed based on both merit and financial circumstances.
Applicants may also need school nomination and must provide information about their family’s financial situation.
For the 2027 intake, UBC says applications for the International Scholars Program will open in September 2026.
This makes it an important opportunity to research if you’re planning to begin undergraduate study at UBC.
What Makes the UBC Opportunity Different?
The programme isn’t simply about having excellent grades.
UBC specifically looks for students who have demonstrated:
- Exceptional academic performance
- Leadership
- Community involvement
- Financial need
- A strong overall profile
That means a strong application needs to show more than examination results.
3. McCall MacBain Scholarship at McGill University
The McCall MacBain Scholarship is another major Canadian graduate funding opportunity.
McGill describes it as a full scholarship for master’s or professional studies. The scholarship can provide substantial financial support for eligible students studying at McGill.
The programme is highly competitive and has its own eligibility requirements and application timeline.
For the 2027 cohort, McGill lists different deadlines depending on the applicant’s background. Applicants from outside Canada and the United States had an earlier deadline than graduates of Canadian and U.S. universities.
Because deadlines change, always check the current official McCall MacBain information before planning an application.
4. Doctoral Funding for International Students
Fully funded opportunities are not limited to undergraduate students.
International doctoral students can also find substantial research funding through Canadian universities and federal research agencies.
For example, the University of Waterloo lists the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship–Doctoral among funding opportunities available to domestic and international doctoral students. The programme can provide up to $40,000 per year for three years.
However, there is an important distinction.
A doctoral scholarship providing $40,000 per year should not automatically be described as “fully funded” for every student.
Whether it covers your entire cost of attendance depends on your university, programme, tuition and living expenses.
That’s why you should calculate your expected costs rather than relying only on the scholarship title.
5. Government-Supported International Scholarship Programmes
Canada also offers international scholarship programmes through Global Affairs Canada.
These can be generous, but many are not traditional full-degree scholarships.
For example, the Study in Canada Scholarships programme provides opportunities for international students to undertake short-term study or research exchanges at Canadian post-secondary institutions.
The programme is therefore very different from a four-year undergraduate scholarship.
Similarly, the SEED-2 programme supports eligible students from ASEAN member states, Pacific Island countries and Mongolia through short-term study or research opportunities. Canadian institutions apply on behalf of eligible candidates.
These programmes are worth knowing about, but students should not confuse them with scholarships for completing an entire bachelor’s, master’s or PhD programme in Canada.
University funding can vary significantly from one institution to another, so it is worth looking beyond individual scholarship names. You can also explore our guide to universities abroad offering scholarships to international students to see how university-based funding works in Canada and other popular study destinations.
Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada by Degree Level
Your degree level can make a major difference to the scholarships you should target.
Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate students should investigate:
- University entrance scholarships
- International student awards
- Major university-specific scholarships
- Need-and-merit-based awards
- Government-supported exchange programmes
The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship and UBC International Scholars Program are examples of major undergraduate opportunities worth researching.
Master’s Students
Master’s students should look beyond general international scholarship pages.
Check:
- Graduate school funding
- Faculty scholarships
- Department awards
- Research funding
- External fellowships
- Supervisor-funded opportunities
- Major graduate scholarships
The McCall MacBain Scholarship is one example of a major graduate award at McGill.
PhD Students
PhD funding can be more complicated because it may combine several sources.
You may find support through:
- Research scholarships
- Graduate fellowships
- Teaching assistantships
- Research assistantships
- Supervisor funding
- Department funding
- Federal research awards
For doctoral applicants, contacting the department and potential supervisor can be just as important as searching a general scholarship database.
How to Find Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada
Finding fully funded scholarships in Canada for international students requires a more targeted approach than simply searching Google.
Step 1: Decide What You Want to Study
Start with your degree and programme.
Ask:
- What do I want to study?
- What degree do I need?
- Which Canadian universities offer the programme?
- What can I realistically afford?
- Which universities offer funding to international students?
This immediately makes your scholarship search more focused.
Step 2: Make a Shortlist of Universities
Choose several universities that fit your academic goals.
Then visit their official websites.
Look for:
- International scholarships
- Financial aid
- Graduate funding
- Awards
- Fellowships
- Department funding
Step 3: Check Eligibility
Before preparing an application, confirm:
- Nationality requirements
- Degree level
- Academic requirements
- Programme requirements
- Financial-need requirements
- Nomination requirements
- Admission requirements
- Application deadline
Step 4: Check What the Scholarship Actually Covers
This is one of the most important steps.
Don’t stop at:
“Full scholarship.”
Find out whether it actually covers:
- Tuition
- Residence
- Living expenses
- Books
- Travel
- Insurance
- Research costs
Step 5: Check the Application Process
Some scholarships require direct applications.
Others require:
- School nomination
- University nomination
- Department nomination
- Admission before scholarship consideration
The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship, for example, involves a high-school nomination process.
Getting a scholarship is only one part of studying abroad. If you are still planning your overall journey, our complete guide on how to study abroad walks you through choosing a country and university, budgeting, applications, scholarships, visas, accommodation, and other important steps.
How to Know If a Scholarship Is Really Fully Funded
Before applying, ask five simple questions:
Does it cover full tuition?
Does it provide living support?
Does it cover accommodation?
Does it cover additional expenses such as insurance or travel?
How long does the funding last?
If the answer to several of these questions is no, the scholarship may be generous without being fully funded.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing.
A partial scholarship can still significantly reduce your total cost.
The important thing is to understand exactly what you’re receiving.
Common Mistakes Students Make
1. Applying Without Checking Eligibility
Don’t spend hours preparing an application only to discover that the scholarship isn’t available to international students.
2. Assuming Every Canadian Scholarship Covers Everything
It doesn’t.
Some scholarships cover tuition.
Others provide a fixed award.
Others combine tuition and living support.
3. Ignoring Nomination Requirements
Some major scholarships require schools or institutions to nominate candidates.
Start early enough to complete that process.
4. Using Outdated Information
Scholarship deadlines and eligibility rules change.
A scholarship article published several years ago may contain information that is no longer accurate.
Always verify the current details through the official provider.
5. Focusing Only on Famous Scholarships
The most famous scholarship isn’t necessarily the best scholarship for you.
A university-specific award, departmental scholarship or research funding package may be a much better fit.
Can You Get a Fully Funded Scholarship in Canada Without Perfect Grades?
Sometimes.
Academic performance is important for many competitive scholarships, but it isn’t always the only factor.
Depending on the award, committees may also consider:
- Leadership
- Community involvement
- Research potential
- Extracurricular activities
- Creativity
- Financial need
- Personal achievements
- Career goals
For example, UBC’s International Scholars Program considers academic performance, leadership, community contributions and financial need.
That doesn’t mean grades don’t matter.
It means you should build an application around your complete profile, rather than assuming one number determines everything.
Once you receive an admission offer and secure your funding, the next step is preparing for your move. Our guide on how to get a student visa for Canada explains the main visa requirements and preparation steps for international students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there fully funded scholarships in Canada for international students?
Yes. Some Canadian universities and scholarship programmes provide substantial funding to eligible international students. However, the coverage, eligibility requirements and application process vary considerably.
What is the best fully funded scholarship in Canada for international students?
There isn’t one scholarship that is best for everyone. The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is a major undergraduate opportunity, while programmes such as the McCall MacBain Scholarship are aimed at graduate students. Your degree level and profile should determine which opportunities you target.
Can international students get fully funded undergraduate scholarships in Canada?
Yes. Opportunities such as the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship and UBC International Scholars Program are examples of major undergraduate awards for eligible international students.
Are there fully funded master’s scholarships in Canada?
Yes, although the opportunities and eligibility requirements vary. Graduate students should investigate university, department, research and external funding rather than relying only on general undergraduate scholarship pages.
Are there fully funded PhD scholarships in Canada for international students?
International doctoral students can access significant research funding in Canada. Some programmes provide substantial annual support, but whether the funding covers your complete cost of study depends on the university and programme.
Do I need admission before applying for a Canadian scholarship?
It depends on the scholarship. Some awards are connected to the admission process, while others require admission or nomination before you can proceed.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship in Canada?
Yes, provided you meet the eligibility requirements for each opportunity. Applying strategically to several suitable scholarships can give you more than one potential source of funding.
Final Thoughts on Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada
Finding fully funded scholarships in Canada for international students is possible, but you need to approach the search carefully.
Don’t focus only on the phrase “fully funded.”
Focus on what the scholarship actually pays.
A strong scholarship search starts with your degree, programme and university. From there, investigate the funding opportunities available to international students and check the eligibility requirements carefully.
If you’re an undergraduate student, major university scholarships such as the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship and UBC International Scholars Program may be worth researching. Graduate and doctoral students should also explore department-level, research and external funding opportunities.
And remember that not every generous Canadian scholarship is a full-degree scholarship. Some government-supported programmes are designed for short-term study or research exchanges rather than an entire degree.
Most importantly, verify every scholarship through its official source before applying.
Funding details can change.
Deadlines can change.
Eligibility can change.
The opportunity that looks perfect today may have different requirements next year.
So start early, research carefully and focus on scholarships that genuinely match your academic background and goals.
If you’re serious about studying in Canada, don’t just search for a scholarship.
Build a realistic funding plan.
Official Scholarship Resources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always verify scholarship requirements, deadlines, eligibility rules, and funding details directly with the scholarship provider or university.
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship – University of Toronto
UBC International Scholars Program
McCall MacBain Scholarship at McGill University
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