Discover the top places to find fully funded Canada Scholarships that cover tuition and living costs for international students, including government, university, and private options.

Explore Canadian scholarships that offer full funding including tuition, housing, and monthly stipends.

Studying in Canada is a dream for millions of students who want access to world-class education, multicultural environments, global job opportunities, and safe living conditions. While Canada remains one of the most student-friendly countries in the world, the cost of education can be high, especially for international students. Tuition fees, accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, and other living expenses can quickly add up.

However, the good news is that Canada offers numerous fully funded scholarships that not only cover full tuition fees but also provide living costs, housing support, travel allowances, research funds, and even monthly stipends.

This comprehensive guide explains exactly where you can find fully funded scholarships in Canada, how to apply, eligibility rules, selection criteria, and proven strategies to increase your chances of winning one.

1. Why Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada Are Increasing

Canada has emerged as the leading destination for international students due to its supportive policies, immigration-friendly system, and high-quality universities. With growing skill shortages and an aging population, Canada actively attracts global talent through funded scholarships.

Reasons Canada Offers Fully Funded Scholarships

• To attract top global talent
• To support international academic diversity
• To encourage research and innovation
• To strengthen Canada’s workforce and economy
• To remain competitive with the US, UK, and Australia

Canada aims to welcome more students in fields like STEM, healthcare, AI, business, and sustainability — resulting in more fully funded opportunities.

2. What Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada Cover

A fully funded scholarship typically pays for:

✔ Full Tuition Fees

All academic fees for the duration of the degree.

✔ Living Expenses

Accommodation, food, and daily essentials.

✔ Medical & Health Insurance

Coverage under university or private medical plans.

✔ Books & Study Material

Costs for supplies, textbooks, and software.

✔ Travel Allowance

Flight tickets or transportation funding for some scholarships.

✔ Monthly Stipend

For personal expenses, ranging from moderate to generous levels.

✔ Research Allowance (PG Students)

Funding for research projects, lab work, conferences, and publications.

In some cases, scholarships even cover:

• Laptop funding
• Off-campus housing
• Study tours
• Professional development programs

3. Where to Find Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada (Major Sources)

There are three main places where students can find fully funded opportunities:

A. Government of Canada Scholarships

These are prestigious national programs covering tuition, living costs, travel, and research funding. They are awarded to high-achieving students and researchers.

B. University-Funded Scholarships

Many top Canadian universities such as University of Toronto, UBC, McGill, McMaster, Alberta, and Waterloo award fully funded scholarships to international students.

C. Provincial Scholarships

Each province (Ontario, Alberta, Quebec, British Columbia, Saskatchewan) runs its own scholarship programs supporting international students.

D. Private & Non-Governmental Scholarships

NGOs, foundations, research councils, and industry groups provide full scholarships too.

Below is a detailed breakdown of each source.

4. Top Canadian Government Scholarships That Cover Tuition & Living Costs

Government scholarships are the best source of fully funded opportunities. They are highly competitive, prestigious, and globally recognized.

1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (PhD)

One of Canada’s most famous doctoral scholarships, covering:

• Full funding
• Yearly stipend
• Research support
• Living expenses

Awarded to students in:

• Health sciences
• Natural sciences
• Engineering
• Social sciences
• Humanities

2. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships

For postdoctoral researchers.
Covers:

• Full funding
• Stipend for living
• Research grants

3. Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program (CGS-M)

Covers:

• Tuition fees
• Living expenses
• Annual funding support

Ideal for master’s students pursuing research-based programs.

4. IDRC Research Awards (Development Research)

Fully funded for students from developing countries.
Includes:

• Salary
• Research costs
• Travel allowance

5. Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program

For students from Commonwealth countries.
Coverage includes:

• Tuition
• Airfare
• Monthly living allowance

5. Top University-Funded Fully Paid Scholarships in Canada

Universities across Canada offer generous fully funded scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs.

1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto)

One of the most elite scholarships for undergraduates.

Covers:

• Full tuition
• Books
• Residence
• Living expenses

2. UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award (ILOT)

A need-based fully funded scholarship for UG students.

Covers:

• Tuition
• Living costs
• Accommodation

3. McGill University Scholarships (UG/PG)

Some scholarships cover:

• Full tuition
• Stipends
• On-campus living

4. University of Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarships

For Master’s and PhD programs.
Covers:

• Tuition
• Additional living grants

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

Fully funds research-based programs.
Includes:

• Tuition
• Annual stipends
• Research funding

6. York University Global Leader of Tomorrow Award

A popular fully funded undergraduate scholarship.

Covers:

• Tuition
• Living expenses (indirectly through high-value awards)

6. Provincial Scholarships That Cover Tuition & Living Costs

Each province runs its own funding programs for graduate students.

1. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

Supports master’s and doctoral students.
Covers:

• Tuition
• Living stipends
• Research funds

2. Quebec Merit Scholarship Program

For Masters, PhD, and Postdocs.
Covers:

• Tuition
• Monthly living allowance
• Insurance

3. Alberta Innovates Canada Scholarships

Research-focused funding covering:

• Tuition
• Living expenses
• Research support

4. British Columbia Graduate Canada Scholarships

Provides funding for graduate research including:

• Tuition
• Living costs

7. Private, NGO, and Foundation-Funded Fully Paid Canada Scholarships

These organizations sponsor full Canada Scholarships to support global education.

1. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Canada Scholarships

Covers:

• Tuition
• Generous living stipend
• Research funds
• Leadership training

2. FINCAD Women in Finance Canada Scholarships

Supports women pursuing finance-related graduate studies.
Covers tuition and living expenses.

3. Mitacs Globalink Research Awards

Funds:

• Research projects
• Living costs
• Travel allowance

4. Global Peace Canada Scholarships

Supports women in academic and leadership fields.
Provides full funding in some cases.

8. Canada Scholarships by Study Level

Undergraduate (UG)

• Lester B. Pearson Scholarship
• UBC ILOT
• York University Scholarships
• University of Calgary entrance awards
• Humber College renewable scholarships

Master’s (PG)

• Ontario Graduate Scholarship
• University of Alberta Graduate Funding
• University of Waterloo Master’s Awards
• IDRC Research Awards

PhD

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
• UBC Four-Year Doctoral Fellowship
• McGill PhD Funding
• Alberta Doctoral Scholarships

9. How to Apply for Fully Funded Canada Scholarships

Follow these steps carefully to increase your chances:

Step 1: Choose Your University and Program

Most fully funded Canada Scholarships are tied to admissions.

Step 2: Check Scholarship Eligibility

Review GPA, program requirements, leadership expectations, and deadlines.

Step 3: Prepare Application Documents

Prepare transcripts, resume, SOP, LORs, and test scores early.

Step 4: Apply for Admission First

Some Canada Scholarships automatically consider admitted students.

Step 5: Apply Separately (If Required)

Some Canada Scholarships need a separate application or nomination (e.g., Pearson).

Step 6: Prepare for Interviews or Essays

Some fully funded awards include interviews or additional essays.

Step 7: Accept the Award & Apply for Study Permit

Submit Canadian visa application after receiving scholarship confirmation.

10. Documents Required

• Passport
• Academic transcripts
• Degree certificates
• English language scores (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
• Resume/CV
• Research proposal (for PG, PhD)
• Financial documents (for need-based awards)
• Writing samples (some programs)

11. Eligibility Criteria

✔ Strong academic performance

✔ English language proficiency

✔ Leadership experience

✔ Community involvement

✔ Research potential (PG)

✔ Clear academic goals

✔ Admission into a Canadian institution

12. Common Mistakes Students Make

• Applying too late
• Sending incomplete documents
• Weak SOP
• Generic applications
• Poor LORs
• Ignoring essay requirements
• Depending on only one scholarship

13. Tips to Increase Your Chances

• Maintain high grades
• Start applications early (12–18 months)
• Write a powerful and personal SOP
• Get strong recommendation letters
• Highlight achievements, awards, and leadership
• Apply for multiple scholarships
• Build a strong CV
• Show passion for your field

Also Read: Which Canadian Scholarships Are Available for International Students in 2025?

Sources

AECC – Scholarships in Canada for International Students AECC Global

Yocket – Top 25 Scholarships in Canada for International Students Yocket Study Abroad

ScholarInfoHub – 20+ Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada in 2025 ScholarInfoHub

Webbpedia – Top 20 Scholarships in Canada for International Students Webbpedia Scholarships & Grants

Business Standard – Canadian scholarships that cover tuition & living costs Business Standard

Gurully – Top Canadian Scholarships for International Students 2025 Gurully

UBC Graduate Funding (Vanier CGS) Notice UBC Faculty of Forestry

14. FAQs

1. Can international students get fully funded Canada Scholarships?

Yes. Many Canadian universities, government bodies, and private organizations offer full Canada Scholarships that cover tuition and living expenses.

2. Do fully funded Canada Scholarships cover accommodation?

Yes, many include housing support or living stipends.

3. What GPA is needed for a full scholarship in Canada?

Generally 3.0–3.8 GPA or 80–95% depending on the scholarship.

4. Are there fully funded Canada Scholarships for undergraduate students?

Yes, Canada Scholarships like Lester B. Pearson and UBC ILOT offer fully funded options for undergraduates.

5. When should I apply?

Start preparing at least one year before the intake.