Learn how Indian students can apply for fully funded scholarships in Canada in 2025. Step-by-step guide, eligibility, documents, top scholarships, and expert tips.
Step-by-step instructions for Indian students to apply for fully funded bachelor, master, and PhD scholarships in Canada.
Canada has become one of the most popular study destinations for Indian students due to its world-class education system, globally ranked universities, safe environment, multicultural society, and strong post-study work opportunities. However, studying in Canada can be expensive for many students. That’s why fully funded scholarships play a vital role in helping ambitious Indian students achieve their academic dreams.
If you are planning to study in Canada and want to know how Indian students can apply for fully funded scholarships, this comprehensive guide will help you. It includes eligibility, step-by-step applications, popular scholarships, documents required, timelines, and proven tips to increase your chances.
1. Why Canada Offers Scholarships to Indian Students
Canada values international students, especially from India, because they contribute significantly to the country’s education sector, economy, and future workforce. Many Canadian institutions want to attract outstanding applicants, and offering scholarships is one of the most effective ways.
Reasons Canada Offers Scholarships
- Canada faces a skilled worker shortage
- Indian students rank #1 in international student enrollment
- Universities want high-performing global talent
- Scholarships promote cultural diversity
- Canada benefits from globally competitive research and innovation
2. What Is a Fully Funded Scholarship?
A fully funded scholarship covers all major expenses for studying in Canada. This may include:
Coverage Includes
- Full tuition fees
- Living expenses
- Accommodation or dorm fees
- Books and study materials
- Health insurance
- Travel allowance
- Research funding (PG levels)
- Monthly stipend
Some fully funded scholarships even support:
- Conference travel
- Project funding
- Laptop or academic tools
- Additional grants based on research
3. Types of Scholarships Available for Indian Students
Canadian scholarships fall under four primary categories. Understanding these helps you apply strategically.
A. Government of Canada Scholarships
These are the most prestigious and usually fully funded. They are offered directly by the Canadian government.
Examples include:
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
- Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s
B. University-Specific Scholarships
Canadian universities offer scholarships to attract top international talent.
Examples:
- Lester B. Pearson Scholarship (University of Toronto)
- UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award
- McGill Major Entrance Awards
C. Provincial Scholarships
These are offered by provincial governments such as Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.
Examples:
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
- Quebec Merit Scholarship
D. Private Organization Scholarships
Offered by private foundations and NGOs.
Examples:
- Trudeau Foundation Scholarship
- FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship
4. Top Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students in Canada
Here are the leading fully funded options Indian students can target:
1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto)
Level: Undergraduate
Coverage: Full tuition, books, residence support
Ideal For: High-achieving Indian school students with leadership skills
2. UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award (ILOT)
Level: Undergraduate
Coverage: Tuition and living expenses based on financial need
Ideal For: Academically strong students with community engagement
3. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
Level: PhD
Coverage: $50,000 per year for 3 years
Ideal For: Indian research scholars with leadership excellence
4. Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
Level: PhD
Coverage: Tuition, travel, research allowance, stipend
Ideal For: Students in humanities and social sciences
5. University of Waterloo International Master’s and Doctoral Awards
Level: Master’s and PhD
Coverage: Tuition and additional funding
Ideal For: Research-oriented applicants
6. McGill University Scholarships
Level: UG, Master’s, PhD
Coverage: Some fully funded awards
Ideal For: Top-ranking students with academic excellence
7. York University Global Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship
Level: Undergraduate
Coverage: Up to full tuition support
Ideal For: Students with outstanding academic results
8. University of Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarships
Level: Master’s & PhD
Coverage: Tuition and financial support
Ideal For: Graduate-level applicants
5. Eligibility Requirements for Indian Students
While each scholarship has specific criteria, most have common requirements.
Academic Eligibility
- Strong grades (typically above 80–90%)
- High GPA (3.0–3.8 out of 4, depending on program)
- Strong academic awards or distinction
Language Requirements
- IELTS / TOEFL / PTE
- Some programs accept Duolingo
Leadership & Community Involvement
- Volunteer work
- School leadership positions
- Sports, clubs, social projects
Research Potential (For PG)
- Publications
- Research projects
- Conference papers
- Strong proposal
Financial Need (For Need-Based Scholarships)
- Income statements
- Family financial documents
6. Documents Required for Scholarship Applications
You will need to prepare these documents in advance:
- Passport
- Academic transcripts (10th, 12th, UG)
- Degree certificates
- CV/Resume
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
- English language test scores
- Research proposal (for PG students)
- Portfolio (for design/architecture programs)
- Financial documents (if required)
- Writing samples (some universities)
7. How Indian Students Can Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada (Step-by-Step Guide)
This is the most important section. Follow these steps for success.
Step 1: Choose Your Program and University
Fully funded scholarships are usually tied to specific universities.
Decide:
- What do you want to study?
- Which universities offer your program?
- Do they offer fully funded scholarships?
Step 2: Check Scholarship Eligibility Carefully
Read the eligibility criteria for:
- Academic requirements
- Citizenship
- Program requirements
- GPA
- Leadership qualities
- Research strength
Step 3: Prepare Documents Early
Start at least 6–12 months in advance.
Prepare SOP, LORs, resume, transcripts, etc.
Step 4: Apply for Admission First
Most fully funded scholarships require admission to a Canadian university before you can be nominated.
Step 5: Submit the Scholarship Application
Some scholarships are automatic (based on grades), others require a separate form.
Step 6: Prepare for Interviews (If Required)
Some competitive scholarships include interviews to assess:
- Leadership
- Communication
- Academic clarity
Step 7: Wait for Results & Accept Your Offer
Once selected, accept the scholarship and follow instructions for Canadian study permit application.
8. Scholarships for Bachelor’s, Master’s & PhD Levels
Undergraduate Fully Funded Scholarships
- Lester B. Pearson
- UBC ILOT
- York University Scholarships
- University of Calgary Entrance Awards
Master’s Scholarships
- Ontario Graduate Scholarships
- University of Waterloo Graduate Awards
- University of Alberta Scholarships
- IDRC Research Awards
PhD Scholarships
- Vanier CGS
- Trudeau Foundation
- UBC Four-Year Doctoral Fellowship
- McGill Doctoral Scholarships
9. Scholarship Timelines for 2025 Intake (Important!)
UG Deadlines:
October – January
Masters Deadlines:
December – March
PhD Deadlines:
September – December
Start preparing at least 1 year in advance.
10. Common Mistakes Indian Students Make (Avoid These!)
- Applying too late
- Poor SOP or copied content
- Weak recommendation letters
- Not following instructions
- Ignoring scholarship-specific essays
- Assuming strong grades alone are enough
- Not applying to multiple scholarships
11. Tips to Increase Your Scholarship Success Rate
- Maintain high academic performance
- Write a compelling, unique SOP
- Highlight leadership and community service
- Build a strong resume
- Get strong letters of recommendation
- Start early and apply for multiple scholarships
- Showcase long-term goals
- Tailor each application
- Present clear reasons for choosing Canada
12. Checklist
Before applying, make sure you have:
- Chosen programs
- Checked deadlines
- Gathered documents
- Drafted SOP
- Contacted referees for LORs
- Prepared portfolio (if needed)
- Completed the admission application
- Submitted scholarship forms
Also Read: How Can International Students Secure Canada Government Scholarships in 2025?
Sources
FAQs
1. Can Indian students get fully funded scholarships in Canada?
Yes. Many Canadian universities and the government offer fully funded scholarships for Indian students at UG, PG, and PhD levels.
2. What is the minimum percentage required?
Typically 80–95% depending on the scholarship.
3. Do I need IELTS for Funded Scholarships in Canada?
Yes, in most cases. Some universities accept Duolingo or waive English tests.
4. Which scholarship is best for Indian UG students?
Lester B. Pearson and UBC ILOT are the top fully funded undergraduate Funded Scholarships.
5. When should Indian students apply for 2025 intake?
Start preparing between April–October 2024 and submit applications before December–January deadlines.