What Are the Best Scholarships in Canada With No Application Fee 2025?

Discover top scholarships in Canada that don’t charge an application fee—covering undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies. Learn about eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.

Find top Canadian scholarships with zero application fees for international students in 2025.

Canada is one of the most attractive destinations for international students, offering high-quality education, research opportunities, and a welcoming multicultural environment. However, studying in Canada can be costly, which is why scholarships play a crucial role. While many scholarships charge administrative or application fees, there are several prestigious scholarships in Canada that come with no application fee, easing the financial burden on students even before they enroll. Below is a comprehensive guide to some of the best no-application-fee scholarships in Canada, along with tips, eligibility details, benefits, and application strategies.

Why Scholarships With No Application Fee Matter

1. Accessibility: Not having to pay an application fee lowers the barrier for talented students who might otherwise skip applying due to upfront costs.
2. Reduced Risk: Even if a student does not win a scholarship, they have not lost money by applying.
3. Encourages Multiple Applications: Without a fee, students can apply to more scholarships, increasing chances of success.
4. Equity: It levels the playing field for students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Top Scholarships in Canada That Often Have No Application Fee

Here are some of the most well-known scholarships in Canada that are reputed to have no application fee or do not levy an extra charge for the scholarship component. That said, always check individual scholarship websites for the most up-to-date fee policies, as they may change.

1. McCall MacBain Scholarship (McGill University)

• Overview: The McCall MacBain Scholarship is one of Canada’s most prestigious and competitive scholarships for master’s and professional graduate programs. It is a leadership-driven scholarship that supports interdisciplinary study.
• No Application Fee: According to their FAQ, there is no fee to apply for the McCall MacBain Scholarship itself.
• Coverage: It covers full tuition, fees, a monthly stipend (around CAD 2,300 during academic terms), a relocation grant, and offers mentorship and leadership development.
• Eligibility: Open to students from Canada, the U.S., and other countries; applicants need to apply separately for a McGill graduate program in addition to the scholarship.
• Selection Criteria: Leadership, community engagement, character, academic strength, and an openness to learning from others.
• Application Timeline: The application opens in June and closes around August–September for the next cohort.

Why It Stands Out: This scholarship emphasizes character and leadership, not just academic excellence. The fact that there’s no application fee makes it accessible to a wide pool of talented students.

2. Loran Scholars Foundation

• Overview: The Loran Scholars Award is a highly respected undergraduate scholarship in Canada. It is awarded by the Loran Scholars Foundation to students who demonstrate integrity, service, and leadership.
• Value: The scholarship is approximately CAD 100,000 over four years, including a stipend, campus-based internships, and summer service internships.
• No Application Fee: While the foundation does not explicitly charge an application fee for the Loran Award (the process is managed through an online application), there is no standard separate “application fee” for the scholarship itself mentioned in their publicly available process.
• Eligibility: Open to high school students across Canada and certain CEGEPs; the application involves submission of essays, references, and interviews.
• Selection Process: Highly competitive. Evaluations consider character, service, academics, leadership, and potential.

Why It Stands Out: It’s not just about grades — Loran prioritizes leadership and long-term social impact. With no application fee, more bright young Canadians or students eligible for Canadian universities can apply without financial barrier.

3. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)

• Overview: The Vanier CGS was Canada’s flagship doctoral scholarship program, awarded to outstanding PhD students demonstrating academic excellence, leadership, and research potential.
• Funding: Recipients used to receive CAD 50,000 per year for three years.
• No Application Fee: The application process does not involve a direct application fee for students applying for the scholarship because candidates are nominated by their Canadian institution.
• Nomination Process: Students must first apply for their doctoral program at a Canadian university that has a Vanier nomination quota. If the university selects them, they submit a nomination package.
• Note: As of 2025, the Vanier CGS has been sunset, and the Government of Canada is transitioning to a new program called the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D).

Why It Stood Out: While still in existence for some students depending on institution deadlines, Vanier was among the most generous and prestigious doctoral scholarships. The no-fee, nomination-based process means that students don’t directly pay for scholarship application.

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

• Overview: The Pearson Scholarship is a fully funded, merit-based scholarship for outstanding international high school students to study undergraduate programs at the University of Toronto.
• Coverage: It covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.
• Application Process: Students must be nominated by their high school — each school submits a nomination, and then the student applies.
• No Separate Scholarship Application Fee: While you have to apply for admission to U of T and be nominated by your school, there’s no additional fee for the Pearson Scholarship application. According to U of T: after nomination, students receive a private link to complete the scholarship application.
• Important Caveat: The university notes that while the scholarship application has no fee, the standard U of T admission application fee is not waived by the scholarship program.

Why It Stands Out: The Pearson Scholarship is highly competitive and fully covers four years at a top Canadian university. Because the application is tied to school nomination rather than a fee-based open application, many talented students benefit without being charged extra.

5. IBET PhD Project (Indigenous Black Engineering Technology Project)

• Overview: The IBET PhD Project is a Canadian initiative created to support Black and Indigenous scholars pursuing PhD programs in STEM fields in Canada.
• Funding: Momentum Fellowships of up to CAD 30,000 per year for four years (for full-time STEM PhD students at one of the participating universities).
• No Application Fee: As a fellowship program offering support, IBET PhD Project does not operate like a typical admissions scholarship; there’s no publicly stated application fee for the fellowship itself in its project materials.
• Eligibility: Candidates must be Black or Indigenous, pursuing a STEM PhD, and admitted (or applying) to one of 18 participating Canadian universities.
• Additional Benefits: Academic mentoring and network support to foster inclusive research environments.

Why It Stands Out: IBET is mission-driven, targeting representation in higher education and STEM. The fellowship model and its inclusivity mean it’s not just a financial award but also a community builder — and importantly, without an application fee barrier.

Other Notable Scholarships & Opportunities to Consider

• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS): Merit-based scholarship for graduate students in Ontario. While the scholarship itself doesn’t require a separate “application fee,” application processes vary depending on institution.
• Other University Entrance Scholarships: Many Canadian universities offer entrance scholarships that are automatically considered when you apply for admission, without a separate scholarship application fee. For instance, some universities do not have a distinct scholarship application and evaluate merit for scholarships when you apply for admission.
• Private & Institutional Scholarships: In addition to flagship awards, look for smaller scholarships (by foundations, universities, or community organizations) that may also not charge application fees. Use scholarship databases and university financial-aid portals.

How to Apply Smartly for No-Application-Fee Scholarships

1. Research Early: Identify scholarships well in advance (12-18 months before intake).
2. Use School Resources: For scholarships like Pearson, coordinate with your school to ensure nomination.
3. Work with Professors / Supervisors: For doctoral scholarships (like Vanier), reach out to potential supervisors to discuss nomination.
4. Tailor Essays & Applications: Even if there’s no fee, the quality of your application matters a lot. Focus on leadership, research vision, community, and character (depending on the scholarship).
5. Apply for Admission + Scholarship: Many scholarships are integrated into the university admission process; ensure you tick scholarship application boxes when applying to universities.
6. Seek Endorsement: For some programs (McCall MacBain), a university endorsement is needed — prepare early to secure this.
7. Track Deadlines: Scholarship application deadlines often differ from program admission deadlines. Make a clear calendar.
8. Prepare References: Letters of recommendation are common. Choose referees who know your academic work, leadership, or community impact.
9. Prepare for Interviews: Some scholarships (especially leadership ones) may require interviews.

Risks and Challenges

• High Competition: No-fee does not mean easy — flagship scholarships like McCall MacBain, Loran, and Vanier are extremely competitive.
• University Nomination Limits: For program-based scholarships (e.g., Vanier), universities have limited quotas for candidates they can nominate.
• Hidden Costs: Even if the scholarship application is free, you may need to pay for the university’s admission application fee or other associated costs (transcripts, tests).
• Changes in Policy: Scholarship rules (including fee waivers) can change, so always refer to the official website for the current intake.

Also Read: How Can International Students Secure Canada Government Scholarships in 2025?

Sources

vanier.gc.ca

UVic.ca

FAQs

Q1: Are there really no application fees for these scholarships?
A1: For the scholarships listed above (McCall MacBain, Vanier, Loran, Pearson, IBET), there is no separate scholarship application fee. But note: for some scholarships, you may still need to pay the university’s standard admission application fee.

Q2: How reliable is the no-fee claim?
A2: The information is based on official scholarship program documentation (e.g., McCall MacBain’s FAQ expressly states there’s no fee). But always double-check for the current application cycle because policies can change.

Q3: Can international students apply to these scholarships?
A3: Yes — many of these scholarships are open to international students. For instance, the Pearson Scholarship is specifically for international high school students. McCall MacBain also accepts international applicants.

Q4: Does no application fee mean less competitive?
A4: Not at all. These no-fee scholarships are very competitive. The lack of a fee makes them accessible, but winning them depends on strong applications, academic excellence, leadership, and other criteria.

Q5: What replaced the Vanier Scholarship?
A5: The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship has been phased out. Its successor is the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D). Applicants should check eligibility and application processes for the new program.

Q6: Is there an application fee for McGill university admission when applying via McCall MacBain?
A6: Yes — while the McCall MacBain Scholarship itself has no application fee, the applicant must apply to a McGill graduate program separately. The standard McGill application fee may still apply.

Securing a scholarship with no application fee can significantly reduce the financial and psychological barriers associated with applying for higher education in Canada. The scholarships discussed above — McCall MacBain, Loran, Vanier (or its successor), Pearson, and IBET — represent some of the most prestigious and generous awards available. They focus not just on academic excellence, but also on leadership, character, and community contribution.

To maximize your chances: research early, craft strong applications, build relationships with nominators or endorsers, and apply widely (especially since application fees are not restricting your applications). With determination and preparation, you can tap into these high-impact opportunities and turn your Canadian education dreams into reality.