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Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for International Students (2025 Admissions)

Updated on 19 September, 2024

Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada

Will a fully-funded scholarship in Canada help you plan your study abroad journey better? Student aspirants wanting to ease their financial burden must know about the many attractive scholarship opportunities such as Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program, Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme, Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships, and many others.

What are the Types of Scholarships in Canada?

It is advised that students should start preparing to qualify for the Scholarship process well in advance before their intended intake. However, before preparing and applying for the scholarships, it is necessary to be aware of the types of scholarships available. Following are the three types of fully funded scholarships in Canada for Indian students. 

  • Government-Funded: These scholarships are the ones that are fully funded by the Canadian Government. They include awards that encourage students to pursue their higher studies. 
  • Non-Government funded: These scholarships are provided by entities other than the government such as charities and trust funds, and are designated for specific courses. 
  • Institutional: These scholarships are offered by schools and universities. 

List of Fully-Funded Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students 2025

Fully-Funded Undergraduate Scholarships in Canada 

The average cost of enrolling in an undergraduate program in Canada can be around CAD 34,000. However, this does not include additional costs such as living costs, books and study materials, transportation, healthcare, etc. 

In such circumstances, fully-funded scholarships in Canada can give students a great respite, allowing students to pursue their education abroad without a hefty financial burden. Here are some of the well-known fully-funded undergraduate scholarships in Canada.

Lester B. Pearson Scholarships - University of Toronto

Covers Full tuition, books, incidental expenses, and housing.

International Scholars Program Awards - University of British Columbia

Full-ride scholarship awarded based on extracurricular and academic excellence.

UdeM Exemption Scholarship for International Students- Université de Montréal

Exempts students from paying additional tuition fees, with varying amounts for masters and undergraduate programs.

Fully-Funded Master’s Scholarships in Canada

A full scholarship at the master’s level typically covers tuition and provides a monthly maintenance grant for living expenses, as well as funds for travel. Below are some of the main fully-funded Master's degree scholarships in Canada.

University of Alberta Graduate Entrance Scholarship

Offers a stipend of CAD 17,500-21,000 while international students receive an additional CAD 10,000 to cover tuition fees. The admission GPA should be 3.7 or higher.

University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship

This scholarship offers CAD 14,000 -18,000 per year for master’s and doctoral students. The funding tenure is between 12 and 48 months.  

Fully-Funded PhD Scholarships in Canada 

For extensive research work and study, PhD students usually need substantial financing. Fully-funded PhD scholarships in Canada cover tuition fees plus a stipend for living costs, allowing students to focus on their research without financial worries. Here are some well-known fully-funded PhD scholarships in Canada.

Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship

Selected candidates receive up to CAD 40,000 per year to cover their living and tuition costs. They also receive up to CAD 20,000 per year for learning languages, research, networking, travel for doctoral research, and travel and accommodation for the Foundation's leadership program.

UBC Four Year Doctoral Fellowship

Provides up to full funding, including tuition and a stipend for living expenses.

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Offers support of CAD 50,000 per year for three years for doctoral students.

Ontario Trillium Scholarships

The University of Toronto offers 15 of these scholarships annually. This province-led scholarship program aims to attract the best international researchers to Canada.

How to Apply for a Fully-Funded Scholarship in Canada

To apply for a fully-funded scholarship in Canada, students generally need to follow these steps:-

  • Step 1: Research Scholarships - Look for scholarships that match your academic and career goals.
  • Step 2: Prepare Documents - Gather necessary documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and proof of language proficiency.
  • Step 3: Submit Application - Fill out the application forms and submit them before the deadline along with all required documents.
  • Step 4: Follow-up - Monitor the application status and follow up if required.

What is the Importance of Scholarships for Studying in Canada?

The high cost of living and studying abroad can sometimes become a barrier for many aspirational students. Many Canadian universities roll out numerous scholarships to ease their journey and provide them with a high-quality education. Let’s understand what significant role scholarships play in studying in Canada. 

  • These non-repayable financial rewards are an excellent means for students to obtain education in Canada without financial constraints. 
  • It also relieve the burden on students who would otherwise need to work part-time to pay tuition fees. 
  • Furthermore, Scholarships recognize and reward academic excellence, encouraging students to pursue their academic and research potential to the fullest.
  • Scholarships also play a crucial role in positively impacting the students, by focusing more on their capabilities and knowledge. 
  • Additionally, scholarships provide students with the opportunity to step out of their comfort zones and offer immense support. For instance, many mentorship programs, academic and career counseling, and language training are offered to the students.

Register for Study in Canada FREE Course

The Canada hosts the largest number of international students from across the world. Over the past few years, it has become one of the most popular destinations for studying abroad. Reasons such as best-ranked institutions, excellent support facilities, flexible academic environment, and cultural diversity contribute to making it the most preferred destination amongst students planning to study abroad.

Which are the Top Universities Offering Scholarships in Canada?

Here are the leading universities offering scholarships in Canada across the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.

University QS Ranking 2025 Scholarships Offered
University of Toronto 25 Lester B. Pearson Scholarships, President’s Scholars of Excellence Program
McGill University 29 McGill Entrance Scholarships, PBEEE – Quebec Merit Scholarship for Foreign Students
University of British Columbia 38 International Leader of Tomorrow Award, Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award
University of Alberta 96 International Student Scholarship, Graduate Entrance Scholarship
University of Waterloo 115 International Master’s and Doctoral Student Awards

Conclusion

Securing a fully-funded scholarship in Canada can be competitive, but with the right resources, knowledge, and academic excellence, Indian students can easily achieve their dream of studying abroad.

For Indian students, Canada provides a range of fully-funded scholarships that alleviate financial burdens and recognize academic merit. These scholarships celebrate the diverse perspectives Indian students bring to Canadian campuses. 

As the 2025 admission approaches, leveraging these opportunities can transform the dream of studying in Canada into a tangible reality, supported by generous funding that acknowledges students' potential and ambition.

Here are some detailed articles on Fully Funded Scholarships for top Study Abroad Destination:

FAQs

Is Canada a good option for Indian students?

Yes. Canada is considered a safe and good option for Indian students. Due to its high quality of education and low fee cost, more than 60,000 students have opted for Canadian universities.

Can I get a scholarship in Canada without IELTS?

Yes. Now it has been made possible for students to get a scholarship without taking the IELTS exam. The Alberta university has removed the requirement of IELTS to acquire a scholarship.

What is the difference between fully-funded and partially-funded scholarships?

Fully funded scholarships cover all costs associated with education, including tuition, living expenses, travel, and study materials. Partially-funded scholarships, on the other hand, only cover part of these expenses, such as tuition or a portion of living costs.

Can I get a 100% scholarship to study in Canada?

Yes, several scholarships in Canada offer 100% funding, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and other associated costs. Examples include the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship, the International Scholars Program Awards from the University of British Columbia, and the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship, to name a few.

How can an Indian student get a scholarship to study in Canada?

Indian students can apply for scholarships by researching available options, meeting eligibility criteria, and submitting required documents by the deadlines. Scholarships and other university-specific scholarships are good starting points.

What is a full-ride scholarship?

A full-ride scholarship covers all expenses related to education, including tuition, room and board, textbooks, and sometimes even personal expenses.

How much percentage is required for a scholarship in Canada?

The required percentage varies by scholarship and program. Generally, a high academic standing (CGPA of 3.70% or above) increases the chances of receiving a scholarship.

How can I increase my chances of getting a scholarship in Canada?

To increase your chances, maintain a strong academic record, gain relevant extracurricular and leadership experience, write compelling personal statements, and apply to multiple scholarships. Also, ensure your application is complete and submitted before deadlines.

Did you find this article helpful?

Jyotsna Singh

With over a decade of expertise in international education, Jyotsna has held impactful roles at the British Council, Unilodgers, a prominent UK university, and IDP Education, empowering countless students by not only enhancing their educational experiences but also by offering them guidance in securing essential scholarships and financial aid. She is dedicated to helping students achieve their academic goals through tailored guidance and financial support.

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