Best Fully Funded Scholarship In Canada In 2024

Canada is a beautiful country in North America that ranks amongst the top countries to pursue higher education. The country offers an exciting student life and several spots students can explore. Receiving a degree from a renowned university in Canada has its share of perks; moving to a different country altogether is another milestone the student must overcome. However, regardless of all these challenges, one major challenge is arranging finances to pay these prestigious universities' fees. But what if we told you that some fully funded scholarships in Canada release your stress a little, as financial constraints won’t be a hurdle anymore? Let's dig in and know all the fully funded scholarships in Canada available for students.

Types of Scholarships in Canada for International Students

As we know, Canada is a great place for students to get the most acceptable education. One must also be aware of the tuition and cost of living from the beginning, so as a concern, below is a list of the various types of fully funded scholarships in Canada:

1. University Scholarships

2. Financial Scholarships

3. Government-funded scholarships

4. Merit Scholarships

5. Privately Funded Scholarships

Moving to a different country and pursuing an education is a dream for many of us, but not everybody can fulfill it. Studying in Canada can be a little expensive. However, some institutions offer fully funded scholarships in Canada, which cover your tuition fee and even more! If you are unsure about the hype behind scholarships, then this guide on what scholarships are will surely help you!

Which Are The Best Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada?

Now, let's get to the juicy part of this blog. We will cover various things about the best fully funded scholarships in Canada, including their eligibility and scholarship amount! Scholarships are just one of the many reasons to study in Canada; here are a few more top reasons to study in Canada. Without further ado, here is the best fully funded scholarship in Canada! 

1. Ontario Graduate Scholarship

Scholarship Amount: CA$ 10,000 for two years of studies consecutively.

Eligibility Criteria: You need to:

1. Score a minimum of 80% in each of the last two full-time academic years.

Deadline for Applying: To be announced

Who is this for?: Postgraduate students

Ontario Graduate Scholarship was established in 1975 to encourage excellence in graduate studies at Ontario universities. OGS awards over 3,000 scholarships annually to students in all disciplines. 

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) is administered by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities in Ontario, Canada. However, students must apply for the scholarship through the graduate studies office of the university where they are enrolled or plan to enroll. Each university manages its own OGS application process and deadlines. The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) is for students pursuing graduate studies at the master's and doctoral levels, and the financial coverage varies, making it one of the best fully funded master's scholarships in Canada! Planning to do your Master’s in Canada? Well, go for it without wondering about the finances. 

2. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship

Scholarship Amount: CA$ 50,000 per year for three years during your doctoral studies.

Eligibility Criteria: You need to:

1. Be nominated by only one university in Canada, which must have received a Vanier CGS quota

2. Be pursuing your first Doctoral degree.

Deadline for Applying: It would be near November 2024

Who is this for?: Postgraduate students

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) were launched in 2008 by the Government of Canada. The program is designed to attract and retain world-class doctoral students to Canadian universities. Government of Canada is the issuing authority. Students must be nominated by their university. Applications are submitted through the Canadian institution where they intend to study. This government-sponsored fully funded scholarship in Canada covers up to CA$ 50,000 per year. This fully funded scholarship is a great option for those planning to accomplish their doctoral studies in Canada.

3. Pierre Eliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship

Scholarship Amount: CA$ 40,000 stipend and up to CA$ 20,000 for research and travel allowance per year for three years.

Eligibility Criteria: International students looking for doctoral degrees in Canada.

Deadline for Applying: Likely in December 2024

Who is this for?: Doctoral students

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship was established in 2001, one year after the death of Pierre Elliott Trudeau, the 15th Prime Minister of Canada. The scholarship supports outstanding humanities and social sciences doctoral students committed to public policy and social issues. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation is the issuing authority and students must be nominated by their high school, and they apply directly to the University of Toronto to apply for it. They even provide 20,000 for travel and research purposes, making it one of the best fully funded scholarships for international students in Canada.

4. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships

Scholarship Amount: This scholarship covers your tuition fees, books, incidental fees, and full residence support.

Eligibility Criteria: You need to:

1. Demonstrate leadership qualities

2. Display originality and creative undergraduate skills

3. You will also need to show your intentions on why you want to study at the University of Toronto.

Deadline for Applying: To be announced

Who is this for?: All students

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is among one of the best fully funded scholarships in Canada for international students! Offered by the University of Toronto, this scholarship covers many of the costs related to studying in a different country. Students must be nominated by their high school, and they apply directly to the University of Toronto to apply. One thing to note is that this scholarship is only applicable to Bachelor students who are going to study at the University of Toronto, making it one of the best fully funded scholarship in Canada.

5. President's International Scholarship of Excellence 

Scholarship Amount: CA$ 45,000 to cover tuition fees

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Score at least 88 in TOEFL, 6.5 in IELTS, or 60 in PTE.

2. You also need to apply to York University directly from high school no more than two years after passing out

Deadline for Applying: To be announced

Who is this for?: Undergraduate students

Offered by York University, the President's International Scholarship of Excellence is the next fully funded scholarship in Canada on our list! This scholarship is only applicable to students who want to pursue a Bachelor's degree for four years in Canada. Eligible international students are automatically considered upon admission to York University. It covers student’s tuition fees, making it one of the best fully funded scholarships for international students in Canada.

6. Douglas College International Student Scholarships

Scholarship Amount: CAD 7,000

Eligibility Criteria:

1. You must be an international student enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester.

2. Must demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential. 

Deadline for Applying: Deadlines vary by intake, typically in May and September. 

Who is this for?: International students pursuing undergraduate programs.

Douglas College International Student Scholarships offer partial tuition support, helping ease the financial burden of studying abroad. While not fully covering all expenses, this award makes it more accessible for international students to study in Canada. Although it’s not a fully funded scholarship in Canada, the Douglas College scholarship plays a significant role in reducing the financial pressure for students. Students can apply for it through Douglas College’s International Students Office.

7. University Canada West Scholarships

Scholarship Amount: Up to CAD 20,000 

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Open to both international and domestic students.

2. Must demonstrate academic excellence and leadership qualities.

Deadline for Applying: Deadlines vary per intake, typically in January, April, July, and October. 

Who is this for?: Students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees at the University of Canada West.

The University Canada West Scholarships provide substantial financial aid for both undergraduate and graduate students, making it one of the more competitive scholarships available. While it may not be a fully funded scholarship in Canada, it significantly reduces the financial strain, offering a pathway to quality education for international students. Students apply for scholarships during their admission process, directly through the University Canada West website.

8. McGill University Scholarships

Scholarship Amount: A variety of awards are available, ranging from partial to full tuition coverage, depending on the scholarship. 

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Must show academic excellence and leadership.

2. Open to both undergraduate and graduate students.

3. Some scholarships are exclusive to Canadian citizens, while others are open to international students. 

Deadline for Applying: Deadlines vary by program, with undergraduate applications typically due in January. 

Who is this for?: Domestic and international students at McGill University.

McGill University Scholarships offer a range of funding options, including some fully funded scholarships in Canada. These awards can cover full tuition fees, making McGill a top destination for international students seeking financial support for their studies. With a focus on both merit and need, McGill provides ample opportunities for deserving students.Students apply through McGill’s Scholarships and Student Aid Office, generally during the admission process.

9. University of Winnipeg Scholarships

Scholarship Amount: Up to CAD 5,000 

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Must demonstrate strong academic achievements and leadership potential. 

Deadline for Applying: Varies by intake, typically in June and October. 

Who is this for?: International students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs at the University of Winnipeg.

University of Winnipeg Scholarships provide essential financial support to international students, helping them manage the costs of studying abroad. Although this scholarship may not be fully funded scholarship in Canada, it’s an excellent option for those seeking partial support. Students apply directly through the University of Winnipeg's Awards and Financial Aid Office. Some scholarships are automatically considered during the admissions process, while others require a separate application, which can be found on the university's website under the "Awards" section.

10. Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships

Scholarship Amount: Covers tuition fees and living expenses,

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Open to students from select developing countries.

2. Must demonstrate academic excellence and significant financial need. 

Deadline for Applying: To be announced

Who is this for?: Graduate students from developing countries.

The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarships stand out as a fully funded scholarship in Canada, providing complete financial coverage for deserving students from developing countries. This program ensures that talented individuals have the opportunity to pursue higher education in Canada without worrying about financial barriers. Applications are submitted through the Aga Khan Foundation or one of its local offices in participating countries.

11. Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowships

Scholarship Amount: Covers tuition fees and a portion of living expenses

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Women from developing or emerging countries.

2. Must be pursuing PhD or postdoctoral studies in STEM fields. 

Deadline for Applying: November 10, 2024. 

Who is this for?: Female scholars from developing countries studying STEM fields.

The Schlumberger Foundation Fellowships provide essential financial support to women pursuing advanced degrees in STEM. Although it covers most expenses, it may not be considered a fully funded scholarship in Canada. Nevertheless, the fellowship offers a strong financial package, empowering women in science to make significant contributions to their fields. Students can apply directly through the Faculty for the Future website, under the application section.

12. Facebook PhD Fellowship

Scholarship Amount: Provides a $42,000 stipend, and offers additional funds for research-related expenses.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Open to PhD students conducting research in computer science or related fields.

2. Must demonstrate academic excellence. 

Deadline for Applying: Typically around October each year. 

Who is this for?: PhD students worldwide.

The Facebook PhD Fellowship provided by Facebook offers full financial support for computer science students conducting cutting-edge research. This prestigious fellowship is often considered a fully funded scholarship in Canada for those studying in technology-related fields, as it covers tuition, provides a living stipend, and funds research. Applications are submitted through the Meta Fellowship application portal.

13. UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award

Scholarship Amount: CA$ 35,000

Eligibility Criteria: You must:

1. Show your financial need and the inability to pursue your studies at UBC.

2. You will also need a strong academic record and display leadership qualities.

Deadline for Applying: To be announced

Who is this for?: Undergraduate students

Last but not least is the International Leader of Tomorrow Award (ILOT) offered by the University of British Columbia, which is a need-based scholarship offered to students who want to pursue an undergraduate degree at UBC! This scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and other study-related costs in Canada, which makes it one of the best fully funded scholarship in Canada. High schools must nominate students, and applicants then apply directly to UBC. Looking for student housing near all your preferred universities? Don't worry; Amber is here to help you find the perfect student home in Canada.

Postdoctoral Grants & Fellowships in Canada

Canada offers a wealth of opportunities for advanced researchers through its Canada fully funded scholarship for postdoctoral degrees. These prestigious awards are designed to support scholars in their pursuit of groundbreaking research and academic excellence. With a range of programs available across various disciplines, these scholarships provide essential funding, resources, and networking opportunities to help postdoctoral researchers advance their careers and contribute significantly to their fields. 

1. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships

Scholarship Amount: CA$ 70,000 per year

Eligibility Criteria: You must:

1. Be an international citizen

2. You must also have a PhD in environmental or health professional.

Deadline for Applying: September 30, 2024

Who is this for?: Post-doctorate students

This fully funded scholarship in Canada is visible for PhD candidates for both Canadians and non-Canadians. It was initiated to attract the most talented for research-based growth by the Government of Canada. Applicants must apply through the institution where they will pursue their postdoctoral research, and the application is submitted via the Banting Fellowship’s online portal. International applicants can only hold the Banting Postdoctoral fellowship in Canadian institutes making it one of the best fully funded scholarships for international students in Canada.

2. KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

Scholarship Amount: Provides CAD 50,000 per year for up to two years

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Open to postdoctoral researchers in any discipline.

2. Must demonstrate research excellence and leadership.

Deadline for Applying: November 2024. 

Who is this for?: Postdoctoral researchers globally.

The KILLAM Postdoctoral Fellowship is offered by University of British Columbia (and other participating institutions). It provides substantial financial support to postdoctoral researchers. While it may not fully cover all expenses like some fully funded scholarships in Canada, it provides crucial financial backing for scholars conducting advanced research in Canada. Students can apply directly through the Killam Fellowships page on the UBC website or the relevant university offering the fellowship.

3. Human Frontier Science Program Postdoctoral Fellowships

Scholarship Amount: Varies by institution; typically includes a competitive salary and research funds

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent degree in a relevant field.

2. Candidates should have less than three years of postdoctoral experience.

3. You must not have resided in the host country (where you will conduct your research) for more than 12 months in the past three years.

Deadline for Applying: Typically in mid-September each year (specific dates can vary)

Who is this for?: Early-career researchers with a strong track record in innovative and interdisciplinary research.

The Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP) Postdoctoral Fellowships are designed to support outstanding early-career researchers who are eager to engage in high-risk, high-reward projects. This prestigious fellowship promotes collaboration across borders and disciplines, encouraging innovative research in the life sciences. HFSP fellowships offer a competitive salary and research support, allowing scholars to work in world-leading laboratories and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries. It is one of the best fully funded scholarships in Canada. Students can apply online through the HFSP fellowship application portal.

4. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships

Scholarship Amount: CA$ 40,000 per year

Eligibility Criteria:

1. You must be a doctoral student at a Canadian university.

2. You should demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to public engagement in your field of study.

3. Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Deadline for Applying: December 6, 2024

Who is this for?: Doctoral students in the social sciences and humanities.

This scholarship is issued by the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation. It is designed to support exceptional doctoral students in the social sciences and humanities who are committed to making a significant impact on society. This full scholarships for international students in Canada provides generous funding and access to a network of distinguished scholars, offering opportunities for leadership development and public engagement. Applicants must first be nominated by their university, and the application is submitted directly through the foundation’s online platform.

5. Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program

Scholarship Amount: Provides up to $25,000 for a 6-10 month period of research. 

Eligibility Criteria:

1. PhD students from developing countries.

2.  Must be conducting research in a World Bank member country.

Deadline for Applying: To be announced

Who is this for?: PhD students from developing countries.

The Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program is offered by the World Bank Group. It provides significant financial support to PhD candidates from developing countries. Though not a fully funded scholarship in Canada, it offers excellent funding for research-related expenses, giving students the resources to pursue meaningful work in development studies. Students can apply directly via the Robert S. McNamara Fellowships page on the World Bank website.

6. Google PhD Fellowship Program

Scholarship Amount: Full tuition fees

Eligibility Criteria: 

1. Be enrolled in the PhD program and continue to attend

2. Finish graduate-level coursework before applying to the PhD program.

Deadline for Applying: May 8, 2024

Who is this for?: Doctoral students

Next on our list of fully funded scholarships in Canada is one offered by Google for PhD students! Google PhD Fellowship Program is an opportunity for students who want to pursue a PhD in Computer Sciences in Canada. Google's scholarship covers the entire tuition fee for your course at any of the universities in Canada, making it one of the best fully funded scholarship in Canada. Students are nominated by their university, and Google reviews the nominations. Applications are submitted via Google’s PhD Fellowship program portal.

7. Leakey Foundation Research Grants

Scholarship Amount: CA $40,299

Eligibility Criteria: The Leakey Foundation Research Grants are open to:

1. Established scientists and advanced doctoral students

2. Another criterion is that aspiring applicants must speak fluent English.

Deadline for Applying: July 15, 2024

Who is this for?: Doctoral students

Made for scientists and advanced doctoral students, Leakey Foundation Research Grants is among the best fully funded scholarship in Canada! It is issued by The Leakey Foundation and student can apply directly via the Leakey Foundation’s website, under their research grants section. This scholarship helps cover their entire tuition fees, making it one of the best fully funded scholarships in Canada.

Canadian Universities Offering Fully Funded Scholarships

Do you want to study in universities offering fully funded courses in Canada? Let us tell you many top universities are offering fully funded scholarships in Canada that students can consider while opting to study in Canada. Some of the best universities are listed below:

1. University of British Columbia 

Being ranked one of the best public universities in Canada, the University of British Columbia (UBC) is well known for its diverse range of programs. The university is known to provide one of the best fully funded scholarships in Canada—the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award, which is awarded to international students pursuing undergraduate studies at the university.

2. University of Alberta

The University of Alberta is known to offer a range of fully funded scholarships in Canada, especially to international students. To be selected for this scholarship, the student must possess exceptional skills and abilities. One prominent example of a scholarship provided by the university is the President’s International Distinction Scholarship.

3. University of Toronto

The university is known to provide the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, which provides an amazing opportunity for international students to make their dream of studying at the University of Toronto come true. This fully funded scholarship in Canada for international students includes tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support throughout the years of your studies.

4. University of Manitoba

The institution primarily provides 1600 first-year students with entrance scholarships every year. One of the primary examples of a fully funded scholarship in Canada provided by the University of Manitoba includes the McCall MacBain Scholarship, which covers the full tuition fees and also provides them with a stipend of CA$ 2,000 per month.

5. University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo offers a wide range of fully funded scholarships in Canada for undergraduate and graduate programs. One of the best fully funded scholarships in Canada presented at the University of Waterloo is the President’s Scholarship of Distinction, which provides students with CA$ 10,000 per year for up to four years of their undergraduate tenure. There are several fully funded masters scholarship in Canada.

The top universities in Canada offer excellent quality education and also encourage scholarship programs for international students in Canada. Students who fit the eligibility criteria can easily benefit from the granted scholarship. These fully funded scholarships in Canada for undergraduates, postgraduates, and doctoral candidates cover tuition and sometimes significant living expenses. Many think getting a scholarship is difficult, and many other things are untrue; you can read about the common international scholarship myths! Fly away and explore this beautiful country along with some high-quality education.