Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada: 25+ Top Programs to Apply For (2026–2027)

If you are searching for fully funded scholarships in Canada, you already know the country offers some of the most generous student funding in the world — but figuring out which award actually pays for everything, who qualifies, and when to apply can feel overwhelming.

This guide fixes that. Below you’ll find every major category of fully funded scholarships in Canada — government-funded, university-funded, and privately-funded — organized by study level, with real award values, eligibility snapshots, and a direct link to the official application page for each one. Every scholarship on this page has been cross-checked against its official source so you’re not wasting time on outdated listings.

Whether you’re a high school senior, an undergraduate transfer student, a master’s applicant, or a PhD researcher, there is a realistic path here for you. Let’s get into it.

What Counts as a “Fully Funded” Scholarship in Canada?

A truly fully funded scholarship in Canada covers all four of the following:

• Tuition — 100% of program fees, not a partial waiver
• Living stipend — a monthly or annual allowance for housing, food, and transport
• Health insurance — mandatory provincial or private coverage
• One-time extras — often a relocation grant, flight allowance, or laptop/book stipend

Some programs on lists elsewhere online are only partial-tuition awards labeled as “full ride.” Every scholarship in the sections below is either genuinely 100% funded or clearly marked where it is a large — but partial — award, so you can plan your budget accurately.

Why International Students Choose Canada

Canada consistently ranks among the top three study destinations globally, and the reasons directly affect your scholarship strategy:

• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) lets graduates work in Canada after their degree, which many scholarship committees view favorably during selection.
• Research funding density — Canada’s tri-agency system (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC) channels billions annually into graduate research, which is why so many fully funded scholarships in Canada exist at the master’s and PhD level.
• Multicultural safety and bilingual options — English and French-track scholarships both exist, doubling your options if you’re bilingual.
• Lower cost of living than comparable US or UK cities, which stretches a fully funded stipend further.

Quick Comparison: Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada

Amounts fluctuate by cycle — always verify on the official portal linked in each section below.

Government of Canada Fully Funded Scholarships

Federal and government-affiliated programs are the backbone of fully funded scholarships in Canada, because they’re funded directly through public research budgets and international development programs.

1. Canada Graduate Research Scholarship (CGRS-M and CGRS-D)

Administered jointly by CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC, the CGRS is the current flagship federal award for graduate researchers, offering $27,000 for master’s students and $40,000/year for doctoral students. We’ve published a full breakdown of eligibility, deadlines, and equity supplements: Canada Graduate Research Scholarship: 5 Powerful Secrets.

2. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships

Worth up to CAD $210,000 over three years, this is Canada’s most prestigious award for doctoral researchers in the humanities and social sciences, paired with mentorship and a global alumni network. Read our complete guide: Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships: Complete Guide. For official rules, visit the Trudeau Foundation’s official scholarship page directly.

3. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (and Its Successor)

The Vanier CGS once paid $50,000/year to elite doctoral candidates. Its mission now continues through the CGRS-D program. Our full comparison of the two programs is here: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: The Ultimate Guide. You can also confirm current status on the official Government of Canada Vanier CGS site.

4. Mitacs Globalink Research Award

A $6,000 award (renewable up to two terms) for senior undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows conducting a 12–24 week research placement at a Canadian institution. This is one of the fastest fully funded scholarships in Canada to secure because it’s project-based rather than purely GPA-based. Apply directly on the official Mitacs Globalink Research Award page.

5. EduCanada / Global Affairs Canada Scholarships

EduCanada is the Government of Canada’s official scholarship search hub, listing dozens of country-specific exchange and research awards (Study in Canada Scholarships, ELAP, SEED, and more) for both Canadians studying abroad and international students studying in Canada. Because new programs open and close every cycle, this is the single best bookmark for anyone hunting for fully funded scholarships in Canada beyond the ones listed on this page — start your search on the official EduCanada scholarships portal.

Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships in Canada

6. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship — University of Toronto

Widely regarded as Canada’s most prestigious undergraduate award for international students, this scholarship covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years for roughly 37 students annually. Apply via the official U of T Pearson Scholarship page.

7. Loran Scholarship

Canada’s largest and most prestigious undergraduate merit award, worth $100,000 over four years, with a strong focus on character and community leadership rather than grades alone. Our complete breakdown: The Complete Guide to the Loran Scholarship.

8. UBC Undergraduate Scholarships (International Scholars Program)

The University of British Columbia offers up to $80,000 across several merit and leadership-based awards for domestic and international undergraduates. See the full comparison: UBC Undergraduate Scholarships: 7 Powerful Funding Opportunities.

9. UVic Scholarships

The University of Victoria automatically considers eligible entering students for merit-based entrance scholarships with no separate application. Full eligibility criteria: UVic Scholarships: The Ultimate Guide.

10. Ottawa University Scholarships

Canada’s largest bilingual university offers automatic entrance awards plus the prestigious Schulich Leader Scholarship (up to $120,000). Full details: Ottawa University Scholarships: Your Complete Guide to Funding.

11. Simon Fraser University Scholarship (USES Program)

SFU’s Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarship provides significant renewable funding to top domestic and international applicants. Read more: Simon Fraser University Scholarship: 7 Funding Opportunities.

12. University of Calgary Scholarships for International Students

Worth up to CAD $20,000 annually and renewable for four years, these awards can total CAD $60,000–$80,000 per degree. Full guide: University of Calgary Scholarships for International Students.

Fully Funded Master’s & PhD Scholarships in Canada

13. McCall MacBain Scholarship — McGill University

Backed by a historic $200-million gift, this covers full tuition and fees plus a $2,300 CAD/month stipend for a funded master’s or second-entry professional program at McGill, along with mentorship and a leadership curriculum. This is arguably Canada’s answer to the Rhodes Scholarship. Apply on the official McCall MacBain Scholarships site.

14. Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D)

Covered above under government scholarships, this remains the primary route to fully funded PhD study in Canada across health, natural sciences, engineering, and social sciences. See: Canada Graduate Research Scholarship.

15. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship

Also listed above — see Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships for the full application walkthrough.

University-Specific Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada

Beyond the flagship national programs, most major Canadian universities run their own internal funding tracks. We’ve published dedicated guides for these:

• Canadian Scholarship Trust: RESP Plans & Fees — for families saving ahead of enrollment
• Explore all our Canada-category scholarship guides on LicensureHub for university-by-university comparisons

If your target school isn’t covered above, check these official award pages directly for current-cycle fully funded scholarships in Canada:

• University of Waterloo International Master’s & Doctoral Awards (official Waterloo graduate awards portal)
• Queen’s University Graduate Awards (official Queen’s awards search tool)

Bank-Sponsored & Provincial Scholarships in Canada

Not every award on this list is government- or university-funded — several major Canadian corporations and provinces fund substantial (though not always 100% “fully funded”) scholarships worth including in your application list:

• RBC Scholarships: Complete Guide and RBC Royal Bank Scholarships — over $1.5M distributed annually via Universities Canada
• CIBC Scholarship Guide — targeted awards for Indigenous, Black, and disability communities
• BC Achievement Scholarship — automatic $1,250 award for top-performing BC graduates

How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada (Step-by-Step)

1. Build a scholarship calendar 10–14 months ahead. Many of the most competitive fully funded scholarships in Canada open applications nearly a year before the program start date.
2. Confirm your admission eligibility first. Most university-specific awards (Pearson, McCall MacBain, Loran) require you to be admitted to — or simultaneously applying to — the sponsoring institution.
3. Request your recommendation letters early. Give referees at least 4–6 weeks’ notice.
4. Draft a specific, mission-aligned personal statement. Generic essays are the #1 reason strong applicants get rejected.
5. Apply to a diversified portfolio. Pair 2–3 large national awards with 5–8 university-specific and provincial scholarships to maximize your odds.
6. Track every institutional deadline separately. Internal nomination deadlines (e.g., for Vanier/CGRS-D) are often 6–8 weeks earlier than the national deadline.

For a deeper strategic framework, read our dedicated guide: Scholarship Mastery: 7 Powerful Secrets to Win Fully Funded Scholarships.

Eligibility Requirements You Must Meet

While every program differs, most fully funded scholarships in Canada share these baseline requirements:

• A strong academic record (typically 85%+ average or GPA equivalent for merit-based undergraduate awards)
• Proof of admission or simultaneous application to an eligible Canadian institution
• Demonstrated leadership, community service, or research potential (especially for Loran, Pearson, McCall MacBain, and Trudeau awards)
• English or French language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/TEF, waived for some Canadian high school graduates)
• A valid study permit application for international applicants (processed through IRCC once you receive your offer)

Deadline Calendar

Because exact dates shift slightly each year, use this cycle-based calendar instead of memorizing fixed dates:

Always cross-check the current cycle’s exact date on the official page linked for each scholarship above.

People Also Ask

Which scholarship is fully funded in Canada?
Several are, including the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto), the McCall MacBain Scholarship (McGill), the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship, and the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship — each covers tuition plus a living stipend.

Is it hard to get a fully funded scholarship in Canada?
Yes, the most prestigious awards are highly competitive (often under 5% acceptance), but Canada offers dozens of fully funded scholarships across universities, provinces, and the federal government, so a diversified application strategy significantly improves your odds.

Can I study in Canada for free as an international student?
Yes — a genuinely fully funded scholarship in Canada can eliminate tuition, housing, and living costs entirely, though you should still budget for a study permit, flights, and initial settling-in expenses not always covered by the award.

What GPA do I need for a fully funded scholarship in Canada?
Most competitive awards expect an 85%+ average or equivalent (roughly a 3.7+ GPA on a 4.0 scale), though leadership-based awards like Loran and McCall MacBain weigh character and impact alongside academics.

Do Canadian universities offer scholarships to international students?
Yes — UBC, University of Toronto, McGill, University of Calgary, UVic, SFU, and Ottawa University all run dedicated international scholarship tracks, several of which are covered in this guide.

How early should I apply for fully funded scholarships in Canada?
Start 10–14 months before your intended enrollment date. Many federal and university-specific awards close applications 6–8 weeks before the final national deadline for internal nomination review.

Related Guides on LicensureHub

• Canada Graduate Research Scholarship: 5 Powerful Secrets
• Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships: Complete Guide
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: The Ultimate Guide
• The Complete Guide to the Loran Scholarship
• UBC Undergraduate Scholarships: 7 Powerful Funding Opportunities
• University of Calgary Scholarships for International Students
• Scholarship Mastery: 7 Powerful Secrets to Win Fully Funded Scholarships

Final Verdict

Canada remains one of the most accessible countries in the world for students chasing fully funded scholarships in Canada — the ecosystem spans federal research funding, university-specific merit programs, and privately-endowed leadership scholarships like McCall MacBain and Loran. Your best strategy: build a 10–14 month timeline, apply to a diversified portfolio of 8–12 programs, and use the official links in this guide to confirm every current-cycle detail before you submit.

Bookmark this page — we review and refresh the tables above every admissions cycle, so it stays your single reference point for fully funded scholarships in Canada year after year.