Top Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students in Canada for 2025-2026
Introduction
Canada is a leading destination for international students due to its world-class education system, multicultural environment, and high quality of life. Every year, thousands of students from around the world apply to Canadian universities, but the cost of education can be a significant challenge. Tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs make it difficult for many students to afford an education in Canada.
However, numerous fully funded scholarships are available for international students, covering tuition fees, accommodation, health insurance, and even travel expenses. These scholarships are offered by the Canadian government, universities, and private organizations to attract talented students to the country.
For the 2025-2026 academic year, new scholarship programs have been introduced, providing more opportunities for students to pursue their dreams in Canada. This article will explore the top fully funded scholarships in Canada, including eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and how to apply. Additionally, we will discuss success stories from past recipients and tips on how to increase your chances of winning a scholarship.
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
Overview
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) is one of the most prestigious scholarship programs in Canada. It was created to attract and retain the best doctoral students and to make Canada a global leader in research and innovation.
Eligibility Criteria
-
Open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and international students.
-
Applicants must be pursuing a doctoral degree (PhD) in fields such as health research, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, or humanities.
-
Must demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership abilities.
-
Candidates must be nominated by a Canadian institution with a Vanier CGS quota.
Benefits
-
$50,000 per year for three years during doctoral studies.
-
Covers tuition, living expenses, and research costs.
Application Process
-
Find a Canadian university with a Vanier CGS quota.
-
Contact the graduate program coordinator and express your interest.
-
Submit the application and research proposal through the university.
-
The university nominates the best candidates to the Vanier CGS program.
Deadline:
-
Typically in November each year.
More Information:
Visit the official Vanier CGS website: https://vanier.gc.ca/en/home-accueil.html
2. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship – University of Toronto
Overview
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto is designed to recognize international students with exceptional academic achievements, creativity, and leadership skills.
Eligibility Criteria
-
Open to non-Canadian international students.
-
Must be in the final year of secondary school or have graduated no earlier than June 2024.
-
Must demonstrate exceptional academic performance and leadership.
-
Must be nominated by their high school.
-
Must apply to an undergraduate program at the University of Toronto.
Benefits
-
Covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.
Application Process
-
Get nominated by your high school.
-
Apply to an undergraduate program at the University of Toronto.
-
Complete the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship application online.
Deadline:
-
November for school nomination.
-
December for student application.
More Information:
Visit the official page: https://future.utoronto.ca/pearson/about/
3. University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program
Overview
The UBC International Scholars Program offers four prestigious need and merit-based scholarships to outstanding international students.
Eligibility Criteria
-
Open to international students with strong academic backgrounds.
-
Must be applying to an undergraduate program at UBC.
-
Demonstrated leadership skills and involvement in extracurricular activities.
-
Financial need may be considered for some scholarships.
Benefits
-
Scholarships cover full or partial tuition and living expenses.
Application Process
-
Apply for admission to UBC.
-
Complete the International Scholars Program application.
Deadline:
-
January each year.
More Information:
Visit the UBC scholarship page: https://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards-international-students/international-scholars/
4. University of Waterloo International Master's Award of Excellence (IMAE)
Overview
The University of Waterloo provides the International Master's Award of Excellence (IMAE) to top international students enrolling in research-based master’s programs.
Eligibility Criteria
-
Open to international students entering a research-based master’s program.
-
Must demonstrate academic excellence and research potential.
-
Must be nominated by a faculty member at Waterloo.
Benefits
-
$2,500 per term for up to five terms.
Application Process
-
Apply for admission to a master’s program at Waterloo.
-
Receive nomination from a faculty member.
Deadline:
-
Varies based on program deadlines.
More Information:
5. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program
Overview
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program is designed to support graduate students in Ontario universities.
Eligibility Criteria
-
Open to international students studying in Ontario.
-
Must be enrolled in a full-time master’s or doctoral program.
Benefits
-
$5,000 per session for up to three sessions per academic year.
Application Process
-
Apply through the graduate studies office of an Ontario university.
Deadline:
-
Varies by institution.
More Information:
Check specific universities’ graduate funding pages.
6. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
Overview
The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships provide funding to the best postdoctoral applicants who will positively contribute to Canada’s economic, social, and research-based growth.
Eligibility Criteria
-
Open to Canadian and international postdoctoral researchers.
-
Must have completed a PhD, PhD-equivalent, or health professional degree before starting the fellowship.
Benefits
-
$70,000 per year for two years.
Application Process
-
Identify a research institution in Canada.
-
Submit an application with a research proposal.
Deadline:
-
September each year.
More Information:
Visit: https://banting.fellowships-bourses.gc.ca/en/home-accueil.html