Canada remains one of the most popular destinations for international students in 2025, thanks to its high-quality education system, cultural diversity, and strong career opportunities after graduation. However, studying in Canada can be expensive. This is why fully funded scholarships in Canada for international students are highly sought after, as they can cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other study-related costs.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the top 20 fully funded scholarships in Canada for international students 2025, explaining their eligibility criteria, benefits, and how to apply. By the end of this article, you will have all the information you need to secure funding for your studies in Canada.
Why Choose Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada in 2025?
Canada is known for its world-class universities, safe environment, and post-graduate work opportunities. Here are a few reasons why pursuing fully funded scholarships in Canada is an excellent choice:
-
Financial Relief: Fully funded scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, and sometimes airfare and books, saving you from financial stress.
-
Top-Ranked Universities: Canada is home to globally ranked institutions like the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia.
-
Work Opportunities: International students can work part-time while studying and full-time during breaks.
-
Post-Graduate Work Permits: Canada offers generous post-graduation work permits, making it easier to settle after your studies.
-
Diverse Culture: Canada is a multicultural society where international students feel welcome.
Top 20 Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for International Students 2025
Below is an in-depth guide for each scholarship, including eligibility criteria, benefits, and how to apply.
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) are considered one of the most prestigious PhD scholarships in Canada. This program is designed to attract the world’s best doctoral students to Canadian institutions and strengthen Canada's ability to retain top talent.
Value: $50,000 per year for up to 3 years.
Eligibility:
-
You must be pursuing a PhD or a combined MA/PhD or MD/PhD program at a Canadian university.
-
Applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement (usually a first-class average).
-
Strong research potential and leadership skills are required.
-
Open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and international students.
How to Apply:
You must be nominated by your chosen university in Canada, as applications cannot be submitted directly. Each university sets its own internal deadlines, so begin early. National deadline: November 2025.
Tips:
-
Connect with your supervisor early to be considered for nomination.
-
Craft a strong research proposal highlighting the impact of your work.
2. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is offered by the University of Toronto and targets undergraduate students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and creativity.
Value: Full tuition, books, incidental fees, and full living expenses for four years.
Eligibility:
-
Open only to international students (non-Canadians).
-
Applicants must demonstrate leadership skills and a strong academic record.
-
You must be nominated by your school and apply to the University of Toronto.
How to Apply:
-
Ask your school to nominate you for the award.
-
Apply to an undergraduate program at the University of Toronto.
-
Submit the scholarship application by the January 2025 deadline.
3. University of Toronto Graduate Fellowships
The University of Toronto offers a wide range of graduate fellowships that cover full tuition fees and provide a stipend for living costs.
Benefits:
-
Full tuition coverage.
-
Annual living stipend (varies by faculty).
-
Access to research funding.
Eligibility:
-
Available for Master's and PhD programs.
-
International students must meet the academic entry requirements of their program.
How to Apply:
-
Apply directly to a graduate program at the University of Toronto.
-
Many fellowships are automatically considered when you apply; some require a separate application.
4. McGill University Scholarships
McGill University provides a variety of scholarships to international students at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Benefits:
-
Full tuition fee coverage for the duration of the program.
-
Living stipends and additional research funding for graduate students.
Eligibility:
-
Open to academically strong international students.
-
Undergraduate candidates must apply for admission and request aid.
How to Apply:
-
Undergraduate: Apply for admission and submit a financial aid application.
-
Graduate: Most awards are considered automatically; some require a separate application.
5. University of British Columbia International Leader of Tomorrow Award
The International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award is a need-based undergraduate scholarship at the University of British Columbia (UBC).
Value: Full tuition and living expenses based on demonstrated financial need.
Eligibility:
-
Must be applying for your first undergraduate degree.
-
Strong academic performance and leadership qualities.
-
Demonstrated financial need.
How to Apply:
-
Submit an application for admission to UBC.
-
Complete the scholarship nomination forms by December 2025.
6. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
The Trudeau Scholarships support PhD students with outstanding leadership potential and academic performance.
Value: $60,000 per year for three years, plus leadership training and mentorship.
Eligibility:
-
Must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time doctoral program.
-
Research must relate to humanities and social sciences.
How to Apply:
-
Apply directly through the Trudeau Foundation’s website.
-
Deadline: February 2025.
7. University of Waterloo International Master’s and Doctoral Awards
The University of Waterloo provides numerous awards for graduate students, especially those in research-based programs.
Benefits:
-
Full tuition support.
-
Living allowance (varies by department).
Eligibility:
-
Open to all Master's and PhD programs.
-
Must meet minimum academic requirements.
How to Apply:
Most scholarships are automatically considered during your admission process; no separate application is required.
8. University of Alberta International Student Scholarships
The University of Alberta offers over 20 different fully funded scholarships to international students.
Value: Up to $50,000 per year, renewable for the duration of your program.
Eligibility:
-
Undergraduate and graduate international students.
-
Exceptional academic records and leadership experience.
How to Apply:
-
Apply for admission to the University of Alberta.
-
Scholarships are awarded based on your application; no separate form needed for most awards.
9. Queen’s University International Admission Scholarships
These scholarships are designed for international undergraduate students entering Queen’s University.
Benefits:
-
Full tuition coverage and living expenses.
Eligibility:
-
Exceptional academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
How to Apply:
Apply for admission to Queen’s University and submit the separate scholarship application by February 2025.
10. Dalhousie University Scholarships
Dalhousie University provides numerous scholarships for all levels of study.
Benefits:
-
Full tuition fee coverage.
-
Research funding and stipends for graduate students.
Eligibility:
-
International students with strong academic records.
How to Apply:
Some awards require a separate application, while others are considered automatically during the admission process.
11. Concordia University Presidential Scholarship
This is a top award at Concordia University for undergraduate students.
Benefits:
-
Covers full tuition fees, books, and living expenses.
Eligibility:
-
Open to all international students applying for their first undergraduate degree.
-
Must demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.
How to Apply:
Submit your admission application and the scholarship form by February 2025.
12. Carleton University Entrance Scholarships
Carleton University offers fully funded scholarships to academically outstanding undergraduate students.
Benefits:
-
Full tuition and living allowance for up to four years.
Eligibility:
-
Excellent academic performance in high school.
How to Apply:
You will be automatically considered for most entrance scholarships upon application to Carleton.
13. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF) support Master's and PhD students in all disciplines.
Value:
-
$18,000 per year for PhD students.
-
$14,000 per year for Master's students.
Eligibility:
-
Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.5 scale.
-
Open to international students.
How to Apply:
Apply through your department after admission.
14. HEC Montréal International Scholarships
HEC Montréal offers scholarships for international students pursuing Master’s or PhD programs in business.
Benefits:
-
Full tuition waivers and additional stipends.
Eligibility:
-
Must meet academic entry requirements for HEC Montréal.
How to Apply:
Scholarships are awarded based on your application and merit; some require separate applications.
15. University of Ottawa International Scholarships
The University of Ottawa offers generous scholarships for undergraduate and graduate international students.
Benefits:
-
Full tuition, living expenses, and sometimes travel costs.
Eligibility:
-
Applicants must show strong academic performance and leadership potential.
How to Apply:
Automatic consideration upon admission; some programs may have separate applications.
16. Western University International President’s Entrance Scholarships
These awards are aimed at high-achieving undergraduate students entering Western University.
Benefits:
-
Tuition fees, accommodation, and additional expenses covered.
Eligibility:
-
Must demonstrate academic excellence and community involvement.
How to Apply:
Nomination by your school and submission of the scholarship application by January 2025.
17. York University International Student Scholarships
York University offers substantial scholarships to international students.
Value: Up to $140,000 spread over four years.
Eligibility:
-
Outstanding academic records and extracurricular activities.
How to Apply:
Apply for admission to York University and submit the scholarship application by February 2025.
18. Brock University International Scholarships
Brock University offers entrance scholarships for undergraduate students.
Benefits:
-
Tuition waiver or partial coverage.
Eligibility:
-
Academic excellence in high school.
How to Apply:
Automatic consideration upon application to Brock University.
19. Mount Allison University Scholarships
Mount Allison offers scholarships to international students enrolling in undergraduate programs.
Benefits:
-
Full tuition and living expenses.
Eligibility:
-
Exceptional academic performance.
How to Apply:
Submit your admission application and scholarship application by February 2025.
20. Laurentian University Scholarships
Laurentian University provides fully and partially funded scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students.
Benefits:
-
Full or partial tuition coverage, plus stipends for graduate research.
Eligibility:
-
International students meeting program entry requirements.
How to Apply:
Some scholarships are automatic, while others require a separate application through the admissions portal.
Summary Table: Top 20 Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for International Students 2025
Below is a summary table of the scholarships we will explore in detail:
| Scholarship Name | Level of Study | Key Benefits | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | PhD | $50,000 per year for 3 years | Nov 2025 |
| Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship | Undergraduate | Full tuition, books, living expenses | Jan 2025 |
| University of Toronto Graduate Fellowships | Master’s/PhD | Full tuition + stipend | Varies |
| McGill University Scholarships | Undergraduate & Graduate | Full/partial funding + living allowance | Jan 2025 |
| University of British Columbia International Leader of Tomorrow Award | Undergraduate | Full funding based on need | Dec 2025 |
| Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships | PhD | $60,000 per year for 3 years | Feb 2025 |
| University of Waterloo International Master’s and Doctoral Awards | Master’s/PhD | Full tuition + allowance | Varies |
| University of Alberta International Student Scholarships | All levels | Up to $50,000 per year | Jan 2025 |
| Queen’s University International Admission Scholarships | Undergraduate | Full tuition and living expenses | Feb 2025 |
| Dalhousie University Scholarships | All levels | Full tuition + research funding | Varies |
| Concordia University Presidential Scholarship | Undergraduate | Tuition + living expenses | Feb 2025 |
| Carleton University Entrance Scholarships | Undergraduate | Full tuition + living allowance | Mar 2025 |
| University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships | Master’s/PhD | $18,000 per year | Jan 2025 |
| HEC Montréal International Scholarships | Master’s/PhD | Tuition waiver + stipend | Varies |
| University of Ottawa International Scholarships | All levels | Full tuition + expenses | Feb 2025 |
| Western University International President’s Entrance Scholarships | Undergraduate | Tuition + accommodation | Jan 2025 |
| York University International Student Scholarships | Undergraduate | Up to $140,000 total | Feb 2025 |
| Brock University International Scholarships | Undergraduate | Tuition waiver | Mar 2025 |
| Mount Allison University Scholarships | Undergraduate | Tuition + expenses | Feb 2025 |
| Laurentian University Scholarships | Undergraduate & Graduate | Full/partial tuition | Varies |
How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada
Applying for scholarships in Canada involves careful planning. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
-
Research Early: Start at least a year before you plan to enroll.
-
Check Eligibility: Review requirements such as grades, leadership, and financial need.
-
Prepare Documents: Typical documents include transcripts, recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose.
-
Apply Through Universities: Many scholarships require you to first apply for admission.
-
Follow Deadlines: Deadlines vary; missing one could cost you the opportunity.
Benefits of Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada
-
Complete Financial Support: Cover tuition, living costs, and books.
-
Networking Opportunities: Connect with scholars and industry leaders.
-
Research and Career Opportunities: Access advanced facilities and professional development.
-
Residency Pathways: Many scholarship holders can transition to permanent residency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are fully funded scholarships in Canada available for undergraduates?
Yes, many scholarships such as the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship and York University International Scholarships target undergraduate students.
2. Can I apply for multiple scholarships at once?
Yes. You should apply for all scholarships you are eligible for to increase your chances.
3. Are these scholarships open to Kenyan students?
Yes, all the scholarships listed are open to international students, including those from Kenya.
4. Do I need IELTS or TOEFL to qualify?
Most Canadian universities require proof of English proficiency, so having IELTS or TOEFL scores is important.
5. Can I work while on a scholarship in Canada?
Yes, international students can work part-time during studies and full-time during breaks, as long as they meet visa conditions.
6. Are these scholarships renewable each year?
Many fully funded scholarships are renewable as long as you maintain strong academic performance.
7. How competitive are these scholarships?
They are highly competitive because they offer full financial support. Applicants should prepare thoroughly.
8. Do these scholarships cover airfare?
Some scholarships include airfare, but this varies by program. Always check the benefits section carefully.
Final Thoughts: Take the First Step Today
The top 20 fully funded scholarships in Canada for international students 2025 provide an amazing opportunity to study in one of the world’s best education systems without financial worries. Whether you’re applying for undergraduate, Master’s, or PhD programs, Canada has scholarships designed to support your education and career goals.
Start your application process early, prepare strong documents, and apply to multiple opportunities to increase your chances. Studying in Canada could be the life-changing opportunity you’ve been waiting for.