Canada is one of the most popular destinations for international students because of its high-quality education system, safe environment, and cultural diversity. However, studying in Canada can be expensive due to tuition fees, accommodation costs, and other living expenses. The good news is that there are top scholarships in Canada that cover living expenses and tuition for international students.
These scholarships are highly competitive, but they provide full financial support, including tuition, living allowance, and sometimes even travel costs. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the best scholarships available, their eligibility criteria, benefits, and how to apply.
By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of how to secure a fully funded scholarship in Canada as an international student.
Why Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada Are Important
Fully funded scholarships can completely remove the financial stress of studying abroad. They are crucial because:
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They cover tuition fees: This is often the most expensive part of studying in Canada.
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They provide a living allowance: This helps with accommodation, food, transportation, and other daily expenses.
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They increase accessibility: Students from lower-income backgrounds can also study in Canada.
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They allow you to focus on studies: Without financial worries, students can perform better academically.
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They enhance career prospects: Scholarships add value to your resume and can open networking opportunities.
What Do Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada Cover?
The scholarships on this list cover more than just tuition fees. Most include:
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Full tuition: From undergraduate to graduate programs.
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Living expenses: Monthly stipends for housing, food, and transportation.
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Health insurance: Comprehensive coverage during your stay in Canada.
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Books and materials: Some scholarships provide a yearly allowance for study materials.
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Travel costs: Certain awards include airfare to and from Canada.
Summary Table: Top Scholarships in Canada That Cover Living Expenses and Tuition
| Scholarship Name | Level of Study | Coverage | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | PhD | CAD 50,000 per year for 3 years | High academic and research potential | November |
| Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto) | Undergraduate | Full tuition, books, living expenses for 4 years | Exceptional academic achievement | January |
| Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships | PhD | CAD 40,000 per year for 3 years + CAD 20,000 travel allowance | Leadership and research excellence | October |
| University of British Columbia (UBC) International Leader of Tomorrow Award | Undergraduate | Full tuition + living expenses based on financial need | Academic excellence and leadership | December |
| University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships | Master’s and PhD | CAD 18,000 per year (PhD) or CAD 14,000 (Master’s) | Strong academic record | Varies |
| McGill University Entrance Scholarships | Undergraduate & Graduate | Full tuition + living allowance for select students | Outstanding academic merit | January |
| York University International Student Scholarship | Undergraduate | CAD 35,000 per year for 4 years | Academic excellence and leadership | February |
| University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship | Undergraduate | CAD 15,000 per year | Excellent academic achievement | December |
| Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships | Postdoctoral | CAD 70,000 per year for 2 years | Research excellence | September |
| Carleton Prestige Scholarships | Undergraduate | Full tuition + living expenses | High school average of 90%+ | March |
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) are among the most prestigious awards for doctoral students.
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Level: PhD
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Coverage: CAD 50,000 per year for up to 3 years.
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Eligibility: Must demonstrate exceptional academic excellence, research potential, and leadership qualities.
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Benefits: Covers tuition, living expenses, and research costs.
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Deadline: Usually in November.
How to apply: Students must be nominated by a Canadian institution with a Vanier CGS quota.
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship – University of Toronto
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is one of the few fully funded undergraduate scholarships in Canada.
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Level: Undergraduate
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Coverage: Full tuition, books, incidental fees, and full living expenses for 4 years.
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Eligibility: Awarded to students with exceptional academic achievement and creativity.
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Deadline: January.
Why apply: The University of Toronto is one of the top-ranked universities in the world, and this scholarship is life-changing for international students.
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships are for outstanding doctoral students engaged in social sciences and humanities research.
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Level: PhD
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Coverage: CAD 40,000 per year for three years, plus CAD 20,000 per year for research and travel.
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Eligibility: Must demonstrate leadership potential and a strong research project.
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Deadline: October.
Additional benefit: Scholars join a strong leadership and mentoring network.
University of British Columbia (UBC) International Leader of Tomorrow Award
The UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award is a need-based award for undergraduate students.
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Level: Undergraduate
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Coverage: Full tuition and living expenses depending on financial need.
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Eligibility: Academic excellence, leadership skills, and involvement in student affairs.
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Deadline: December.
Why apply: One of the few Canadian undergraduate awards that cover full tuition and living costs.
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF) support both master's and doctoral students.
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Level: Master’s and PhD
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Coverage: CAD 18,000 per year (PhD) or CAD 14,000 (Master’s).
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Eligibility: Open to students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and full-time enrollment.
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Deadline: Varies by department.
Additional notes: Students must be recommended by their department for consideration.
McGill University Scholarships and Student Aid
McGill University offers a range of entrance scholarships and need-based aid for both undergraduate and graduate students.
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Level: Undergraduate & Graduate
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Coverage: Full tuition and living allowance for select students; other awards partially cover expenses.
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Eligibility: Outstanding academic performance and leadership skills.
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Deadline: January.
Why apply: McGill is one of Canada’s top universities with a strong international reputation.
York University International Student Scholarship Program
The York University International Student Scholarships are awarded to outstanding students entering undergraduate programs.
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Level: Undergraduate
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Coverage: CAD 35,000 per year for four years.
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Eligibility: Must demonstrate academic excellence and leadership.
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Deadline: February.
Additional benefits: Renewable each year if the student maintains good academic standing.
University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
This scholarship is for exceptional students entering the University of Calgary.
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Level: Undergraduate
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Coverage: CAD 15,000 per year, renewable for four years.
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Eligibility: Excellent academic record and involvement in extracurricular activities.
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Deadline: December.
Why apply: Calgary is one of the most affordable cities in Canada, and the scholarship reduces costs further.
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships attract top-tier postdoctoral talent from around the world.
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Level: Postdoctoral
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Coverage: CAD 70,000 per year for two years.
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Eligibility: Strong research track record and potential for leadership.
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Deadline: September.
Additional notes: Candidates must secure a host institution in Canada before applying.
Carleton University Prestige Scholarships
Carleton University offers several Prestige Scholarships to international students.
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Level: Undergraduate
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Coverage: Full tuition and living expenses.
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Eligibility: High school average of 90% or higher and demonstrated leadership.
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Deadline: March.
Why apply: Carleton University has a reputation for supporting international students with generous financial aid.
Tips for Applying for Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada
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Start early: Most scholarships have strict deadlines, and documents take time to prepare.
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Maintain high grades: Strong academic records are essential for most scholarships.
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Get excellent references: Recommendation letters from teachers or mentors can strengthen your application.
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Show leadership and involvement: Many scholarships consider extracurricular activities and community service.
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Write a strong personal statement: Explain your goals, achievements, and why you deserve the scholarship.
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Research eligibility requirements: Make sure you qualify before applying to avoid wasting time.
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Apply to multiple scholarships: Increases your chances of securing funding.
FAQs: Top Scholarships in Canada That Cover Living Expenses and Tuition
1. Are fully funded scholarships in Canada available for undergraduate students?
Yes, scholarships like the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship and UBC’s International Leader of Tomorrow Award cover full tuition and living costs for undergraduate students.
2. Can I work in Canada while on a scholarship?
Yes, most scholarships allow you to work part-time if your study permit allows it.
3. Are these scholarships competitive?
Yes, they are highly competitive and require excellent academic records and extracurricular achievements.
4. Do I need to be accepted to a university before applying for a scholarship?
Some scholarships require an offer of admission, while others allow you to apply simultaneously.
5. Can I apply for more than one scholarship at a time?
Yes, applying to multiple scholarships can increase your chances of securing funding.
6. Do these scholarships cover travel expenses?
Some, like the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship, include a travel allowance, but not all do.
7. Are these scholarships renewable?
Many scholarships are renewable each year if you maintain a certain GPA.
8. Do I need to submit IELTS or TOEFL scores?
Yes, proof of English proficiency is usually required for international students.
9. Are there scholarships specifically for certain countries?
Some scholarships are country-specific. Check the eligibility criteria of each award carefully.
10. Can graduate students apply for these scholarships?
Yes, scholarships like Vanier CGS, Banting Fellowships, and University of Manitoba Fellowships are specifically for graduate students.
Conclusion
Studying in Canada can be affordable if you secure one of the top scholarships in Canada that cover living expenses and tuition for international students. These scholarships not only cover tuition fees but also provide a living allowance, making it possible to focus on your studies without financial worries.
If you are planning to study in Canada, start researching these scholarships as early as possible. Prepare strong applications, maintain excellent grades, and apply to multiple opportunities. With determination and careful planning, you can achieve your dream of studying in Canada fully funded.