One app for all your study abroad needs
Dreaming of studying in Canada but worried about the cost? Canada offers a world-class education and a welcoming multicultural environment, but the financial burden of tuition and living expenses can be substantial for international students. Fortunately, a range of prestigious Fully Funded Scholarships are available for the 2026-27 academic year across Undergraduate, Master’s, and Doctoral programs, covering a diverse array of disciplines from STEM to Humanities. These elite awards, such as the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship and the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, are designed to eliminate financial stress by providing comprehensive coverage that typically includes full tuition and mandatory fees, a generous living stipend, health insurance, and sometimes even travel and book allowances. Securing one of these scholarships allows you to focus purely on academic excellence, leadership development, and research without financial constraint, offering a life-changing pathway to one of the world’s most sought-after study destinations.
In this blog, we provide a detailed, step-by-step guide to the top fully funded scholarships in Canada for international students for 2026-27, including eligibility criteria, benefits breakdown, and application deadlines.
This Blog Includes:
Types of Scholarships in Canada?
There are many ways to categorize scholarships in Canada, but the most common breakdown is by the funding source and the selection criteria.
| Category | Type of Scholarship | Selection Criteria |
| By Funding Source | Government-Funded | Merit, research potential, field of study (e.g., Vanier, Banting, provincial awards) |
| Institutional (University/College) | Academic merit (for entrance awards), financial need, leadership, specific faculty/program | |
| Private & Corporate | Field of study, community involvement, specific background (e.g., from an NGO, charity, or company) | |
| By Criteria | Merit-Based | High grades, academic excellence, specific achievements (e.g., Entrance Scholarships) |
| Need-Based (Bursaries) | Financial need (often requires documentation of family income) | |
| Research Fellowships | Research potential, quality of proposed research, academic record (for graduate/post-doc) | |
| Specific Background/Talent | Athletic skill, artistic talent, leadership, specific country of origin, or affiliation (e.g., Indigenous status) |
List of Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for International Students
A number of highly competitive fully funded scholarships are available for international students to study in Canada, primarily at the graduate (Master’s and PhD) and undergraduate levels. These typically cover tuition, living stipends, and sometimes travel or research costs.
Here is a list of prominent fully funded scholarships for international students in Canada:
| Scholarship Name | Degree Level | Coverage | Eligibility Criteria |
| Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship | Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) | Full coverage for four years: tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support. | Exceptional international students (non-Canadian requiring a study permit) demonstrating exceptional academic achievement, creativity, and leadership potential. Must be nominated by their high school and apply to the University of Toronto. |
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) | Doctoral (PhD) | $50,000 CAD per year for up to three years. | High-calibre international, Canadian, and permanent resident doctoral students. Selection is based on academic excellence, research potential, and leadership skills. Must be pursuing a PhD in Health Research, Natural Sciences and/or Engineering, or Social Sciences and Humanities, and be nominated by a Canadian institution. |
| Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships | Doctoral (PhD) | Up to $60,000 CAD per year (including a $40,000 annual stipend for tuition and living expenses, plus a $20,000 annual research and travel allowance) for three years. | Doctoral students (Canadian and international) in the Humanities and Social Sciences. Candidates’ research must address one of the Foundation’s four themes: Human Rights and Dignity, Responsible Citizenship, Canada and the World, or People and their Natural Environment. |
| Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships | Postdoctoral | $70,000 CAD per year (taxable) for two years. | Outstanding postdoctoral scholars (Canadian and international) who will contribute to Canada’s economic, social, and research-based growth. Focus on Health Research, Natural Sciences and Engineering, or Social Sciences and Humanities. |
| Ontario Trillium Scholarship (OTS) | Doctoral (PhD) | Up to $40,000 CAD per year for a maximum of four years. | Top-tier international students pursuing a PhD at an eligible Ontario university. Recipients are selected based on academic excellence and are usually nominated by the university. |
| UBC International Scholars Program | Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) | Varies, can be up to full tuition and living expenses (based on financial need, with a merit component). | Outstanding international students admitted to the University of British Columbia (UBC) who demonstrate both exceptional academic achievement and significant financial need. Includes the International Leader of Tomorrow Award and the Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award. |
Also Read: 10 Things You Need To Know About Studying in Canada
Details of Top Fully Funded Canadian Scholarships
Canada offers several prestigious, fully-funded scholarships for both domestic and international students at various levels of study, with a focus on academic excellence, leadership, and research potential.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
The Vanier CGS program aims to attract and retain world-class doctoral students across Canada, providing a generous stipend of $50,000 per year for up to three years to support their PhD studies in Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering (NSERC), or Social Sciences and Humanities (SSHRC). The scholarship is highly competitive and is not applied for directly by the student, but requires nomination by a Canadian university with a Vanier CGS allocation, emphasizing a candidate’s high standards of scholarly achievement, research potential, and demonstrated leadership skills, with a focus on attracting both Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and foreign citizens to Canadian institutions.
| Benefits | $50,000 CAD/year for 3 years (Stipend) |
| Degree Level | Doctoral (PhD) |
| Eligibility | Must be nominated by a single Canadian university. World-class research potential. Open to domestic and international students. |
| Application Process | Nomination Only. Must secure a nomination from the host university. |
| Deadlines | Typically in late September/early October |
| Official Link | https://vanier.gc.ca/en/home-accueil.html |
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, offered by the University of Toronto, is a highly prestigious, full-ride undergraduate award for international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, creativity, and leadership potential to contribute positively to the global community. The scholarship is fully funded, covering tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years of an undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto, and to be eligible, students must be nominated by their high school and apply to an undergraduate program at the university in the year they are graduating from secondary school or have graduated no earlier than the preceding June.
| Benefits | Fully Funded: Covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for 4 years. |
| Degree Level | Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) |
| Eligibility | International student in final year of high school. Exceptional academics and leadership. |
| Application Process | School Nomination + Separate Student Application to U of T. |
| Deadlines | Two-Step Process: 1. Be nominated by your high school (School Nomination Deadline: Mid-October). 2. Apply to the University of Toronto for admission. 3. Complete the online Pearson Scholarship application (Scholarship Application Deadline: Early-November). |
| Official Link | https://future.utoronto.ca/pearson-scholarships |
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship is a major award for doctoral candidates in the humanities and social sciences whose research relates to one of the Foundation’s four themes: Human Rights and Dignity, Responsible Citizenship, Canada and the World, and People and their Natural Environment. Scholars receive up to $50,000 per year for three years for tuition and living expenses, plus an additional $20,000 per year for three years as a research and travel allowance, and also become part of a vibrant, interdisciplinary community of scholars, mentors, and fellows, who participate in unique leadership training and public policy seminars to maximize the research impact.
| Benefits | Fully Funded: Up to $40,000 CAD per year (stipend/living expenses) + up to $20,000 CAD per year (research and travel allowance) for 3 years. |
| Degree Level | Doctoral (PhD) |
| Eligibility | Research must align with Foundation themes (e.g., Human Rights, Responsible Citizenship). Open to domestic and international students. |
| Application Process | Direct Application to the Foundation via their online portal. |
| Deadlines | Mid-November |
| Official Link | https://www.trudeaufoundation.ca/become-a-scholar |
Note: A maximum of 25% of scholars in a given year may be non-Canadians enrolled in a doctoral program at a Canadian institution.
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships program is a government initiative to attract and retain top-tier postdoctoral talent, both nationally and internationally, by providing $70,000 per year for two years to develop their leadership potential and position them for success as research leaders of tomorrow. Foreign citizens can only hold the fellowship at a Canadian institution, and the selection process strongly emphasizes the synergy between the applicant’s research and the host institution’s strategic priorities, with a general expectation that applicants not hold the fellowship at the same institution where they completed their PhD.
| Benefits | $70,000 CAD per year (taxable) for 2 years (non-renewable). |
| Degree Level | Postdoctoral |
| Eligibility | Must have completed PhD within the last 3 years. Must be nominated by a host institution (Canadian or foreign). |
| Application Process | Nomination Only. Application via ResearchNet with host institution support. |
| Deadlines | Mid-September |
| Official Link | https://banting.fellowships-bourses.gc.ca/en/home-accueil.html |
Tips for a Successful Fully Funded Scholarship Application in Canada
A fully-funded scholarship application in Canada, especially for elite awards like the Vanier CGS or Lester B. Pearson, requires meticulous planning and a compelling narrative that goes beyond just high grades.
Here are essential tips for international students:
- Fully funded scholarships are primarily merit-based; an exceptional academic record is the non-negotiable foundation.
- Go beyond grades. Demonstrate sustained initiative and impact in school, community, or research (e.g., the emphasis of the Pearson and Vanier scholarships).
- Find the right scholarships (national and university-specific) and understand their strict eligibility criteria and internal deadlines.
- For elite awards like Vanier CGS or Lester B. Pearson, your chosen Canadian university must nominate you. Contact the department/scholarship office immediately.
- Customise your Statement of Purpose (SOP) or personal essay for each scholarship, directly addressing its mission and values.
- In your essays and CV, use numbers and specific results to show the significance of your achievements (e.g., “Led 10 volunteers,” “Increased X by 25%”).
- Select people who know your work well and can provide specific, personalized examples of your academic and leadership potential.
- If applying for research scholarships (like Vanier), ensure your proposal is clearly understood by a multidisciplinary, non-specialist committee.
- Submit your application and all supporting documents (including LORs) well in advance to avoid last-minute disqualification.
- Pay meticulous attention to formatting requirements (page limits, font, file type); errors here can lead to an automatic rejection.
Why Study in Canada for International Students?
International students choose to study in Canada primarily because of its globally recognized high-quality education paired with attractive post-graduation work and immigration opportunities.
Here are the important reasons why Canada is a top destination:
- World-Class Education: Canadian universities are globally renowned for their high academic standards and quality research.
- Affordable Option: Tuition fees and living costs are generally lower than those in the US, UK, and Australia.
- Path to PR (Permanent Residency): Favorable immigration policies allow international graduates a clear pathway to permanent residency.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Graduates can gain up to three years of valuable Canadian work experience after completing their studies.
- Safe and Peaceful Society: Canada is consistently ranked as one of the safest and most stable countries in the world.
- Multicultural Environment: It is one of the most diverse nations, offering a welcoming, inclusive environment for all cultures.
- Work While Studying: Students can work part-time (up to 20 hours/week) during sessions and full-time during breaks to earn income.
- Co-op and Practical Experience: Many programs offer Co-op education, integrating paid work terms into the academic curriculum.
- Leading Research: Canadian institutions are leaders in fields like AI, technology, and health, offering cutting-edge research opportunities.
- High Quality of Life: The country boasts excellent public services, healthcare, and a high standard of living.
Also Read: Cost of Living in Canada
FAQs
Fully funded scholarships in Canada primarily require exceptional academic excellence (e.g., top GPA/First Class average), demonstrated leadership potential and significant extracurricular or community involvement. Additionally, applicants usually need to secure university admission and sometimes require a nomination from their home institution.
Yes, it is possible to apply for some fully funded scholarships in Canada for the 2026 intake without an IELTS score. Several prestigious, fully funded awards—such as the McCall MacBain Scholars Program at McGill University—often do not require IELTS for the scholarship application itself. Furthermore, many Canadian universities will waive the IELTS requirement if you have completed your previous degree in English, allowing you to focus on securing the scholarship and university admission.
A fully funded fellowship in Canada 2026 is a prestigious award, typically for doctoral or postdoctoral researchers, that provides comprehensive financial support. This usually includes full tuition coverage, a generous living stipend (salary), and sometimes additional allowances for health insurance, travel, or research costs, allowing the recipient to focus entirely on their advanced studies or research project. Major examples include the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships and the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships.
RELATED BLOGS
Exploring study abroad scholarships? Not sure how to go about it? Let the professionals at Leverage Edu take care of your academic journey! You may enlist the assistance of Leverage Edu specialists to assist you with the application process so that you can realize your goals. Call us immediately at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute counselling session.
Leave a Reply
-
My name Doctor negina azizi I want study abroad if any one to got scholarships opportunity want to guide me in this way
-
how can l get to apply for a fully funded scholarship
-
Hey, Washington Tadiwanashe Mawondo,
To apply for a fully funded scholarship, visit the official website of the scholarship provider. The scholarship details are provided on the main page. You can check the eligibility criteria and ensure you meet them. Check if there are any documents to be submitted as proof, and if you have it. Lastly, circle the deadline. You have to submit the scholarship application form before the last date. Late applications are not accepted.
Please note: Each scholarship offers different kinds of benefits, even if fully funded.
For further information, consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.
-
60,000+ students trusted us with their dreams. Take the first step today!
3 comments
My name Doctor negina azizi I want study abroad if any one to got scholarships opportunity want to guide me in this way
how can l get to apply for a fully funded scholarship
Hey, Washington Tadiwanashe Mawondo,
To apply for a fully funded scholarship, visit the official website of the scholarship provider. The scholarship details are provided on the main page. You can check the eligibility criteria and ensure you meet them. Check if there are any documents to be submitted as proof, and if you have it. Lastly, circle the deadline. You have to submit the scholarship application form before the last date. Late applications are not accepted.
Please note: Each scholarship offers different kinds of benefits, even if fully funded.
For further information, consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.