Canada may have a lower cost of living than the United States or the United Kingdom, but studying there can still get expensive. Undergraduate studies cost an average of $41,746 CAD a year for international students, albeit graduate programs are half as expensive ($24,028 CAD).
On top of that, you also have to prove you have sufficient funds to cover living expenses if you need to apply for a visa ($22,895 CAD for a single person).
If you can’t easily pay all these bills, getting a scholarship should be at the top of your agenda. Keep reading to discover the eight best fully funded scholarships in Canada that can make your life a bit easier.
1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
Intended for: International students who are enrolled in or recently graduated from the final year of secondary school and apply to the University of Toronto
Already know that the University of Toronto is your dream school? Becoming a Pearson Scholar can be your ultimate ticket to studying there. It is a full-ride scholarship: you get complete funding for all four years of studies. It goes well beyond tuition fees; the Pearson Scholarship also finances books and incidental fees and provides full residence support.
This scholarship is quite competitive; only 37 students get selected each year. Besides, you have to be nominated by your high school to have a shot at becoming a Pearson Scholar. Each high school can nominate only one student a year!
Key advantages:
- Provides full residential support in addition to covering tuition and books
- Finances all undergraduate programs at the University of Toronto
- Open to any non-Canadian student who would require a study permit
2. Canada Graduate Research Scholarship (formerly Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships)
Intended for: Applicants enrolled in a doctoral program at an eligible Canadian institution
The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship, or CGRS, is a new harmonized scholarship that replaced the Vanier scholarship in 2026. Both Canadian citizens/residents and international students can apply for its award of $40,000 CAD a year. However, the awards to international applicants are capped at 15%.
You can apply directly or through a Canadian institution if you’ve already begun your studies. The award’s purpose is to fund your tenure as a researcher. Focusing on a high-priority area of research can help your chances, but both research potential and your experience in academia play an equal role in the selection process.
Key advantages:
- Funding for doctoral research at an accredited Canadian institution
- Additional support for Indigenous research and Black student researchers
- Eligibility extending to joint programs like MD/PhD or MBA/PhD
3. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
Intended for: PhD students in their first or second year of a program at a Canadian institution
Does the name Trudeau ring a bell for you? It’s no wonder: this scholarship bears the name of Canada’s prime minister and the father of Justin Trudeau. The foundation named after him supports research in one of the four major themes: human rights, responsible citizenship, Canada and the world, and people and their natural environment.
If you have a strong academic track record and original research aspirations, this award can help you cover tuition, living expenses, and the doctoral project itself. Plus, you’ll become part of an exclusive club of mentors, fellows, and other scholars!
Key advantages:
- Up to $50,000 CAD per year for 3 years for tuition and living expenses
- Up to $20,000 CAD per year for 3 years for project-related expenses
- Unique experiential learning opportunities and guidance from mentors and fellows
4. McCall MacBain Scholarships
Intended for: Bachelor’s students or graduates planning to pursue a master’s or second-entry professional bachelor’s degree at McGill University
Planning to continue your studies after earning your first bachelor’s degree? If McGill University has a program you’d be glad to apply for, make sure to throw your hat in the race for one of the 30 McCall MacBain scholarships available. On top of a $2,300 CAD monthly stipend, the scholarship also offers a one-time relocation grant and a leadership development program.
Be warned: you have to apply to the scholarship before you send your application for one of the university’s programs. You’ll also have to ace regional and final interviews if you’re lucky to be shortlisted.
Key advantages:
- Awards available for shortlisted candidates who didn’t make the final cut
- Tuition and fees covered, along with a $2,300 CAD monthly stipend
- Beginner to advanced French language courses offered
5. Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development
Intended for: Students from selected countries in the Indo-Pacific region pursuing a short-term study or research program in Canada
If you’re currently enrolled in an undergrad or graduate program in the Indo-Pacific region, we have some good news! You can get between $10,200 CAD and $15,900 CAD to fund a short full-time study or research stay in Canada. The award depends on your academic level and the duration of your stay.
Funded by the Canadian government, this scholarship is open to students in ASEAN member states, Pacific Island countries, and Mongolia. As its goal is to promote sustainable development across the globe, you’ll also have to link your study or research to a sustainable development goal.
Key advantages:
- Possible to use the scholarship funds for indirect costs (visa, health insurance, travel)
- Open to both graduate and undergraduate students currently studying outside Canada
- Focus on research and studies pertinent to Sustainable Development Goals
6. University of Saskatchewan Scholarship
Intended for: Future University of Saskatchewan students; the exact eligibility criteria vary from one award to another
If you’re planning to apply to the University of Saskatchewan, good news: the university offers seven (!) different awards to its prospective international students. That said, most awards are granted to a single student. The value of awards varies from $10,000 CAD to $20,000 CAD.
While those awards are somewhat scarce, you don’t have to fill out separate applications for a chance to obtain one. You’ll be considered automatically during admissions, as long as you satisfy each award’s eligibility criteria. Keep in mind, though: your academic achievement will be the main selection criterion, no matter the award.
Key advantages:
- No extra application necessary
- Seven different awards, including one for Indigenous students from the United States
- Scholarships awarded based on academic achievement
7. University of Alberta Gold Standard Scholarship
Intended for: Future University of Alberta students with outstanding admission averages
Convinced your academic results would surpass those of most other students? There’s a scholarship for you! If your admission average ends up in the top 5% among all applicants for a given faculty, you’ll receive up to $6,000 CAD — without any extra applications to fill out.
While the Gold Standard Scholarship is one of the better-known scholarships at the University of Alberta, it’s far from the only one. You can also get up to $5,000 CAD if your admission average is among the top 5% for applicants from your region, for example. Or, you can take your pick from six other scholarships for international students that do require a separate application.
Key advantages:
- No need to submit a separate scholarship application
- Based on a high school admission average
- Awarded per faculty (Gold Standard) and per region (Regional Excellence)
8. Concordia Presidential Scholarship
Intended for: International applicants with outstanding academic achievements
Attention to all prospective Concordia University applicants! This university has plenty of scholarships and awards to offer. Take the Concordia Presidential Scholarship as an example. It’s your opportunity to have the full cost of tuition, fees, books, and residence and meal plan fees covered to fund your studies if you are an incoming international student in any full-time undergraduate degree program.
You must be nominated by your school principal, teacher, or guidance counselor to obtain this scholarship. If awarded, you can receive this scholarship for up to four years as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.
Key advantages:
- Can be received for up to four years, provided you meet eligibility requirements
- Covers the full cost of tuition and fees, books, and residence and meal plans
- Concordia’s most prestigious undergraduate entrance scholarship (awarded to two students each year)
A Final Word on Scholarships in Canada
We won’t sugarcoat it: fully funded scholarships in Canada are rare, and competition is nothing but cutthroat. But don’t let it stop you from applying. Take your chances; after all, you don’t stand to lose anything by applying.
As for practical tips, there’s one piece of advice we’d like to give you: always start early. You’ll likely need to prepare tons of documents, write some essays, and fill out a bunch of forms. You never know what might slow you down!
