Canada continues to be one of the most popular destinations for international students. Its universities are globally ranked, the education system is world-class, and opportunities for post-graduate work are excellent.
The best part? You can study in Canada for free through several fully funded scholarships available to international students in 2025. These scholarships cover tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, travel costs, and even health insurance — allowing you to focus on your studies without financial worries.
This article highlights the top fully funded scholarships in Canada and how to apply for them.
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
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Level: PhD
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Amount: CAD $50,000 per year for up to 3 years
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Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, and living expenses
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Eligibility: Open to international students pursuing doctoral studies at a Canadian university. Applicants are chosen for academic excellence, research potential, and leadership skills.
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Website: https://vanier.gc.ca
2. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship – University of Toronto
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Level: Undergraduate
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Amount: Fully funded for 4 years
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Coverage: Tuition fees, books, residence, and living costs
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Eligibility: Outstanding international students with strong academic results and leadership qualities. Students must be nominated by their high school.
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Website: https://future.utoronto.ca/pearson
3. University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program
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Level: Undergraduate
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Amount: Fully funded (varies per student based on financial need)
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Coverage: Tuition, housing, and living expenses
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Eligibility: Students with exceptional academic performance and financial need.
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Website: https://you.ubc.ca
4. McGill University Scholarships and Fellowships
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Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD
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Amount: Up to CAD $50,000 (varies by program)
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Coverage: Tuition, health insurance, and living allowance
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Eligibility: Open to students from any country with a strong academic record. McGill also participates in the McCall MacBain Scholarship, which is fully funded.
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Website: https://www.mcgill.ca
5. University of Waterloo International Master’s and Doctoral Awards
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Level: Master’s and PhD
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Amount: CAD $10,000+ per year
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Coverage: Tuition and partial living expenses
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Eligibility: Based on academic merit and research potential. Open to all international graduate students.
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Website: https://uwaterloo.ca
6. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
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Level: PhD
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Amount: CAD $60,000 per year for 3 years
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Coverage: Full tuition, research allowance, travel, and living costs
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Eligibility: International doctoral students in social sciences and humanities studying in Canada.
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Website: https://trudeaufoundation.ca
7. University of Alberta Scholarships for International Students
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Level: Undergraduate and Graduate
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Amount: Up to CAD $30,000
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Coverage: Tuition, living expenses, and research grants
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Eligibility: Automatically considered upon admission; no separate application needed for most awards.
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Website: https://ualberta.ca
8. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF)
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Level: Master’s and PhD
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Amount: CAD $18,000 per year (PhD), CAD $14,000 (Master’s)
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Coverage: Tuition and research support
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Eligibility: Open to full-time international students demonstrating academic excellence.
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Website: https://umanitoba.ca
9. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
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Level: Postdoctoral
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Amount: CAD $70,000 per year for 2 years
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Coverage: Full funding for research and living expenses
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Eligibility: Designed for top-tier international researchers in natural sciences, health, and social sciences.
10. University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarships
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Level: Undergraduate
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Amount: CAD $20,000 (renewable annually)
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Coverage: Tuition and partial living support
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Eligibility: Awarded based on academic achievement and extracurricular involvement.
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Website: https://ucalgary.ca
How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada
Follow these steps to boost your chances of getting selected:
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Choose the Right University: Select a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that offers scholarships for your program.
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Check Eligibility: Review academic and language requirements (usually IELTS, TOEFL, or MOI accepted).
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Prepare Your Documents: Academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and proof of English proficiency.
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Apply Early: Most scholarships open 8–12 months before classes begin.
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Write a Strong Motivation Letter: Explain your goals, achievements, and why you’re a good fit for the scholarship.
Benefits of Studying in Canada on a Scholarship
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Free Education: Covers full tuition and living costs.
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Work Opportunities: Students can work part-time while studying.
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Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Stay and work in Canada after completing your degree.
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Permanent Residency Pathway: Many scholarship recipients later become permanent residents.
Final Thoughts
Getting one of the fully funded scholarships in Canada 2025 can make your dream of studying abroad a reality — without worrying about expenses. Whether you aim for undergraduate or graduate studies, Canada offers countless opportunities for deserving international students.
Start preparing your documents early, apply before deadlines, and stay positive. With hard work and dedication, you could be among the lucky students who study in Canada for free this year!