Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for International Students 2027

Fully funded scholarships in Canada for international students can make a Canadian education considerably more affordable by covering tuition and other major study-related expenses.

However, “fully funded” does not mean exactly the same thing for every scholarship. One award may cover tuition, residence and living expenses, while another may combine tuition support with a stipend, research funding or other allowances.

The more useful question is therefore not simply whether a scholarship is fully funded. It is what the scholarship actually pays for, who qualifies, and whether it fits your programme and academic profile.

This guide explains how fully funded scholarships in Canada work, highlights major opportunities for international students, and shows how to approach the search without relying on generic scholarship lists or outdated information.

2027 update: Major Canadian scholarships have different application cycles, deadlines and eligibility requirements. Always confirm the latest information with the scholarship provider before applying.

What Is a Fully Funded Scholarship in Canada?

A fully funded scholarship is an award that covers most or all of the major costs associated with a student’s education, according to the terms of that particular scholarship.

Depending on the programme, funding may include:

• Tuition fees
• Living expenses
• Accommodation or residence support
• Books and study materials
• Health-related costs
• Research expenses
• Travel or relocation support
• Other programme-specific allowances

The important point is that there is no universal definition of “fully funded.”

For example, the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship covers tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years.

By contrast, another scholarship may cover tuition and provide a living stipend without paying every expense a student incurs.

Before treating an award as fully funded, check its official funding terms and calculate what costs, if any, you would still need to cover.

Fully Funded vs. Partially Funded Scholarships

The difference is primarily the amount and type of financial support provided.

A partially funded scholarship can still be valuable. If an award substantially reduces your tuition or living costs, it may make an otherwise unaffordable programme realistic.

For this reason, compare scholarships based on your remaining financial requirement, not simply the label attached to the award.

How Scholarship Funding Works in Canada

International students can encounter several forms of scholarship and institutional funding.

University Scholarships

Canadian universities offer scholarships directly to students through central scholarship offices, faculties, departments and individual programmes.

These can include:

• Entrance scholarships
• International student awards
• Merit-based scholarships
• Graduate scholarships
• Faculty awards
• Departmental funding

Some awards require a separate application, while others use information from the university admission application.

Foundation and Independent Scholarships

Some major Canadian scholarships are administered by foundations or other independent organizations rather than directly by a university.

These awards may have narrower criteria involving:

• Academic achievement
• Leadership
• Community contribution
• Research
• Field of study
• Nationality
• Career direction

A narrowly targeted scholarship can sometimes be more relevant to an applicant than a broad award because the selection criteria are more closely aligned with the applicant’s background.

Graduate and Research Funding

For research-based master’s and doctoral programmes, funding may not come from one scholarship alone.

A graduate student may receive support through a combination of:

• University scholarships
• Faculty or departmental awards
• Research funding
• Research assistantships
• Teaching assistantships, where available
• Supervisor-supported research funding
• External fellowships

This is why graduate applicants should look beyond a university’s main scholarship page.

A useful search path is:

University → faculty → department → programme → research group or supervisor → funding opportunities

A funding package can therefore be substantial even when it does not appear under the exact phrase “fully funded scholarship.”

Who Can Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada?

There is no single eligibility profile that applies to every Canadian scholarship.

Requirements may depend on:

• Academic background
• Study level
• Citizenship
• Intended university
• Programme
• Field of study
• Research experience
• Financial circumstances
• Scholarship-specific conditions

Academic Achievement

Academic performance is an important factor in many competitive scholarships.

Depending on the award, selection committees may consider:

• Grades or GPA
• Academic distinctions
• Relevant coursework
• Research experience
• Academic awards
• Intellectual potential

Meeting a minimum academic requirement does not necessarily make an applicant competitive. Highly selective scholarships often compare applicants who already satisfy the basic eligibility conditions.

Leadership and Contribution

Some scholarships assess leadership, community involvement or evidence of positive impact.

This does not necessarily require a formal leadership title.

Evidence can include:

• Leading a project
• Creating an initiative
• Solving a community problem
• Mentoring others
• Building an organization
• Contributing to a professional or social initiative

The strongest applications explain what the applicant actually did and what resulted from it.

Programme Fit

Your proposed programme should make sense in relation to your academic background and future direction.

A scholarship application becomes more convincing when the connection is clear:

Previous experience → proposed programme → scholarship → future contribution

This is particularly important when the scholarship has a specific mission or selection theme.

Research Potential

Research potential becomes particularly important for doctoral and research-focused funding.

Relevant evidence can include:

• Previous research
• Research interests
• Publications
• Academic projects
• Proposed research
• Research fit with the programme or institution

Applicants should investigate research and funding opportunities early because they may influence which university or programme they ultimately choose.

Financial Need

Some scholarships consider financial circumstances, while others focus primarily on merit, leadership or academic potential.

Do not assume that every fully funded scholarship is need-based.

For example, the UBC International Scholars Program includes a significant financial-need assessment alongside academic and leadership criteria.

Major Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for International Students

The following opportunities illustrate how different Canadian scholarships can be in terms of study level, selection criteria, funding and application route.

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship

The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto is a highly competitive undergraduate scholarship for international students entering their first undergraduate degree.

The scholarship covers tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years, with approximately 37 students selected each year.

For the 2027 intake, the current deadlines are:

• October 9, 2026: school nomination
• October 16, 2026: U of T admission application
• November 6, 2026: Pearson scholarship application and supporting documents

The scholarship is intended for students entering their first undergraduate degree. Applicants must be nominated by an eligible secondary school and apply for undergraduate admission to the University of Toronto.

Best suited for: International secondary-school students with exceptional academic records, leadership experience and evidence of positive impact.

McCall MacBain Scholarship at McGill University

The McCall MacBain Scholarship supports students beginning eligible master’s or professional programmes at McGill University.

For the 2027 cohort, the scholarship provides full tuition and fees, a $2,300 monthly living stipend during academic terms, summer funding opportunities and a relocation grant where applicable. Scholars also receive mentorship and leadership-development opportunities.

For the 2027 cohort, applications opened June 1, 2026. The current deadline for applicants other than students and graduates of Canadian or U.S. universities, and Canadians abroad, was August 19, 2026. The deadline for the latter groups was September 23, 2026.

Because those deadlines have passed for the current cycle, applicants planning for a future cohort should monitor the official McCall MacBain page for the next application period.

Best suited for: Applicants seeking an eligible master’s or professional programme at McGill who can demonstrate strong academic preparation, leadership and meaningful contribution.

Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship is a major doctoral scholarship for researchers whose work falls within the Foundation’s scope and themes.

The scholarship is a three-year programme. Its current funding structure provides a substantial annual stipend plus an annual allowance for research, travel and networking. Scholars can receive up to $50,000 annually in total support, including the research, travel and networking allowance.

For the 2027 competition, international students must be enrolled at a Canadian university and must be in the first or second year of their PhD programme at the time of application.

The 2027 application process includes:

• October 2, 2026: deadline for eligibility confirmation request
• October 30, 2026: deadline for all three references
• November 6, 2026: deadline for the complete application

The Foundation’s four themes are:

• Human Rights and Dignity
• Responsible Citizenship
• Canada and the World
• People and their Natural Environment

Best suited for: Doctoral researchers whose academic and research interests align with the Foundation’s scope and themes.

UBC International Scholars Program

The UBC International Scholars Program supports exceptional international students entering their first undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia.

The programme considers academic performance, leadership, community contribution and significant financial need. UBC also conducts a financial assessment that may consider family income, expenses and assets.

For September 2027 entry, UBC’s current schedule includes:

• Early October 2026: UBC application opens
• November 15, 2026: International Scholars Program deadline
• January 15, 2027: general UBC application deadline for the relevant Winter Session

UBC advises applicants to begin early because the scholarship application requires financial information, essays, a nominator and a teacher referee.

Best suited for: International undergraduate applicants with excellent academic records, leadership experience and substantial financial need.

How to Find Other Fully Funded Opportunities

The scholarships above should not be treated as the complete Canadian funding landscape.

For graduate applicants especially, substantial funding may exist within a university without being advertised as one large national scholarship.

When researching a Canadian institution, check:

1. The university’s international scholarship page
2. The graduate school
3. The relevant faculty
4. The academic department
5. Your specific programme
6. Potential research supervisors
7. External scholarship and fellowship databases

This approach is particularly important for research-based master’s and PhD applicants.

A student who searches only for scholarships titled “fully funded” may overlook a funding package assembled from several sources.

How to Approach a Canadian Scholarship Application

Once you identify an opportunity that fits your profile, use a focused process rather than applying indiscriminately.

1. Identify a Suitable Programme

Start with the degree or programme you actually want to study.

Then determine which universities offer it and what funding opportunities exist around that programme.

2. Check Scholarship Eligibility

Before preparing a long application, confirm:

• Academic requirements
• Citizenship requirements
• Study level
• Programme eligibility
• University requirements
• Nomination requirements
• Application status
• Other scholarship-specific conditions

3. Understand the Funding

Do not rely on the phrase “fully funded.”

Determine:

• What tuition costs are covered
• Whether a living stipend is provided
• Whether accommodation is included
• Whether travel is covered
• How long funding lasts
• Whether other funding affects the award

4. Prepare Evidence Around the Selection Criteria

Your application should demonstrate the qualities the scholarship actually evaluates.

For example, if a scholarship emphasizes leadership and community impact, provide concrete evidence rather than simply describing yourself as a leader.

If it emphasizes research, explain your preparation and the significance of your proposed work.

5. Follow the Correct Application Route

Some scholarships require:

• University admission
• School nomination
• A separate scholarship application
• Institutional nomination
• References
• An eligibility screening stage

Do not assume that one scholarship’s procedure applies to another.

6. Submit Before the Deadline

Keep separate records for:

• University admission deadlines
• Scholarship deadlines
• Nomination deadlines
• Reference deadlines
• Supporting-document deadlines

Submit early enough to deal with technical problems or missing documents.

For help with specific application components, use our existing guides on How to Write a Winning Scholarship Personal Statement (With Examples).

When Should You Start Looking for Canadian Scholarships?

Ideally, begin researching scholarships six to twelve months before your intended programme start date.

Some major scholarships require action well before the university’s general admission deadline.

For example, applicants targeting the 2027 Pearson Scholarship must complete school nomination and admission steps in October 2026, followed by the scholarship application in November.

A practical timeline is:

6–12 Months Before Study

Research:

• Universities
• Programmes
• Scholarships
• Eligibility
• Funding
• Deadlines

3–6 Months Before Deadlines

Prepare:

• Academic documents
• CV
• Personal statements
• References
• Research materials where applicable

Several Weeks Before the Deadline

Check:

• Application completeness
• References
• Document uploads
• Nomination requirements
• Correct application portal

Starting early is particularly important when another person or institution must provide part of your application.

For general guidance on scholarship applications, see our How to Win Scholarships With a 2.0–3.0 GPA: 7 Strategies That Actually Work and Common Scholarship Interview Questions and How to Answer Them guides.

Mistakes to Avoid When Searching for Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada

1. Assuming Every Scholarship Covers All Expenses

The term fully funded does not always mean that every cost is covered in every circumstance. Check the official funding terms to understand what the award pays for, including tuition, living expenses, travel and other eligible costs.

2. Searching Only for Awards Called “Fully Funded Scholarships”

Some Canadian graduate students receive funding through a combination of scholarships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships and departmental support. Check the funding structure of your target programme rather than relying exclusively on the wording of scholarship titles.

3. Confusing Scholarship Eligibility With Admission Eligibility

Qualifying for a scholarship does not automatically qualify you for admission to the associated university or programme. Verify both sets of requirements before investing time in an application.

4. Overlooking Programme-Specific Funding

Funding availability and eligibility can differ between universities, faculties and graduate programmes. Check the official department and programme pages as well as the university’s central scholarship listings.

5. Relying on Outdated Scholarship Information

Funding rules, award values, eligible applicants and application procedures can change. Before applying, confirm the current information on the official scholarship or university website rather than relying solely on an older scholarship list.

6. Missing Earlier Funding and Nomination Deadlines

Some opportunities require departmental nomination, a separate funding application or supporting documents before the main admission deadline. Check the relevant dates carefully and confirm whether scholarship consideration is automatic or requires a separate application.

7. Assuming International Students Qualify for Every Award

Canadian universities offer funding with different eligibility conditions. Some awards are open to international applicants, while others may be restricted by citizenship, residency, programme, degree level or other criteria. Verify the eligibility rules for each opportunity before applying.

What About IELTS?

IELTS should not be treated as a universal scholarship requirement.

Whether you need IELTS depends primarily on the university and programme’s English-language requirements and whether you qualify for an accepted alternative or exemption.

A scholarship that does not mention IELTS does not automatically mean that its associated university programme will admit you without proof of English proficiency.

If your specific concern is finding Canadian scholarship opportunities where IELTS may not be required, including the role of previous English-medium education, Medium of Instruction documentation and alternative language tests,

see our dedicated guide: Canada Scholarships Without IELTS: What International Students Need to Know

That article addresses the language-specific issue in greater detail so this pillar can remain focused on Canadian scholarship funding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can international students get fully funded scholarships in Canada?

Yes. Canadian universities and independent foundations offer substantial funding opportunities to eligible international students.

However, eligibility, selection criteria and funding coverage vary significantly between scholarships.

What does a fully funded scholarship in Canada cover?

Coverage depends on the individual award.

A scholarship may cover tuition and living expenses and may also provide support for residence, research, travel or other costs.

Always check the official funding terms.

Do I need admission before applying for a Canadian scholarship?

It depends on the scholarship.

Some require university admission first, while others use a separate scholarship application, nomination or eligibility process.

Check the official instructions for the specific award.

What GPA do I need for a fully funded scholarship in Canada?

There is no universal GPA requirement.

Some scholarships specify academic thresholds, while highly competitive awards may assess academic performance alongside leadership, research potential, programme fit and other criteria.

Are fully funded scholarships available for undergraduate and graduate students?

Yes.

The major opportunities available to international students vary by study level. Pearson and UBC International Scholars, for example, are undergraduate opportunities, while McCall MacBain and the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship target postgraduate applicants.

Can scholarships be combined with other funding?

Sometimes.

Some awards permit additional funding, while others may reduce or adjust the scholarship amount when a student receives funding from another source.

Check the specific scholarship’s rules before assuming that awards can be combined.

Final Thoughts

Fully funded scholarships in Canada can make international study substantially more accessible, but finding the right opportunity requires more than searching for the largest scholarship amount.

Start with your academic profile, intended programme and long-term goals. Then identify funding opportunities that genuinely match those factors.

The strongest approach is:

Choose the right programme → identify suitable funding → verify eligibility → understand the funding terms → prepare targeted evidence → apply carefully.

Do not assume that every scholarship labelled “fully funded” covers every expense. Do not assume that a scholarship without an IELTS requirement removes the university’s English-language requirements. And do not rely on old scholarship lists when current deadlines and eligibility rules are available from the official provider.

Most importantly, verify the scholarship directly with the university or organization responsible for it before applying. Funding amounts, deadlines, eligibility rules and application procedures can change between cycles.

A carefully matched application is more valuable than sending the same generic application to dozens of scholarships.

Official Resources

For the most current eligibility requirements, funding details and application deadlines, verify each opportunity directly with its official provider:

• Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship — University of Toronto
• Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship
• UBC International Scholars Program