Fully funded scholarships in Canada for international students 2026
Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for International Students 2026
Canada is one of the world’s most popular destinations for international students seeking high-quality education, multicultural campuses, and generous scholarships that help make studying abroad affordable. For the 2026 academic year, Canada is offering several fully funded scholarships that can cover tuition, living expenses, travel costs, and more for eligible international students. Whether you’re aiming for an undergraduate degree, a master’s, a PhD, or a short-term research stay, there’s likely a scholarship that fits your goals.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the top fully funded scholarship opportunities in Canada for international students in 2026, the application requirements, and a clear step-by-step process on how to apply so you can prepare a strong application and boost your chances of success.
What Does “Fully Funded Scholarship” Really Mean?
A fully funded scholarship covers most or all of the major costs related to studying abroad. This can include:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation or living allowances
- Travel and airfare
- Health insurance
- Study materials and books
- Visa or permit fees
Not all fully funded scholarships cover everything equally — some focus more on tuition and living costs, while others may also include travel or insurance. Always check the specific terms of each scholarship before applying.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for International Students 2026
Here’s a breakdown of prominent fully funded scholarship options available in Canada for the 2026 intake:
1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship – University of Toronto
One of the most prestigious undergraduate scholarships in Canada, the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship covers:
- Full tuition
- Books
- Incidental fees
- Full-residence support for four years
It’s aimed at exceptional international students demonstrating academic excellence and leadership. Application deadlines typically occur in late 2025 for the 2026 intake.
Who Should Apply:
Secondary school graduates are ready to start a bachelor’s degree at the University of Toronto. Click here to apply
2. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (PhD Level)
The Vanier CGS is one of Canada’s most competitive graduate awards. It provides:
- $50,000 per year
- Three years of funding
Ideal for doctoral candidates with strong research potential and leadership qualities.
Who Should Apply:
Highly motivated PhD applicants from around the world. Click here to apply
3. McCall MacBain Scholarships – McGill University
Available for master’s and PhD students, the McCall MacBain Scholarship offers:
- Full tuition
- Monthly stipend
- Relocation and leadership development opportunities
This program not only covers financial costs but also focuses on creating future leaders.
Who Should Apply:
Graduate students with excellent academic records and strong leadership backgrounds. Apply here
4. Government of Canada Scholarships (Study in Canada Scholarships & SEED-2)
Funded by Global Affairs Canada, these programs support short-term academic exchanges or research stays in Canada. Many awards under this umbrella waive tuition at Canadian partner institutions and offer stipends for living expenses, travel, and insurance.
Programs include:
- Study in Canada Scholarships
- Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP)
- Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development – Phase 2 (SEED-2)
Who Should Apply:
Students enrolled in a degree program abroad who want to spend 4–6 months studying or conducting research in Canada. Note: applications must be submitted by Canadian partner institutions on behalf of students.
5. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Offered at institutions like the University of Toronto and McGill University, this program supports students from developing countries pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees with comprehensive funding — including tuition, living stipends, travel, and support services.
6. University-Specific and Other Scholarships
Numerous other Canadian universities offer scholarships that, while not always fully funded in the strictest sense, provide substantial financial support. Examples include awards at:
- University of British Columbia
- University of Waterloo
- University of Manitoba
- University of Alberta
Some include automatic merit scholarships when you submit your admission application, while others require separate scholarship forms.
Eligibility Requirements
While each scholarship has unique standards, most fully funded Canadian scholarships share several core eligibility requirements:
Academic Excellence
High academic achievement is essential. Most programs prefer applicants with strong GPAs or marks equivalent to B+ or higher in their system. Some prestigious awards may require a GPA of 3.5/4.0 or higher.
Language Proficiency
Since many Canadian programs are taught in English (or French in some provinces), you’ll need proof of language abilities:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- OR similar accepted tests like DELF (for French)
The exact score requirement varies by program and institution.
Supporting Documents
Most scholarships ask for comprehensive documentation, such as:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Valid passport
- Letters of recommendation (usually 2–3)
- Statement of purpose or motivation letter
- CV/resume
- Research proposal (for postgraduate research programs)
Your documents may need certified English translations if in another language.
Additional Criteria
Depending on the scholarship, you might also need:
- Leadership experience
- Community service or volunteer work
- Research or publication references
- School nomination (for certain programs like Pearson)
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying
Preparation and organisation are key to submitting a successful scholarship application. Here’s how to approach the process:
1. Start Early and Research Extensively
Begin researching scholarships 12–18 months before your intended start date. Look at official university and government scholarship pages for accurate details.
Tip: Create a spreadsheet tracking deadlines, requirements, and documentation per scholarship.
2. Choose Your Target Programs
Decide whether you want to pursue:
- Bachelor’s (undergraduate)
- Master’s
- PhD
- Short-term exchange or research
Then match scholarships to those study levels.
3. Prepare Academic and Language Exams
If required, register and prepare for language proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Also, ensure your academic transcripts are complete and translated if needed.
4. Draft Strong Supporting Documents
Spend time crafting:
- A compelling Statement of Purpose
- Clear and honest Recommendation Letters
- A persuasive Research Proposal (for graduate research)
- Avoid generic statements — tailor your documents to each scholarship.
5. Apply for Admission First (If Needed)
Some scholarships require proof of acceptance into a Canadian university before you can apply for funding. Submit your admission application early to meet scholarship deadlines.
6. Submit Scholarship Applications on Time
Compile all required documents and submit well before the deadline. Missing documents or late submissions are common reasons applications are rejected.
7. Prepare for Interviews (If Applicable)
Certain programs may interview shortlisted candidates — be prepared to explain your academic goals and why you deserve the scholarship.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning
Apply for multiple scholarships – don’t limit yourself to a single opportunity.
Network early with faculty or international offices in Canadian institutions.
Request feedback on your documents from teachers or professionals.
Highlight leadership and community involvement — not just grades.
Securing a fully funded scholarship to study in Canada in 2026 can transform your academic life and open doors to international opportunities. While the process is competitive, early planning, strong documentation, and a well-tailored application will give you a real shot at success.
Remember, each scholarship has its own requirements and deadlines, so always check official university or government websites for the most accurate and updated information.
Good luck with your applications