Best Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for 2025-26 Admissions

Canada is a preferred choice for Indian students planning to study abroad—over 3 lakh enrolled in 2023. The reasons are clear: top universities, strong research programs, and post-study work opportunities.

But studying abroad costs money. A master’s degree in Canada costs CAD 20,000 to 50,000 (₹12–30 lakh) per year, and living expenses can go up to CAD 15,000 (₹9 lakh) annually. 

Fully funded scholarships in Canada can be a solution.

Many Indian students have secured full funding through programs like Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, Trudeau Foundation Scholarship, and Ontario Graduate Scholarship.

If you’re applying for 2025-26 admissions, here’s how to find the right scholarship, apply on time, and increase your chances of getting full funding.

What Do Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada Cover?

A fully funded scholarship in Canada helps students by covering major expenses. Here’s what it includes:

Expense Covered	What It Includes	Example Scholarships
Tuition Fees	Full or partial waiver of university tuition	Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, Trudeau Foundation Scholarship
Living Expenses	Monthly stipend for housing, food, and daily needs	Ontario Graduate Scholarship, Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship
Health Insurance	Medical coverage during studies	University-funded scholarships, Government of Canada funding
Research & Travel	Support for lab work, research, and conferences	NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships, Banting Fellowships
Visa & Relocation	Help with visa fees, flight tickets, and moving costs	University-specific awards, Canada-ASEAN Scholarships

Who Gives Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada?

• Government Scholarships – Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, Banting Fellowships
• University Scholarships – UBC Graduate Awards, McGill Mastercard Foundation Scholarships
• Private & Industry Funding – Mitacs Globalink Research Awards, Google Canada Scholarships

How Many Students Get Fully Funded Scholarships?

• Over 3,000 international students receive the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship each year.
• Universities like Toronto, McGill, and UBC award millions in scholarships annually.
• Many students, especially in STEM fields, get full funding through research and teaching assistantships (RA & TA).

Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for 2025-26

Canada offers several prestigious scholarships for PhD, master’s, and undergraduate students that cover tuition, living expenses, and research costs.

Here are some of the top fully funded scholarships in Canada available for 2025-26.

1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) – For PhD Students

The Vanier CGS is one of Canada’s most prestigious scholarships for PhD students. It provides financial support to outstanding doctoral students who demonstrate leadership and academic excellence in research.

Who Should Apply?

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Open to Canadian and international students
Level of Study	PhD
Field of Study	Health sciences, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities
Academic Excellence	Must have an excellent academic record
Leadership & Research Potential	Candidates must show research contributions and leadership qualities

What Are the Requirements?

Requirement	Details
University Admission	Must be nominated by a Canadian institution with Vanier CGS quota
Academic Performance	Strong undergraduate and master’s records
Research Proposal	Must align with Canadian research priorities
Recommendation Letters	Three strong references required
Leadership Statement	Must highlight leadership contributions in research or community projects

Scholarship Coverage:

Coverage	Details
Annual Stipend	CAD 50,000/year for 3 years
Tuition & Fees	Covered
Research Costs	Included
Living Expenses	Partially covered

Tip: Ensure your research aligns with Canadian research priorities and focus on demonstrating strong leadership and innovation in your application.

2. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships – For PhD Students in Social Sciences & Humanities

This scholarship supports international PhD students pursuing studies in social sciences and humanities. It provides financial assistance along with leadership training, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

Who Should Apply?

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Open to Canadian and international students
Level of Study	PhD
Field of Study	Social sciences and humanities
Leadership Commitment	Must show dedication to public engagement and policy impact
Academic Excellence	Strong academic background required

What Are the Requirements?

Requirement	Details
University Admission	Must be enrolled in a Canadian PhD program
Academic Performance	Strong undergraduate and master’s records
Research Relevance	Must align with social sciences/humanities impact goals
Leadership Statement	Must highlight leadership in public or community service
Recommendation Letters	Required from academic and leadership mentors

Scholarship Coverage:

Coverage	Details
Annual Stipend	CAD 40,000/year
Research Grant	CAD 20,000/year for fieldwork, travel, and conferences
Mentorship Program	Included
Networking Opportunities	Access to Trudeau Foundation community

Tip: This scholarship looks for future leaders in public policy. Highlight how your research will impact society and contribute to real-world solutions.

3. Ontario Trillium Scholarship (OTS) – For International PhD Students in Ontario

The Ontario Trillium Scholarship is designed to attract top international PhD students to universities in Ontario. It offers financial support for research-based programs in various fields.

Who Should Apply?

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Open to international students
Level of Study	PhD
Field of Study	Any research-based PhD program at an Ontario university
Academic Excellence	Must have a strong academic and research record
University Nomination	Must be nominated by an Ontario university

What Are the Requirements?

Requirement	Details
University Admission	Must have an offer from an Ontario university
Academic Performance	High academic standing in prior degrees
Research Proposal	Must demonstrate research innovation
Recommendation Letters	Required from academic mentors
Commitment to Research	Preference for students contributing to Canadian research

Scholarship Coverage:

Coverage	Details
Annual Stipend	CAD 40,000/year
Tuition & Fees	Covered
Research Costs	Included
Renewable?	Yes, for up to 4 years

Tip: Since this scholarship is awarded through university nominations, contact your preferred Ontario university early to secure a nomination.

4. University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships – For Undergraduate Students

This scholarship is awarded to international undergraduate students who show exceptional academic achievement and leadership. It covers full tuition, books, and living expenses for four years.

Who Should Apply?

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Open to international students
Level of Study	Undergraduate
Field of Study	Any undergraduate program at the University of Toronto
Academic Excellence	Must have outstanding academic achievements
Leadership & Community Service	Must demonstrate leadership in extracurricular or community activities

What Are the Requirements?

Requirement	Details
High School Performance	Must be in the top of the graduating class
University Admission	Must secure admission to the University of Toronto
Recommendation Letters	Required from school officials or mentors
Leadership Statement	Must showcase leadership and extracurricular involvement
Commitment to Global Impact	Preference for students contributing to their communities

Scholarship Coverage:

Coverage	Details
Tuition Fees	Fully Covered
Living Expenses	Yes
Books & Study Materials	Covered
Duration	Renewable for four years

Tip: This scholarship is highly competitive. Highlight leadership experience and community involvement in your application.

5. University of British Columbia (UBC) International Tuition Awards – For MS & PhD Students

The UBC International Tuition Award supports international students pursuing a master’s or PhD by helping cover tuition and providing a living stipend. The funding ensures students can conduct research without financial stress.

Who Should Apply?

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Open to international students
Level of Study	Master’s & PhD
Field of Study	Any research-based graduate program at UBC
Academic Excellence	Must have a strong academic and research background
Financial Need	Preference for students requiring financial assistance

What Are the Requirements?

Requirement	Details
University Admission	Must secure admission to UBC’s graduate program
Academic Performance	Strong undergraduate or master’s record
Research Proposal	Required for research-based programs
Recommendation Letters	Required from academic mentors
Funding Application	Some programs may require a separate funding request

Scholarship Coverage:

Coverage	Details
Tuition Fees	Fully Covered
Living Stipend	Yes
Research Costs	Included for PhD students
Duration	Valid for the program duration

Tip: This award is automatically considered when applying to UBC. Ensure your application highlights academic excellence and research potential.

6. University of Alberta Graduate Scholarships – For Master’s & PhD Students

The University of Alberta offers multiple graduate scholarships to support master’s and PhD students. The funding amount varies based on the program and the student’s academic record.

Who Should Apply?

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Open to international students
Level of Study	Master’s & PhD
Field of Study	All graduate programs at the University of Alberta
Academic Excellence	Preference for students with high GPAs
Financial Need	Some scholarships are need-based

What Are the Requirements?

Requirement	Details
University Admission	Must have an offer from the University of Alberta
Academic Performance	Strong undergraduate or master’s record
Research Proposal	Required for thesis-based programs
Recommendation Letters	Required from academic mentors
Scholarship Application	Some awards require a separate application

Scholarship Coverage:

Coverage	Details
Funding Amount	CAD 17,500 – CAD 29,000 per year
Tuition Fees	Fully or partially covered
Living Expenses	Partially supported
Additional Grants	Available for research programs

Tip: Since funding varies by program, contact your department’s graduate office to check the most suitable scholarships.

7. University of Waterloo International Graduate Scholarships – Full Funding for Select Fields

The University of Waterloo provides several fully funded scholarships for international students pursuing master’s and PhD degrees in STEM, business, and social sciences.

Who Should Apply?

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Open to international students
Level of Study	Master’s & PhD
Field of Study	STEM, Business, and Social Sciences
Academic Excellence	High academic achievements required
Research Commitment	Preference for students engaged in innovative research

What Are the Requirements?

Requirement	Details
University Admission	Must be accepted into a research-based program
Academic Performance	Strong undergraduate or master’s grades
Research Proposal	Must align with departmental research priorities
Recommendation Letters	Required from professors or research mentors
Additional Application	Some programs may require a separate scholarship request

Scholarship Coverage:

Coverage	Details
Tuition Fees	Fully Covered
Living Expenses	Included
Research Grants	Available for select programs
Other Costs	Some scholarships cover additional expenses

Tip: This scholarship is highly competitive. Strong research experience and publications can significantly improve your chances.

8. York University International Student Scholarships – For Undergraduate & Graduate Students

York University offers scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate international students. The funding amount varies but can cover a significant portion of tuition and living expenses.

Who Should Apply?

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Open to international students
Level of Study	Undergraduate & Graduate
Field of Study	Any program at York University
Academic Excellence	High academic standing required
Leadership & Extracurriculars	Preference for students involved in community work

What Are the Requirements?

Requirement	Details
University Admission	Must have an offer from York University
Academic Performance	High GPA and standardized test scores (if required)
Personal Statement	Must highlight academic goals and achievements
Recommendation Letters	Required from school officials or professors
Scholarship Application	Some awards require a separate application

Scholarship Coverage:

Coverage	Details
Funding Amount	CAD 20,000 – CAD 35,000 per year
Tuition Fees	Fully or partially covered
Living Expenses	Partial support available
Renewable?	Yes, based on performance

Tip: York University offers several scholarships under different names. Check specific departmental awards for additional funding opportunities.

9. McGill University Graduate Funding & Scholarships – Fully Funded MS & PhD Programs

McGill University offers generous funding packages for international MS and PhD students, including full tuition waivers and living stipends. These scholarships support students in research-based programs.

Who Should Apply?

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Open to international students
Level of Study	Master’s & PhD
Field of Study	Research-based programs in all disciplines
Academic Excellence	High academic performance required
Research Focus	Preference for students with strong research proposals

What Are the Requirements?

Requirement	Details
University Admission	Must have an offer from McGill University
Academic Performance	Strong undergraduate or master’s record
Research Proposal	Required for thesis-based programs
Recommendation Letters	Required from academic mentors
Assistantship Opportunities	Teaching or research assistant positions may be available

Scholarship Coverage:

Coverage	Details
Tuition Fees	Fully Covered
Living Stipend	Included
Research Costs	Funded for PhD students
Duration	Valid for the full program duration

Tip: Research-based programs often provide additional assistantships for PhD students, offering further financial support.

10. Simon Fraser University (SFU) Graduate Dean’s Entrance Scholarship – Covers Tuition & Living Expenses

Simon Fraser University offers the Graduate Dean’s Entrance Scholarship to top-performing MS and PhD students. This award provides financial support, helping students focus on research and academic excellence.

Who Should Apply?

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Open to international students
Level of Study	Master’s & PhD
Field of Study	All disciplines
Academic Excellence	High GPA and research achievements required
Leadership & Extracurriculars	Preference for students with leadership experience

What Are the Requirements?

Requirement	Details
University Admission	Must have an offer from SFU
Academic Performance	Strong undergraduate or master’s record
Recommendation Letters	Required from academic mentors
Statement of Purpose	Must outline career and research goals
Scholarship Application	Some departments require a separate application

Scholarship Coverage:

Coverage	Details
Tuition Fees	Fully Covered
Living Expenses	Stipend included
Research Funding	Available for thesis-based students
Renewable?	Yes, based on academic performance

Tip: Since this scholarship is highly competitive, highlight research experience, leadership, and community engagement in your application.

11. Carleton University Graduate Funding & Entrance Scholarships – Full Tuition & Research Assistantship

Carleton University provides funding packages for incoming MS and PhD students, covering tuition and offering research assistantships that provide additional financial support.

Who Should Apply?

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Open to international students
Level of Study	Master’s & PhD
Field of Study	Research-based graduate programs
Academic Excellence	High academic record required
Assistantship Opportunities	Preference for students willing to take research assistant roles

What Are the Requirements?

Requirement	Details
University Admission	Must have an offer from Carleton University
Academic Performance	Strong undergraduate or master’s GPA
Research Proposal	Required for thesis-based programs
Recommendation Letters	Required from professors or employers
Assistantship Application	Some funding options require a separate application

Scholarship Coverage:

Coverage	Details
Tuition Fees	Fully Covered
Research Assistantship	Additional stipend provided
Living Expenses	Partially covered
Duration	Renewable for the duration of the program

Tip: Graduate students can combine scholarships with research assistantships to receive additional funding.

12. University of Ottawa Excellence Scholarships – Full Tuition & Living Stipends for MS & PhD Students

The University of Ottawa offers the Excellence Scholarships to high-achieving international students pursuing MS and PhD degrees. It covers full tuition and provides a living stipend.

Who Should Apply?

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Open to international students
Level of Study	Master’s & PhD
Field of Study	All disciplines
Academic Excellence	High GPA required
Financial Need	Some scholarships consider financial need

What Are the Requirements?

Requirement	Details
University Admission	Must be accepted into an MS or PhD program at the University of Ottawa
Academic Performance	Strong undergraduate or master’s academic record
Research Proposal	Required for research-based programs
Recommendation Letters	Required from academic mentors
Funding Application	Some scholarships require additional application forms

Scholarship Coverage:

Coverage	Details
Tuition Fees	Fully Covered
Living Expenses	Stipend included
Research Funding	Available for PhD students
Additional Grants	Based on merit

Tip: University of Ottawa awards scholarships automatically to top applicants, so a strong academic application increases funding chances.

Eligibility Criteria for Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada

Every scholarship in Canada has specific requirements. Some focus on financial need, while others prioritize community involvement or work experience.

If you’re wondering whether you qualify, here’s what matters:

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility Factor	What It Means	Example Scholarships
Academic Excellence	High GPA (usually 3.5+ on a 4.0 scale)	Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, Ontario Graduate Scholarship
Field of Study	Some scholarships are for STEM, social sciences, or specific industries	NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships (for science & engineering)
Research Experience	Important for research-based programs; published papers are a plus	Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships, Trudeau Foundation Scholarship
Leadership & Community Work	Volunteer work, internships, or leadership roles matter	Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship
Financial Need	Some scholarships consider household income and financial background	Canada-ASEAN Scholarships, University-specific aid
Nationality Restrictions	Some are for Canadian citizens, others for international students	Vanier CGS (International & Canadian students), Mitacs Globalink (For non-Canadian students)

Do You Need a High GPA?

Most top scholarships prefer a GPA of 3.5+. Some competitive ones require 3.7 or higher. If your grades are lower, having strong research work, leadership, or real-world experience can still make a difference.

Example: The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship values leadership and social impact as much as academic excellence. A student with a 3.6 GPA, experience in public policy research, and a record of community engagement may be a stronger candidate than someone with a 4.0 GPA but no involvement outside academics.

Are There Age Limits?

Most scholarships do not have strict age limits, but some fellowships or specific programs might. Always check the official guidelines.

Do You Need Work or Research Experience?

• For research-based scholarships, previous lab work, projects, or publications help.
• For leadership-focused scholarships, internships, community service, or student leadership roles add value.

Example: The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship is for students with strong research contributions. If you have published papers, patents, or industry projects, your chances improve.

Language Requirements

• If your degree is in English or French, you may not need TOEFL/IELTS.
• Some scholarships require TOEFL (90+), IELTS (6.5+), or French proficiency.

Example: The McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill require candidates to be fluent in English or French. If you studied in a non-English country, an IELTS/TOEFL score is necessary.

How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada?

Many students miss out because they lack qualifications and their applications aren’t strong enough. If you want to improve your chances, you need a clear plan and well-prepared documents.

Step-by-Step Application Process for Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada

Step	What You Need to Do
Find the Right Scholarship	Research scholarships that match your field of study, nationality, and career goals.
Check Eligibility	Review GPA requirements, leadership experience, and research background.
Gather Required Documents	Academic transcripts, Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LORs), resume, and research proposal (if required).
Take Language & Standardized Tests (If Needed)	TOEFL/IELTS for English proficiency, GRE/GMAT for some programs.
Submit Online Application	Fill out forms carefully, upload documents, and review everything before submission.
Prepare for Interviews (If Required)	Some scholarships conduct interviews to assess motivation, leadership, and future goals.
Track Your Application	Note deadlines and follow up on results if needed.

Tip: Start early! Many scholarships close months before the academic year begins, so don’t wait until the last minute.

Important Deadlines for Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada (2025-26)

Missing a scholarship deadline means waiting another year. Some scholarships even have multiple rounds, so applying early gives you a better shot.

Scholarship Name	Application Opens	Deadline
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)	July 2024	November 2024
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships	October 2024	December 2024
Ontario Trillium Scholarship (OTS)	October 2024	Varies by university
University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships	September 2024	December 2024
University of British Columbia (UBC) International Tuition Awards	September 2024	January 2025
University of Alberta Graduate Scholarships	October 2024	February 2025
University of Waterloo International Graduate Scholarships	September 2024	January 2025
York University International Student Scholarships	October 2024	March 2025
McGill University Graduate Funding & Scholarships	September 2024	January 2025
Simon Fraser University (SFU) Graduate Dean’s Entrance Scholarship	August 2024	December 2024
Carleton University Graduate Funding & Entrance Scholarships	September 2024	January 2025
University of Ottawa Excellence Scholarships	October 2024	February 2025

Example: The McCall MacBain Scholarship at McGill University has an early deadline in September, followed by interview rounds. Candidates who apply early get a better chance at securing an interview slot.

Required Documents for Scholarship Applications in Canada

Missing a document can get your application rejected. Make sure everything is complete and well-prepared. Here’s what you need:

Important Documents

Document	Why It’s Needed	What to Do
Academic Transcripts	Shows your grades	Request them early from your university.
Degree Certificate	Confirms your qualification	Submit a provisional certificate if final one isn’t ready.
Statement of Purpose (SOP)	Explains why you deserve the scholarship	Be clear about your goals and achievements.
Letters of Recommendation (LORs)	Supports your skills and experience	Get them from professors or employers who know your work.
Resume/CV	Highlights education, research, and experience	Keep it short and relevant.
Research Proposal (if required)	Needed for research-based scholarships	Focus on impact and feasibility.
Language Test Scores	Proves English or French proficiency	TOEFL, IELTS, or TCF scores as required.
Proof of Financial Need (if required)	Some scholarships consider income	Submit income proof if applicable.
Passport Copy	Confirms identity and nationality	Make sure it’s valid for your study period.

Tip: Check each scholarship’s website for exact document requirements. A missing document can cost you the opportunity.

Selection & Evaluation Criteria for Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada

Thousands apply for fully funded scholarships in Canada, but only a small number get selected. Committees look beyond grades—they assess leadership, research, and long-term goals. A strong application is clear, well-documented, and shows real impact.

How Applications Are Evaluated

Stage	What Happens?
Eligibility Check	GPA, nationality, and required documents are verified.
Document Review	SOP, LORs, and resume are assessed for academic and leadership potential.
Shortlisting	Strong applications move forward.
Interview (If Required)	Finalists are evaluated on career goals and contributions.
Final Decision	Scholarships are awarded based on overall merit.

What Matters Most?

Criteria	Why It’s Important?
Strong GPA (Usually 3.5+)	Shows academic commitment.
Leadership & Community Work	Demonstrates initiative beyond studies.
Research & Innovation	Essential for STEM and research programs.
Clear Career Goals	SOP must align with the scholarship’s mission.
Strong LORs	Endorsements from mentors add credibility.
Interview Performance	Confidence and clarity matter.

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship values social impact. Applicants with proven contributions to public service or advocacy have higher chances.

Why Applications Get Rejected

• Generic SOP – No clear purpose or personal impact.
• Weak LORs – Generic letters with little detail.
• No leadership experience – Only academic focus.
• Missed deadlines – Late applications are ignored.
• Poor interview performance – Vague answers, lack of confidence.

How upGrad Abroad Helps You Get a Fully Funded Scholarship in Canada

upGrad Abroad’s 1:1 counseling helps you find the right fully funded scholarships in Canada and submit a strong application. Our experts guide you in writing your SOP, securing LORs, and preparing for interviews. We also assist with IELTS, GRE, and other test prep to improve your chances. 

Get expert advice, meet deadlines, and apply with confidence. Book a free counseling session today and take the first step toward studying in Canada!