What makes Canada especially attractive is its availability of fully funded scholarships for students from all over the globe.
These scholarships provide financial support that covers tuition, living expenses, and sometimes even travel costs, making it possible for students to focus on their studies without financial stress. If you are planning to study in Canada in 2025, here are some fully funded scholarships you should consider.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) program is one of the most prestigious scholarships in Canada for graduate students. It is open to international students pursuing PhD degrees in any discipline. The scholarship provides up to $50,000 per year for three years and aims to attract and retain world-class doctoral students. It covers tuition fees, living expenses, and research costs.
Eligibility:
- You must be pursuing your first PhD at a Canadian institution.
- You need to demonstrate excellent academic performance and leadership skills.
- The program covers a wide range of disciplines, including social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and engineering.
Application Process: Candidates must be nominated by a Canadian institution. The application process is highly competitive, so it’s crucial to apply early and have a strong academic record.
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is one of the most sought-after undergraduate scholarships in Canada. Offered by the University of Toronto, this fully funded scholarship is designed to recognize international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential. The scholarship covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.
Eligibility:
- You must be an international student.
- You must demonstrate strong academic performance and have a proven record of leadership.
- The scholarship is only available for undergraduate programs.
Application Process: Candidates must be nominated by their high school, and only one nomination per school is allowed. After being nominated, you will need to apply to the University of Toronto, where your scholarship application will be reviewed.
University of British Columbia International Scholarships
The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers several fully funded scholarships for international students. These scholarships aim to support students from all over the world in pursuing their higher education in Canada. Two prominent scholarship programs at UBC include the International Leader of Tomorrow Award and the Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award.
- The International Leader of Tomorrow Award is offered to students who demonstrate exceptional leadership and community involvement. The scholarship is fully funded and covers tuition, fees, and living expenses.
- The Donald A. Wehrung Award is for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who have achieved excellent academic results despite facing financial difficulties. This award also provides full financial coverage for tuition and living costs.
Eligibility:
- You must be an international student entering UBC.
- You need to demonstrate excellent academic performance and leadership qualities.
- You must apply for undergraduate programs.
Application Process: Students need to apply to UBC and fill out a separate application for these scholarships. Shortlisted candidates will be considered based on academic merit and demonstrated leadership skills.
Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program
The Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program is funded by the Government of Canada to help students from Commonwealth countries study in Canada. This scholarship is available to students pursuing Master’s and PhD programs and offers full financial support, including tuition fees, living expenses, airfare, and health insurance. This program is an excellent opportunity for students from low- and middle-income countries to gain access to world-class education in Canada.
Eligibility:
- You must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country.
- You must be applying for a Master’s or PhD program at a Canadian university.
- Applicants need to demonstrate excellent academic performance.
Application Process: Applications are submitted through the Canadian government’s official channels. You need to have already applied to a Canadian institution before being considered for the scholarship.
Why Choose Canada for Higher Education?
Canada is renowned for its high-quality education, vibrant culture, and welcoming attitude towards international students. Studying in Canada has many benefits:
- World-Class Education: Canadian universities are known for their research excellence and academic rigor.
- Cultural Diversity: Canada is one of the most multicultural countries in the world, offering international students a welcoming environment.
- Post-Graduation Opportunities: International students have the chance to work in Canada after graduation through the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program.
- Affordable Living: Compared to other countries, the cost of living in Canada is relatively low, especially with financial aid through scholarships.
Conclusion
Canada offers a wealth of opportunities for international students through fully funded scholarships that cover all expenses, from tuition fees to living costs. Whether you’re pursuing undergraduate, Master’s, or PhD programs, these scholarships allow you to focus on your studies without worrying about financial barriers. If you are aiming to study in Canada in 2025, consider applying for these prestigious scholarships to make your dream a reality.