Studying in Canada is a dream for many global students, offering world-class education and a welcoming environment.
However, tuition and living costs can be challenging. Full-ride scholarships cover tuition, housing, and more, making education accessible.
This guide explores complete scholarships in Canada, including top universities, study permit requirements, documents needed, and tips for success.
If you’re aiming for undergraduate, master’s, or PhD programs, this article is your go-to resource.
What Are Full-Ride Scholarships?
Full-ride scholarships pay for all your study costs. This includes tuition, housing, meals, and sometimes travel or books. Unlike partial scholarships, they let you focus on learning without financial stress. These awards are competitive, often based on excellent grades, leadership, or criteria like your country or field of study.
Why Study in Canada?
Canada is a top destination for higher education. Here’s why:
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Top Universities: Home to institutions like the University of Toronto and UBC, ranked among the world’s best (QS World University Rankings).
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Welcoming Culture: Canada is known for diversity and inclusivity.
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Career Opportunities: Degrees open doors to global jobs and pathways to permanent residency.
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Research Excellence: Access cutting-edge facilities for innovation.
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Safe Environment: Canada ranks high for safety and quality of life.
Tuition for international students averages CAD 20,000–40,000 per year, plus living costs. Complete scholarships make studying affordable.
Top Universities Offering Full-Ride Scholarships
Many Canadian universities offer complete scholarships to global students. Below is a table summarizing key programs, followed by details.
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University
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Scholarship Name
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Eligibility
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Award Details
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|---|---|---|---|
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University of Toronto
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Lester B. Pearson Scholarship
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Academic excellence
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Full tuition + living costs
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|
University of British Columbia
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International Leader of Tomorrow
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Leadership, financial need
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Full tuition + stipend
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|
McGill University
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Entrance Scholarships
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Academic merit
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Up to CAD 12,000/year
|
|
University of Alberta
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International Student Scholarship
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Academic excellence
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Up to CAD 32,000/year
|
|
University of Waterloo
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President’s Scholarship
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Academic merit
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Up to CAD 10,000 + extras
|
|
Western University
|
International President’s Scholarship
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Exceptional grades, leadership
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CAD 50,000–70,000/year
|
1. University of Toronto
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Details: Covers tuition, books, housing, and living costs for four years of undergraduate study.
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Eligibility: Outstanding grades and leadership. Nominated by your school.
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How to Apply: Get nominated, then apply by the November deadline.
2. University of British Columbia (UBC)
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Details: Funds tuition and living expenses for undergraduates, renewable for four years.
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Eligibility: Academic excellence, leadership, and financial need.
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How to Apply: Submit the application with financial documents by December.
3. McGill University
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Details: Awards up to CAD 12,000 per year, renewable. Some cover full tuition for top students.
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Eligibility: High academic achievement.
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How to Apply: Apply through McGill’s admissions portal by January.
4. University of Alberta
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Details: Up to CAD 32,000 per year for undergraduates and graduates.
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Eligibility: Based on grades and program.
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How to Apply: Automatically considered upon admission.
5. University of Waterloo
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Details: Up to CAD 10,000 for undergraduates, plus additional awards for living costs.
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Eligibility: Exceptional academic performance.
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How to Apply: Apply with your admission application by February.
6. Western University
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Details: Awards CAD 50,000–70,000 per year for undergraduates.
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Eligibility: Top grades and leadership skills.
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How to Apply: Submit a separate application by February.
For more options, visit ScholarshipsCanada.com or university financial aid pages.
Other Notable Scholarship Programs
External programs also fund studies in Canada. Key examples include:
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Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: CAD 50,000 per year for three years for PhD students. Open to global students.
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Canada Graduate Scholarships-Master’s Program: CAD 17,500 for master’s students in research fields.
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Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships: CAD 70,000 per year for two years for postdoctoral researchers.
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Ontario Trillium Scholarship: CAD 40,000 per year for PhD students at Ontario universities.
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IDRC Research Awards: Funds graduate students from developing countries for research in Canada.
Study Permit Requirements
To study in Canada, you need a study permit (similar to a student visa). Here’s what you need:
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Financial Proof: Show you can cover tuition (CAD 20,000–40,000), living costs (CAD 10,000–15,000), and return travel. Scholarship letters work.
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Passport: Valid for your stay.
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Application Fee: Pay CAD 150.
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Biometrics: Provide fingerprints and a photo (CAD 85, if required).
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Letter of Explanation: Explain why you want to study in Canada and your plans after graduation.
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Medical Exam: Needed for some countries or programs longer than six months.
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Ties to Home Country: Show you’ll return home (e.g., family or job prospects).
Processing Time: 4–12 weeks, so apply early. Check IRCC for updates.
Tip: Study permit holders can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during school and full-time during breaks.
Documents Needed
You’ll need documents for scholarships and study permits. Here’s a checklist:
For Scholarships
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Transcripts: Grades from high school or college.
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Test Scores: TOEFL/IELTS for English, or other tests like SAT for undergraduates.
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Recommendation Letters: 2–3 from teachers or employers.
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Essay: Share your goals and why you want the scholarship.
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CV/Résumé: List your education, activities, and work.
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Financial Proof: Show you need help paying (e.g., family income).
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Passport Copy: To verify your identity.
For Study Permit
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Acceptance Letter: From your DLI.
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Passport: Valid for your stay.
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Financial Proof: Scholarship letters, bank statements, or sponsor letters.
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Application Form: Completed online or on paper.
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Fee Receipt: For CAD 150 (and CAD 85 for biometrics, if needed).
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Photos: Two passport-sized photos.
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Letter of Explanation: Your study and career plans.
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Medical Exam Results: If required.
Tips for Winning Scholarships
Securing a complete scholarship is competitive. Use these tips:
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Start Early: Begin 12–18 months before your program.
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Customize Applications: Write essays that match scholarship goals.
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Show Leadership: Highlight community service or projects.
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Get Strong Letters: Ask people who know you well.
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Proofread: Check for errors before submitting.
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Apply to Many: There’s no limit on applications.
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Avoid Scams: Don’t pay for scholarship searches.
Challenges and Solutions
Applying for scholarships and study permits can be tough. Here’s how to handle issues:
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Few Scholarships: Apply to niche programs for your country or major.
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High Competition: Stand out with unique essays and strong grades.
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Complex Permit Process: Ask your school’s international office for help.
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Proving Funds: Use scholarship letters as proof.
Alternative Funding Options
If full-ride scholarships don’t work out, try these:
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Partial Scholarships: Many universities offer merit-based or need-based aid.
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Work-Study: Work part-time on or off campus with a study permit.
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Government Grants: Explore funding from your home country.
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Co-op Programs: Earn money through work terms in programs like those at Waterloo.
Next Steps
Ready to study in Canada? Take action now:
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Contact Universities: Email financial aid offices for details.
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Prepare Documents: Gather transcripts, test scores, and essays.
Start today to secure your full-ride scholarship and begin your Canadian education journey!
Disclaimer: Scholarship and study permit details are accurate as of April 2025 but may change. Always verify information on official university websites or the Government of Canada’s immigration portal
