If you’re searching for fully funded scholarships in Canada for 2027, you’re in the right place. Canada remains one of the most affordable and welcoming study destinations for international students, thanks to its lower tuition fees compared to the US, UK, and Australia, plus a growing list of generous funding programs. Below, we break down 20 fully funded scholarships in Canada that cover tuition, living expenses, and sometimes travel costs.
Before diving in, it’s worth noting that a scholarship is often just one part of the puzzle — you’ll also need to sort out your student visa application process, proof of funds, and academic documentation well ahead of your intake deadline. Let’s look at the top funding opportunities available to foreign students.
Why Study in Canada on a Fully Funded Scholarship?
Canada consistently ranks among the top destinations for international students due to its multicultural campuses, globally recognized degrees, and relatively lower cost of living compared to peer countries. A fully funded scholarship removes the biggest barrier — cost — and lets you focus entirely on your studies and research.
Many of these programs also open doors to post-graduation work permits and, eventually, permanent residency application pathways, since Canada actively encourages skilled graduates to stay and contribute to the economy.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for 2027
Here are 20 scholarship and grant programs that international students should research and apply to. Always confirm current award values, deadlines, and eligibility directly on each program’s official page, as amounts and cycles are updated annually.
1. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
This program funds top-tier postdoctoral researchers, both Canadian and international, who show strong potential to contribute to Canada’s economic, social, and research-driven growth. Awards are typically valued around $70,000 per year for two years.
Offered by: Government of Canada.
2. Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships
A multi-year doctoral program designed to develop engaged leaders, giving outstanding PhD candidates the skills to translate research into real-world impact. A limited number of Canadian and international scholars are selected annually, receiving generous funding for tuition, living costs, networking, travel, and language training.
Offered by: Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation.
3. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Named after Major-General Georges P. Vanier, Canada’s first francophone Governor General, this program helps Canadian universities attract highly qualified doctoral students. Awards are typically valued at $50,000 per year for up to three years.
Offered by: Government of Canada.
4. SFU Graduate and Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships
Simon Fraser University’s entrance scholarship program is designed to attract high-achieving students who show potential to enrich the campus community through academic and community involvement. Award values vary by program and level of study.
Offered by: Simon Fraser University.
5. Loran Scholars Award
One of Canada’s most comprehensive undergraduate awards, the Loran Award funds character, service, and leadership potential rather than grades alone. It typically covers tuition and provides annual stipends plus summer internship funding over four years.
Offered by: Loran Scholars Foundation.
6. Université de Montréal Exemption Scholarship
This program helps international students by waiving the tuition differential normally charged to non-Quebec residents, effectively bringing costs closer to those paid by Canadian students.
Offered by: Université de Montréal.
7. International Major Entrance Scholarship
Awarded to incoming international undergraduate students with outstanding academic records, this scholarship provides substantial tuition support, renewable across the length of the program subject to maintaining strong grades.
Offered by: Various Canadian universities.
8. Schulich Leader Scholarships
One of Canada’s largest STEM scholarships, the Schulich Leader Scholarship supports students entering science, technology, engineering, or math programs at partner universities, covering a large share of undergraduate costs.
Offered by: Schulich Foundation.
9. McCall MacBain Scholarships
A fully funded master’s and professional degree scholarship at McGill University that covers tuition plus a living stipend, alongside leadership training and mentorship.
Offered by: McCall MacBain Foundation.
10. Global Citizen Excellence Award
This award recognizes international students demonstrating leadership and community engagement, typically providing several thousand dollars toward tuition annually.
Offered by: Participating Canadian institutions.
11. Faculty Leadership Scholarships
Offered by several business and arts faculties, these scholarships reward students who combine strong academics with demonstrated leadership in their communities or schools.
Offered by: Various Canadian universities.
12. Concordia International Tuition Award of Excellence
This scholarship significantly reduces the higher international tuition rate for admitted students who demonstrate strong academic performance.
Offered by: Concordia University.
13. Western Scholarship of Distinction
Automatically considered for all admitted students meeting the academic cutoff, this entrance award recognizes outstanding high school performance among incoming undergraduates.
Offered by: Western University.
14. Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry Scholarships
These awards support high-achieving students entering medicine or dentistry programs, with separate funding tiers for each faculty.
Offered by: Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry.
15. Chancellor’s/Thirsk Scholarship
A renewable entrance scholarship for exceptional incoming students, recognizing academic achievement combined with extracurricular leadership.
Offered by: University of Saskatchewan.
16. University of Ottawa President’s Scholarship
This entrance scholarship rewards top-performing incoming students with substantial funding toward their undergraduate tuition.
Offered by: University of Ottawa.
17. President’s International Differentiation Scholarship
Designed specifically for international students, this award offsets the difference between domestic and international tuition, sometimes for the full duration of the program.
Offered by: Various Canadian universities.
18. International Merit Entrance Award
Awarded automatically or by application to incoming international students with strong academic records, easing the financial burden of studying abroad.
Offered by: Various Canadian universities.
19. Concordia College Entrance Award
A merit-based entrance scholarship for new undergraduate students, renewable depending on maintained academic standing.
Offered by: Concordia University.
20. Alvin and Lydia Grunert Entrance Scholarship
This entrance award supports incoming students demonstrating both financial need and academic promise, helping cover tuition and related costs.
Offered by: Participating Canadian universities.
Comparing Scholarship Types
Not all fully funded scholarships in Canada work the same way. Some cover full tuition plus stipends; others only offset the international tuition differential. Here’s a quick comparison to help you prioritize applications.
| Scholarship Type | Study Level | Typical Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Government-funded (Banting, Vanier) | Postdoctoral/PhD | Tuition + stipend + research funding |
| University entrance awards | Undergraduate | Partial to full tuition |
| Foundation scholarships (Trudeau, McCall MacBain) | Master’s/PhD | Full tuition + living stipend + mentorship |
| Tuition differential waivers | All levels | Reduces international tuition to domestic rate |
How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada
Applying successfully takes preparation well before your intended intake. Follow these steps to strengthen your chances:
- Shortlist universities and programs that align with your academic and career goals.
- Check each scholarship’s eligibility criteria, required documents, and application deadline — these vary widely by program.
- Request academic transcripts and strong recommendation letters early.
- Draft a compelling personal statement highlighting leadership, research interest, or community impact.
- Apply for admission and the scholarship simultaneously where required, since many awards are tied to your university application.
- Prepare your student visa application documents in parallel so you’re not delayed once you receive an offer.
After You Arrive: Work and Immigration Pathways
Studying in Canada can also be a stepping stone toward long-term settlement. Many graduates transition into jobs in Canada with a work permit, and later apply for permanent residency through programs like Express Entry or provincial nominee streams.
If you’re weighing your options beyond scholarships, it’s worth exploring Canada work visa requirements and researching which Canadian cities offer the strongest job markets for your field. Our guide to top cities in Canada for full-time jobs is a good starting point once your studies wrap up.
Students without a scholarship covering 100% of costs sometimes look into Canadian universities offering fully-funded admission without IELTS, which can also reduce upfront testing costs and expand your options.
Managing Money While Studying Abroad
Even with a fully funded scholarship, you’ll likely need to manage day-to-day finances, receive stipend payments, and possibly send money home. It’s worth researching how to open a bank account abroad before you arrive, since some Canadian banks offer student-friendly accounts with no monthly fees for the first year.
If you’re supporting family back home or receiving funds from them, comparing a reliable, low-fee remittance service in advance can save you a meaningful amount over the course of your program.
FAQ
Are these scholarships really fully funded for international students?
Most of the top-tier programs listed — such as Vanier, Trudeau, Banting, and McCall MacBain — cover full tuition plus a living stipend. Others, like tuition differential waivers, only cover part of the cost, so always check the specific award’s terms before applying.
Do I need a job offer or visa sponsorship to study in Canada?
No — a study permit is separate from employer-sponsored work visas. However, after graduation, many students pursue visa sponsorship jobs or Canadian work permits as a pathway to gaining experience and eventually applying for permanent residency.
When should I start applying for fully funded scholarships in Canada?
Most programs require applications 6–12 months before your intended start date, since many are tied to university admission deadlines. Start researching and preparing documents as early as possible in 2027 intake cycles to avoid missing priority deadlines.