Introduction
Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for International Students – Canada offers numerous fully funded scholarships to international students, making it an attractive destination for higher education. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs associated with studying abroad. This guide highlights some of the top fully funded scholarships available for international students in Canada, detailing eligibility, benefits, and application processes.
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships program aims to attract and retain world-class doctoral students by supporting those who demonstrate leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in graduate studies in the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and engineering, and health.
Eligibility:
- Must be nominated by a Canadian institution with a Vanier CGS quota.
- Pursue a doctoral degree (or combined MA/PhD or MD/PhD).
- Demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership qualities.
Benefits:
- $50,000 per year for up to three years.
How to Apply: Candidates must be nominated by their institution. Applications are usually open from June to November. Visit the Vanier CGS website for detailed application procedures.
2. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships program provides funding to the very best postdoctoral applicants, both nationally and internationally, who will positively contribute to the country’s economic, social, and research-based growth.
Eligibility:
- Open to both Canadian and international applicants.
- Must fulfill all degree requirements for a PhD, PhD-equivalent, or health professional degree.
- Demonstrate excellence in research and leadership qualities.
Benefits:
- $70,000 per year for two years.
How to Apply: Applications open in April and close in September. Visit the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships website for detailed application procedures.
3. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships program supports outstanding doctoral candidates pursuing research in areas of humanities and social sciences that are related to one of the Foundation’s four themes: Human Rights and Dignity, Responsible Citizenship, Canada and the World, and People and their Natural Environment.
Eligibility:
- Must be accepted into or in the first or second year of a full-time doctoral program at a Canadian institution.
- Must conduct research in one of the Foundation’s four themes.
Benefits:
- Up to $40,000 per year for three years to cover tuition and reasonable living expenses.
- Up to $20,000 per year for three years for research and travel allowance.
How to Apply: Applications typically open in September and close in December. Visit the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation website for detailed application procedures.
4. University of British Columbia (UBC) International Leader of Tomorrow Award
UBC’s International Leader of Tomorrow Award recognizes international undergraduate students who demonstrate superior academic achievement, leadership skills, involvement in student affairs, and community service.
Eligibility:
- International students applying for their first undergraduate degree.
- Demonstrate financial need that would otherwise prevent them from pursuing a UBC degree.
- Meet UBC’s admission requirements, including general and degree-specific requirements and the English Language Admission Standard.
Benefits:
- Award amount is proportional to financial need, covering tuition, fees, and living costs.
How to Apply: Students must be nominated by their school or a non-profit, and apply to UBC. Applications open in November and close in December. Visit the UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award website for more information.
5. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program at the University of Toronto
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program at the University of Toronto aims to recognize international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and creativity and who are recognized as leaders within their school.
Eligibility:
- International students nominated by their high school.
- Applying to their first undergraduate program at the University of Toronto.
- Demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and creativity.
Benefits:
- Covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.
How to Apply: Candidates must be nominated by their school and apply to the University of Toronto. Visit the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship website for more information. Deadlines typically fall in November for nominations and January for applications.
6. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship program is a merit-based scholarship for students in graduate studies in Ontario. The scholarships are jointly funded by the Province of Ontario and the universities in Ontario.
Eligibility:
- Enrolled in or plan to enroll in a full-time graduate program (Master’s or PhD) at a participating Ontario university.
- Demonstrate academic excellence.
Benefits:
- $10,000 for two consecutive terms or $15,000 for three consecutive terms.
How to Apply: Applications are typically handled through the student’s university. Visit the Ontario Graduate Scholarship website for detailed application procedures.
Conclusion
Fully funded scholarships in Canada provide international students with invaluable opportunities to pursue their academic and professional goals without financial constraints. Each scholarship has its specific eligibility criteria and benefits, so it’s important to carefully review and apply for those that align with your qualifications and needs. Start your application process early, stay organized, and take advantage of these opportunities to study in Canada. Good luck!