Canada has quickly become one of the most attractive destinations for international students, not only because of its world-class universities and diverse culture but also because of the financial support opportunities it offers. For many students, the biggest challenge of studying abroad is covering tuition fees, living expenses, and additional costs like travel and health insurance. Fortunately, Canada offers a variety of fully funded scholarships in 2025 that cover all these expenses, making higher education more accessible to talented students from around the world.
In this article, we will explore the top fully funded scholarships in Canada for 2025, their benefits, eligibility requirements, and how to apply.
Why Choose Canada for Higher Education?
Before diving into the scholarships, it’s important to understand why Canada continues to be a top choice for students:
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World-class universities: Institutions like the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia rank among the best globally.
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Cultural diversity: Canada welcomes students from over 180 countries, making it one of the most inclusive academic environments.
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Research opportunities: With cutting-edge facilities, Canada is a hub for innovation in technology, health sciences, and sustainability.
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Post-graduation pathways: Canada’s immigration-friendly policies allow international graduates to gain work experience and apply for permanent residency.
Fully funded scholarships are one of the strongest incentives, as they eliminate financial stress and enable students to focus fully on their studies.
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are among the most prestigious scholarships in the country.
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Eligibility: Open to doctoral students in health research, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering.
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Coverage: CAD $50,000 per year for three years.
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Highlights: This scholarship is awarded based on leadership skills, academic excellence, and research potential.
Students aiming for PhD programs in 2025 should strongly consider applying, as this scholarship is recognized worldwide.
2. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto)
This is one of the most sought-after scholarships for undergraduate students.
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Eligibility: Open to international students applying for their first undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto.
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Coverage: Full tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence support for four years.
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Highlights: Only a select group of students demonstrating outstanding leadership and creativity are awarded.
This program is perfect for talented high school graduates looking to study in Canada’s top-ranked university.
3. University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program
UBC offers several fully funded awards under its International Scholars Program.
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Eligibility: High-achieving students from around the world entering undergraduate programs.
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Coverage: Tuition fees, living expenses, and additional costs based on financial need.
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Highlights: Includes the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award and the Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award.
This scholarship ensures that financial challenges do not prevent outstanding students from pursuing their dreams at UBC.
4. McGill University Scholarships and Fellowships
McGill University offers a wide range of fully funded scholarships for international students in 2025.
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Eligibility: Open to undergraduate, master’s, and PhD applicants.
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Coverage: Full tuition, living stipends, and travel support for selected students.
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Highlights: McGill is part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, which supports talented students from developing countries.
This makes McGill an excellent destination for international students seeking comprehensive financial aid.
5. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF)
The University of Manitoba provides funding opportunities for graduate students with academic excellence.
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Eligibility: Open to master’s and PhD applicants across all disciplines.
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Coverage: Up to CAD $18,000 for PhD students and CAD $14,000 for master’s students annually.
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Highlights: Focused on rewarding students with strong academic records and research potential.
This scholarship helps graduate students pursue advanced research without financial strain.
6. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
This program supports doctoral students pursuing research in the social sciences and humanities.
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Eligibility: Doctoral students whose research contributes to society, leadership, and public policy.
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Coverage: Up to CAD $40,000 per year for three years, plus $20,000 annually for travel and research.
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Highlights: Emphasizes leadership development and community engagement.
For students interested in making an impact on social issues, this scholarship is highly prestigious.
7. University of Waterloo International Master’s and Doctoral Awards
The University of Waterloo, known for its innovation and research, provides funding opportunities for graduate students.
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Eligibility: Open to international students pursuing master’s or PhD degrees.
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Coverage: Full tuition and research stipends, depending on the program.
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Highlights: Many scholarships are automatically awarded upon admission, reducing the need for separate applications.
8. Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program (CGS-M)
This government-funded program supports master’s students across Canada.
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Eligibility: Available to Canadian and international students at Canadian institutions.
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Coverage: CAD $17,500 for one year.
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Highlights: Encourages research and innovation at the master’s level in all academic fields.
9. Carleton University Entrance Scholarships
Carleton offers fully funded entrance scholarships to exceptional undergraduate students.
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Eligibility: High-achieving students entering undergraduate programs.
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Coverage: Full tuition and additional costs for the duration of the degree.
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Highlights: Awards are renewable if students maintain strong academic performance.
10. University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
This competitive scholarship is aimed at top international undergraduates.
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Eligibility: Open to international students entering the University of Calgary.
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Coverage: CAD $20,000 annually, renewable for four years.
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Highlights: Recognizes both academic achievement and community involvement.
How to Apply for These Scholarships
To maximize your chances of securing funding in Canada for 2025:
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Start early – Many applications open nearly a year before academic sessions begin.
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Prepare documents – Transcripts, recommendation letters, essays, and language test scores are usually required.
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Tailor applications – Highlight leadership, academic excellence, and research achievements.
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Check university deadlines – Each institution has its own schedule.
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Leverage government and embassy websites – They often list scholarships for students from specific countries.
Conclusion
Canada remains one of the most supportive study-abroad destinations for international students, especially with its wide range of fully funded scholarships in 2025. From prestigious national programs like the Vanier and Trudeau scholarships to university-specific awards at Toronto, UBC, McGill, and others, students have incredible opportunities to pursue their academic dreams without financial burdens.
For students aspiring to study in Canada, now is the perfect time to research, prepare, and apply. With determination and the right guidance, you could be among the next group of scholars enjoying a fully funded education in one of the world’s most welcoming countries.