Studying abroad comes with lots of obligations, one of which is the higher cost of education. Costs add up quickly when you add the tuition fees and living expenses, such as room and board, and feeding.
Luckily, you may qualify for a fully funded scholarship in Canada and by so doing, receive full tuition reimbursement and some stipends to cover the cost of living and other associated expenses while pursuing the degree.
The challenge, however, is qualifying for the limited scholarships available to international students looking to study at any of the accredited or participating universities in Canada.
Let’s dive into the most popular options and whether you are qualified.
Who Qualifies for Fully Funded Scholarship in Canada?
The scholarship is intended for applicants who are either unable to afford their tuition fees or who need help to pay for their education and other related expenses.
While it is common for international students from countries like Nigeria to get such scholarships; a similar gesture is extended to applicants from Canada and some other countries.
Note also that the qualification is usually strict and only about 1% of the top applicants may finally get to receive a full-ride scholarship.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada
To ease the burden of accessing quality education and access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, consider applying for a fully funded scholarship.
Below are some of the options to explore:
1. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship
This is a fully funded scholarship provided by the Canadian Government. It is one of the best options for international and national applicants to Canadian universities who are looking to enrol for postdoctoral studies.
Value and Duration
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship is available for applicants looking to proceed with Postdoctoral (PhD) studies.
It is valued at a taxable yearly funding of $70,000 and runs for 2 years. It is non-renewable.
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants need to meet these requirements:
Areas of Research
The scholarship’s school is for the following subjects:
- Social sciences and or humanities.
- Health research and;
- Natural sciences and or engineering.
Citizenship Requirements
Canadian citizens can apply. Applications are also welcomed from foreign/international citizens, as well as Permanent Residents (PR) of Canada.
2. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
This is another fully funded scholarship by the Canadian Government. It is designed to attract doctoral students looking to study in the country.
Award/Valuation
The scholarship is valued at a yearly award of $50,000 to shortlisted applicants. It runs for 3 years during doctoral studies.
Eligibility for the Funding
The Vanier Canada Graduates Scholarship (VCGS) is eligible to citizens of foreign countries, Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada.
Other qualifications include:
- Obtaining a first-class average of 3.67 GPA or an A.
- Applicants must be entering the first year of a doctoral program and;
- Having the intention to undergo a full-time graduate study and research at the doctoral level.
- Applicants must be nominated by one Canadian institution.
Applications are prioritized for the following subjects:
- Social Sciences
- Engineering research and;
- Humanities research.
3. SFU Entrance Scholarships
Also known as SFU Canada Graduate and Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships, it is intended for applicants who exhibit the willingness to contribute positively towards the university’s growth, by way of community and ongoing academic contributions.
Simon Fraser University offers this scholarship and awards up to $120,000 with an additional $7,000 per term for international applicants. This depends largely on your high (secondary) school records.
Both Permanent Residents and Canadian applicants can get up to $27,000 awarded with up to $50,000 per term.
Eligibility for the Scholarship
International and domestic students looking to be admitted at Simon Fraser University are eligible, provided they’re enrolling in either a graduate or undergraduate degree in any of the faculties.
Priority is given to Bachelor, Masters and PhD students.
4. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship
This is a non-government-funded scholarship. The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation sees to this and it is one of the many ways it seeks to support students, in addition to providing mentorships and fellowships.
The scholarship is open to international students looking to commence doctoral studies in Canada.
Eligibility
Applicants are expected to qualify if they’re enrolling in doctoral degrees, and want to specialize in the field of Human Sciences or Humanities with themes ranging from Dignity, Citizenship and Human Rights.
Funding Opportunities
If picked, applicants will receive full coverage of tuition fees up to $40,000 yearly for 3 years, in addition to funding for reasonable living expenses.
An award of up to $20,000 per year for 3 years is also dedicated towards travel research, the learning of languages, networking and accommodations for the Foundation’s leadership program and research.
5. University of Saskatchewan
This university offers a plethora of scholarships for international students, especially those undergoing Master’s and Doctoral degrees.
The University further classified the scholarships, depending on the programs.
Dean’s Doctoral Scholars
This scholarship is open to international and domestic students who “have outstanding academic records, show research promise and are entering or continuing their Doctoral studies at USask.
The value of the award is $24,000 per year for two years.
Teacher-Scholar Doctoral Fellowship’s
The University of Saskatchewan offers this scholarship in partnership with the Gwenna Mass Centre for Teaching and Learning.
Both international and domestic students are beneficiaries and will receive up to $15,000 over one year, in addition to a sessional lecturer stipend.
This scholarship is open to students in their second to fifth year of the program.
6. McCall MacBain Scholarship
The McCall MacBain Scholarship is a “full graduate scholarship that provides students with the mentorship, interdisciplinary learning, and global community they need to accelerate their impact on the world.”
The scholarship grants one access to admission to a full-time second entry of the master’s professional undergraduate program at McGill University.
Eligibility
This is the first comprehensive leadership-driven scholarship for master’s and professional studies. It is open to international and domestic students (from Canada and the United States).
The eligibility includes:
- Have obtained your first bachelor’s degree more than 5 years ago and are not above the age of 30.
- Being a current student of McGill University and on track to earn your first bachelor’s degree the next year and;
- Haven earned the first bachelor’s degree in the last five years.
- Applicants for the master’s program need to meet the minimum degree and language requirements for McGill University.
7. Brock Scholars Award
Brock University in Ontario, Canada offers scholarship awards to deserving international students.
Known as the Brock Scholars Award, it is exclusive to international students entering the university’s undergraduate program for the first time and with no prior post-secondary experience.
Grades Criteria and Considerations
Incoming students from anywhere in the world are automated considered for the Brock Scholars Award if they:
- Are entering the first undergraduate program at the university with no previous post-secondary education.
- They meet the desired admission average — the calculation is done using the prerequisites for your offered program of study.
An award of $1,600 ($400 each year) is offered to international students with an admission average (final grades) between 80% and 84.9%. Students with up to 95% and above in final grades receive a scholarship of $13,600 ($3,400 each year).
Conclusion
Fully funded scholarships are available for international students looking to focus on their programs of study and worry less about finances in any of the Canadian universities.
To qualify, you must meet the specific requirements of the university and in the case of third parties, such as Foundations — be willing to abide by the rules and commit to meaningful tasks.