Canada, with its breathtaking landscapes, multicultural tapestry, and world-renowned universities, beckons international students seeking an exceptional and enriching educational experience. However, the cost of studying in Canada can be a significant barrier. Fear not, aspiring scholars! Fully funded scholarships bridge this gap, turning your dream of studying in Canada into a reality. Fully Funded Canadian Scholarships
This comprehensive guide delves into the exciting world of scholarships available for international students in Canada for the 2024-2025 academic year. We’ll explore 4 top fully funded scholarships, eligibility criteria, application tips, and valuable resources to empower you to navigate the scholarship landscape successfully.
See Also: Fully Funded US Scholarships for International Students 2024-2025
Benefits of Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada
Fully funded scholarships in Canada offer a multitude of advantages:
- Tuition Coverage: These scholarships cover the full cost of tuition fees for your chosen degree program, eliminating a major financial burden.
- Living Expenses: Many scholarships also provide stipends or allowances to cover living expenses like accommodation, food, and transportation.
- Focus on Studies: With financial worries minimized, you can fully focus on your academic pursuits and make the most of your time in Canada.
- Research Opportunities: Some scholarships might even provide funding for research projects, allowing you to gain valuable research experience and contribute to your chosen field.
- Cultural Immersion: Studying in Canada exposes you to a diverse and welcoming society, fostering personal and professional growth.
4 Top Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students in Canada (2024-2025)
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS):
Funded by the Canadian government, these prestigious scholarships support doctoral students demonstrating exceptional research potential and leadership qualities. The Canada Vanier Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) program, named for Major-General Georges P. Vanier, the country’s first francophone governor general, assists Canadian universities in luring highly qualified candidates.
The Vanier CGS program supports candidates who exhibit leadership qualities and a high caliber of academic achievement in graduate studies in the natural sciences, engineering, and/or health. Both interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Eligibility:
- Demonstrate exceptional academic excellence and research potential.
- Pursue your first doctoral degree (including joint programs like MD/PhD).
- Intend to study full-time at a Canadian university with a Vanier CGS quota.
How to Apply:
- You cannot apply directly to Vanier CGS. Your chosen Canadian university must nominate you.
- Check university deadlines and application requirements well in advance.
- Craft a compelling research proposal showcasing your originality and research skills.
- Highlight your leadership qualities and potential to contribute to Canadian research.
- Candidates must be prepared to submit the following paperwork in order to apply:An application for ResearchNet (which contains two three-section letters of recommendation)
A CCV
Contributions to Research (up to one page)
A two-page personal leadership statement (or a two-and-a-half-page statement for applicants submitted in French)
Particular Situations (up to 0.5 pages, optional)
A maximum of two pages in two leadership letters of recommendation
A research proposal (maximum two pages in English; maximum two and a half pages in French)
Project Bibliography (up to five pages long)
Synopsis
Method of Application:
Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements can apply for the Canada Vanier Graduate Scholarship by taking note of the following:
Step 1: Use Universities Canada’s website to research Canadian universities before submitting your application. We advise looking through the websites of each university and doing extensive research on the doctoral program of your choice, potential supervisors, and other relevant information.
Step 2: Verify that your desired institution has a quota for the year you are applying by visiting the Vanier CGS quota page.
Process of competition
Applications can be started in two different methods. The student notifies the graduate studies faculty of the chosen university of their intention to apply to the Vanier CGS program, or the institution contacts the prospective candidate to start the nomination process.
The student uses the ResearchNet application system to create their application and submits it to the nominating university by the internal deadline that is set in ResearchNet by the nominating institution.
The internal candidate selection procedure is carried out by the nominating organization.
Deadline for application is November 1st 2024
2. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships:
For exceptional international students, the University of Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships offer an unmatched chance to attend one of the top universities in the world and live in one of the most diverse cities in the world. The goal of the scholarship program is to honor students who stand out for their outstanding academic performance, inventiveness, and leadership qualities within their school. Particular attention is given to how the kid has impacted their school and community as well as how they may go on to positively impact the world community in the future.
For exceptional international students, the University of Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships offer an unmatched chance to attend one of the top universities in the world and live in one of the most diverse cities in the world. The goal of the scholarship program is to honor students who stand out for their outstanding academic performance, inventiveness, and leadership qualities within their school. Particular attention is given to how the kid has impacted their school and community as well as how they may go on to positively impact the world community in the future.
How to Apply:
You must apply to the University of Toronto for undergraduate study after being nominated by your school in order to be considered a Pearson Scholar. Find more about nominations from the guidance counselor at your school. You will receive a secure access to the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship application once you have applied to the University of Toronto and been nominated.
Students who have excelled academically and creatively, are recognized as leaders in their school, and have the potential to make future contributions to the global community are recognized as Pearson Scholars. Their wide range of interests, intellectual vigor, and influence on the school and community set them apart from other students who might have done just as well academically.
Read More: Fully Funded Scholarships
Eligibility:
You need to be the following in order to be eligible to apply for the Pearson International Scholarship:
enrolled in your final year of senior secondary school in 2024–2025 or have graduated no earlier than June 2024; starting your studies at the University of Toronto in September 2025 (students already attending post-secondary studies cannot be considered; students starting their post-secondary studies in January 2025 at another post-secondary institution cannot be considered). an international student (i.e., a non-Canadian requiring a study permit).
Application Process: On July 1, 2024, the 2025 Competition will begin.
In order to apply, you must:
- Get your school to nominate you. To be included in our program, high schools that haven’t been contacted or verified yet must fill out an application, which can be found here.
- Starting on July 1, 2024, high schools that took part in the previous year will be granted nomination access. By October 18, 2024, you can apply to study at the University of Toronto (external link) and start classes in September 2025. Please be aware that you will be given consideration for the Pearson Scholarship for the U of T program that is your top preference.
- You may apply to many programs and may be accepted into each one; but, if you are awarded the Pearson Scholarship, it will only be applied to the program of your choice at U of T at the time our scholarship choices are announced.
- The online Lester B. Pearson Scholarship application must be completed by November 8, 2024, after we have received a nomination and you have submitted an application to the university. Once your school has successfully nominated you, you will receive a private connection to the scholarship application.
- Please provide all required files online by November 8, 2024.
Scholarship Deadlines:
Deadline for school nominations: October 11, 2024
Deadline to apply for student admission to OUAC: October 18, 2024
Deadline to apply for student scholarships and submit supporting documents: November 8, 2024
3. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships:
The goal of this three-year leadership program is to develop Engaged Leaders by giving exceptional PhD candidates the tools they need to put their ideas into practice and improve their communities, Canada, and the wider globe. Each year, a group of scholars is chosen, and they are provided with considerable financing for their studies as well as leadership development within the framework of Brave Spaces.
Benefits:
Scholars of the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation are awarded: participation in a dynamic network of professionals in their fields and industries, comprising Scholars, Mentors, and Fellows guidance in leadership from our mentors and fellows, as well as special chances for experiential learning that enhance and support their academic experience. Possibilities to improve skill in Indigenous languages and French and English, Canada’s official languages lifetime access to the alumni network of the Foundation.
For three years, up to $40,000 will be provided to cover living expenses and tuition, allowing the recipient to concentrate on their PhD studies and the Foundation’s leadership program.
For three years, they can receive up to $20,000 year for studying languages (see below), travel and lodging for the Foundation’s leadership program, and research, networking, and travel associated with their PhD research.
Eligibility:
In order to be eligible for the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Scholarship, you need to fulfill the following requirements:
- You must be enrolled in a full-time PhD program, have been admitted into or already in year one or two (starting year three in September 2024 or after), and be anticipated to finish your doctoral studies in 2027 or later.
- Your area of study is broadly within the humanities or human sciences, directly pertaining to Canada’s future.
- At least one of the Foundation’s Four Themes—Human Rights and Dignity, Responsible Citizenship, Canada and the World, and People and their Natural Environment—must be addressed in your PhD thesis.
- Be a non-Canadian (permanent resident of Canada or foreign national) enrolling in a doctoral program at a Canadian institution, or be a Canadian citizen studying at a Canadian or international institution.
For more information and application click here
4. Global Affairs Canada (GAC) Scholarships – Master’s and Doctoral Programs:
For both Canadians and foreign students, there are short-term exchange programs available through the Global Affairs Canada (GAC) International Scholarships Program. These programs offer scholarships for Canadian students and teachers to participate in exchanges overseas as well as for international students and faculty to participate in exchanges in Canada.
The GAC International Scholarships Program increases student mobility, advances the internationalization of Canadian post-secondary institutions, and positions Canada as a leading study abroad destination.
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) Scholarships – Master’s and Doctoral Programs eligibility:
To qualify, you have to be:
A national of a qualified nation or territory –
- Asia: Taiwan, Bangladesh, and Nepal
- Europe: Ukraine and Turkey
- North Africa and the Middle East: Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia Benin, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, and Burkina Faso are all in Sub-Saharan Africa.
A full-time student enrolled in a post-secondary institution in a nation or territory that qualifies.
Paying the institution’s tuition both at the time of application and throughout the period of your exchange.
You cannot be awarded Global Affairs Canada (GAC) Scholarships – Master’s and Doctoral Programs if you:
You already participate in a government-funded scholarship program.
You currently hold or have an application pending for citizenship or permanent residence in Canada.
You are enrolled in a degree, diploma, or certificate program at a Canadian post-secondary school.
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) Scholarships – Master’s and Doctoral Programs Value and Duration:
Undergraduate/college (4 months): $10,200 One academic term or four months. Research or study at the undergraduate or college level. It is necessary to have a legitimate student exchange arrangement that waives tuition.
Graduate after four months: $10,200 One academic term or four months. Graduate-level coursework or research (Masters and PhD). There is no need for a student exchange agreement.
Graduate after six months: $12,700 Between five and six months. Graduate-level coursework or research (Masters and PhD). There is no need for a student exchange agreement.
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) Scholarships – Master’s and Doctoral Programs money may be used by chosen students for:
Fees for a work permit, student permit, or visa
Travel by the most direct and cost-effective route
Health insurance, living costs, including housing, utilities, and food; ground transportation, including a pass for public transit; and books and supplies needed for their research or studies, omitting computers and other equipment.
Canadian establishments are qualified to obtain:
$500 is awarded to each scholarship applicant to help with administrative expenses when they arrive in Canada. In certain situations, this also includes reimbursement of additional employer compliance fees paid to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) Scholarships – Master’s and Doctoral Programs Application Process:
Application guidelines Guidelines for Canadian educational institutions submitting applications on behalf of qualified students.
- A program coordinator should be tasked with finishing applications.
- To register for a My EduCanada account, select “Login or Register.”
- Click “Apply” after logging into your account and choosing the Study in Canada Scholarships Program.
- Fill up the necessary fields with your information, then proceed with the application form’s instructions.
- When the application form asks you to validate and save, click that button.
- Upload any necessary supplementary files. Every document must be in one of the following formats:.jpg,.gif,.png,.pdf,.doc,.docx,.txt, or.xlsx, and it must not exceed 5 MB in size.
- Check the accuracy and completeness of each and every component of your application.
- Read the “Declaration and permission” statement and agree to its terms.
- Press “Submit.” A reference number and a confirmation message for applications submitted will be sent to you.
- With the “Download” option, you can save or print a copy of your filled-out application form.
See Also: Fully Funded US Scholarships for International Students 2024-2025
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) Scholarships – Master’s and Doctoral Programs Requirements:
- Proof of Citizenship
- Signed Privacy Notice Statement
- Letter of intent from the candidate (Maximum of 1 page)
- Letter of proof of full-time enrollment from home institution
- Letter of support from the home institution (Maximum of 1 page)
- Letter of invitation from the Canadian supervisor (graduate students only, maximum one page)
- Signed copy of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or Agreement with the partner institution
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) Scholarships – Master’s and Doctoral Programs Selection Criteria:
We assess applications according to:
Strength of the links to be built through the proposed exchange rankings submitted by the Canadian institution merit of the research or study to be conducted in Canada.
Benefit to the home institution and peers.
Benefit to the Canadian institution, supervisor, and peers.
Students who have never been awarded a scholarship through a Global Affairs Canada Short-term Exchange Program are given preference.
For more information and application click here
Conclusion: Benefits of Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada
Studying in Canada with a fully-funded scholarship can be a transformative experience. With a strategic approach, dedication to the application process, and a bit of perseverance, you can unlock the doors to a world-class education in the Great White North.
Remember, this guide serves as a starting point. Conduct thorough research, explore additional resources, and don’t hesitate to seek guidance from advisors and mentors. With the right preparation and a compelling application, you can turn your dream of studying in Canada into a reality.