Canada Scholarships 2026-2027: Fully Funded Study
Canada has become one of the most popular study destinations worldwide — and for good reason. World-class universities, a welcoming multicultural society, strong job markets, and clear pathways to permanent residence make it an attractive option for international students.
This guide covers the top fully funded scholarships available for international students to study in Canada.
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1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Host | University of Toronto |
| Coverage | Full tuition + books + incidental fees + accommodation |
| Number of awards | ~37 per year |
| Eligibility | International students |
| Deadline | October 16 / November 6, 2026 |
The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship is the most prestigious undergraduate scholarship in Canada. It recognizes international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and creativity, and who are recognized as leaders within their school and community.
What It Covers
- Full tuition for 4 years
- Books and course materials
- Incidental fees
- Full residence accommodation
- Total value: $100,000+
Eligibility
- International student (non-Canadian)
- Currently in final year of secondary school
- Demonstrated leadership and academic excellence
- Nominated by your school
How to Apply
1. Your school must nominate you (U of T contacts schools)
2. Apply to the University of Toronto for admission
3. Complete the Pearson Scholarship application
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2. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Level | PhD |
| Host | Any Canadian university |
| Coverage | $50,000/year for 3 years |
| Number of awards | ~166 per year |
| Eligibility | Domestic and international doctoral students |
| Deadline | November 2026 (varies by university) |
The Vanier CGS is the Canadian government’s premier doctoral scholarship. It supports world-class doctoral students who demonstrate leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement.
What It Covers
- $50,000 per year for 3 years
- Can be held at any Canadian university with Vanier allocation
- Research and living expenses
Eligibility
- Must be pursuing a PhD at a Canadian university
- Both Canadian and international students eligible
- Strong academic record
- Demonstrated research potential
- Leadership experience
How to Apply
Apply through the Canadian university where you’re pursuing your PhD. Each university has its own internal deadline (typically September-October) before submitting nominations to the Vanier program by November.
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3. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Level | Master’s |
| Host | McGill University, Montreal |
| Coverage | Fully funded — tuition, housing, stipend, travel |
| Number of awards | 35 per year |
| Eligibility | African students |
| Deadline | August 21, 2026 |
Full Mastercard Foundation Guide →
Eligible Programs at McGill
- Public Health
- Nutrition
- Public Policy
- Sustainable Agriculture
Requirements
- Must attend a mandatory info session (Jun 23 – Jul 15, 2026)
- African citizen with financial need
- Strong academic background
- Leadership and commitment to community
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4. University of British Columbia (UBC) Scholarships
UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award
- Level: Undergraduate
- Coverage: Full tuition + living costs (need-based)
- Eligibility: International students with financial need
- Deadline: Varies (apply for admission by December 1)
UBC Graduate Scholarships
- Level: Master’s, PhD
- Coverage: Varies (tuition + stipend)
- Includes: Four Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF) — $18,000+/year + tuition
- Eligibility: All international graduate students
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5. University of Toronto Graduate Scholarships
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
- Level: Master’s, PhD
- Value: $15,000/year
- Eligibility: International students enrolled at Ontario universities
- Deadline: Varies by university
U of T Fellowships
- Level: Master’s, PhD
- Value: Varies (up to full funding)
- Available to: International graduate students
- Application: Auto-considered with admission
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6. University of Alberta International Scholarships
| Scholarship | Level | Value | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Entrance Scholarship | UG | Up to $120,000 (5 years) | Varies |
| President’s International Distinction Scholarship | UG | $80,000 (4 years) | Varies |
| International Country Scholarship | UG | $50,000 (4 years) | Varies |
| Graduate Entrance Scholarship | Master’s/PhD | $5,000-17,500 | Varies |
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Comparison Table
| Scholarship | Level | Value | Deadline | Who |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lester B. Pearson | UG | Full + accommodation | Oct-Nov 2026 | International |
| Vanier CGS | PhD | $50K/yr × 3 yrs | Nov 2026 | Domestic + International |
| Mastercard (McGill) | Master’s | Full | Aug 21, 2026 | African students |
| UBC International Leader | UG | Full (need-based) | Dec 1 | International |
| UAlberta President’s | UG | $80K/4 yrs | Varies | International |
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Why Study in Canada?
| Factor | Canada |
|---|---|
| University quality | 3 universities in global top 50 (U of T, UBC, McGill) |
| Tuition | Lower than USA/UK for same quality |
| Post-graduation work | 3-year PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) |
| Pathway to PR | Express Entry — one of the easiest paths to permanent residence |
| Safety | Consistently ranked among safest countries |
| Multicultural | Over 200 ethnic origins represented |
| Healthcare | International students can access provincial health plans |
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How to Maximize Your Chances for Canada Scholarships
1. Apply Early
Canadian universities have early deadlines for scholarship consideration. For undergraduate: apply November – December 2026 for September 2027 entry.
2. Research Your University’s Specific Scholarships
Every Canadian university has its own scholarship portfolio — from automatic entrance awards to competitive full-ride programs. Check each university’s financial aid page.
3. The FAFSA Alternative
Canada doesn’t use FAFSA. Instead, each university has its own financial aid application process. Some use the International Student Financial Aid Application.
4. Consider Provincial Scholarships
Provinces like Ontario (OGS), Quebec (PBEEE), and British Columbia (BC Scholarships) have their own programs for international students.
5. Demonstrate Research Potential (Graduate)
For Master’s and PhD, contact potential supervisors before applying. A supervisor who wants to work with you dramatically increases your chances of scholarship funding.
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Timeline
| Month | Action |
|---|---|
| Now (Jul-Aug 2026) | Research universities and scholarship options |
| August 2026 | Apply: Mastercard Foundation (McGill) by Aug 21 |
| Sep-Oct 2026 | Apply: Lester B. Pearson (U of T) |
| Nov 2026 | Apply: Vanier CGS (through your university) |
| Nov-Dec 2026 | Apply: UBC, UAlberta scholarships |
| Jan-Apr 2027 | Apply for admission to Canadian universities |
| May-Sep 2027 | Visa processing, pre-departure |
| Sep 2027 | Studies begin! |
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Your Action Plan
1. This month: Research Canadian universities and scholarship programs
2. Identify 2-3 target scholarships and their specific deadlines
3. For undergraduate: Check if your school can nominate you for the Pearson Scholarship
4. For graduate: Start contacting potential supervisors at Canadian universities
5. Prepare your documents — transcripts, language tests, recommendation letters
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Canada offers world-class education with some of the best post-graduation opportunities anywhere. If you study at a Canadian university, you can stay, work, and build a life. Share this guide with someone considering Canada.