What are the Types of Scholarships in Canada?
It is advised that students should start preparing to qualify for the Scholarship process well in advance before their intended intake. However, before preparing and applying for the scholarships, it is necessary to be aware of the types of scholarships available. Following are the three types of fully funded scholarships in Canada for Indian students.
- Government-Funded: These scholarships are the ones that are fully funded by the Canadian Government. They include awards that encourage students to pursue their higher studies.
- Non-Government funded: These scholarships are provided by entities other than the government such as charities and trust funds, and are designated for specific courses.
- Institutional: These scholarships are offered by schools and universities.
List of Fully-Funded Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students 2025
Fully-Funded Undergraduate Scholarships in Canada
The average cost of enrolling in an undergraduate program in Canada can be around CAD 34,000. However, this does not include additional costs such as living costs, books and study materials, transportation, healthcare, etc.
In such circumstances, fully-funded scholarships in Canada can give students a great respite, allowing students to pursue their education abroad without a hefty financial burden. Here are some of the well-known fully-funded undergraduate scholarships in Canada.
Lester B. Pearson Scholarships - University of Toronto
Covers Full tuition, books, incidental expenses, and housing.
International Scholars Program Awards - University of British Columbia
Full-ride scholarship awarded based on extracurricular and academic excellence.
UdeM Exemption Scholarship for International Students- Université de Montréal
Exempts students from paying additional tuition fees, with varying amounts for masters and undergraduate programs.
Fully-Funded Master’s Scholarships in Canada
A full scholarship at the master’s level typically covers tuition and provides a monthly maintenance grant for living expenses, as well as funds for travel. Below are some of the main fully-funded Master's degree scholarships in Canada.
University of Alberta Graduate Entrance Scholarship
Offers a stipend of CAD 17,500-21,000 while international students receive an additional CAD 10,000 to cover tuition fees. The admission GPA should be 3.7 or higher.
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship
This scholarship offers CAD 14,000 -18,000 per year for master’s and doctoral students. The funding tenure is between 12 and 48 months.
Fully-Funded PhD Scholarships in Canada
For extensive research work and study, PhD students usually need substantial financing. Fully-funded PhD scholarships in Canada cover tuition fees plus a stipend for living costs, allowing students to focus on their research without financial worries. Here are some well-known fully-funded PhD scholarships in Canada.
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship
Selected candidates receive up to CAD 40,000 per year to cover their living and tuition costs. They also receive up to CAD 20,000 per year for learning languages, research, networking, travel for doctoral research, and travel and accommodation for the Foundation's leadership program.
UBC Four Year Doctoral Fellowship
Provides up to full funding, including tuition and a stipend for living expenses.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Offers support of CAD 50,000 per year for three years for doctoral students.
Ontario Trillium Scholarships
The University of Toronto offers 15 of these scholarships annually. This province-led scholarship program aims to attract the best international researchers to Canada.
How to Apply for a Fully-Funded Scholarship in Canada
To apply for a fully-funded scholarship in Canada, students generally need to follow these steps:-
- Step 1: Research Scholarships - Look for scholarships that match your academic and career goals.
- Step 2: Prepare Documents - Gather necessary documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and proof of language proficiency.
- Step 3: Submit Application - Fill out the application forms and submit them before the deadline along with all required documents.
- Step 4: Follow-up - Monitor the application status and follow up if required.
What is the Importance of Scholarships for Studying in Canada?
The high cost of living and studying abroad can sometimes become a barrier for many aspirational students. Many Canadian universities roll out numerous scholarships to ease their journey and provide them with a high-quality education. Let’s understand what significant role scholarships play in studying in Canada.
- These non-repayable financial rewards are an excellent means for students to obtain education in Canada without financial constraints.
- It also relieve the burden on students who would otherwise need to work part-time to pay tuition fees.
- Furthermore, Scholarships recognize and reward academic excellence, encouraging students to pursue their academic and research potential to the fullest.
- Scholarships also play a crucial role in positively impacting the students, by focusing more on their capabilities and knowledge.
- Additionally, scholarships provide students with the opportunity to step out of their comfort zones and offer immense support. For instance, many mentorship programs, academic and career counseling, and language training are offered to the students.