Study in Canada on Fully Funded Canadian Scholarships 2026. Apply for fully funded scholarships here. Canada stands as a beacon for global education, offering a welcoming, high-quality, and research-intensive environment. For ambitious international students from all nationalities, the dream of pursuing a Bachelor’s (BS), Master’s (MS), or PhD degree becomes achievable through a diverse portfolio of fully funded Canadian scholarships. These prestigious, merit-based awards are designed not only to cover the significant tuition fees and living expenses but also to foster the next generation of global leaders, researchers, and innovators.
Scholarship Details
Country: Canada
Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligible Nationality: All Nationalities
Deadline: Varies depending on the scholarship and university
Forget expensive overseas education costs! This detailed guide will navigate the complex landscape of Canadian funding, highlighting the key programmes that offer complete financial coverage, turning your aspiration into a secured educational investment for the 2026 intake. We focus on the most competitive and high-value awards, ensuring your application effort maximises your chance for career development and academic excellence.
High Commission of Canada Scholarships (BS, MS, PhD)
💰 Major Fully Funded Canadian Scholarship Programs 2026
The term “Fully Funded Canadian Scholarships” encompasses highly selective programs offered by the Government of Canada and its elite universities, guaranteeing coverage for the duration of your study.
| Scholarship Programme | Degree Level | Financial Coverage Highlights | Institution/Funder |
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) | PhD (Doctoral) | CAD $50,000 per year for three years (Stipend for living and research) | Government of Canada (Tri-Agencies) |
| Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship | Bachelor’s (BS) | Full tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years | University of Toronto (U of T) |
| McCall MacBain Scholarships | Master’s | Full tuition, stipend (CAD $2,000/month), and relocation grant | McGill University |
| University-Specific Graduate Awards | MS & PhD | Varies (Often full tuition waiver + stipends from research/teaching assistantships) | UBC, U of Alberta, U of Waterloo, McGill, U of Montreal, Dalhousie, etc. |
Financial Coverage Note: A fully funded award means all major costs—tuition fees, health insurance, and a substantial monthly stipend—are covered, providing a powerful financial instrument for your international studies.
🎯 Who is Eligible? (Simple Criteria for Top Awards)
These are highly competitive scholarships, requiring applicants to demonstrate clear leadership and academic success.
1. General Eligibility Criteria for All Levels
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Nationality: Open to all nationalities (international students requiring a study permit).
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Academic Excellence: The most critical factor. Applicants must demonstrate a superior academic record (typically maintaining a high GPA, often equivalent to an A or A+). For the Pearson Scholarship, this is judged on exceptional high school achievement.
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Admission Requirement: You must receive, or be actively applying for, an offer of admission to a full-time degree programme at a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Scholarship decisions are often tied to the admission result.
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2. Specific Requirements for Key Programs
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Lester B. Pearson (BS): Must be an international student in your final year of secondary school (or graduated no earlier than June 2025) and be nominated by your high school. You must also apply to an undergraduate programme at the University of Toronto.
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Vanier CGS (PhD): Must be a PhD candidate (or direct-entry $\text{PhD}$) who is at an early stage in their doctoral studies. Candidates must be nominated by a single Canadian university and must demonstrate excellence in academics, research potential, and leadership.
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McCall MacBain (MS/PhD): Candidates must demonstrate outstanding character, community engagement, leadership potential, and entrepreneurial spirit, alongside strong academic merit.
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📝 Application Process and Required Documents
Securing a fully funded spot requires a rigorous, multi-step application process, often beginning a year before your planned study start date.
1. Strategic Application Flow
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Select Program & University: Identify your chosen degree and a Canadian university with strong research ties or specific programs (e.g., U of T for Pearson, McGill for McCall MacBain).
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Apply for Admission: Submit your general application for admission to the university, usually through the provincial portals (like OUAC for Ontario) or the university’s internal system. This is mandatory!
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Seek Nomination (for Vanier/Pearson): For these awards, your university or high school must formally nominate you. Inform your academic institution or guidance counsellor of your intent early (e.g., July-September 2025).
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Complete Scholarship Application: Once nominated or accepted, you will complete the specific scholarship application form (like the Pearson or Vanier CGS application) via the provided private link or portal.
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2. Essential Documentation for Merit Awards
You will need more than just standard academic papers. Focus on documents that prove your potential for academic excellence:
- Official Transcripts & Degree Certificates: Proving your excellent academic history (high GPA).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume: Highlighting leadership, community involvement, awards, and research competence (critical for MS/PhD).
- Personal Statement / Research Proposal: A powerful, compelling essay detailing your career ambition, how your research aligns with the university’s strengths, and your future impact.
- Exceptional Letters of Recommendation: From professors or supervisors who can attest to your standing in the top 1% of your global peers.
- English Language Proficiency: Official results (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL) are typically required, though some universities may waive the requirement if your previous degree was taught in English.
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📅 Important Dates and Deadlines (2026 Intake)
Meeting the early deadlines is crucial, as the most prestigious fully funded awards close well before the general admission dates.
| Action/Deadline | Degree Level | Approximate Deadline | Note |
| Lester B. Pearson Nomination | BS | October 10, 2025 | High school nomination is first. |
| Lester B. Pearson Student App | BS | November 7, 2025 | Scholarship application submission. |
| Vanier CGS Nomination | PhD | Late October 2025 | The university’s internal deadline for nomination. |
| McCall MacBain Application | MS/PhD | August – September 2025 | Separate application from McGill admission. |
| General Admission Deadline | All | December 2025 – January 2026 | Varies by university; required for all internal awards. |
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I study in Canada without IELTS and still get a fully funded scholarship?
A: It is possible. Many Canadian universities, especially for master’s and PhD programmes, grant an IELTS waiver if your previous degree was taught entirely in English (you need an MOI—Medium of Instruction—certificate). However, having a strong language score is always an advantage in a merit-based scholarship competition.
Q2: If I get a full tuition waiver, is that considered fully funded?
A: Not entirely. A full tuition waiver covers only the academic cost. A true fully funded scholarship (like Vanier or Pearson) also provides a substantial stipend (monthly cash allowance) to cover living costs, accommodation, and health insurance.
Q3: How many students receive these top-tier fully funded awards?
A: They are extremely selective. For example, the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship awards only about 37 scholars annually globally. The Vanier CGS awards only 167 nationwide across all disciplines. Your application must be truly exceptional.
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🌐 Official Website Links
Official Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships Website (PhD):
Vanier CGS – Government of Canada
Official Lester B. Pearson Scholarship (Undergraduate):
University of Toronto Pearson Scholarship
Official McCall MacBain Scholarships (Masters/PhD):