Introduction to Full Scholarships for International Students in Canada
Canada is globally recognized for its world-class education system, inclusive multicultural environment, and commitment to academic excellence. For international students seeking affordable education, Canada provides a wealth of opportunities through full scholarships offered by some of its top universities. These scholarships not only cover tuition fees but often include living expenses, travel costs, and other academic-related expenditures.
Below, we explore the leading Canadian universities that offer full scholarships to international students, detailing their eligibility criteria, scholarship amounts, and unique features.
1. University of Toronto – Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
The University of Toronto, consistently ranked among the top universities globally, offers the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, one of the most prestigious full scholarships in Canada.
Key Features:
- Covers full tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.
- Awarded annually to 37 outstanding international students.
- Focuses on academic excellence, creativity, leadership, and school/community impact.
Eligibility:
- Must be an international student requiring a study permit.
- Must be nominated by the student’s high school.
- Must apply to an undergraduate program at U of T.
Application Deadline:
- School nomination: November
- Student application: Mid-January
2. University of British Columbia – International Scholars Program
The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers several full-ride scholarships through its International Scholars Program. These awards are tailored to students with strong academic backgrounds and financial need.
Scholarship Streams:
- Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award
- Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award
- International Impact Award
- Vantage One Excellence Award
Coverage:
- Covers full tuition, living costs, and additional fees based on demonstrated financial need.
- Renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study.
Eligibility:
- Must be entering from secondary school or transferring from a recognized university.
- Must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and financial need.
- Must be nominated by a school official.
Application Deadline:
- Typically in November
3. York University – Global Leader of Tomorrow and International Entrance Scholarships
York University, located in Toronto, offers competitive scholarships to international students entering undergraduate programs.
Scholarship Options:
- Global Leader of Tomorrow Award: Valued at $20,000 per year, renewable for four years.
- International Entrance Scholarship of Distinction: Valued at $35,000 per year, renewable for up to four years.
Coverage:
- Together these awards cover full tuition and partial living expenses for four years.
Eligibility:
- Must be international students applying to a direct-entry undergraduate program.
- Must have excellent academic record, leadership, and community service.
Application Deadline:
- Usually February 1st
4. University of Waterloo – International Student Entrance Scholarships
The University of Waterloo, a global leader in innovation and engineering, offers scholarships to international students entering their first year of undergraduate programs.
President’s Scholarship of Distinction:
- Valued at $2,000 – $10,000 CAD based on merit and faculty.
- Top-performing students may receive additional funding or full support through faculty-nominated awards and research stipends.
International Master’s and Doctoral Awards:
- Full-time international graduate students receive $2,045 per term for Master’s and $4,090 per term for PhDs, in addition to TA/RA opportunities.
Eligibility:
- Must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement.
- Some scholarships are automatically awarded, while others require an application.
5. University of Calgary – International Entrance Scholarships
The University of Calgary offers full scholarships that recognize academic merit and financial need.
Notable Scholarships:
- University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship: Valued at $20,000, renewable annually.
- International Baccalaureate Diploma Scholarship: Valued at $2,000 to $25,000 depending on program and ranking.
Coverage:
- May cover full tuition and part of living expenses based on award structure.
Eligibility:
- Open to first-year international students.
- Strong academic record and demonstrated leadership in extracurricular activities.
6. Carleton University – Prestige Scholarships
Carleton University in Ottawa provides a series of prestigious awards for international students with outstanding high school achievements.
Scholarship Packages:
- Chancellor’s Scholarship: $30,000 total
- Richard Lewar Entrance Scholarship: $21,500 total
- Carleton University Scholarship of Excellence: Full coverage of tuition and fees, renewable up to four years.
Eligibility:
- Must have an admission average of 90% or higher.
- Must demonstrate leadership qualities and extracurricular participation.
7. University of Alberta – International Student Scholarships
Located in Edmonton, the University of Alberta supports talented international students through its robust entrance scholarship system.
Fully Funded Options:
- President’s International Distinction Scholarship: Valued at $120,000 CAD over four years.
- International Leader Scholarship: Up to $10,000 for new students.
Graduate Funding:
- Graduate students are eligible for fully funded PhD and Master’s programs with scholarships, stipends, and assistantships.
Eligibility:
- High school academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
- Separate application required for major awards.
8. McGill University – Entrance and In-Course Scholarships
McGill University in Montreal provides generous financial support through Entrance Scholarships and the McGill Financial Aid Office.
Full-Ride Scholarships:
- While McGill offers primarily partial entrance scholarships, students with high need and merit can combine funding sources for full tuition and living coverage.
Eligibility:
- Academic excellence and financial need.
- Strong performance in English proficiency tests and academic curriculum.
Graduate Funding:
- Graduate students can apply for fully funded PhD programs and research assistantships.
9. Dalhousie University – Scholarships and Bursaries
Dalhousie University, based in Nova Scotia, offers several awards for international undergraduate and graduate students.
International Entrance Awards:
- Valued up to $20,000 CAD per year, covering full or partial tuition.
Scholarships for Graduate Students:
- Full scholarships available through Killam Scholarships, Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarships, and internal department funding.
Eligibility:
- Strong academic record, community leadership, and faculty nomination.
10. Concordia University – Presidential Scholarship
Concordia University in Montreal offers one of the most comprehensive scholarships for undergraduate students.
Presidential Scholarship:
- Covers full tuition, books, and living expenses.
- Renewable for up to four years based on academic performance.
Eligibility:
- Exceptional academic achievement.
- Demonstrated leadership and commitment to community service.
Conclusion
Canada offers a diverse and accessible landscape of full scholarships for international students at both undergraduate and graduate levels. These scholarships empower outstanding students from around the world to pursue their dreams in an academic environment known for its inclusiveness, innovation, and excellence. From fully-funded tuition to comprehensive living support, the scholarships provided by Canadian universities are among the most competitive and generous in the world.
