Scholarships in Canada🇨🇦 for International Students | Fully Funded, Apply Now

You want to study in Canada without the stress of high tuition. Good news: Canada offers powerful scholarship options for international students at every level. Many are fully funded, cover living costs, and welcome strong applicants from abroad. The 2026/2027 cycle is open across universities and government programs, so this is the right moment to prepare and apply.

This guide shows you exactly how to apply, what GPA you need, and where to find the best awards. You will also see a curated list of top scholarships, including Fully Funded Canadian Government Scholarships, UAlberta, University of Ottawa, University of Saskatchewan, and York University. Follow the steps, get your documents ready, and apply with confidence.

How to Apply for Scholarships in Canada in 2026/2027

1. Choose your program and level: Decide Bachelor, Master’s, or PhD. Shortlist 3 to 5 universities that match your field.
2. Match scholarships: Search each university’s international scholarships page and note awards you qualify for. Add government programs like Vanier and CGS-M if you are eligible.
3. Check the selection criteria: GPA targets, language scores, research proposals, leadership, and references. Confirm if a separate scholarship application is required.
4. Prepare key documents: Transcripts, passport, language test, CV, statement of purpose or research proposal, references, and proof of achievements.
5. Secure referees early: Ask professors or employers who know your work. Share your CV and draft statement so they can write strong letters.
6. Write a targeted statement: Show your impact, leadership, and fit with the program and supervisor. Be specific and concise.
7. Contact potential supervisors (for research Master’s/PhD): Send a short email with CV and research idea. A confirmed supervisor can boost funding chances.
8. Apply before the deadline: Submit the program application and any separate scholarship forms. Upload complete, clear documents.
9. Track and respond: Monitor your email and portal. Provide any extra documents quickly.
10. Plan your study permit: Once funded, start your Canadian study permit application early to avoid delays.

How much GPA do you need for scholarships in Canada?

GPA requirements vary by university and award, but strong applications usually meet or exceed these ranges. Lower GPAs can still win awards if you bring leadership, research impact, or exceptional achievements.

If your grades are from a different system, universities will convert them. Provide grading keys from your school to help evaluators assess you fairly.

What scholarships usually cover

• Full or partial tuition
• Monthly stipend for living costs
• Health insurance
• Research and conference travel
• Books and incidental fees

C coverage levels vary by award. Always read the official funding breakdown before you apply.

Who can apply: quick eligibility snapshot

List of Scholarships in Canada for International Students 2026/2027

1) Fully Funded Canadian Government Scholarships

Canada funds competitive national awards for top international researchers and graduate students. These programs are highly prestigious and can be fully funded for the award period.

Who can apply: International students and researchers meeting each program’s criteria. For Vanier and CGS M you apply through a Canadian institution that nominates or hosts you. Strong GPA, leadership, and research potential are essential.

How to apply:

1. Identify a Canadian host institution and potential supervisor if required.
2. Review the official guide for the 2026/2027 cycle and confirm eligibility.
3. Prepare a standout research proposal, CV, and references.
4. Submit through the designated portal with your host institution’s support.

Deadline: Visit the official website for the current deadline.

2) UAlberta Scholarships

The University of Alberta offers strong funding for international students across undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD programs. Many awards are automatic based on your admission average, while others require a separate application. Research students often combine supervisor grants with university scholarships for robust funding.

• Covers: Tuition support, living stipends for graduate students, research and travel funding, and entrance awards for top undergraduates.
• Who can apply: International applicants with competitive grades, language proficiency, and strong references. Research applicants benefit from contacting potential supervisors early.

Official links:
Undergraduate international scholarships |
Graduate scholarships

How to apply:

1. Apply to a UAlberta program for 2026 or 2027 entry.
2. Check automatic entrance awards and submit any required scholarship forms.
3. For research degrees, secure a supervisor and align your proposal with active projects.

Deadline: Visit the official website for the current deadline.

3) University of Ottawa Scholarships

University of Ottawa provides generous support to international students, including entrance scholarships and major renewable awards. Francophone or French-speaking students may access differential tuition exemptions in some streams.

• Covers: Partial to full tuition support, renewable entrance awards, and graduate scholarships tied to research excellence.
• Who can apply: International undergraduates with high admission averages and graduate applicants with strong academic and research profiles.

Official link: uOttawa international scholarships

How to apply:

1. Submit your admission application.
2. Review automatic entrance awards and apply for competitive scholarships that need a separate form.
3. For research Master’s and PhD, contact supervisors and align with faculty funding.

Deadline: Visit the official website for the current deadline.

4) University of Saskatchewan Scholarships

USask offers competitive funding for international undergraduates and strong support for graduate researchers across agriculture, engineering, health, and more. Many graduate awards are department-managed, so supervisor and program fit matter.

• Covers: Entrance awards for undergrads, graduate scholarships and fellowships, research funding, and teaching or research assistantships.
• Who can apply: International students with solid GPAs, language scores, and strong references. Research candidates with clear proposals have an advantage.

Official links:
Undergraduate scholarships |
Graduate scholarships

How to apply:

1. Apply to USask and review the scholarships listed for your faculty.
2. Submit any additional scholarship forms and upload required documents.
3. For graduate awards, coordinate with your department and potential supervisor.

Deadline: Visit the official website for the current deadline.

5) York University Canada Scholarships

York University offers high-value international entrance awards, including prestigious renewable scholarships for top students who demonstrate leadership and community impact. Some require a separate, competitive application.

• Covers: Significant tuition reductions and renewable awards for exceptional undergraduates. Graduate funding is available via programs and supervisors.
• Who can apply: International students with strong grades, leadership activities, and a record of impact in their community.

Official link: York international scholarships

How to apply:

1. Apply for admission to York for 2026 or 2027 entry.
2. Complete the separate scholarship application if required and provide references.
3. Highlight leadership, volunteering, and awards in your statement and CV.

Deadline: Visit the official website for the current deadline.

Scholarships for Master’s and PhD in Canada 2026/2027

Master’s scholarships

• CGS M: National funding for research-focused Master’s students hosted at eligible Canadian universities.
• University awards: Entrance and in-program scholarships, plus teaching and research assistantships.
• Faculty grants: Supervisor-funded positions tied to active research projects.

Tip: A focused research statement and early supervisor contact can turn an admission offer into a funded position.

PhD scholarships

• Vanier: Flagship PhD award recognizing academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.
• University doctoral fellowships: Multi-year funding packages combining scholarships and assistantships.
• External awards: Discipline-specific grants through tri-agency councils or foundations.

Tip: Emphasize publications, conference talks, and societal impact. Align your proposal with national research priorities where relevant.

Documents you need to win

• Valid passport
• Official transcripts and degree certificates with grading scale
• Proof of English or French proficiency
• Academic CV
• Statement of purpose or research proposal
• 2 to 3 recommendation letters
• Portfolio or writing samples where applicable
• Awards, publications, and evidence of leadership or community work

Pro tips to stand out

• Lead with outcomes: Quantify impact in your CV and statement.
• Show fit: Link your goals to the program, faculty, and supervisor research.
• Make referees’ work easy: Share bullet points they can cite about your achievements.
• Edit hard: Clear, error-free writing signals readiness for graduate-level work.
• Apply widely: Combine university and government awards to maximize funding.

FAQs

Do international students qualify for fully funded scholarships in Canada?

Yes. Programs like Vanier and many university doctoral packages can be fully funded. Master’s students often combine scholarships with assistantships for full coverage.

Is GPA the only thing that matters?

No. GPA helps, but research potential, leadership, references, and a compelling statement are critical, especially for top awards.

Can I apply before finishing my current degree?

Usually yes. You can apply with in-progress transcripts. Funding is confirmed when you provide final results meeting the offer conditions.

Do I need a supervisor to get funding?

For research Master’s and PhD, securing a supervisor or departmental support significantly increases your chances and may be required for some awards.

Are deadlines the same each year?

No. Dates change by program and university. Always check the official website for the latest deadline for the 2026/2027 cycle.

Deadlines for 2026/2027

• Government scholarships: Visit each program page for the current deadline.
• University scholarships: Deadlines vary by institution and faculty. Confirm on the official scholarship page for 2026 or 2027 entry.

Always verify the latest eligibility and deadlines on the official websites. Policies and award amounts can change.

Ready to study in Canada on a scholarship? Shortlist your programs today, line up your referees, and start your application. Fully Funded opportunities are waiting. Apply now and secure your spot for 2026/2027.