Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships Canada: Apply Now for Your Degree

You can turn that idea into a practical plan. This guide walks you through top awards that help international students study in Canada without the heavy cost of tuition and fees.

Learn how the Lester Pearson International and other high‑value entrance awards work. You’ll see how prizes like the Pearson, Calgary entrance grants, Saskatchewan excellence awards, York’s large offers and Douglas College support can cover tuition, residence and living costs.

We also clarify where graduate options fit. Programs such as Vanier, Trudeau and Banting pay generous sums think 50,000 per year or 70,000 per year for advanced studies but differ from undergrad aid.

By the end of this section you’ll know the basics of the application process, what "cover full tuition" can mean, and which steps to take next to chase a degree with minimal debt.

Why Canada is your best bet for a debt‑free undergraduate degree

Canada’s universities pair world‑class teaching with awards that can cut your costs and protect your savings. Top schools like the University of Toronto, Calgary, Saskatchewan and York offer entrance funding and high‑value prizes that reduce tuition fees and help with living costs.

You’ll see options made for international students. Some awards consider leadership and community impact as much as grades. Others automatically assess applicants on admission, so you don’t miss a chance to be reviewed.

• You get access to campus co‑op, research and student services that boost your studies and career prospects.
• Target awards that reward extracurricular impact, not just grades, to stand out as a whole applicant.
• Combine competitive, fully funded packages with renewable entrance funding to keep costs down across each year.

In short: choose a strategic application plan, show leadership, and you can earn a degree that opens doors around the world without heavy debt.

fully funded undergraduate scholarships Canada

Discover the top entry awards that can remove tuition barriers and help you plan a debt‑light degree.

Start your shortlist with clearly named programs: the Lester Pearson International at U of T, UBC’s need‑based Major Entrance awards, Calgary’s renewable entrance prize, USask excellence awards and York’s large offers.

Some prizes cover nearly all study costs tuition, books and residence while others combine renewable annual sums to lower total fees across four years.

Tip: target nomination‑based awards early, and apply to universities that automatically consider applicants so you get multiple chances.

• Focus on awards that value leadership and community impact as much as grades.
• Map how need‑based top‑ups differ from fixed renewable grants across your degree.
• Gather references, transcripts and activity records well before tight early deadlines.

With a clear plan you can prioritise the right programs and shape a strong application process that improves your odds as an international student seeking major support.

Understanding what “fully funded” really covers

Know exactly which costs a top award will cover so you avoid surprise bills during your first year. The phrase fully funded sounds reassuring, but the items included vary by prize and campus.

Tuition, residence, books and incidental costs

Some awards pay tuition fees, residence and course materials. For example, the Pearson at U of T covers tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years.

Other entrance prizes focus mainly on tuition and mandatory fees. That means you may still need funds for health insurance, meal plans and textbooks.

Living allowance and stipend variations

Universities differ on living support. UBC’s awards vary by need and not all include a stipend. Many entrance awards (Calgary, USask) offer generous tuition offsets but may not add housing or a living stipend.

• Read the fine print on renewability and academic conditions.
• Ask what is billed directly to you versus paid to the university.
• Map seasonal costs and exchange rates into your budget.

When you apply, target awards that match your needs and follow the application process steps to confirm which core items the award will actually support.

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto

The Lester B. Pearson award is aimed at high‑impact young leaders who need support to study at a top university. It covers the essentials so you can focus on classes and community work.

What the award covers

Confirm coverage: full tuition, books, incidental fees and residence for four years. This creates a truly fully funded scholarship experience at U of T for the selected students.

Who gets nominated

You must be an international student in your final year of secondary school and applying for your first undergraduate degree. Schools nominate candidates after an internal review of academics and leadership.

Application flow

Follow this order: secure school nomination, submit your University of Toronto application, then complete the Pearson application via the portal. Deadlines start with the school cut‑offs.

How to stand out

• Show sustained leadership and measurable community impact.
• List outcomes: hours, people helped, funds raised, awards earned.
• Choose referees who can attest to initiative and campus fit.

UBC International Leader of Tomorrow and Major Entrance Awards

At UBC, major entrance prizes can offset tuition and sometimes living expenses for high‑impact students.

What these awards are: UBC’s Undergraduate awards include the Outstanding International Student (OIS) and International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES). Funding levels vary and may consider both merit and need.

How need is calculated

UBC estimates your cost of studies and then compares it to your available resources. If the gap is clear, awards can cover remaining tuition and, in some cases, part of living costs.

Leadership and impact UBC seeks

UBC rewards action, not titles. They look for sustained achievement, measurable community outcomes and initiative across school or local projects.

• Apply to your chosen program early; the application process ties to admission deadlines.
• Document financial need clearly and align figures with UBC’s cost estimate.
• Choose referees who describe specific impact and consistency.

Note: award coverage changes by year and funding. For a wider view of options, see this guide on fully funded scholarships in Canada.

University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship

Calgary’s international entrance prize converts strong admission credentials into predictable funding across four years. You’ll see how a renewable award changes budgeting for tuition and housing while you study.

Renewable CAD 15,000 per year up to CAD 60,000

What you can expect: the main renewable award provides CAD 15,000 per year, renewable for up to four years for a total of CAD 60,000. Calgary also offers one‑time $10,000 awards for other incoming students.

Maintaining eligibility through your first year and beyond

You must be entering first year and meet the university’s English proficiency requirement to be considered. Renewal depends on keeping a minimum GPA each year, so plan your course load from semester one.

• Target the renewable prize if you want steady support across each year.
• Apply early with transcripts, test scores and references to avoid delays.
• Balance academics and leadership to strengthen both admission and renewal chances.

"A renewable award gives you financial certainty and lets you focus on learning and campus impact."

Compare and plan: contrast this renewable structure with one‑time prizes like the Lester Pearson International to see how total value and stability differ. Use the annual amount to map tuition and living costs so you know what gap you must cover each year.

University of Saskatchewan International Excellence Awards

The University of Saskatchewan reviews admission files automatically for the International Excellence Awards, so you don’t need a separate application to be considered.

The awards typically range from CAD 10,000 to CAD 20,000 and can meaningfully lower your first‑year tuition. USask is a research‑intensive university, so you’ll study in a setting that supports labs, projects and career hands‑on learning.

How to activate and maximise consideration

Apply to your chosen program on time to trigger automatic review. Strong grades and a clear program fit raise your chance of being selected.

• No extra form: admission equals scholarship consideration for many awards.
• Know the value: awards are usually CAD 10,000–20,000; check whether they apply per year or as a one‑time entrance amount.
• Budget smart: factor Saskatoon’s lower cost of living when planning leftover expenses after the award posts to your student account.

Also explore campus supports academic advising and career mentoring help you transition and make the most of your study experience. When allowed, you can stack this award with faculty‑level funding to increase overall aid.

See detailed USask award information to confirm terms and deadlines before you submit your admission application.

Other scholarships you should watch at the undergraduate level

Keep an eye on a few campus awards that can change your cost plan across each year. These programs vary by value, renewal rules and intake caps.

York University: high‑value annual awards

Value: up to $35,000 per year (as much as $140,000 over four years).

Why it matters: this prize can cover most tuition and major living costs if you meet the criteria.

Douglas College: focused tuition support

The International Student Scholarship gives up to CAD 7,000 to selected entrants. Note: only up to five recipients are chosen each year, so apply early.

Humber: mix of full and partial entrance awards

Humber offers one full‑tuition award plus partial awards ($5,000 and $3,000) for specific intakes. Some awards allow renewal if you meet GPA rules.

• Check eligibility and required documents early; caps mean spots fill fast.
• Confirm whether an award stacks with other campus funding or applies directly to your student account.
• Compare renewal conditions like minimum GPA and course load to keep access each year.

"Target a mix of research and teaching‑focused universities to widen your chances and secure steady support."

What’s not undergraduate: reading graduate awards without the confusion

A clear split between bachelor‑level aid and later research awards will save you time and confusion.

The Vanier, Banting and Pierre Elliott Trudeau programs are aimed at later stages of your academic path. They are for master, PhD or postdoctoral work not for first‑degree applications.

Vanier, Banting and Trudeau: who they serve

Vanier Canada Graduate is for PhD candidates. It gives $50,000 per year for three years and rewards research excellence, leadership and impact.

Banting postdoctoral fellowships support postdocs with a high stipend. Winners receive about $70,000 per year for two years to pursue research at Canadian institutions.

Pierre Elliott Trudeau (Trudeau Foundation scholarships) fund doctoral scholars. Awards can reach up to $60,000 per year and include a sizeable travel allowance for research and networking.

Why these matter if you plan a long academic journey

• They are milestones after your bachelor and often after a master degree.
• Winning one shapes your research profile, network and career prospects.
• Focus early on research experience, mentors and publications if you aim for these awards.

Do not try to apply for these during your first‑year admission they follow advanced study and research experience.

McCall MacBain at McGill: master’s and second‑entry professional clarity

McCall MacBain provides a leadership‑centred package for master’s and second‑entry professional applicants at McGill.

What it covers and why it isn’t for a first bachelor’s degree.

You should know this award funds graduate study, not a first‑degree. It pays full tuition and fees for qualifying master’s or second‑entry professional programs at the university.

The award also includes a $2,300 monthly stipend during academic terms, a relocation grant and optional funding of up to $5,000 for summer initiatives. French language courses are available to help with living and integration in Montréal.

Leadership programming, mentorship, and summer initiatives

Expect a strong cohort focus. You gain a leadership curriculum with bi‑weekly seminars, retreats and place‑based learning. The McCall MacBain House supports workshops, lunch‑and‑learns and wellbeing activities.

You are paired with mentors, an executive coach and sector advisors who help set goals and connect you with leaders. Up to 30 main awards are given each year, plus regional finalists and related scholarships.

Compare this scholarship’s leadership network and community with other prizes such as the Pierre Elliott Trudeau awards when planning post‑degree paths.

Eligibility essentials for international students entering first year

Before you apply, confirm the basic eligibility rules that gate entry and award review at each campus.

Academic excellence, leadership, and community impact

Grades matter. Prioritise strong marks, advanced coursework and any required test scores to meet competitive thresholds.

Show impact: document leadership with clear outcomes hours, people helped, funds raised and awards won so reviewers see results.

School nominations, English proficiency, and program choice

Check whether a prize needs a school nomination (for example, the Pearson requires one) and speak with your counsellor early.

Ensure English proficiency is confirmed with accepted tests or prior instruction to avoid last-minute delays in the application process.

Pick a program that fits your strengths and goals; alignment boosts both admission and award consideration.

• Prepare referees who highlight sustained contribution, not one-off acts.
• Verify residency and citizenship rules for international students to prevent ineligibility.
• Create a shared calendar of deadlines for each university and scholarship.

Your application strategy and timeline

A successful application strategy begins by identifying the single earliest cutoff and working back from there.

Start by listing every deadline and requirement for each award and program you want. Many prizes require early fall action, and some need a school nomination first.

Securing nominations and meeting early university deadlines

For prizes like the Pearson you must get a school nomination before applying to the university portal. USask often reviews admission files automatically, so apply to the program on time to trigger consideration.

Calgary winners need English proficiency and a minimum GPA for renewal, so book tests and plan your course load to meet those rules.

Building references, personal statements, and activity portfolios

Ask referees at least four weeks before your deadline and give them a short CV and bullet points to speed writing.

Draft targeted personal statements that link your leadership story to the university and the award criteria. Keep evidence clear: hours, outcomes, links, photos or news clippings.

• Compile an activity portfolio with documented outcomes and media where possible.
• Prepare a concise impact summary for counsellors when you seek nomination.
• Set two stretch awards, two matches and two safeties as your contingency plan.

Submitting university and scholarship applications in the right order

Submit admissions first when a scholarship depends on it (Pearson flow: school nomination → university application → scholarship portal).

Schedule language or test dates early so official scores arrive before deadlines this year. Then submit supporting documents in the portal well ahead of the cutoff.

"Work backwards from the earliest deadline and keep two backup awards this steadies your plan and reduces last-minute stress."

Costs covered vs. costs to plan for

Understand which campus charges the award pays and which expenses you should still save for before arrival. This helps you avoid surprise bills and plan a realistic first year.

Understanding tuition, residence, meal plans, and health insurance

What is billed to your student account: tuition, residence and many mandatory fees. For example, the Pearson award covers tuition, books, incidental fees and residence at U of T, while Calgary and USask often reduce tuition but may not include housing or meal plans.

Check coverage carefully: confirm whether your award offsets tuition fees only or also applies to on‑campus housing and health insurance. If a plan is not included, budget for it separately.

Travel, visa, and incidental fees that may need a buffer

Some costs happen once: visa fees, flights, deposits, winter clothing, and phone setup. Textbooks or course supplies might not be fully covered.

• Separate billed items from out‑of‑pocket expenses.
• Estimate per year living costs by city and build a small emergency reserve.
• Time flights and deposits around disbursement dates to avoid cash‑flow gaps.
• Confirm renewal rules tied to credits and GPA so the award continues to reduce tuition each year.

For tools to help you plan and estimate per year living costs, see this study finance guide.

"A clear budget protects your studies and lets you focus on campus life."

Common mistakes that sink strong applications

Missing one internal deadline or submitting an incomplete file is the fastest way to lose a chance at a top award.

Be proactive treat nomination windows and document lists as non‑negotiable. For prizes like the Pearson you need a school nomination first; Calgary and other entrance awards insist on firm cutoffs and specific paperwork.

Missing nomination windows and incomplete documents

Confirm internal school deadlines early and ask your counsellor what materials they need to nominate you. Create a checklist for transcripts, test scores, references and forms for each application.

Submit at least 48 hours before a portal closes to avoid time‑zone or upload glitches. Brief referees early and give them context so their letters add weight rather than repeat your CV.

Generic essays that don’t show impact or leadership

Avoid broad claims. Replace general statements with concrete outcomes hours logged, people helped, money raised, or a measurable change you led.

• Choose programs that match your real strengths, not perceived shortcuts.
• Proof for consistent dates and roles so reviewers trust your file.
• Apply to several awards to keep a calm buffer if one bid fails.

"Specifics beat adjectives quantify your impact to stand out."

How to compare offers across universities and awards

Don’t judge an offer by its first cheque measure total value and conditions across four years. Start by adding up what each award pays across your full degree. Look beyond first‑year figures to see real impact on cost.

Total value, renewability and academic fit

Compare the total cash value over the degree, renewal rules and GPA requirements. A CAD 15,000 per year prize that renews is different from a one‑time CAD 20,000 grant.

Also check how the program aligns with your goals. Faculty strength, course options and mentoring matter for future master studies and work placements.

Campus supports, mentorship and co‑op or research options

Assess advising, co‑op placements, research labs and leadership programmes that boost your career beyond the cheque. Networking value can match or exceed annual money.

• Align per year support with local cost of living.
• Check stacking rules to see if awards combine.
• Time acceptance to meet funding confirmation dates.

"Pick the offer that lowers total cost, fits your academic plan and strengthens your career path."

Your next steps to study in Canada without tuition fees

Finish your prep by lining up nominations, tests and referees so your applications arrive early and complete.

Shortlist 4–6 targets: include the pearson international scholarship, UBC ILOT/IMES, calgary international entrance and a mix of USask, York or Humber offers. Create a deadline map: nomination first, then the university application, then the award form.

Assemble transcripts, English scores, references and an activity portfolio now. Draft essays weekly that show measurable leadership and impact. Set a budget that pairs likely award value per year with housing and travel.

Keep long‑term goals in mind build research experience toward vanier canada graduate and banting postdoctoral fellowships (eg. 50,000 per year and larger postdoc support) so your degree moves smoothly from entry to advanced funding.

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