Canada is one of the most appealing destinations for international students, but the high tuition fees and living costs can make studying there challenging without financial assistance.
The good news is that international students can access fully funded or comprehensive scholarship opportunities in Canada for the 2027 academic year. These scholarships may cover a wide range of expenses, including tuition, accommodation, living expenses, books, travel, relocation, and other educational costs.
Some of the top scholarship opportunities include the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto, the McCall MacBain Scholarship at McGill University, the UBC International Scholars Program, and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University. For instance, the McCall MacBain Scholarship is a full scholarship for eligible master’s and professional programs, with applications for the 2027 cohort set to open in June 2026.
It is important to note that “fully funded” does not necessarily mean that every scholarship covers the same expenses. Some scholarships may fully cover tuition and residence costs, while others provide a combination of tuition, accommodation, a living allowance, and additional support.
This guide outlines the most important scholarship opportunities to consider for 2027, eligibility criteria, the application process, required documents, and tips for international students to enhance their chances of receiving a scholarship in Canada.
Why Study in Canada in 2027?
Canada has become a popular destination for international students because it combines internationally recognised universities with a multicultural environment and opportunities for research, professional development and post-graduation employment.
Canadian universities offer programmes in virtually every major field, including:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Science
- Business
- Economics
- Public Health
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Agriculture
- Environmental Science
- International Relations
- Architecture
- Law
- Education
- Social Sciences
Canada’s official international student portal provides information on choosing institutions, obtaining study permits, scholarships, working while studying and post-graduation options.
For graduate students, Canada has also introduced measures intended to make the study-permit process more straightforward for certain master’s and doctoral students. From January 1, 2026, certain graduate students no longer require a provincial or territorial attestation letter, according to the Government of Canada.
What Is a Fully Funded Scholarship?
A fully funded scholarship is an award designed to cover most or all of the major costs associated with studying.
Depending on the programme, benefits can include:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Monthly living allowance
- Books
- Health insurance
- Travel allowance
- Airfare
- Relocation allowance
- Research funding
- Academic materials
- Leadership programmes
- Mentorship
However, applicants should always read the official scholarship terms.
A scholarship that covers full tuition may still leave you responsible for certain personal expenses.
Likewise, a scholarship advertised as “fully funded” may provide a living stipend instead of directly paying for accommodation.
Are Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada Available to International Students?
Yes.
Canada has scholarships specifically designed for international students, including undergraduate, master’s and doctoral opportunities.
However, the funding landscape differs substantially by study level.
Undergraduate students tend to have fewer truly full scholarships.
Master’s students can access major university-specific leadership scholarships.
PhD students may have access to research funding, university fellowships and certain national scholarship programmes, although eligibility for government-funded awards varies.
The Government of Canada’s scholarship directory includes information about scholarships and awards for undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and postdoctoral study, including programmes intended for international students.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for 2027
Here are some of the strongest opportunities international students should investigate.
1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
University: University of Toronto
Study level: Undergraduate
Target: Exceptional international students
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is one of Canada’s most prestigious undergraduate scholarships for international students.
The University of Toronto describes it as its largest scholarship programme for international students. Approximately 37 students are named Pearson Scholars each year.
The scholarship covers:
- Tuition
- Books
- Incidental fees
- Full residence support
for four years.
That makes Pearson particularly attractive to students who want to complete an undergraduate degree in Canada without carrying the full financial burden.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is designed for exceptional international students entering their first undergraduate degree.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Exceptional academic performance
- Creativity
- Leadership
- Community involvement
- Strong personal character
- Potential to make a positive impact
Importantly, applicants must be nominated by their high school.
The University of Toronto specifically warns applicants about fraudulent scholarship offers and states that it does not work with recruitment agents or agencies for the Pearson programme.
2. McCall MacBain Scholarship at McGill University
University: McGill University
Study level: Master’s and professional programmes
Target: Canadian and international students
The McCall MacBain Scholarship is one of Canada’s most comprehensive graduate scholarships.
McGill describes it as a full scholarship covering master’s or professional studies. Applications for the 2027 cohort opened on June 1, 2026. For international applicants and other applicants outside the specified Canadian/U.S. categories, the deadline listed by McGill is August 19, 2026.
The scholarship can include:
- Full tuition and fees
- Living stipend
- Summer funding options
- Relocation grant
- Mentorship
- Leadership development
- Coaching
- Enrichment opportunities
McGill currently describes the living stipend as $2,300 per month during academic terms, with summer funding options and relocation support where applicable.
Who Should Apply?
The scholarship looks beyond grades.
Strong candidates typically demonstrate:
- Leadership
- Community involvement
- Entrepreneurial spirit
- Academic strength
- Intellectual curiosity
- Character
- Commitment to positive change
This makes it particularly suitable for applicants who have built projects, led organisations, volunteered extensively or demonstrated meaningful community impact.
Important 2027 Deadline
For applicants outside the Canadian/U.S. university categories specified by McGill:
August 19, 2026
This means that students targeting the 2027 intake need to begin preparing well before 2027.
3. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University
University: McGill University
Study level: Master’s
Target: Students from Africa
This is particularly important for African applicants.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill University is designed for talented African leaders and changemakers pursuing eligible master’s degrees.
McGill states that the programme is open to citizens and residents of countries across the African continent, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa and many others.
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship is comprehensive and can include:
- Full international tuition
- On-campus housing
- Monthly living stipend
- Pre-arrival support
- Immigration support
- Academic tools
- Books
- Laptop support
- Tutoring
- Leadership development
- Professional development
- Post-graduation transition support
- Return flight support
McGill explicitly describes the scholarship as covering the costs associated with attending the university.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants generally need to:
- Be a citizen and resident of an African country
- Be admissible to an eligible McGill programme
- Not have previously completed or registered for a master’s degree
- Have an exceptional record of leadership and service
- Demonstrate commitment to contributing to their community
The programme is especially relevant to people interested in areas such as:
- Public health
- Public policy
- Nutrition
- Sustainable agriculture
2027 Application Process
The process is different from simply submitting a normal McGill application.
Applicants first need to:
- Determine eligibility.
- Attend a mandatory information session.
- Receive an invitation to apply.
- Submit the Mastercard Foundation scholarship application.
- Pass pre-screening.
- Receive a fee waiver and instructions for the McGill admission application.
McGill states that only applicants who complete the required process and are invited receive access to the application form.
For the 2027 cycle, the selection timeline extends into early 2027, with McGill admission decisions expected in February and scholarship selection taking place from mid-February into early March 2027.
4. UBC International Scholars Program
University: University of British Columbia
Study level: Undergraduate
Target: International students
The UBC International Scholars Program is another major opportunity for international students entering undergraduate study.
The programme is designed for students with:
- Outstanding academic performance
- Leadership potential
- Community involvement
- Significant financial need
UBC states that applicants must be international students studying in Canada on a Canadian study permit and entering UBC directly from an accredited secondary school for their first undergraduate degree.
Financial Need Is Important
This scholarship is not simply a merit award.
UBC conducts a financial assessment that can examine:
- Family income
- Family expenses
- Assets
- Overall financial circumstances
UBC says applicants must demonstrate a significant level of financial need such that pursuing the degree without substantial financial assistance would be difficult.
2027 Application Timeline
UBC says applications for the 2027 International Scholars Program open in September 2026.
The university’s published dates list November 15, 2026 as the deadline for international applicants who want to be considered for the International Scholars Program.
Therefore, students hoping to begin in 2027 should not wait until January 2027.
5. University of Toronto International Scholarships
The University of Toronto offers numerous scholarships and awards for international students.
However, students should distinguish between:
fully funded scholarships
and
partial scholarships.
The university itself states that although many scholarships are available to international students, most do not cover the full cost of tuition.
This is important because many websites list every Canadian university scholarship as “fully funded.”
That is misleading.
Always check the actual award value.
6. Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral
Study level: Doctoral
Field: Research-based programmes
The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS D) is a major Canadian research award.
The current programme provides:
$40,000 per year for 36 months.
This is substantial funding for doctoral researchers.
However, there is an important limitation for international applicants.
International students must already be registered in an eligible doctoral programme at a Canadian institution by the application deadline, and up to 15% of awards are available to international applicants.
Therefore, this is not the same as a scholarship that allows an international applicant abroad to apply directly before obtaining admission.
It is more relevant to international doctoral students who are already enrolled in Canada.
7. Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Master’s
The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Master’s provides financial support for high-calibre research students.
The current award value is:
$27,000 for one year.
However, international applicants should pay attention to eligibility.
For the CGRS Master’s programme, the applicant must generally be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Therefore, this should not be marketed as a general fully funded scholarship for international students.
It is included here because it illustrates an important point:
Not every Canadian government scholarship is open to international students.
8. University-Based Graduate Funding
International master’s and PhD students should not limit their search to scholarships carrying the phrase “fully funded.”
Canadian universities often provide graduate funding through combinations of:
- Scholarships
- Fellowships
- Research assistantships
- Teaching assistantships
- Supervisor funding
- Departmental awards
- Graduate assistantships
A funded PhD offer can sometimes provide more meaningful financial support than a standalone scholarship.
For research-based degrees, contacting potential supervisors can therefore be extremely valuable.
How to Find Fully Funded Scholarships at Canadian Universities
If you want to study in Canada in 2027, start by creating a list of universities that offer your programme.
Some leading institutions to investigate include:
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
- University of Waterloo
- McMaster University
- University of Alberta
- University of Calgary
- Western University
- Queen’s University
- University of Ottawa
- Simon Fraser University
- Dalhousie University
- University of Manitoba
- University of Saskatchewan
Do not assume that every scholarship at these universities is fully funded.
Instead, search the university’s official funding pages.
Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships in Canada
Undergraduate applicants face a different scholarship landscape.
Some of the strongest opportunities include:
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
University of Toronto.
UBC International Scholars Program
University of British Columbia.
Other universities also offer large entrance scholarships, but these may cover only part of tuition.
For example, U of T’s international scholarship database contains numerous awards, but the university warns that most scholarships for international students do not cover the entire cost.
Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships in Canada
Master’s applicants should consider:
- McCall MacBain Scholarship
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- University-specific graduate scholarships
- Research funding
- Departmental funding
- Assistantships
McCall MacBain is particularly notable because it provides full tuition and fees plus living support for eligible programmes.
African applicants should also investigate the Mastercard Foundation programme at McGill, especially if their interests align with its eligible fields.
Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in Canada
PhD funding works differently.
Many Canadian doctoral students receive a funding package rather than a single scholarship.
This may combine:
- University fellowship
- Supervisor research funding
- Teaching assistantship
- Research assistantship
- External scholarship
International students should therefore ask potential universities:
“What is the guaranteed annual funding package for international PhD students?”
That question is often more useful than simply asking:
“Do you offer scholarships?”
How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada
The process depends on the scholarship.
A typical application may involve the following steps.
Step 1: Choose Your Study Level
Determine whether you are applying for:
- Bachelor’s
- Master’s
- PhD
Step 2: Select Your Programme
Choose the exact course before choosing the scholarship.
For example:
Master’s in Public Health
is much more specific than:
I want to study in Canada.
Step 3: Identify Eligible Universities
Create a shortlist of approximately 5–10 institutions.
Step 4: Check Scholarship Eligibility
Read:
- Academic requirements
- Nationality requirements
- Leadership requirements
- Financial-need requirements
- Age requirements
- Programme restrictions
- Language requirements
Step 5: Check the Deadline
Never assume that the scholarship deadline is the same as the university admission deadline.
They can be completely different.
UBC, for example, publishes a November 15, 2026 deadline for international applicants seeking consideration for its 2027 International Scholars Program, while its general application deadline is later.
Documents Required for Canadian Scholarships
Most major scholarship applications require some combination of the following.
Academic Transcripts
Your transcript demonstrates your academic performance.
Make sure it is:
- Complete
- Official
- Clearly scanned
- Properly translated where required
Certificates
Prepare:
- Secondary school certificate
- Bachelor’s certificate
- Master’s certificate
depending on your study level.
Curriculum Vitae
Your CV should include:
- Education
- Work experience
- Leadership
- Volunteering
- Research
- Awards
- Publications
- Certifications
Personal Statement
Explain:
- Who you are
- What you have achieved
- Why you want the programme
- Why Canada
- What you intend to accomplish
Scholarship Essay
Some scholarships require specific essay questions.
Do not recycle the same essay for every scholarship.
Each answer should respond directly to the organisation’s priorities.
Recommendation Letters
Strong recommendations can make a significant difference.
Choose referees who can provide specific examples of:
- Leadership
- Academic ability
- Character
- Research
- Community impact
How to Write a Strong Scholarship Essay
A weak scholarship essay often sounds like:
“Canada is a beautiful country and I want to study there because Canadian universities are among the best in the world.”
That statement is generic.
A stronger essay explains:
- What problem you want to solve
- Why your academic background matters
- What you have already done
- Why the selected programme is necessary
- How you will use your education
- Who will benefit
Example Scholarship Story
Suppose you are a Nigerian applicant interested in public health.
Instead of simply saying:
“I want to study public health in Canada.”
You could explain how your academic and community experience exposed you to a specific healthcare challenge, what you did to address it, what you learned and how advanced training in Canada would help you develop a scalable solution.
Scholarship committees are interested in evidence of potential, not just ambition.
Leadership Matters
Several of Canada’s major scholarships are strongly leadership-oriented.
McCall MacBain, for example, evaluates qualities including:
- Character
- Community engagement
- Leadership potential
- Entrepreneurial spirit
- Academic strength
- Intellectual curiosity.
Similarly, UBC’s International Scholars Program looks beyond academics and includes leadership and significant financial need.
Leadership does not necessarily mean being the president of a large organisation.
It could involve:
- Starting a community project
- Organising educational activities
- Mentoring students
- Running a small initiative
- Volunteering consistently
- Building a technology project
- Leading a student association
The key is to demonstrate impact.
Scholarships for Nigerian Students in Canada
Nigerian applicants can apply for several Canadian scholarship opportunities, depending on eligibility.
Particularly relevant programmes include:
- Lester B. Pearson
- McCall MacBain
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- UBC International Scholars Program
- University-specific awards
Nigeria is explicitly included among the eligible African countries for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill.
However, Nigerian citizenship alone does not guarantee eligibility.
You must meet the academic, programme and scholarship-specific requirements.
Scholarships for African Students in Canada
African students should pay special attention to programmes specifically designed for the continent.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is one of the strongest examples.
At McGill, it is designed for African master’s applicants and provides comprehensive financial and leadership support.
Other universities in Canada also participate in Mastercard Foundation initiatives, although eligibility and programmes differ.
Applicants should always visit the specific university’s official programme page rather than relying on third-party lists.
Do You Need IELTS for Canadian Scholarships?
There is no single IELTS rule for every Canadian scholarship.
You need to distinguish between:
Scholarship requirements
and
University admission requirements.
A scholarship may not ask for IELTS directly, but your university may require proof of English proficiency.
Possible alternatives may include:
- TOEFL
- Duolingo
- PTE
- Previous English-medium education
- University-specific exemptions
The exact requirements vary by institution and programme.
Never assume that because one Canadian university accepts an English-medium instruction letter, another will do the same.
Do You Need a Study Permit?
Yes, most international students who want to study in Canada for an eligible programme longer than the relevant short-term period need a study permit.
The Government of Canada provides the official study-permit application process for international students.
Graduate applicants must first obtain admission from a designated learning institution and receive a letter of acceptance.
Can a Scholarship Help With the Study Permit?
A scholarship can strengthen your financial documentation because it demonstrates that some or all of your educational expenses are covered.
However, you still need to satisfy the immigration requirements.
The Canadian government requires international students to demonstrate financial support as part of the study-permit process.
Keep your official scholarship award letter.
It should clearly state:
- Scholarship amount
- Tuition coverage
- Living allowance
- Duration
- Other covered expenses
How Early Should You Start Applying?
For 2027 entry, 2026 is already an important application year for several major scholarships.
For example:
- McCall MacBain 2027 applications opened June 1, 2026.
- UBC’s 2027 International Scholars applications open in September 2026.
- UBC lists November 15, 2026 as the scholarship application deadline for international applicants.
- McGill’s Mastercard Foundation 2027 selection process extends into early 2027.
This means students should not wait until January 2027 to start researching.
Common Mistakes That Reduce Your Chances
Applying After the Deadline
Scholarship deadlines are often strict.
Late applications may not be considered.
Ignoring Nomination Requirements
Pearson requires a high-school nomination.
UBC International Scholars also involves school or registered non-profit nominations.
Applying Without Checking Eligibility
Do not spend hours preparing an application for a programme that does not accept your nationality or degree level.
Using Generic Essays
Tailor your application.
Focusing Only on Grades
Some major scholarships evaluate leadership, service and impact.
Assuming Every Scholarship Is Fully Funded
Always calculate the actual award value.
Paying Scholarship Agents
Be particularly cautious about anyone claiming they can “guarantee” a scholarship.
The University of Toronto has specifically warned about fraudulent communications involving the Lester B. Pearson scholarship.
How to Improve Your Chances of Winning
Start Early
Give yourself months rather than weeks.
Build Your Leadership Profile
Take meaningful responsibility in your school, workplace or community.
Maintain Strong Grades
Academic performance remains important.
Develop a Clear Career Goal
Know what you want to accomplish.
Choose the Right Scholarship
Your profile should match the scholarship’s mission.
Prepare Strong Recommendations
Give your referees enough information to write specific letters.
Proofread Everything
A careless application can undermine an otherwise excellent profile.
Fully Funded Scholarships vs Partial Scholarships
This distinction is worth understanding.
A scholarship worth:
CAD $10,000
is valuable.
But it is not necessarily fully funded.
A full scholarship may cover:
- Tuition
- Accommodation
- Living expenses
or a substantial combination of these.
Always calculate:
Total annual cost − scholarship funding = remaining financial requirement
If the result is still substantial, you need another funding source.
Can You Study in Canada for Free?
International students generally do not study at Canadian universities completely free by default.
Instead, they can obtain scholarships that cover some or all costs.
The University of Toronto explicitly notes that most scholarships for international students do not cover the full cost of tuition.
Therefore, “study in Canada for free” should usually be understood as:
study in Canada with a scholarship that covers your major expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best fully funded scholarships in Canada for 2027?
Some of the strongest opportunities to investigate include:
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
- McCall MacBain Scholarship
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill
- UBC International Scholars Program
- Major university-specific graduate funding packages
Eligibility varies significantly.
Which Canadian scholarship is best for undergraduate students?
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is one of the strongest options for international undergraduate applicants because it covers tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years.
UBC’s International Scholars Program is another major option for eligible international students with significant financial need.
Which Canadian scholarship is best for master’s students?
The McCall MacBain Scholarship is one of Canada’s most comprehensive master’s and professional-degree scholarships.
For eligible African applicants, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill can also provide comprehensive support.
Are Canadian scholarships available for Nigerian students?
Yes.
Nigerian students can apply for eligible Canadian scholarships.
Nigeria is specifically included in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill’s list of eligible African countries.
Can I get a fully funded PhD scholarship in Canada?
Yes, although PhD funding often comes through a combination of scholarships, fellowships, research funding and assistantships.
International students may also qualify for certain doctoral research awards under specific conditions. The CGRS-D, for example, allows international applicants who are already registered in eligible Canadian doctoral programmes, with up to 15% of awards available to international applicants.
When should I apply for 2027 scholarships?
Start in 2026.
Several major 2027 scholarship competitions open during 2026.
Do not wait until the beginning of 2027.
Do Canadian scholarships cover accommodation?
Some do.
For example, the Lester B. Pearson scholarship includes full residence support for four years.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill includes on-campus housing.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
Yes, where the individual scholarship rules allow it.
Applying strategically to several scholarships can increase your overall chances of receiving funding.
Final Thoughts
Fully funded scholarships in Canada for 2027 can make an otherwise expensive international education much more achievable, but successful applicants need to start preparing early.
The strongest opportunities are not limited to one category of student.
Undergraduate applicants can investigate the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto and the UBC International Scholars Program. Pearson covers tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years, while UBC’s programme is designed for outstanding international students with significant financial need.
Master’s applicants should pay particular attention to the McCall MacBain Scholarship at McGill, which provides comprehensive funding for eligible master’s and professional programmes, and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at McGill, which is especially relevant to talented African applicants.
PhD applicants should think beyond traditional scholarships and investigate university funding packages, supervisor funding, research assistantships and national research awards. The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral is one example of a major research award, although international eligibility is restricted to specific circumstances.
The most important lesson is simple: do not wait until you are ready to submit before preparing your scholarship profile.
Start building your academic record, leadership experience, community involvement, CV, recommendation network and personal story now.
And always verify scholarship information on the official university or government website before submitting documents or paying anyone. Scholarship scams targeting international students are real, and major universities such as the University of Toronto have issued warnings about fraudulent scholarship communications.
For 2027 admission, the time to prepare is now.
Official Websites to Explore
Government of Canada – Scholarships