Canada Scholarships 2025: Fully Funded Opportunities for International and Domestic Students
Canada is one of the world’s top destinations for higher education, attracting thousands of students each year with its academic excellence, multicultural environment, and high quality of life. If you’re dreaming of studying in Canada but concerned about the cost, you’re in luck—Canada offers a wide range of scholarships for both local and international students.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Canada scholarships in 2025, including eligibility, top programs, application tips, and FAQs.
Why Study in Canada?
Before diving into scholarships, here’s why Canada is a top education destination:
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World-class universities (e.g., University of Toronto, McGill, UBC)
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Degrees recognized globally
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Safe, inclusive, and diverse society
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Post-graduation work opportunities
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Pathways to permanent residency for international students
Top Canada Scholarships for 2025
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
One of the most prestigious graduate scholarships in Canada.
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Eligibility: Doctoral students demonstrating academic excellence, research potential, and leadership
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Value: CAD $50,000 per year for 3 years
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Deadline: November 2024
2. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship – University of Toronto
Highly competitive scholarship for exceptional international students.
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Eligibility: Non-Canadian high school students entering U of T undergraduate programs
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Coverage: Full tuition, books, incidental fees, residence for 4 years
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Deadline: Nomination by school in October, application by January 2025
3. University of British Columbia (UBC) International Leader of Tomorrow Award
Awarded to international students who demonstrate academic merit and financial need.
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Eligibility: International students entering UBC undergraduate programs
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Coverage: Tuition, fees, and living expenses proportional to need
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Deadline: December 2024
4. Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program
Funded by Global Affairs Canada for students from Commonwealth countries.
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Eligibility: Graduate students from Commonwealth countries
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Coverage: Tuition, airfare, living allowance
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Deadline: Varies by country and home institution
5. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
Available at participating Ontario universities for Master’s and PhD students.
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Eligibility: Domestic and international graduate students
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Value: CAD $5,000 per session (up to $15,000/year)
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Deadline: Varies by institution
Fully Funded vs. Partial Scholarships
Canada offers both fully funded scholarships (covering tuition, living, and travel) and partial scholarships (tuition or living costs only).
| Type | Examples | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Fully Funded | Vanier CGS, Lester B. Pearson | Tuition, living, travel |
| Partial | OGS, Entrance Scholarships | Tuition or portion of living cost |
Eligibility Criteria
While each scholarship has specific requirements, general criteria include:
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Academic excellence
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Admission to a Canadian institution
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Proof of language proficiency (English or French)
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Leadership or extracurricular involvement
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Research potential (for graduate programs)
Tip: Some scholarships are automatically considered upon application, while others require separate applications.
Application Timeline for 2025
| Period | Task |
|---|---|
| May – August | Research and shortlist scholarships |
| August – October | Prepare documents: transcripts, SOP, LORs, language test results |
| October – January | Apply for university programs and scholarships |
| February – April | Scholarship decisions and offer letters |
Application Tips to Boost Your Chances
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Start early: Many scholarships have early deadlines and require detailed documentation.
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Tailor your essays: Highlight leadership, community service, and your future goals in Canada.
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Secure strong references: Academic or professional recommenders who can speak to your strengths.
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Demonstrate need and merit: For need-based programs, provide financial documents.
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Apply to multiple options: Don’t rely on just one scholarship!
Resources for Finding Scholarships in Canada
FAQs about Canada Scholarships
❓ Can international students apply for Canadian scholarships?
Absolutely. Many scholarships in Canada are open to international students, especially at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
❓ What GPA is required for scholarships in Canada?
It varies, but competitive scholarships typically require a GPA of 3.7/4.0 or higher (around 85%+).
❓ Do I need IELTS or TOEFL for scholarship applications?
Yes, most institutions require proof of English proficiency unless you studied in an English-speaking country.
❓ Can I work while studying on a scholarship in Canada?
Yes! Scholarship recipients can still work up to 20 hours/week during term and full-time during breaks.
Final Thoughts
Studying in Canada is a dream that’s closer than you think—especially when fully funded scholarships are within reach. Whether you’re aiming for an undergraduate degree or a PhD, the key is researching early, applying smartly, and staying persistent.
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