In Canada, international students can apply for scholarships ranging from bachelor’s degree level to doctorate level, depending on what their goal is. Scholarships are non-repayable financial awards that international students can use to finance their studies in Canada. 

Students with exceptional academic achievement are most often awarded scholarships, although some scholarships also recognize volunteer and work experience; They are fully funded, covering all student expenses, including meals, housing, tuition, and medical insurance.

Here are some of the top universities in Canada offering fully-funded scholarships for international students:

University of Saskatchewan

In addition to being one of Canada’s oldest and most distinguished universities, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is a member of the U15 Group of Canadian research-intensive universities that holds several Canada Excellence Research Chairs. 

The University of Saskatchewan, which is ranked among the nation’s best universities, is located in Saskatoon. Founded in 1907, the university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in all academic fields. 

Canadian scholarships are available for all levels of study at the university – making education more accessible not just to the local population but also to the international community of over 3,000 students. 

Scholarships worth $18,000 for master’s degrees and $22,000 for doctoral degrees are also available. Their master’s degrees are fully funded for two years. 

Some of Saskatchewan’s scholarships include:

• U of S Entrance Scholarships: $24,000 ($6,000 over four years).
• Chancellors’ Scholarships: $30,000 ($7,500 over four years).
• Edwards Undergraduate Scholarships: $24,000 ($6,000 over four years).
• University of Saskatchewan International Excellence Awards: $10,000

University of Alberta

Throughout the years, the University of Alberta has become one of Canada’s best comprehensive academic research universities, attracting students from over 150 countries worldwide due to the quality of education it offers. 

Undergraduate and graduate programs are available in almost every field. The availability of Canadian scholarships is just as good. In the current academic year, the University of Alberta offers fully funded master’s and Ph.D. scholarships. 

Additionally, the university recently removed IELTS from its English Proficiency Language requirement. The University annually awards undergraduate scholarships and financial aid totaling $34 million. 

Some of the scholarships include: 

• Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship: $11,000 to $15,000.
• University of Alberta Master’s Entrance Scholarship: $17,5000 (International Students will receive an additional $10,000 to help cover fees).
• University of Alberta Gold Standard Scholarship: Up to $6,000.

Requirements

• Proof of English Language Proficiency.
• Degrees and CVs.
• Recommendation Letters.
• Certificates (if applicable).
• Reference Letters.
• Motivation letter with the scholarship application.

McGill University

McGill University was founded in 1821 by the Royal Charter of King George IV and is the only Canadian university to have been established with such a charter. McGill University offers over 300 programs in 12 faculties and schools. 

Its main campus is located in central Montreal near Mount Royal, while its other campus is located near Notre Dame Street in Old Montreal. 

McGill University offers scholarships to students from Canada and around the world to accommodate a diverse cohort of students. Apply for McGill Graduate Scholarships in Canada by reviewing the application process and selecting the appropriate term and course. 

Some of the scholarships include:

• McCall MacBain Scholar: Tuition and fees for the full period, CAD 2000 per month stipend, and relocation grants to Montreal.

Dalhousie University

Dalhousie University ranks among the top 300 universities in the world, earning a reputation for being one of the most popular choices for international students. It has four campuses in Halifax and Truro and satellite locations in Yarmouth and Saint John, New Brunswick. 

As a result of Dalhousie’s wide range of academic programs, it attracts students, scholars, researchers, and faculty from all over the world. 

International students can apply for Dalhousie University’s scholarships and bursaries for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies. These Canadian scholarships cover a monthly stipend, housing costs, fee waivers, health insurance, and accommodation costs for international students at Dalhousie University. 

Some of the scholarships include:

• The President’s Awards: $2,500 per term for up to six terms ($15,000).
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: $50,000 annually for three years.
• John and Lena Graham Commonwealth Bursary: $2,000.
• Chinese Scholarship Council – Ph.D. scholarship: Tuition, living, and airfare allowance for up to 4 years.

University of Waterloo

Founded in 1957, the University of Waterloo is a public institution with its main campus located in Waterloo, Ontario, near several Great Lakes and the border with the U.S. Additionally, it has satellite campuses in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Stratford. Waterloo is home to over 30,000 students. 

There are six main academic divisions at the university: applied health sciences, arts, engineering, environment, math, and science. 

The University of Waterloo awards over 140 scholarships to international students, ranging from course-specific awards to country-specific awards for undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. students. 

Some of the scholarships include: 

• Colonel Hugh Heasley Engineering Scholarships: $10,000 over eight academic terms
• Faculty of Mathematics Entrance Scholarships: $8,000
• Frank and Janet Hill Scholarship for Women in Math: $2,500

Requirements

• A minimum 70% average at the undergraduate level and 75% average at the graduate level.
• The applicants must be full-time undergraduate and graduate students, including a minimally paid or volunteer international co-op work placement.
• Students must demonstrate academic excellence through criteria established by the Faculty.
• International students with a valid Canadian study permit who are registered full-time and assessed international tuition fees.