Which Canadian Universities Offer 100% Scholarships? (2027 Entry)
Updated on Oct 9, 2026Getting a 100% scholarship in Canada is not easy, as most universities do not offer full scholarships to international students. However, the UBC International Scholars Program and the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship at the University of Toronto are two of the best options for undergraduate students. Some universities also offer good partial scholarships.
For postgraduate students, funding is usually available through research opportunities and teaching or research assistantships rather than a single full scholarship.
Edvoy can guide you on scholarships, but we don't provide them directly.
And just a heads-up, scholarships typically won't cover your living expenses.
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This guide breaks down which universities offer full scholarships, what “100% funding” really means in Canada, who qualifies for them, and how to begin your application.
What does a 100% scholarship mean in Canada?
In Canada, a “100% scholarship” can mean one of three things:
- Full tuition waiver
- Fully funded scholarship (tuition + living expenses)
- Funding package (research assistantships, teaching assistantships, stipends)
Most full-ride offerings are available at the postgraduate (Master’s & PhD) level, while undergraduate full scholarships exist but are extremely competitive.
Understanding this difference helps you identify the right type of scholarship and university for your needs.
Which universities in Canada offer 100% scholarships?
Several Canadian universities provide fully funded scholarships or 100% tuition coverage for outstanding students. These awards are usually based on academic excellence, leadership, community service, or research potential.
Awards that come closest to 100% for international students (2027 entry)
| Award | Level | What the official page says | Who it suits | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UBC International Scholars Program | Undergraduate | Four awards (Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow, Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award, International Impact Award, Vantage One Excellence Award). Value ranges “up to the full cost of a student’s academic program and living expenses” | Students entering UBC straight from school, with financial need and all As (or equivalent). One nominator and one teacher referee needed | Applications opened 5 Oct 2026. Full application due 15 Nov 2026. Results Feb to Apr 2027 |
| Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto) | Undergraduate | Tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years | Final-year school students starting Sept 2027. Your school nominates you (one student per school) | Nomination deadline 9 Oct 2026. Admission deadline 16 Oct 2026. Scholarship application due 6 Nov 2026. Next round around autumn 2027 (for 2028 entry) |
Large awards that are not 100%
| Award | Level | Amount (official page) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship | Undergraduate | $20,000, renewable. Two awards a year | Merit-based. Renewal needs GPA of at least 2.60 |
| Waterloo: Faculty of Science International Student Scholarships | Undergraduate | 15 awards of $25,000 to $80,000 | Application required |
| Waterloo: Faculty of Mathematics International Awards (India) | Undergraduate | Up to 15 awards of $20,000 to $40,000 | For students from India applying to selected Math programmes. No application needed |
| Waterloo: Faculty of Mathematics Global Scholarships | Undergraduate | Up to 10 awards of $12,000 to $40,000 | No application needed |
| Waterloo: International Student Entrance Scholarship | Undergraduate | $10,000, first year only | Automatic |
| Queen’s: Dean’s International Award | Undergraduate | $5,000 to $25,000 a year, renewable four years (varies by faculty) | Automatic. International fee-paying students only |
| Queen’s: Principal’s Scholarship | Undergraduate | $7,000, one year | Top 3% of the admission average in each programme. Automatic |
| McGill entrance scholarships | Undergraduate | One-year $3,000 (automatic). Major scholarships of $3,000, $5,000 or $10,000, renewable. The $12,000 tier is only for Canadian citizens and permanent residents | McGill describes no full-tuition award |
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Eligibility for 100% scholarships in Canada
Eligibility varies by scholarship, but most universities look for:
- Outstanding academic performance
- Strong extracurricular or leadership profile
- High school or bachelor’s GPA above the required minimum
- English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
- A strong statement of purpose or essay
- Exceptional research potential (for postgraduate applicants)
Highly competitive scholarships may require higher GPAs, portfolios, interviews, or reference letters.
Are full scholarships hard to get in Canada?
Yes, full scholarships in Canada are extremely competitive, especially at the top universities. Undergraduate full rides are rare, but postgraduate fully funded opportunities are more widely available through:
- Research grants
- Assistantships (TA/RA)
- Faculty funding
- Government-funded programs
Applicants with exceptional academic records and achievements have a much stronger chance of securing a full scholarship.
Types of fully funded scholarships in Canada 2027 for international students
- University-funded scholarships
- Government scholarships
- Provincial scholarships (OGS, BC Graduate Scholarships)
- Research council funding (SSHRC, CIHR, NSERC)
- Faculty-funded assistantships (TA/RA roles)
Also read: Study in Canada scholarships for International Students
Step-by-step: How to apply for 100% scholarships in Canada
- Pick the awards for your level (undergraduate or postgraduate).
- Read each award’s requirements on the official page.
- Find out whether you need a nominator or referee, and ask early.
- Apply for admission first (most awards need an admission offer or application).
- Submit the scholarship application before its own deadline (the dates above).
- Prepare essays and documents well ahead. UBC, for example, asks for four short essays and possibly a video interview.
Does Canada have universities with 100% scholarships for international students?
Very few. The closest are the UBC International Scholars Program and the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship, both for undergraduates. Most other awards are partial.
Does the Pearson scholarship cover living costs?
It covers tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years. It is for first-entry undergraduate students at the University of Toronto, and your school must nominate you.
Can international students get fully funded scholarships in Canada?
Yes. Several universities and external bodies offer fully funded scholarships that cover tuition, living expenses, stipends, and research funding, especially at the postgraduate level.
Is there a full scholarship for master’s or PhD students?
Funding usually comes through assistantships, entrance scholarships and research funding arranged with the department. Confirm the details with the department before accepting an offer.
Is Canada affordable for international students with scholarships?
With a full scholarship or funding package, students can significantly reduce or eliminate tuition and living expenses, making Canada one of the most affordable destinations.
Which Canadian universities have scholarships for Indian students?
Waterloo’s Faculty of Mathematics offers International Awards for students from India (up to 15 awards of $20,000 to $40,000). Other universities such as Calgary, Queen’s and McGill offer partial entrance awards open to international students.
Can I get a scholarship in Canada without IELTS?
? Scholarship rules vary. Calgary’s award, for example, requires you to meet the university’s English requirement. Check each award’s page.
Which courses get the most funding in Canada?
STEM fields (engineering, computer science, health sciences), research-based programs, and doctoral studies tend to receive more fully funded opportunities.
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