Given the high cost of living in certain Canadian cities, fully funded scholarships serve as invaluable resources to alleviate financial burdens. Nonetheless, exorbitant course fees often pose a significant obstacle to prospective students.
However, fully funded scholarships in Canada offer a beacon of hope, paving the way for aspiring scholars to pursue their academic aspirations without financial strain. While these scholarships vary in nature and availability, not all applicants may meet the criteria. Thus, delving into the plethora of options to identify the most suitable scholarship programs tailored to individual needs and qualifications is imperative.
In this article, we delve into the realm of fully funded scholarships in Canada, particularly for Indian students in 2024, shedding light on eligibility criteria, prerequisites, and qualifications.
Why study in Canada?
Studying in Canada presents a plethora of compelling reasons for international students. Renowned for its high academic standards and quality assurance processes, Canadian universities and colleges offer globally recognized degrees and qualifications. Moreover, Canada’s multicultural society fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment, allowing students to engage with diverse cultures and broaden their perspectives. Safety and security are paramount, with Canada consistently ranked as one of the safest countries globally, providing students with peace of mind as they pursue their studies.
The country’s robust economy and thriving job market offer ample employment opportunities for students, both during and after their studies, with various pathways to permanent residency available. Additionally, Canada boasts a high quality of life, characterized by stunning natural landscapes, clean cities, and access to healthcare and social services. While tuition fees vary, studying in Canada is generally more affordable than in other popular destinations, with numerous scholarships and financial aid options available. Furthermore, Canada’s commitment to innovation and research provides students with access to state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities for collaboration with leading researchers. Overall, studying in Canada offers a unique blend of academic excellence, cultural diversity, and quality of life, making it an ideal choice for international students seeking a world-class education and enriching experiences.
Top 5 Fully Funded Scholarships Universities in Canada
1. President’s International Scholarship of Excellence:
York University provides an exceptional opportunity for international students, including those from India, to pursue various four-year Bachelor programs through a fully-funded scholarship called The President’s International Scholarship of Excellence. This scholarship, designed to support undergraduate studies in Canada, offers up to CAD 45,000 (INR 27,36,985) annually to 20 deserving international students based on merit. It’s important to note that this scholarship is specifically applicable to four-year Bachelor’s programs, and students from any country can apply for The President’s International Scholarship of Excellence.
All international students, regardless of nationality, are eligible to apply:
- You must have completed your high school education (12th grade).
- Achieve a minimum of 80% in your final admission average.
- Take a standardized English language proficiency test and score at least 88 in TOEFL, 6.5 in IELTS, or 60 in PTE.
- Apply directly to York University from high school within two years of graduating, without any prior university or college studies.
- Apply for an undergraduate degree program at York that begins in the Fall term.
- Please note, if you have already received a free bursary or applied for another scholarship offered by the university, you will not be eligible for this particular scholarship opportunity.
2. UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award:
The Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award is esteemed as one of the top Fully Funded Scholarships available at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada. Tailored for international undergraduate students, this scholarship seeks out individuals who excel academically and demonstrate remarkable leadership qualities. It places a special emphasis on candidates who have contributed positively to their communities through various forms of service and initiatives within their schools. Since its establishment in 2001, this renowned award has provided support to over 300+ international scholars, making a significant impact on their educational pursuits.
All international students, regardless of nationality, are eligible to apply:
- You should have finished high school within one year before the academic year you’re applying for.
- This must be your first time applying for an undergraduate degree.
- You need to have excellent academic performance with all A grades.
- You must show that you have a financial need which would otherwise stop you from attending UBC.
- You must achieve a minimum score of 6.5 in IELTS, 65 in PTE, or 90 in TOEFL.
3. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship:
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship is a charitable institution that aims to support students through a variety of means, including scholarships, fellowships, and mentorship opportunities. Offering one of the most distinctive fully funded scholarships in Canada, it collaborates with several prestigious Canadian universities such as McGill University, the University of Waterloo, and Ryerson University. This scholarship program has particularly benefited international doctoral students. Lasting for three years, it focuses on nurturing leaders who are actively engaged in their communities. By providing comprehensive leadership training, it equips outstanding doctoral candidates with the skills needed to bring their ideas to life and make positive impacts on their communities, Canada, and beyond. Every year, the foundation selects scholars who participate in leadership training sessions called Brave Spaces and receive generous financial support to pursue their studies.
All international students, regardless of nationality, are eligible to apply:
- Admission to a full-time doctoral program for one or two years is required.
- Your field of study should be broadly related to humanities or human sciences, with a focus on Canada’s future.
- Your doctoral research must align with at least one of the following themes: human rights and dignity, responsible citizenship, Canada’s global engagement, or the interaction between people and their natural environment.
4. President’s International Distinction Scholarship
The University of Alberta offers the prestigious President’s International Distinction Scholarship to students who display excellence in academics, leadership, community involvement, volunteerism, and extracurricular activities. This scholarship, known as one of Canada’s premier fully funded opportunities, supports outstanding individuals who plan to pursue undergraduate studies on a Student Visa Permit. Eligible candidates with exceptional academic records and strong leadership potential may receive up to CAD 120,000 (INR 72,98,629) over four years. This financial support aims to assist recipients in achieving their academic aspirations and personal goals.
All international students, regardless of nationality, are eligible to apply:
- Demonstrating exceptional academic performance is essential for undergraduate applicants.
- Minimum scores of 6.5 in IELTS, 65 in PTE, and 90 in TOEFL are mandatory.
- Successful completion of 12th-grade exams from a recognized school is required.
5. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship stands as one of the top fully funded opportunities for doctoral programs in Canada. Jointly overseen by CIHR IRSC, NSERC CRSNG, and SSHRC CRSH, it honors Georges P. Vanier, Canada’s first Francophone Governor-General. This scholarship is tailored for doctoral and combined master’s degree students in Canadian universities. Applications for the Vanier scholarship are exclusively handled by the student’s enrolled university. Annually, up to 166 scholarships are granted, with selection based on specific criteria including:
- Academic Criteria
- Research Potential
- Leadership Skills
All international students, regardless of nationality, are eligible to apply:
- Showcase academic excellence, leadership qualities, and research potential.
- Possess a first-class degree in both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) studies.
- Be enrolled in a doctoral program.
- Exclusively pursue research in health sciences, natural sciences/engineering, social sciences, or humanities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What are fully funded scholarships in Canada?
Fully funded scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other related expenses for international students studying in Canada.
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How do fully funded scholarships differ from partial scholarships?
Fully funded scholarships cover all expenses associated with studying abroad, whereas partial scholarships may only cover a portion of the expenses, leaving the student responsible for the remaining costs.
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Who is eligible to apply for fully funded scholarships in Canada in 2024?
Eligibility criteria vary depending on the scholarship program, but generally, international students with outstanding academic achievements and leadership qualities are encouraged to apply.
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What are the benefits of fully funded scholarships for international students?
Fully funded scholarships provide financial support, allowing international students to pursue their studies in Canada without worrying about tuition fees and living expenses. They also offer opportunities for cultural exchange and academic enrichment.