Canada remains one of the most popular study destinations for international students. Although Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reported that the number of study permit holders fell from over 1 million in January 2024 to about 725,000 by September 2025, Canada still attracts students through its universities, scholarships, and research opportunities. The great news is that you may be able to study in Canada at little or no tuition cost if you secure the right scholarships. Many Canadian universities and organizations offer full-tuition or fully funded scholarships that cover tuition and, in some cases, living expenses. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step plan to achieve this, from finding scholarships to submitting strong applications, illustrated with real stories of scholarship recipients who made their Canadian education dream come true on full scholarships.
How to Study in Canada for Free
Here’s a step-by-step guide to studying in Canada for free or at a greatly reduced cost.
1. Identify Scholarship Opportunities in Canada
The first step is to identify and thoroughly research all available scholarships that can fund your education in Canada. Cast a wide net. Look at government-funded programs, university-specific scholarships, and external awards. For example, the former federal Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships were valued at CA$50,000 per year for three years for doctoral students and recognized top-tier academic excellence, research potential, and leadership. However, the Vanier program is no longer accepting applications, so current doctoral applicants should also check newer federal doctoral funding options, such as the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral program, as well as university doctoral funding. At the undergraduate level, universities offer major scholarships like the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto, which covers four years of tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support. There are also institution-specific and provincial programs, such as Fonds de recherche du Québec doctoral research scholarships, and major external awards for international students. Be sure to include university-funded scholarships, entrance awards, merit scholarships, graduate fellowships, assistantships, and Canadian government scholarships in your search, as well as opportunities from foundations or global programs.
As you research, take note of each scholarship’s eligibility criteria, coverage, and deadlines. Many scholarships target specific levels, fields, citizenship groups, or financial-need profiles, so find those that fit your background. It helps to learn from past winners’ experiences. For example, Alina Zholaman from Kazakhstan spent time researching Canada’s top undergraduate scholarships and ultimately secured the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship at U of T, as well as an International Scholars Award from UBC, after exploring what top Canadian universities offer to international students. Likewise, Mary Motunrayo Ogunleye from Nigeria cast a wide net by applying to multiple programs: she applied simultaneously to an Erasmus Mundus program in Europe and the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at UBC, received both offers, and then chose the option that best fit her goals. These stories show that thorough research and openness to various scholarship opportunities can dramatically increase your chances of studying for free in Canada.
2. Meet Academic and Language Requirements
Many major scholarships in Canada are merit-based, need-based, or a combination of both, so a strong academic profile is crucial. Focus on excelling in your current studies and standardized tests, if they are required. Many scholarship recipients had outstanding grades or honors. For instance, Mary graduated with First Class honors and a GPA of 4.57/5.0 in her bachelor’s program, and Alina earned a perfect 5.0/5.0 GPA in high school. This academic excellence made them competitive for top awards. Similarly, scholarship committees often look for evidence of intellectual merit, such as high test scores, research experience, or a strong academic record. If you’re aiming for graduate scholarships, prepare for any required exams, such as the GRE or GMAT, and build a strong foundation in your field.
English or French language proficiency is another key requirement for international students in Canada. Be prepared to take exams like IELTS or TOEFL unless you’re exempt, and aim to score well. Many winners credit their language scores for strengthening their applications. For example, Alina scored 7.5 on IELTS, and Yeganeh Habibi from Iran worked to achieve competitive TOEFL and GRE subject test scores as part of her Ph.D. applications. Meeting the minimum language requirement is essential, but exceeding it can make you stand out.
Beyond academics, strengthen your resume with relevant extracurriculars and achievements. Scholarships, especially prestigious ones, often look for well-rounded individuals with leadership potential, community impact, or research promise. Yeganeh, for example, conducted multidisciplinary research at three institutes and took on leadership roles in student organizations during her undergraduate years. These experiences helped demonstrate the leadership and community engagement that major scholarships value. Whether it’s research projects, internships, volunteering, competitions, or community work, these activities can showcase your passion and initiative. Build a portfolio of experiences that aligns with your field of study and the qualities scholarships seek, such as leadership, innovation, research potential, or service.
3. Identify Target Universities and Programs
Next, narrow down the Canadian universities and programs that fit your academic interests and offer generous funding to international students. Different schools have different scholarship opportunities, so it pays to be strategic about where you apply. Create a list of target universities and check what scholarships or financial aid they provide to students like you. For graduate students, it’s wise to identify professors or research groups you’d like to work with and see whether funding is available through assistantships or fellowships. Yeganeh approached this systematically: she created a spreadsheet to score potential research groups and universities in Canada based on alignment with her interests, then prioritized the highest-ranked ones for her Ph.D. applications. This helped her focus on institutions like McGill University, which ultimately nominated her for major scholarships.
For undergraduate studies, consider applying to multiple programs or campuses at your chosen university to increase your scholarship chances. Some Canadian universities automatically consider international applicants for entrance scholarships. Nadya Heryanto from Indonesia did exactly this at the University of Toronto. She applied to three different programs in sciences and business and was admitted to all three, each with a substantial scholarship offer. She didn’t have to submit separate scholarship applications for those awards; the university awarded merit-based scholarships with each admission. Her strategy of targeting multiple programs within a top university paid off, resulting in more than $100,000 in total scholarship funding and several options to choose from. The takeaway: identify institutions known for funding international students and be smart in your applications. Sometimes applying to more than one program or campus can open multiple scholarship opportunities.
4. Prepare a Strong Application Package
Once you know your target schools and scholarships, it’s time to prepare your applications. This means gathering and polishing all required documents for both university admissions and scholarship applications. Typically, you will need academic transcripts, diplomas, standardized test score reports, a resume or CV, and proof of language proficiency. You’ll also likely write a personal statement or statement of purpose and obtain recommendation letters. Approach each of these elements with care. Mary Ogunleye recounts that for her graduate applications, she had to submit a motivation statement, proof of residency, her bachelor’s transcript, English test results, recommendation letters, and more, and she “carefully prepared and submitted all the necessary documents to meet the admission requirements.” Start early so you can revise your essays multiple times and give your recommenders ample time to write strong letters.
Tailor your application essays to highlight why you’re a great candidate for both the program and the scholarship. Emphasize your achievements, goals, and motivation for studying in Canada. Many scholarship recipients say their clear sense of purpose helped them stand out. For example, Mary believes her well-articulated statement of motivation and relevant experience in sustainability were key to her scholarship success. Similarly, ensure your CV is up to date and showcases relevant accolades. If you have research experience or projects, detail them. If you’ve overcome challenges or shown leadership, weave that into your narrative to demonstrate resilience and impact.
Don’t hesitate to seek feedback on your application materials. Getting an external perspective can significantly strengthen your application. For instance, Otuto Amarauche Chukwu, a Nigerian Ph.D. student, benefited from a mentorship program at the University of Toronto that paired him with faculty and past awardees to review his scholarship essays. Their feedback helped him refine his research proposals and personal statements, contributing to his winning a Vanier Scholarship and other awards. If your university offers application coaching or if you know past scholarship winners, ask them to critique your essays and CV. Even friends or teachers can catch errors and suggest improvements. A polished, error-free application that tells a compelling story will leave a strong impression on admissions and scholarship committees.
5. Apply to Canadian Universities and Scholarships (Follow Instructions & Deadlines)
With your materials ready, you’re set to submit your applications. Pay close attention to each university’s and scholarship’s application procedures; following the proper channels is critical. For university admissions, most Canadian universities have online application portals. Some scholarships, especially university-based entrance awards, don’t require a separate form. You are automatically considered when you apply for admission. For example, when Nadya applied to U of T, she didn’t fill out extra scholarship forms for those merit awards; her scholarship offers were awarded based on her admissions application. Other scholarships, however, do require separate applications, essays, nominations, or financial documents. The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship at U of T, for instance, requires a nomination from your high school and a separate scholarship application in addition to the university application. For doctoral funding, current applicants should not plan around a new Vanier competition because Vanier is no longer accepting applications; instead, check the official instructions for current federal doctoral awards, university doctoral fellowships, and supervisor-funded assistantships. Always review the official instructions for each scholarship carefully: some must be applied to after you receive admission, while others, like many entrance scholarships, are considered during the admission process or require nomination before the scholarship application can be submitted.
Keep track of deadlines and submit all applications on time or early. Canadian scholarship deadlines can be many months before the academic term begins. Government and tri-agency doctoral awards can have internal university deadlines that are earlier than the national agency deadline, and university scholarships may coincide with admission deadlines or have their own dates. Create a calendar or spreadsheet to manage these. Many successful students apply to multiple opportunities to improve their odds. We saw that Mary applied to two major scholarships concurrently and received both, and Kugbeme Isumonah in his Ph.D. journey at the University of Calgary secured a combination of a university fellowship and graduate assistantships by applying to available funding sources. Casting a wide net, as long as you can handle the application workload, maximizes your chance that at least one opportunity will succeed. Just be sure to tailor each application and avoid generic copy-pasting.
Finally, if an interview or additional step is part of the selection process, prepare for it diligently. Some competitive scholarships may require interviews or video essays. If you are invited to an interview, research common questions, practice your answers, and show enthusiasm for the program. And if you get multiple offers, congratulations. Compare what each covers and the opportunities at each institution, then make an informed choice. No matter what, always formally accept the scholarship and admission offer by following the given instructions and by the deadline, or you risk losing the offer.
Scholarships for Bachelor’s Studies in Canada
You’re in good hands if you plan to pursue your bachelor’s degree in Canada. Several universities in Canada offer major scholarship options for international students that can make an undergraduate degree tuition-free or close to fully funded. One of the most sought-after scholarships is the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto. This prestigious scholarship covers full tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years. Another option is the International Scholars Program at the University of British Columbia, a need-and-merit-based program for international students with outstanding academics, leadership, community impact, and significant financial need.
Here are some of the students who were able to study for a bachelor’s degree in Canada for free!
- Karolina from Poland earned the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at University of Toronto, covering full tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence to study an Honours Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.
- Nadya Heryanto from Indonesia was offered the International Scholars Award and the University of Toronto Scholar Scholarship at University of Toronto, totaling up to $110,000 to study a bachelor’s degree in Co-op Statistics.
- Satvik Khurana from India received a UBC scholarship package, including the International Major Entrance Scholarship, Bachelor of Commerce Scholarship, and Outstanding International Student Award, at University of British Columbia, totaling CAD 180,000 toward his studies and helping cover tuition while he pursued a Bachelor of Commerce with a Finance major and Economics minor.
Here is what Bachelor’s Scholarship Recipients in Canada Say:
“The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is U of T’s flagship award for global students. It covers full tuition, books, incidental fees, and four years of on-campus housing, about CAD$350,000 in total.”
Haris Malik
“I would make sure to carefully read the description for each scholarship to have an idea of what they are looking for. During the application, I strongly encourage you to start your essays early and give time for refining. Use the essays as an opportunity for people to know who you are, so be genuine. Moreover, reach out to people who have received the scholarship for more in-depth and specific advice, as many of them are more than happy to help you and provide feedback.”
Karen
“I’d recommend that any prospective applicants should be reaching out to previous scholars too; they can offer you a lot of meaningful advice, and usually will respond to you via email or LinkedIn!”
Seemal Sheikh
Tuition-free Options for Master’s Studies in Canada
Canada continues to welcome graduate students from around the world. With the right tuition-free option or scholarship package, you can reduce or eliminate much of the financial burden of your master’s studies. The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) program supports master’s and doctoral students through merit-based funding. It is valuable support, but it is not usually a full scholarship; OGS is generally valued at CA$5,000 per term, up to CA$15,000 for an academic year. Another major option is the McCall MacBain Scholarship at McGill University, which is a fully funded scholarship for eligible master’s or professional studies and includes tuition and fees, a living stipend during academic terms, a relocation grant, and leadership programming.
Here are some of the students who were able to study for a master’s degree in Canada for free!
- Mary Motunrayo Ogunleye from Nigeria earned the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at University of British Columbia, covering full tuition, living expenses, and other costs to study for a master’s degree.
- Samuel Osaretin Buraimoh from Nigeria earned the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at the University of British Columbia, covering full tuition, living expenses, and associated costs to study a master’s degree in Food Science.
- Beatrice Somuah from Ghana earned the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at the University of British Columbia, covering full tuition, living expenses, travel, and academic support to study a Master of Geomatics for Environmental Management.
Here is what Master’s Scholarship Recipients in Canada Say:
“I am honored to have received the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at UBC, which provides full tuition, living expenses, travel, and academic support.”
Beatrice Somuah
“For those looking to apply for a similar scholarship, I would advise starting early and being thorough in your preparation. Research the program and its requirements carefully and ensure that your application clearly demonstrates how your academic achievements, personal experiences, and career goals align with the scholarship’s mission.”
Samuel Osaretin Buraimoh
Tuition-free Options for Ph.D. Studies in Canada
Lastly, pursuing a Ph.D. in Canada can be expensive, so major doctoral awards, university fellowships, and supervisor-funded assistantships are key. The former Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships were valued at CA$50,000 per year for three years, but the Vanier program is no longer accepting applications. Current doctoral applicants should check the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral program, which is valued at CA$40,000 per year for 36 months, along with university fellowships and assistantships. If your field is environmental science or sustainability, you can also look for field-specific fellowships and awards. For example, the David Suzuki Fellowships have supported emerging environmental leaders, but they should not be treated as a standing UBC Ph.D. tuition scholarship; eligibility and availability can vary by year.
Here are some of the students who were able to study for a Ph.D. degree in Canada for free!
Here is what Ph.D. Scholarship Recipients in Canada Say:
“The Vanier Scholarship is worth $150,000 over three years.”
Seunnla Adelusi
“I started my scholarship search on my own in 2022. I joined a Facebook group called “Scholarship Network,” where current scholarship holders share opportunities, guidance sessions, and tips for prospective students. I also spent a lot of time exploring the internet and, most importantly, using LinkedIn. After adding my IELTS results, I started receiving interview calls and eventually, some final offers too.”
Areeba Iqbal
“My advice for prospective applicants is to be strategic and intentional throughout the process. They should be as specific as possible and ensure that their career path, whether professional or academic, is consistent and coherent. Applicants should tailor every part of their application, from their CV to their personal statement, so it clearly aligns with their specific goals and the values of the scholarship. Most importantly, I recommend using concrete examples to demonstrate achievements and potential, employing methods like the STAR approach (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to tell compelling and authentic stories.”
Shamsuddeen Yusuf Ma’aruf
“Then came the hard part, cold emailing. I drafted personalized emails, introduced myself, described my research interests, and asked if they were accepting PhD students or had any open positions. Honestly, it was one of the toughest parts of my journey. I sent hundreds of emails, some were ignored, some declined, and a few responded positively. But it was through this process that I finally secured my Graduate Research Assistantship Fellowship, which I am now using to pursue my PhD at the University of Alberta”
Felix Ayiera
We hope that this article on studying in Canada for free was helpful. There is much more to learn about Canada in the Study in Canada guide, including various Available Courses for International Students
