Many overseas students dream of studying in Canada, but the application fees can mount up quickly. The good news? A lot of Canadian scholarships are more accessible because they don’t charge an application fee.
The most recent free scholarships available in Canada for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students will be discussed in this article. This guide will assist you in finding the best scholarship without incurring additional fees, regardless of whether you’re searching for completely funded possibilities or partial financial aid.
Why Choose Canada for Studies?
Canada is renowned for its excellent educational system, multicultural setting, and employment prospects after graduation. International students can apply for a lot of scholarships, some of which don’t even require an application fee.
Here’s why Canada stands out:
- Affordable tuition compared to the US and UK
- Work while studying (up to 20 hours per week)
- Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) for gaining Canadian work experience
- Safe and welcoming environment for international students
Now, let’s dive into the latest no-fee scholarships.
Top Canada Scholarships Without Application Fees
1. University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson Scholarship
- Eligibility: International high school students with exceptional academic and leadership skills
- Benefits: Covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support
- Deadline: Typically November (varies by school nomination)
2. University of British Columbia (UBC) International Leader of Tomorrow Award
- Eligibility: Undergraduate international students demonstrating academic excellence and financial need
- Benefits: Award amount varies based on need (can cover full tuition)
- Deadline: December (check UBC’s website for updates)
3. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Eligibility: PhD students worldwide with strong academic and research potential
- Benefits: $50,000 per year for three years
- Deadline: November (varies by university nomination)
4. Humber College International Entrance Scholarships
- Eligibility: New international students applying to Humber College
- Benefits: Up to $5,000 CAD (multiple awards available)
- Deadline: Varies by intake (check Humber’s website)
5. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF)
- Eligibility: Master’s and PhD students (domestic & international)
- Benefits: $14,000 (Master’s) or $18,000 (PhD) per year
- Deadline: Varies by department
6. York University International Student Scholarships
- Eligibility: High-achieving international students (undergraduate)
- Benefits: $80,000 – $180,000 over four years
- Deadline: February
7. Canada-ASEAN Scholarships (for ASEAN members)
- Eligibility: Students from ASEAN countries for short-term exchange or full-degree programs
- Benefits: Covers tuition, airfare, living expenses
- Deadline: March
Tips for Winning a No-Fee Scholarship
- Start Early – Many scholarships have early deadlines.
- Check Eligibility – Ensure you meet all requirements before applying.
- Write a Strong Essay – Some scholarships require personal statements.
- Get Strong Recommendations – Professors or employers can boost your application.
- Apply to Multiple Scholarships – Increase your chances by diversifying applications.
Canadian Universities with No Application Fees for International Students
It can be costly to apply to Canadian universities, particularly when each application costs between $100 and $250. However, did you know that some prestigious Canadian universities don’t even require an application fee?
This list of Canadian universities that waive application costs for both domestic and foreign students may help you save money while applying.
List of Canadian Universities with No Application Fees
1. University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI)
- Location: Charlottetown, PEI
- Programs: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
- No-Fee Policy: Free application for all students
- Why Apply? Small class sizes, strong research programs
2. Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN)
- Location: St. John’s, Newfoundland
- Programs: UG, PG, Doctorate
- No-Fee Policy: No application fee for most programs
- Why Apply? Low tuition, scenic campus
3. Royal Roads University
- Location: Victoria, BC
- Programs: Undergrad, Master’s, Professional Diplomas
- No-Fee Policy: No fee for most programs
- Why Apply? Career-focused programs, flexible online options
4. University of the Fraser Valley (UFV)
- Location: Abbotsford, BC
- Programs: UG, Certificates, Diplomas
- No-Fee Policy: Free application
- Why Apply? Affordable, hands-on learning
5. Cape Breton University (CBU)
- Location: Sydney, Nova Scotia
- Programs: UG, PG, Vocational
- No-Fee Policy: No application fee
- Why Apply? Co-op programs, industry connections
6. Brandon University
- Location: Brandon, Manitoba
- Programs: Arts, Science, Education, Music
- No-Fee Policy: Free application
- Why Apply? Small-town vibe, personalized attention
7. Université de Saint-Boniface (USB)
- Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba (French-speaking)
- Programs: UG, PG, French-language programs
- No-Fee Policy: No application charge
- Why Apply? Best for francophone students
Other Universities with Conditional Fee Waivers
Some universities waive fees under certain conditions, such as:
- Early applications (e.g., University of Alberta)
- Referrals from school counselors
- Students from low-income countries
Full List of Ongoing Scholarships in Canada for International Students (2025-2026)
With its top-notch education and plentiful scholarship options, Canada continues to be one of the most popular study abroad countries. There are many different funding alternatives accessible, regardless of whether you’re pursuing undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, or diploma programs. This is a thorough list of all the scholarships that are available in Canada for the 2025–2026 school year.
Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Level: PhD
- Value: $50,000 per year for 3 years
- Deadline: November 2024 (varies by university)
- Details: For doctoral students demonstrating academic excellence and leadership
2. University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson Scholarship
- Level: Undergraduate
- Value: Full tuition + living expenses
- Deadline: January 2025
- Details: One of Canada’s most prestigious undergraduate scholarships
3. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship
- Level: PhD
- Value: Up to $60,000 per year for 3 years
- Deadline: December 2024
- Details: For students in social sciences and humanities
University-Specific Scholarships
4. University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program
- Level: Undergraduate
- Value: Up to $80,000
- Deadline: December 2024
- Eligibility: Exceptional academic achievement and leadership
5. University of Alberta International Scholarships
- Level: Undergraduate & Graduate
- Value: $5,000-$120,000
- Deadline: Varies by program
- Details: Automatic consideration for most awards
6. McGill University Entrance Scholarships
- Level: Undergraduate
- Value: $3,000-$12,000 (renewable)
- Deadline: January 2025
- Details: Based on academic merit
Government-Funded Scholarships
7. Canada-ASEAN Scholarships
- Level: Short-term exchange
- Value: Full funding
- Deadline: March 2025
- Eligibility: Students from ASEAN member countries
8. Canada-CARICOM Leadership Scholarships
- Level: Short-term study/research
- Value: $7,200-$14,700
- Deadline: April 2025
- Details: For Caribbean students
Provincial Scholarships
9. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
- Level: Master’s/PhD
- Value: $5,000 per term
- Deadline: Varies by university
- Details: For students at Ontario universities
10. Quebec Provincial Government Scholarships
- Level: Master’s/PhD
- Value: $15,000-$25,000
- Deadline: Varies
- Details: For study in Quebec institutions
College & Diploma Scholarships
11. Humber College International Entrance Scholarships
- Level: Diploma/Certificate
- Value: Up to $5,000
- Deadline: Rolling
- Details: For new international students
12. Seneca College President’s Scholarship
- Level: Diploma/Degree
- Value: $5,000
- Deadline: February 2025
- Eligibility: Academic excellence
Tips for Winning Canadian Scholarships
- Start early – Many deadlines are 6-12 months before programs begin
- Apply broadly – Don’t limit yourself to just one scholarship
- Tailor applications – Customize essays for each opportunity
- Get strong references – Choose recommenders who know you well
- Meet all requirements – Incomplete applications get rejected
Final Thoughts
Numerous scholarships are available in Canada with no application fees, which lowers the cost of education. There is probably a scholarship for you, regardless of whether you are applying for undergraduate or graduate study.
For updates, monitor scholarship portals and university websites. You can get funding for your study in Canada if you are determined and well-prepared.
Need more help? Drop your questions in the comments below!