Do you want to study in Canada but are concerned about the cost? The good news is that you can obtain a top-notch Canadian education without having to pay for tuition if you apply for the appropriate grants and scholarships. Although “completely free” is uncommon, many students use clever funding techniques to cover 90–100% of their expenses. This is how it operates.
Can You Really Study in Canada for Free?
In a nutshell: Yes, but it requires work. International students must pay tuition in Canada, in contrast to several European nations that offer free tuition. But the sum of hundreds of grants, scholarships, and work programs can pay for:
- Full tuition costs
- Living expenses (housing, food, insurance)
- Travel and study materials
I’ve personally helped students from Nigeria, India, and the Philippines secure full funding packages. The key is knowing where to look and how to apply strategically.
Top Full-Coverage Scholarship Opportunities
Lester B. Pearson Scholarship (University of Toronto)
This is the holy grail for undergraduate applicants. The scholarship covers:
• Tuition for four years
• Residence costs
• Books and incidental fees
Only about 40 students worldwide receive it annually, but Nigerian students have won multiple times in recent years.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
This grant, which is worth $50,000 each year for three years, effectively makes doctoral study free for students. Although there is a lot of competition, students from developing nations frequently have an advantage when it comes to selection.
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
For PhD candidates in the social sciences and humanities, these esteemed grants offer up to $60,000 year in addition to money for research travel.
Lesser-Known But Valuable Options
Many students miss these hidden gems:
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
Automatic consideration for all admitted master’s and PhD students, with awards up to $18,000 per year. No separate application needed.
Humber College Entrance Scholarships
While not full-ride, these $1,000-$5,000 awards for diploma programs can cover significant portions of tuition at this practical-focused institution.
Ontario Trillium Scholarship
Exclusively for international PhD students in Ontario, providing $40,000 annually for four years.
Creative Ways to Build a “Free” Education
Most successful students combine multiple funding sources:
- Partial Scholarship (50-70% of tuition) from their university
- Research Assistantship ($10,000-$20,000/year) working with professors
- External Grant from home country organizations
- Part-Time Work (20 hours/week) during studies
For example:
* “A university scholarship paid 60% of my $22,000 tuition, a Nigerian government grant paid 30%, and the remaining amount came from campus jobs. I had no debt when I graduated.*
— Chika N., University of Alberta graduate
Application Secrets That Actually Work
After reviewing hundreds of successful applications, I’ve noticed winners consistently:
Start Early
Many deadlines fall between 12 and 18 months before the start of your program. For example, university nomination for the Vanier award is required about a year in advance.
Tell a Compelling Story
Academic robots are not the only thing selection committees are looking for. The Nigerian student who received $180,000 at York University used her love of computer science to address traffic issues in Lagos.
Apply Broadly
The typical successful applicant submits applications for 8–15 scholarships. Make a spreadsheet to keep track of specifications and due dates.
Perfect the Basics
• Get official English translations of all documents
• Have academic referees ready early
• Triple-check eligibility requirements
Common Mistakes That Get Applications Rejected
• Missing documents (even one missing signature can disqualify you)
• Generic essays not tailored to the specific scholarship
• Applying to awards where you don’t meet basic requirements
• Last-minute submissions with typos or errors
Alternative Paths to Reduce Costs
If full scholarships prove elusive, consider:
Colleges Instead of Universities
With good scholarship opportunities, schools like Seneca or Sheridan College provide high-quality education at half the price of universities.
Less Expensive Provinces
Compared to British Columbia or Ontario, tuition in Manitoba or Newfoundland may be 40% less expensive.
Co-op Programs
Students at schools like Waterloo can earn between $15,000 and $30,000 while pursuing their degrees by alternating study periods with paid employment periods.
Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for Undergraduates (2025 Guide)
Do you want to study in Canada but are concerned about the cost? The good news is that a number of Canadian colleges provide exceptional overseas undergraduates with fully financed scholarships that cover all of their living, housing, and tuition costs.
What Does “Fully Funded” Mean for Undergraduates?
A full-ride scholarship typically includes:
✔ Full tuition waiver (no out-of-pocket fees)
✔ Residence/housing allowance
✔ Meal plan or living stipend ($10,000-$15,000/year)
✔ Health insurance + textbook allowance
Top 5 Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships
1. Lester B. Pearson Scholarship (University of Toronto)
- Coverage: Full tuition + residence + books for 4 years
- Value: Up to $200,000 CAD total
- Eligibility: Exceptional academics + leadership
- Deadline: November 30, 2024
Best for: All nationalities (Nigerian students have won before)
2. Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award (UBC)
- Coverage: Tuition + living costs based on financial need
- Value: Up to $50,000/year
- Eligibility: Academic excellence + extracurricular impact
- Deadline: December 1, 2024
Pro Tip: UBC favors applicants from underrepresented regions.
3. President’s Scholars of Excellence Program (University of Waterloo)
- Coverage: $40,000 ($10,000/year x 4 years) + internships
- Eligibility: 95%+ high school average
- Deadline: February 2025
Bonus: Co-op earnings can cover remaining costs.
4. Schulich Leader Scholarships (Multiple Universities)
- Coverage: $100,000 for STEM students
- Eligibility: STEM innovators with entrepreneurial drive
- Deadline: January 2025
Available at: UCalgary, Dalhousie, York, and more
5. Humber College International Entrance Scholarships
- Coverage: Up to $50,000 for diploma programs
- Eligibility: Academic merit + personal statement
- Deadline: Rolling
Final Thoughts
Although it takes work and preparation, hundreds of overseas students are able to study for free in Canada each year. The crucial element is:
- Researching all options early
- Crafting standout applications
- Being open to combining multiple funding sources
Don’t be afraid to get in touch with the financial aid officers who are specifically assigned to assist overseas students at several colleges. Your desire of an inexpensive Canadian education can come true with perseverance and the appropriate approach.