5 Fully Funded Masters Scholarships in Canada

There are many fully funded masters scholarships in Canada. And it’s not news that many students move to Canada to complete their Masters degree, and this is mostly because Canada holds the records for state-of-the-art infrastructure, highly qualified professors, and excellent research opportunities that can benefit the student.

Note: DO NOT be in a haste to read and go! Take your time. The information that can help you secure the scholarship may just be in a paragraphy you might have skipped. Alternatively, you can check around for more scholarship opportunities here.

The cost of studying in Canada is expensive,but there are some financial burdens. Fully funded scholarships in Canada, though limited,  are offered to international students to help them through their academic journey. 

Canada holds the record for a limited number of Scholarships to international students compared to the large number of  scholarships offered in the USA, UK, or Australia.

As expected, it is really competitive to study there.

Here, I’ve taken the time to explore the most popular and ongoing fully funded masters scholarships in Canada for you. Do not be in a rush to read them. The most vital information may be in the paragraph you skipped. And, if you don’t meet the requirements, you can check out other masters scholarships.

Fully Funded Masters Scholarship in Canada

1. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Programme

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program is meant for Students in graduate studies at the masters and doctoral levels. Students from all disciplines of academic study can apply for this scholarship in any participating schools in Ontario.

The award is jointly funded. The Province of Ontario brings two thirds, and the school offering the award brings one third. 

The scholarship awards up to CAD 10,000 for 2 study terms and CAD 15,000 for 3 study terms to recipients. This amount can cover your tuition fee, as well as other necessary expenses.

Students must already be enrolled into a full time Masters program at their chosen university, any other eligibility requirements are based on the set eligibility criteria put in place by the University you are applying for.

READ: How to Apply for KDGS Scholarship.

To apply,you have to use your school’s OGS application, usually available in October. You can contact the Graduate Studies Office at the school you’re planning to attend for details on their application process. 

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship program is solely a merit-based scholarship, to encourage academic excellence. You have to stay consistent in getting good grades while obtaining your degree. This scholarship is open to students applying for Masters, and is fully funded. International students with valid study permits can apply for the scholarship. 

2. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship offers scholarships to international students to do their masters programme at a Canadian Universities with Vanier CGS allocation to study any course of choice. The programme offers eligible students $50,000 per year for three years. This award goes a long way to cover their tuition fees, as well as their living expenses and offers an annual stipend. It is regarded as one of the best international scholarships for students.

Eligibility:

Eligible Canadian institutions are to submit their nominations. Candidates cannot submit their applications directly to VCGS. Before applying, check if you meet the requirements to apply for this Scholarship.  

To be eligible for this Master program scholarship:

•  You must be nominated by a Canadian institution with a Vanier CGS quota. 
• This master degree must be your first Masters degree. 
• Must have maintained a first-class grade point average in two years of full-time study. 

Research institutions that have the Vanier CGS quota. Apply for studies there, and then you can be nominated for this prestigious scholarship. 

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships was established to attract and retain world-class research students in order to establish Canada as a global center of excellence in research and higher learning. Having an excellent academic record and showing strong potential in conducting innovative and impactful research will boost your chance of being nominated for VCGS.

3. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship

The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship offered by the University of Toronto is intended to support international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and creativity and who are recognized as leaders within their school. Also, students who have impacted greatly on their school and community, and contributed positively to the globe are nominated for this Scholarship.

The scholarship is awarded annually, and its grant will cover tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.

To be nominated,you must gain admission to do your Masters at the University of Toronto. Then ask your school guidance counselor about being nominated. Once you’ve applied to the University of Toronto and have been nominated.  A personalized, and secure link will be sent to you from Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship.

4. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships

The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF) is a merit-based award open to international students who will be registered as full-time graduate students to do their Masters program at the University of Manitoba.  The fellowships are valued at $14,000 for Masters students who are given a 12-month period to complete their studies. 

To be eligible for this Scholarship:

• Eligible Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be considered for this award. Most departments may have a higher GPA requirement, you need to make enquiries before applications. 
• Applicants must also have been admitted to a graduate program at the University of Manitoba as a full time Masters student.
• Applicants should not have an active, admission‐related hold on their student account during their provisional admission period.
• Applicants must be recommended for a UMGF award by their department/unit of study.

Only nominated students will be considered for award, and selections will be submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies. 

5. University of Waterloo Master’s Awards of Excellence

The International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE) offered by University of Waterloo is open to  eligible international students who want to embark on a masters degree program. The award is valued at $2,500 per term for a maximum of five terms.

To be eligible for this award:

• Applicants must be International students with a valid Canadian study permit.
• Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence through criteria established by the Faculty. 
• Applicants must be registered into full time Masters studies.
• Only students entering the first term of their program are eligible.
• Applicants must meet the academic progress requirements of their program and not have any outstanding probationary admission requirements.

Applications is done automatically, as students will be automatically considered for this award based on their application for admission.

Departments and Faculties will select the students that meet their require, and nominate for the scholarship. 

FAQS

Are There Fully Funded Masters Scholarships in Canada?

Yes, there are few fully funded scholarships that can enable international students to study for their Masters in Canada. These scholarships include:

• University of Waterloo Master’s Awards of Excellence. 
• Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship. 
• University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships. 
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Programme. 
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships. 

Final Thought

It is not easy to get that dream scholarship  in Canada. With a lot of competition and eligibility criteria, this can be a herculean task. 

However, you can achieve a fully funded scholarship in Canada with the right knowledge, and academic records. This is not an impossible feat. As long as you remain focused on the goal, you can get that high-quality education and research environment you crave for  in Canada to complete your Masters program.

This is why I took time to explain and to list a few fully funded Masters scholarships in Canada. Check them out, and apply for the one you are most eligible for.