Advertisment

Canada is one of the most attractive study destinations for international students who want a high-quality education, a multicultural environment, and strong opportunities after graduation. Canadian universities are internationally recognized, and students from countries around the world apply every year for undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and professional programs.

The biggest challenge for many international applicants is the cost.

International students generally pay higher tuition fees than Canadian citizens and permanent residents. When tuition is combined with accommodation, food, transportation, books, health insurance, and other living expenses, studying in Canada can become expensive.

This is why fully funded scholarships in Canada for international students 2026 are attracting so much attention.

Fully Funded Scholarships in USA for International Students 2026–2027

Fully Funded Masters Scholarships in USA Without IELTS 2026–2027

Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in USA for International Students

USA Government Scholarships for International Students 2026–2027

Fully Funded MBA Scholarships in USA 2026

100% Tuition-Free Universities in USA for International Students 2026–2027

Fully Funded STEM Scholarships in USA for International Students 2026–2027

USA Scholarships With Visa Sponsorship for International Students

Fully Funded Scholarships at Top US Universities 2026–2027

A fully funded scholarship can potentially cover some or all of the major costs associated with studying in Canada. Depending on the scholarship, the package may include tuition, living expenses, accommodation, travel support, health insurance, books, or other allowances.

However, students should understand that not every Canadian scholarship advertised as “fully funded” covers everything.

Some scholarships cover full tuition but do not provide living expenses. Others provide a large annual award but still leave the student responsible for part of the tuition. Some are specifically designed for master’s or PhD students, while others are only available to undergraduate applicants.

For example, the McCall MacBain Scholarship at McGill University offers full funding for eligible master’s or professional-degree scholars, including tuition and fees, a living stipend of $2,300 per month during academic terms, summer funding options, and a relocation grant. The program welcomes applicants of all citizenships and nationalities, with one-third of the scholarships offered to international candidates.

The University of British Columbia also has a major financial-support program for international undergraduate students. UBC says it devotes more than $35 million annually to international undergraduate awards, scholarships, and other financial support.

This guide explains some of the major scholarship opportunities international students should research for 2026, how Canadian scholarships work, who can apply, what documents are required, and how to improve your chances of receiving full financial support.

What Is a Fully Funded Scholarship in Canada?

A fully funded scholarship generally means that a scholarship or funding package covers most or all of the major costs of studying.

Depending on the program, funding can include:

Full tuition
University fees
Monthly living allowance
Accommodation
Food
Health insurance
Books
Research expenses
Travel allowance
Relocation support
Conference funding

But there is no universal definition of “fully funded.”

One scholarship may cover tuition and provide a monthly stipend.

Another may cover tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.

A third may provide enough money to cover nearly all educational expenses but leave travel or personal expenses to the student.

Therefore, applicants should always read the official scholarship terms before assuming that an award covers every expense.

Who Can Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada?

International students from many countries can apply for Canadian scholarships.

Depending on the scholarship, applicants may come from:

Nigeria
Ghana
Kenya
Uganda
Tanzania
South Africa
Rwanda
Cameroon
Ethiopia
Zambia
Zimbabwe
India
Pakistan
Bangladesh
Philippines
Brazil
Mexico
Colombia
Other eligible countries

Eligibility depends on the individual scholarship.

Some programs are open to students from almost any country.

Others are restricted to specific countries or regions.

Some scholarships are specifically designed for students from developing countries.

Best Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for International Students

There are several major opportunities worth researching in 2026.

Among the most important are:

McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill University
UBC International Scholars Program
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
University and departmental graduate fellowships
Research assistantships and teaching assistantships
Government of Canada international scholarship programs
Fully funded doctoral and research programs

The exact eligibility and application deadlines vary.

1. McCall MacBain Scholarship at McGill University

The McCall MacBain Scholarship is one of Canada’s most attractive fully funded opportunities for graduate study.

The scholarship supports students pursuing a master’s or professional degree at McGill University.

For the 2027 cohort, the scholarship provides:

Full tuition
University fees
$2,300 monthly living stipend during academic terms
Summer funding options
Relocation grant
Mentorship
Leadership development
Community opportunities

The program explicitly states that applicants of all citizenships and nationalities are welcome. One-third of the scholarships are offered to international candidates.

This makes the scholarship particularly attractive to international students looking for a Canadian master’s program with substantial financial support.

McCall MacBain Scholarship Eligibility

Applicants for the 2027 cohort must meet at least one of the program’s education or age-related eligibility conditions.

According to the scholarship’s current information, applicants can qualify if they are:

On track to earn their first bachelor’s degree by August 2027
Graduated with their first bachelor’s degree in the last five years
Or, in certain circumstances, earned their first bachelor’s degree more than five years ago while meeting the specified age requirement

The scholarship also evaluates leadership, community involvement, character, and academic potential.

Being academically strong is important, but the scholarship is not simply a competition for students with the highest grades.

The selection process also looks for people who have demonstrated leadership and a commitment to making a positive difference.

How Much Does the McCall MacBain Scholarship Pay?

The scholarship provides a very substantial funding package.

For scholars starting a master’s or professional degree at McGill, the program states that it covers:

Full tuition and fees

plus

$2,300 per month during academic terms

plus

summer funding options

plus

relocation support

This combination makes it one of the strongest options for international students who want a fully funded graduate education in Canada.

Applicants should nevertheless read the official award conditions carefully because the duration and structure of funding can vary by program.

2. UBC International Scholars Program

The University of British Columbia has one of Canada’s major scholarship programs for international undergraduate students.

The UBC International Scholars Program is designed for international students with:

Outstanding academic performance
Leadership qualities
Significant contributions to their communities
Demonstrated financial need

UBC says applicants must demonstrate a significant level of financial need and that it would be impossible for them to pursue a UBC degree without meaningful financial assistance.

This is important because the program is not simply a merit scholarship.

Financial circumstances are part of the assessment.

UBC International Scholars Eligibility

The program is intended for international students entering UBC directly from an accredited secondary school and pursuing their first undergraduate degree.

Applicants must be international students studying in Canada on a Canadian study permit.

UBC also requires applicants to demonstrate significant financial need.

The university evaluates information about the applicant’s family income, expenses, assets, and other financial circumstances.

UBC International Scholars Application

For the 2027 entry cycle, UBC says applications will open in September 2026.

The current application process involves several steps.

Applicants need to:

Choose an academic program
Apply to UBC
Discuss nomination requirements with their school
Gather family and financial information
Prepare scholarship essays
Complete the scholarship application
Provide supporting documents when required

UBC says applicants for the 2027 cycle should begin early because applications started shortly before the deadline are less likely to be successful.

UBC International Scholars Deadline

UBC’s current admissions calendar lists December 1, 2026 as the deadline for international applicants who want to be considered for the International Scholars Program awards.

UBC also lists November 15, 2026, as the scholarship and awards deadline in its dates and deadlines information, so applicants should carefully follow the current instructions associated with their application and program rather than relying on a third-party website.

Deadlines can change, so applicants should verify them directly with UBC before submitting an application.

UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship

The UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship, commonly called IMES, is another important award for international undergraduate students.

For the 2026/2027 academic year, UBC says IMES awards are valued at $10,000 to $25,000 per year.

The scholarship can be renewable for up to three additional years of study, depending on the award and eligibility requirements.

However, students should not confuse IMES with a guaranteed full-ride scholarship.

UBC explicitly says that its merit-based OIS and IMES awards do not cover the full cost of education and encourages recipients to create a financial plan.

This is a good example of why students must check exactly what a scholarship covers.

UBC Outstanding International Student Award

The Outstanding International Student Award is another merit-based opportunity for international students.

UBC says the award is offered to qualified international students with strong academic performance and extracurricular involvement.

The award is a one-time entrance scholarship.

For the 2025/2026 academic year, UBC listed awards of $10,000 to $25,000.

Because scholarship values can change each academic year, applicants should check UBC’s current scholarship information for the year they are applying.

UBC Provides More Than $35 Million in International Student Support

UBC says it devotes more than $35 million annually to awards, scholarships, and other financial support for international undergraduate students.

The university also reports that students from more than 100 countries have received awards through its international student programs.

This makes UBC an important university for international students searching for scholarships.

However, applicants should distinguish between:

Fully funded awards

and

partial scholarships.

Not every award at UBC pays the complete cost of attendance.

3. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships have historically been one of Canada’s best-known doctoral scholarship programs.

The Government of Canada lists Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships among its major scholarship programs for doctoral studies in areas including:

Health
Sciences
Engineering
Humanities

The Government of Canada’s scholarship portal also lists Canada Graduate Scholarships and Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships among its major academic funding programs.

Students interested in doctoral study should carefully check the current program status, eligibility criteria, nomination process, and application timelines because Canadian scholarship programs can change from one year to another.

4. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation has historically offered highly competitive doctoral scholarships in Canada.

The program is particularly relevant to doctoral students working in areas connected to:

Social sciences
Humanities
Public policy
Leadership
Community engagement

Applicants should review the Foundation’s current eligibility rules and application cycle because scholarship structures and deadlines can change.

The important point is that doctoral students should not search only for university scholarships.

Major Canadian foundations can also provide graduate-level funding.

5. University Graduate Fellowships

Many Canadian universities offer graduate funding through their individual departments.

This can be one of the best ways for international students to obtain financial support.

Funding may come from:

Graduate fellowships
Research assistantships
Teaching assistantships
Department scholarships
Faculty awards
Research grants
Supervisor funding

For a research-based master’s or PhD, students should investigate the department rather than looking only at the central university scholarship page.

6. Research Assistantships in Canada

A research assistantship allows a graduate student to work on a research project while completing their degree.

The student might:

Collect data
Analyze results
Conduct laboratory experiments
Write literature reviews
Develop software
Assist with field research
Prepare research reports
Support a professor’s research

In return, the student may receive:

Tuition support
Stipend
Research funding
Academic experience

Research assistantships are particularly valuable for students pursuing research-intensive master’s and PhD programs.

7. Teaching Assistantships in Canada

Teaching assistantships are another important source of graduate funding.

A teaching assistant may help with:

Tutorials
Laboratories
Grading
Student questions
Course preparation
Office hours

In exchange, the student may receive financial support.

Teaching assistantships are especially common in larger Canadian universities with substantial undergraduate enrollment.

8. Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in Canada

PhD students generally have some of the strongest opportunities for university funding.

A funded doctoral package may include:

Tuition coverage
Annual stipend
Research funding
Health insurance
Teaching assistantship
Research assistantship
Conference funding

However, “fully funded” can mean different things at different universities.

Before accepting an offer, ask exactly how much funding is guaranteed and for how many years.

9. Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships in Canada

Master’s funding can be more difficult to obtain than PhD funding, especially for professional programs.

However, international students can search for:

McCall MacBain Scholarship
University fellowships
Research assistantships
Teaching assistantships
Department awards
External foundations
Research-based master’s funding

Research-based master’s programs often provide more funding opportunities than professional master’s programs.

10. MBA Scholarships in Canada

International students interested in an MBA can investigate Canadian university scholarships.

However, students should be careful with the phrase “fully funded MBA.”

MBA programs are usually professional programs, and full funding plus a living stipend is less common than in PhD programs.

Potential sources include:

Merit scholarships
Leadership scholarships
Entrance awards
External scholarships
Employer sponsorship
University fellowships
Limited graduate assistantships

The McCall MacBain Scholarship can be relevant to certain eligible professional master’s programs at McGill, but applicants must verify whether their specific program is included in the current eligible-program list.

Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada Without IELTS

Many international students search for Canadian scholarships without IELTS.

The important thing to understand is that the scholarship and university admission requirements are separate issues.

A scholarship may not specifically require IELTS, but the university may still require proof of English-language proficiency.

Some universities accept:

TOEFL
IELTS
Duolingo English Test
Other approved tests
English-language study exemptions

The exact requirements depend on the institution and program.

Therefore, never assume that a scholarship advertised as “without IELTS” means that no English-language evidence will be required.

Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada Without GRE

The GRE is not universally required for graduate admission in Canada.

Requirements depend on the university and program.

Many graduate programs do not require the GRE.

Others may recommend or require it.

Students should check the exact requirements for their intended program.

Not requiring the GRE does not mean admission will be easy.

Universities can still evaluate:

GPA
Research experience
Statement of purpose
Recommendations
Work experience
Publications
Academic preparation

Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for Nigerian Students

Nigerian students can apply for Canadian scholarships that are open to international applicants.

Some of the most useful opportunities to research include:

UBC International Scholars Program
McCall MacBain Scholarships
University-specific scholarships
Graduate fellowships
Research assistantships
Teaching assistantships
External foundation scholarships
Government-sponsored international scholarship programs

Nigerian applicants should not limit their search to scholarships specifically labeled “for Nigerians.”

Many Canadian scholarships simply say international students, which means Nigerian students may be eligible.

Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for African Students

African students can find opportunities at Canadian universities and through external organizations.

Applicants from:

Nigeria
Ghana
Kenya
Uganda
Tanzania
Rwanda
South Africa
Cameroon
Ethiopia
Zambia

can investigate scholarships open to international applicants.

Some programs may specifically prioritize developing-country applicants, while others are open to students worldwide.

Always check citizenship requirements.

Fully Funded Scholarships for International Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate students should pay particular attention to university entrance scholarships.

Some of the most important opportunities to research include:

UBC International Scholars Program

Designed for international students with exceptional academic performance, leadership, community contributions, and significant financial need.

UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship

For exceptional international students entering undergraduate programs. For 2026/2027, UBC lists awards of $10,000–$25,000 per year.

UBC Outstanding International Student Award

A merit-based entrance award for qualified international students.

Students should remember that not all of these awards are fully funded.

Fully Funded Scholarships for Graduate Students

Graduate students should look beyond traditional scholarships.

The best opportunities may come from:

University fellowships
Faculty funding
Research assistantships
Teaching assistantships
Supervisor grants
Government scholarships
External foundations

A graduate applicant can sometimes receive a funding package without ever applying for a scholarship called a “scholarship.”

For example, a PhD offer may include tuition support and a yearly stipend as part of the department’s funding package.

Fully Funded STEM Scholarships in Canada

STEM students can find significant funding opportunities because Canadian universities conduct extensive research.

Students should investigate:

Computer science
Artificial intelligence
Data science
Engineering
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Biotechnology
Environmental science
Health sciences

Research-based programs are especially worth investigating.

Computer Science Scholarships in Canada

Computer science is one of the most popular fields for international students.

Potential areas include:

Artificial intelligence
Machine learning
Cybersecurity
Software engineering
Data science
Robotics
Computer vision
Human-computer interaction
Cloud computing
Distributed systems

Students should search individual Canadian university departments for:

Computer Science graduate funding

Computer Science research assistantship

Computer Science PhD funding

Computer Science fellowship

This can produce more useful results than simply searching for “computer science scholarship.”

Engineering Scholarships in Canada

Engineering students can investigate funding in:

Mechanical engineering
Electrical engineering
Civil engineering
Chemical engineering
Biomedical engineering
Aerospace engineering
Environmental engineering
Computer engineering
Industrial engineering

Research-based graduate programs may provide assistantships and fellowships.

Public Health Scholarships in Canada

Public health is another field with graduate scholarship opportunities.

Students can search for funding in:

Epidemiology
Global health
Biostatistics
Health policy
Environmental health
Health promotion
Health informatics

Research funding can be especially important for master’s and doctoral students.

Business and Management Scholarships

Students pursuing business degrees can investigate:

MBA scholarships
Management scholarships
Leadership awards
Entrepreneurship awards
Professional-degree funding

However, full funding is generally less common for professional business degrees than for research-based PhD programs.

How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada

Step 1: Decide on Your Degree

Determine whether you want:

Undergraduate
Master’s
PhD
Professional degree

Your degree level will determine which scholarships you can apply for.

Step 2: Select Your Field

Choose your intended area of study.

For example:

Computer science
Engineering
Business
Economics
Public health
Mathematics
Biology
Education
Social sciences

Step 3: Research Canadian Universities

Create a list of universities that offer your desired program.

Do not choose universities based only on rankings.

Compare:

Tuition
Scholarships
Cost of living
Funding
Program quality
Admission requirements
Location
Research opportunities

Step 4: Check International Eligibility

Make sure the scholarship accepts international students.

This is one of the most important steps.

A scholarship may be available at a Canadian university but restricted to Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Step 5: Check the Funding Package

Ask:

Does it cover tuition?

Does it provide living support?

Does it include health insurance?

Does it cover accommodation?

Is travel included?

Is the funding renewable?

How many years is funding guaranteed?

Step 6: Prepare Your Documents

Depending on the scholarship, you may need:

Academic transcripts
Passport
CV
Personal statement
Statement of purpose
Recommendation letters
Research proposal
English-language test
Proof of financial need
Awards and certificates
Leadership evidence

Step 7: Write a Strong Personal Statement

Your personal statement should explain:

Your academic background
Your goals
Why you chose Canada
Why you chose the program
Your leadership experience
Your community involvement
Your future plans

Avoid generic statements.

Instead of saying:

“I want to study in Canada because Canada has good universities.”

Explain what you want to study, why the field matters to you, and what you intend to do with the knowledge.

Step 8: Demonstrate Leadership

Many competitive scholarships consider leadership.

Leadership can include:

Community projects
Student organizations
Volunteer activities
Entrepreneurship
Research
Mentoring
Academic competitions
Youth programs

You do not need to be the president of a major organization.

Consistent community involvement can also demonstrate leadership.

Step 9: Demonstrate Financial Need When Required

Some scholarships are designed specifically for students who cannot afford university without significant financial support.

UBC’s International Scholars Program is a good example.

UBC says applicants must demonstrate significant financial need and provide documentation about family income, expenses, and assets.

If a scholarship requires financial information, provide accurate documents.

Never exaggerate financial circumstances.

Step 10: Apply Before the Deadline

Scholarship deadlines can be earlier than normal university admission deadlines.

UBC’s International Scholars Program, for example, has a separate award application process and deadline.

The McCall MacBain Scholarship also has its own application cycle, separate from simply applying to McGill.

Students should create a calendar with:

University application deadline
Scholarship deadline
Recommendation deadline
Test deadline
Document deadline

How to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Canadian Scholarship

Maintain Excellent Academic Results

Strong grades are important for competitive scholarships.

However, grades alone are not always enough.

Build Leadership Experience

Scholarship committees often want students who can contribute to their communities.

Start projects.

Volunteer.

Mentor others.

Participate in student organizations.

Take responsibility.

Develop a Clear Career Goal

Explain where you want your education to take you.

A strong application connects:

Past experience → present education → future impact.

Get Strong Recommendation Letters

Choose people who know your academic or professional abilities well.

A detailed recommendation from someone who has worked closely with you is usually more useful than a generic letter from someone with an impressive title.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Believing Every “Fully Funded” Advertisement

Some websites describe a $5,000 award as fully funded.

It is not.

Always calculate the actual cost of tuition and living expenses.

Mistake 2: Ignoring the University Website

Third-party scholarship websites can contain outdated information.

Use the official university or government website to verify:

Eligibility
Amount
Deadline
Required documents
Application process

Mistake 3: Applying Only for One Scholarship

Competitive scholarships receive many applications.

Apply for several suitable opportunities.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Partial Scholarships

A $20,000 scholarship may not be fully funded, but it can still dramatically reduce your total cost.

Do not reject every partial award.

Mistake 5: Assuming Every Canadian Government Scholarship Is Open to Everyone

Government scholarship programs often have specific eligibility rules.

Some are for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Others are specifically designed for international students from eligible countries.

Check the current requirements.

What About Canada Student Grants?

International students should be careful when reading information about Canada’s federal student aid.

The Government of Canada’s Canada Student Grants and Loans program is designed primarily around Canadian student-aid eligibility rules and provincial or territorial residence.

The federal government says the program provides grants and loans to help eligible students cover tuition, living expenses, and school-related costs.

International students should therefore not assume that they can receive the same federal student grants available to eligible Canadian residents.

Instead, international applicants should focus on:

University scholarships
International student awards
Graduate fellowships
Assistantships
Government international scholarship programs
External foundations

Can International Students Work While Studying in Canada?

International students may have permission to work under Canadian immigration rules, subject to the conditions attached to their study permit and the rules in force at the time.

However, students should not rely on part-time work to finance an education that they cannot otherwise afford.

A scholarship or funding package should be evaluated first.

Working while studying should be considered additional support rather than a replacement for adequate funding.

Can a Scholarship Help With a Canadian Study Permit?

A scholarship can help demonstrate that you have financial resources available for your studies.

However, receiving a scholarship does not automatically guarantee approval of a Canadian study permit.

Students must still satisfy Canada’s immigration requirements.

The university or designated learning institution will provide the required admission documentation, while the immigration process is handled separately.

Do Fully Funded Scholarships Cover Travel to Canada?

Some do.

Others do not.

A scholarship may cover:

Tuition
Living allowance
Accommodation

but leave flights to the student.

Others may provide a travel or relocation allowance.

The McCall MacBain Scholarship, for example, lists a relocation grant as part of its funding package.

Always check the specific award conditions.

Do Fully Funded Scholarships Cover Accommodation?

Some scholarships do, directly or indirectly.

For example, a scholarship may provide a monthly stipend that students can use to pay rent.

Another may provide university accommodation directly.

A third may only cover tuition.

Therefore, never assume that “fully funded” means a free dormitory.

Read the award details.

Do Canadian Scholarships Provide Monthly Stipends?

Some graduate scholarships and fellowships do.

The amount varies significantly.

For example, the McCall MacBain Scholarship provides a $2,300 monthly living stipend during academic terms for its eligible scholars.

Graduate assistantships can also provide regular stipends.

Undergraduate scholarships, however, are often structured differently and may be awarded as annual amounts rather than monthly payments.

Fully Funded Scholarships vs Tuition Scholarships

These should not be confused.

Tuition Scholarship

Pays all or part of tuition.

Full Tuition Scholarship

Pays the entire tuition amount but may not cover living costs.

Fully Funded Scholarship

Usually provides funding toward tuition plus living or other major expenses.

Full-Ride Scholarship

Often refers to an award covering tuition and major living costs, although definitions vary.

Always read the actual scholarship terms.

How Much Money Do You Need Even With a Scholarship?

Even with a fully funded scholarship, students may have expenses such as:

Passport
Visa fees
Medical examination
Flights
Initial accommodation
Personal expenses
Winter clothing
Transportation
Emergency expenses

A scholarship can significantly reduce the financial burden, but students should still create an emergency budget.

Best Strategy for Nigerian Students

If you are applying from Nigeria, a practical approach is to create three categories.

Category One: Fully Funded Opportunities

Focus on programs that cover tuition and provide significant living support.

Examples include certain graduate fellowships and major scholarships such as McCall MacBain.

Category Two: Major Partial Scholarships

Look for awards that significantly reduce tuition.

UBC’s IMES, for example, is currently listed at $10,000–$25,000 per year for 2026/2027, although UBC says its merit-based awards do not cover the full cost of education.

Category Three: Assistantships

For graduate programs, search for:

Research assistantships
Teaching assistantships
Graduate assistantships

These can sometimes provide tuition support plus a stipend.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best fully funded scholarships in Canada for international students in 2026?

Important opportunities to research include the McCall MacBain Scholarship at McGill, UBC’s International Scholars Program, university graduate fellowships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and eligible Canadian government or external scholarship programs.

Can international students get fully funded scholarships in Canada?

Yes. International students can receive fully funded or highly funded scholarships, depending on their academic level, program, nationality, financial need, and the scholarship’s eligibility requirements.

Which Canadian university gives full scholarships to international students?

Several Canadian universities offer major scholarships to international students, but the amount and coverage vary. UBC has dedicated international scholarship programs, while McGill is the host institution for the fully funded McCall MacBain Scholarship.

What is the McCall MacBain Scholarship?

It is a major scholarship for master’s and professional degree study at McGill University. The current program information states that the scholarship covers tuition and fees, provides a $2,300 monthly stipend during academic terms, and includes summer funding options and a relocation grant.

Can Nigerians apply for the McCall MacBain Scholarship?

Yes. The scholarship’s current eligibility information states that applicants of all citizenships and nationalities are welcome, with one-third of scholarships offered to international candidates.

Can Nigerians apply for UBC International Scholars?

International applicants can apply if they meet UBC’s eligibility conditions, including the program’s requirements for international status, undergraduate entry, academic performance, leadership, and significant financial need.

Is UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship fully funded?

No. UBC currently lists IMES awards of $10,000–$25,000 per year for 2026/2027, but the university states that its merit-based OIS and IMES awards do not cover the full cost of education.

Are there fully funded master’s scholarships in Canada?

Yes, although they are competitive. Students should research major scholarships such as McCall MacBain as well as university fellowships, assistantships, and research-based master’s funding.

Are PhD scholarships fully funded in Canada?

Some doctoral programs and fellowships provide substantial funding, including tuition support and living stipends. Funding varies by university, department, and scholarship.

Can I study in Canada without IELTS on a scholarship?

Possibly. Some universities accept alternatives or provide exemptions depending on your educational background. However, scholarship eligibility and English-language admission requirements are separate issues.

Can I study in Canada without GRE?

Many Canadian graduate programs do not require the GRE, but requirements vary by university and program.

Do Canadian scholarships cover accommodation?

Some provide accommodation directly, while others provide a stipend that can be used toward housing. Others cover tuition only.

Do Canadian scholarships provide monthly stipends?

Some do, particularly graduate fellowships and fully funded scholarships. The McCall MacBain Scholarship currently provides a $2,300 monthly stipend during academic terms.

Are Canadian government scholarships available to all international students?

No. Government programs have specific eligibility requirements. Students must check the individual program rather than assuming that every Canadian government scholarship is open to international applicants.

Final Thoughts

Finding a fully funded scholarship in Canada for international students in 2026 is possible, but it requires more research than simply searching for a list of universities.

The most important thing is to understand what each scholarship actually pays for.

A scholarship may cover tuition.

Another may cover tuition and provide a living allowance.

Another may provide a large entrance award but leave the student responsible for accommodation and other expenses.

The strongest opportunities are those that combine multiple forms of support.

For graduate students, the McCall MacBain Scholarship at McGill University is an excellent example. Its current information describes a package covering full tuition and fees, a $2,300 monthly stipend during academic terms, summer funding options, and a relocation grant. It is open to applicants of all citizenships and nationalities, with one-third of scholarships offered to international candidates.

For undergraduate students, UBC is another university that deserves serious attention. UBC says it provides more than $35 million annually in international undergraduate awards, scholarships, and other financial support. Its International Scholars Program specifically targets international students with outstanding academic performance, leadership, community contributions, and significant financial need.

However, students should not assume that every UBC scholarship is fully funded. For example, UBC states that its International Major Entrance Scholarship and Outstanding International Student Award do not cover the full cost of education.

This distinction is extremely important.

If you are searching for a scholarship that covers everything, look for language such as:

Full tuition

Living stipend

Accommodation

Health insurance

Travel allowance

Relocation grant

Renewable funding

Full financial support

For graduate applicants, also search for:

Research assistantship

Teaching assistantship

Graduate fellowship

PhD funding

Departmental funding

Do not limit yourself to scholarships that have the word “scholarship” in their title.

Many of the strongest graduate funding opportunities are built into the admission offer.

Finally, start early.

Prepare your academic documents, identify suitable programs, build a strong personal statement, ask for recommendation letters early, research eligibility requirements, and keep a calendar of every deadline.

Most importantly, verify scholarship information directly through the official university or government website.

Scholarship amounts, eligibility requirements, deadlines, and available programs can change.

For international students who have strong academic potential but limited financial resources, Canada can provide some excellent opportunities to earn a degree without carrying the full cost alone.

The goal should not simply be to find a scholarship that sounds “fully funded.”

The goal is to find a real funding package that covers enough of your tuition and living costs to make studying in Canada financially realistic.

With careful planning, a strong application, and the right scholarship strategy, international students can compete for some of Canada’s most valuable educational funding opportunities in 2026 and beyond.