Most scholarships available in Canada are not fully funded. There are very few fully funded scholarships, and many will only cover part of your tuition.
There are many deadlines coming up soon. One major deadline is for undergraduates in 9 days. There are more in January and February.
All dates were checked in November 2026. They may change, so make sure to check the official website.
What Does Fully Funded Mean?
- Tuition: No tuition fees to pay.
- Annual Living Allowance: Covers rent and food.
- Extra Research/Travel Funding: Some PhDs include this.
- Covered for Multiple Years: As long as you maintain your grades.
Many scholarships in Canada do not fully cover tuition. Check the amounts.
Scholarship Deadlines
- UBC International Scholars Program: This closes on 15th November 2026. However, there are other dates shown online. Check the official website for further information.
- Waterloo International Student Entrance Scholarship: Automatically awarded. Engineering admissions close on 15th January 2027. Most programs will close on 1st February 2027.
- Ontario Trillium Scholarship: No set date. Each university will have its own deadline for nominations.
- Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship: Multiple dates are shown between 2nd October and 25th November. Check the Foundation website.
- Lester B. Pearson: Final stage closes today, 6th November 2026.
- McCall MacBain: Closed for international students on 19th August 2026.
Open or Opening Soon
1. UBC International Scholars Program (Vancouver/Kelowna)
UBC offers need-based scholarships to international undergraduates. The most well-known is the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award. You cannot choose which award you get. UBC will decide.
Application Deadline:
Most websites state that you need to apply for your scholarship and UBC by 15th November 2026.
References will need to be submitted by 31st January 2027, and results will usually be given in April.
Some sites show 5th or 15th January. Check the UBC website now.
Amount:
The amount will depend on your financial need. The highest award can cover full tuition and living costs (source). Check UBC for exact amounts.
Note:
All scholarships require financial need. Applicants will lose their chance of merit entrance awards at UBC (source). Check the terms and conditions first.
2. University of Waterloo International Student Entrance Scholarship (Ontario)
Awarded to international students starting their first undergraduate degree. No essay is required.
Application Deadline:
Engineering applicants must apply for admission by 15th January 2027. Most programs will close on 1st February 2027.
The scholarship will be awarded automatically.
Amount:
Usually $10,000. You will also receive automatic awards depending on your average admission score. This is a great help, but it is not fully funded.
Note:
Not everyone will be eligible. Check the Waterloo website for restrictions.
3. Ontario Trillium Scholarship (Ontario)
Awarded to international students doing a PhD at an Ontario university. You cannot apply yourself.
Dates:
Dates vary between universities. Apply for your PhD by the date given by your department.
Your school will decide who gets nominated. If you apply by 1st February, you will be automatically considered (source). This does not apply to all universities.
Amount:
$40,000 per year. You can renew for up to 4 years.
The government will pay you around $26,666, and your university will cover the rest.
Note:
You cannot be currently enrolled at an Ontario university. Speak to your department first.
4. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship
Awarded to PhD students working on major social issues. Mostly in the humanities and social sciences.
Dates:
There are 5 different dates for 2027 between 2nd October and 25th November. Some have already passed.
Only check the Foundation website for dates. Check today.
Amount:
Up to $50,000 per year for 3 years. Plus extra funding of up to $20,000 per year for research and travel.
Note:
Must be in your first or second year of a PhD at a Canadian university. You cannot apply if you are an international student outside of Canada.
Closed for 2027 – Plan for Next Year
5. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (Toronto)
The top scholarship for international undergraduates at the University of Toronto. Around 37 students win this each year.
Dates:
Most sources show that the school nomination closes on 9th October, admission closes on 16th October, and the scholarship itself closes today, 6th November 2026.
Some sites show 7th November and 1st December. Check the official website.
No dates have been announced for the next round.
Amount:
Covers tuition, books, fees, and full residence costs for 4 years. Only at the University of Toronto.
Note:
You can only be nominated by your high school. Speak to your school early next year.
6. McCall MacBain Scholarships (McGill)
Awarded to cover a master’s or second-entry professional degree at McGill.
Up to 30 winners, including 10 international students.
Dates:
International applicants had a deadline of 19th August 2026 at 4 p.m. ET for the 2027 cohort.
The 2028 call has not been officially announced. This year’s round opened on 1st June.
Amount:
Fully funded. Around $2,300 per month to cover living costs (source). Check the official website.
Note:
You will need to apply to McGill. Apply by your programme’s deadline or 1st December.
How to Find the Right Scholarship
Find One That Fits Your Profile
If you are a recent high school graduate, look at UBC and Waterloo first.
If you are applying for a PhD, look at Ontario Trillium first. Speak to your department.
If you are in a PhD at a Canadian university, look at the Trudeau Foundation.
Check If Your Country Is Eligible
Most of these scholarships are open to all countries. However, check each website for restrictions.
Some are through your high school, such as Pearson. Check if your school is involved.
Always Check the Official Website First
Check deadlines.
UBC is closing in 9 days. Many deadlines are in January and February.
Start on slow applications now. Transcripts, translations, and money documents can take weeks.
Add all dates to your phone. Set reminders 2 weeks in advance.
Common Mistakes
1. Only Check the First Date
Dates for UBC and Trudeau can vary between sites. Always check the official website.
2. Don’t Forget to Apply to the School
Both UBC and McCall MacBain require you to apply to the school. If you don’t, then you won’t get the scholarship.
3. Don’t Assume You Can Apply
You cannot apply for Ontario Trillium. You will be nominated by your department. Speak to them first.
Conclusion
The closest date is UBC on 15th November. Check the Trudeau Foundation website today.
Waterloo Engineering closes on 15th January, and most programs close on 1st February. Ontario Trillium will depend on your university.
Open the UBC International Scholars page tonight and start your applications. Both close on 15th November.