List of Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for Masters Students

Ultimate Guide to Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for Masters Students (2026 Edition)

Securing a seat in a Canadian Master’s program is a dream for many, but the price tag often exceeding $40,000 CAD per year for international students is a harsh reality. If you are staring at your bank balance wondering how to bridge the gap between your academic ambitions and your financial reality, you are not alone.

In my 15 years of advising students through the complex web of North American admissions, I have seen the same pattern: brilliant candidates give up because they believe "fully funded" is a myth or reserved only for the top 0.1%.

This guide is here to shatter that myth. Whether you are aiming for a research-based Master of Science or a professional Master’s in Public Policy, there is a pathway to zero-cost education. We have updated this list specifically for the 2026 intake, reflecting the most recent changes in funding quotas and application windows.

What are the Best Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for Masters Students?

Direct Answer: The most prominent fully funded scholarships in Canada for Masters students include the Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s (CGS-M), the McCall MacBain Scholarships, and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. These awards typically provide a full tuition waiver plus a living stipend ranging from $17,500 to $50,000 CAD annually, covering travel, insurance, and research costs.

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What we noticed during the 2026 intake cycle is a significant shift toward "holistic funding." Canadian universities are moving away from purely GPA-based awards and toward "impact-based" funding.

In my experience helping students navigate these changes, I’ve found that a 3.9 GPA is no longer a guaranteed ticket. Adcoms (Admissions Committees) are now prioritizing candidates who can demonstrate how their research or professional goals align with Canada’s current socio-economic priorities, such as sustainable tech, healthcare innovation, and Indigenous reconciliation.

• Expert Tip: Don't wait for the scholarship portal to open. In Canada, the scholarship application is often integrated into the university admission process. If you miss the admission deadline for the "Early Consideration" round, you often lose your chance at the biggest funding pots.

Top-Tier Government and National Scholarships

These are the "Big Four." They are highly competitive, prestigious, and offer the most comprehensive financial security.

1. Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s (CGS-M)

The CGS-M program supports students in all disciplines. It is funded by the three major tri-agency councils: CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC.

•  Value: $17,500 for 12 months (non-renewable).
• Eligibility: You must be enrolled in or applying to a full-time Master’s program at a Canadian institution with a CGS-M quota.
• Application Deadline: December 1, annually.
• Key Focus: Academic excellence and research potential.

2. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

If you are eyeing schools like the University of Toronto, Waterloo, or McMaster, the OGS is your primary target. This is a merit-based scholarship funded by the provincial government.

•  Value: $15,000 per year (minimum $5,000 per term).
•  International Quota: Each university has a specific number of OGS awards reserved for international students.
•  Strategy: You apply through the university you intend to attend. Most deadlines fall between January and March 2026 for the Fall start.

3. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship

While primarily known for PhDs, the Trudeau Foundation offers unique leadership-based funding that sometimes bridges the transition from a research Master's to a Doctorate.

•  Value: Up to $40,000 stipend plus $20,000 travel/research allowance.
•  Focus: Human Rights, People and their Natural Environment, Responsible Citizenship, and Canada in the World.

University-Specific "Full Ride" Packages

Many students make the mistake of looking only for external scholarships. However, the largest source of "fully funded" offers in Canada comes directly from the universities themselves.

University of Toronto: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

This is perhaps the most comprehensive scholarship in Canada for students from Sub-Saharan Africa.

•  Coverage: Full tuition, airfare, housing, food, and health insurance.
•   2026 Update: We are seeing an increase in spots for health-related disciplines like Public Health and Health Administration.
•  Application Tip: You must demonstrate a commitment to returning to your home country to contribute to its development.

McGill University: McCall MacBain Scholarships

Based in Montreal, this scholarship is for "visionary leaders." It is one of the few that covers a wide range of Master's and professional degrees (like Law and Medicine).

•  Value: Full tuition and fees plus a monthly stipend of $2,000 CAD.
•  Eligibility: Open to Canadians and International students.
•  Requirement: An intense interview process focusing on character, community engagement, and leadership.

University of British Columbia (UBC) Graduate Global Leadership Fellowship

UBC offers this specific award for citizens from developing countries.

•  Value: $18,200 per year plus tuition for four years.
•  Target: Students who show promise in leadership and have a history of academic excellence in their home country.

The "Hidden" Full Funding: RA and TA Positions

In my years as a strategist, I’ve seen more students funded through Research Assistantships (RA) and Teaching Assistantships (TA) than through formal named scholarships.

In research-based (Thesis) Master’s programs, Canadian professors often have research grants (from NSERC or SSHRC). They use these grants to "hire" Master's students.

How the RA/TA Funding Model Works:

1.  Tuition Waiver: Some departments waive international tuition fees entirely.
2.   Stipend: You receive a monthly salary for doing research (RA) or grading papers (TA).
3.   The Result: A "funding package" that often totals $25,000 – $35,000 CAD. This covers your living expenses and tuition.

Expert Tip: For 2026, we recommend reaching out to potential supervisors six months before the application deadline. Use a highly personalized email detailing your research alignment. A "yes" from a supervisor often comes with a "yes" for funding.

Step-by-Step Application Blueprint for 2026

If you want to beat the competition, you need a calendar that starts early.

Step 1: The Research Phase (June – August 2025)

Identify at least 5 universities that offer your specific Master’s program. Check if they are "thesis-based" (easier to fund) or "course-based" (harder to fund).

Step 2: The GRE/IELTS Hurdle (August – September 2025)

Most fully funded scholarships in Canada require an IELTS score of 7.0+ or a TOEFL of 100+. Even if the university says it's optional, a high GRE score can act as a tie-breaker for competitive funding pots.

Step 3: Contacting Supervisors (September – October 2025)

For research programs, this is the most critical step. If a professor agrees to supervise you, they will often advocate for your scholarship application within the department.

Step 4: Drafting the Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Your SOP should not be a resume in prose. It needs to tell a story. Why Canada? Why this specific research? How will you give back?

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Financial Safety Nets: Loans and Top-Rated Consultants

While the goal is 100% funding, savvy students always have a Plan B. Sometimes a "full scholarship" covers everything but leaves you short on "proof of funds" for your visa.

International Student Loans

If you receive a partial scholarship, you can cover the remainder with specialized international student loans. Unlike local loans, companies like Mpower Financing or Prodigy Finance do not require a Canadian co-signer. This can be the difference between getting your study permit approved or rejected.

Working with Top-Rated Consultants

The scholarship landscape changes every month. Engaging with top-rated consultants who specialize in the Canadian market can provide you with "insider" knowledge on which departments have leftover budget or which obscure bursaries have the fewest applicants.

Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)

1. Can I get a fully funded scholarship in Canada for a course-based Master’s?

It is significantly harder than for research-based programs. However, professional programs like the MBA or Master of Public Policy often have "Entrance Awards" and "Diversity Scholarships" that can cover up to 100% of tuition. Look into the McCall MacBain at McGill for one of the few options that covers professional degrees.

2. Is IELTS mandatory for Canadian scholarships?

For most international students from non-English speaking countries, yes. To be competitive for a full scholarship, you generally need a score of 7.5 overall. Some universities may waive this if your previous degree was taught entirely in English, but "waived" doesn't help you stand out in a scholarship committee's eyes.

3. What is the minimum GPA for a fully funded scholarship?

In my experience, the "safe zone" is a 3.7/4.0 (A- or 85%). However, if you have significant research publications or high-impact leadership experience, students with a 3.3 - 3.5 have successfully secured funding, especially through the RA/TA route.

4. Are there fully funded scholarships in Canada without a supervisor?

Yes. National awards like the Mastercard Foundation or university-wide entrance awards do not require a supervisor. However, your chances of a "Full Ride" increase by 70% if you are in a program that assigns you a mentor who has research grant money.

5. Do these scholarships cover the cost of a student visa?

Most do not pay the visa fee upfront. However, comprehensive awards like the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program often reimburse all pre-arrival costs, including your visa, biometrics, and even your initial flight to Toronto or Vancouver.

Final Steps for Your Canadian Scholarship Journey

Securing a fully funded Master’s in Canada for 2026 is a marathon, not a sprint. The students I’ve seen succeed are the ones who treat the application like a part-time job spending 10 hours a week refining their research proposals and networking with faculty.

Don't let the fear of a "rejection" stop you from applying. The funding is there; the Canadian government and its universities are actively looking for global talent to fuel their innovation economy.

Ask your question below, and let's get your 2026 journey started.