Canada has become one of the most attractive destinations for international students who want to earn a master’s degree abroad without taking on overwhelming education costs.

Canadian universities are known for strong academic programs, research opportunities, multicultural campuses, and internationally recognized degrees. But tuition and living expenses can still be significant, especially for students coming from countries where the Canadian dollar is much stronger than their local currency.

That is why fully funded and highly funded master’s scholarships are so important.

The good news is that international students can find substantial funding through Canadian universities, research awards, government-supported programs, external organizations, and graduate assistantships.

However, there is an important point that applicants need to understand from the beginning:

Not every scholarship advertised as “fully funded” covers every expense.

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Some awards cover tuition only. Others provide a fixed amount toward tuition and living costs. Research-based master’s programs may combine scholarships with teaching or research assistantships to create a much larger funding package.

For 2026 and future intakes, students should therefore look beyond scholarship titles and examine exactly what each award pays for.

Canada’s official scholarship information includes graduate awards such as the Canada Graduate Scholarships—Master’s program, while individual universities also operate their own funding systems. (Canada)

This guide explains some of the major funding routes international students should investigate, how master’s funding works in Canada, eligibility requirements, application strategies, and ways to improve your chances of receiving financial support.

What Is a Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship?

A fully funded master’s scholarship generally means an award or combination of funding that pays for most or all of the major costs associated with completing a master’s degree.

Depending on the program, funding may include:

Full or partial tuition
Mandatory university fees
Monthly or annual stipend
Research expenses
Health-related coverage
Books and academic materials
Accommodation support
Travel or research travel funding
Teaching or research assistantship income

There is no single definition of “fully funded” that applies to every Canadian university.

For example, one award might provide $27,000 for one year. That is a substantial scholarship, but it does not automatically mean the university will also pay your rent, flights, food, and every other expense.

The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship—Master’s program currently provides $27,000 for one year, according to the 2026 competition information. (SSHRC)

Therefore, students should calculate their expected annual expenses and compare them with the actual scholarship value.

Can International Students Get Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships in Canada?

Yes, international students can receive significant funding for master’s studies in Canada.

But the opportunities available to international students are different from those available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Some major federal graduate scholarships are restricted to Canadian citizens or permanent residents, while universities and other organizations have separate awards for international students.

This is why applicants should always check the eligibility section before preparing an application.

A scholarship appearing on a Canadian government website does not automatically mean that an international student can apply.

1. Canada Graduate Research Scholarship—Master’s

The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship—Master’s program is one of Canada’s major graduate research awards.

The program supports high-calibre students undertaking eligible master’s programs in Canada.

For the 2026 competition, the award is valued at $27,000 for one year, with the next competition launching in September 2026 and an application deadline of December 1, 2026. (SSHRC)

However, international applicants need to pay close attention to the eligibility rules.

This is not a universal scholarship for every international student.

Students should verify the citizenship and program requirements before considering it as a funding option.

The important lesson is that Canada’s major graduate scholarship system contains different programs with different eligibility rules.

2. University-Based Funding for International Students

For international master’s students, university funding can be much more relevant than federal scholarships.

Canadian universities often provide funding through:

Graduate fellowships
International student awards
Department scholarships
Research assistantships
Teaching assistantships
Entrance awards
Tuition awards
Faculty-specific scholarships
External research funding

The University of British Columbia is a good example.

UBC’s graduate school explains that funding can come from program funding packages, university-level awards, department awards, research and teaching assistantships, and external funding. (UBC Graduate School)

This means students should not search only for scholarships with the words “fully funded” in the title.

Instead, search for the complete funding package offered by the master’s program.

3. University of British Columbia Funding

The University of British Columbia is one of Canada’s leading universities and offers numerous graduate funding opportunities.

UBC says its graduate students can receive funding through program packages, faculty awards, department awards, and assistantships. (UBC Graduate School)

For international students, UBC also has an International Tuition Award.

Eligible international graduate students are automatically considered for this award rather than having to submit a separate application. (UBC Graduate School)

This can be particularly useful for international master’s students because tuition is often one of the largest expenses they face.

UBC also states that research-based graduate programs can provide opportunities for scholarships and awards, while students can investigate funding available through their specific graduate program. (UBC Graduate School)

4. UBC International Tuition Award

The International Tuition Award is different from a traditional full scholarship.

It is designed to help eligible international graduate students with international tuition costs.

One important advantage is the application process.

UBC states that eligible international students are automatically considered for the award. (UBC Graduate School)

This is an excellent example of why students should carefully investigate university funding policies.

You could potentially miss a funding opportunity simply because you were searching only for scholarships requiring a separate application.

5. Research-Based Master’s Funding

If your goal is to maximize your chances of receiving substantial funding, consider research-based master’s programs.

Research programs often involve a thesis, supervisor, and research project.

This can create additional funding opportunities because professors and departments may have research grants that support graduate students.

Potential funding can include:

Research assistantship
Teaching assistantship
Graduate fellowship
Faculty award
Supervisor funding
External research scholarship

UBC specifically notes that graduate students can receive research and teaching assistant positions as part of their funding opportunities. (UBC Graduate School)

This does not mean every master’s student will automatically receive an assistantship.

It depends on the university, department, program, supervisor, and available funding.

6. Teaching Assistantships

A teaching assistantship can provide income while you complete your master’s degree.

A teaching assistant may help a professor or department with tasks such as:

Grading assignments
Conducting tutorials
Supporting laboratory sessions
Answering student questions
Preparing teaching materials
Assisting with undergraduate courses

The payment structure varies between universities.

Some positions are paid hourly.

Others form part of a graduate funding package.

International students should check the university’s rules before accepting employment.

For example, UBC states that students cannot be hired as teaching assistants unless they are physically located in Canada because of applicable employment and taxation rules. (UBC Graduate School)

7. Research Assistantships

A research assistantship can be especially valuable for students completing a thesis-based master’s degree.

You may work directly with a professor on an existing research project.

Your responsibilities could include:

Data collection
Laboratory work
Literature reviews
Statistical analysis
Programming
Field research
Academic writing
Research administration

In some cases, research assistantship funding can form part of your overall graduate funding package.

If you are interested in this route, identifying potential supervisors before applying can be extremely helpful.

8. University of Toronto Scholarships and Funding

The University of Toronto is another institution international students should investigate.

Funding varies considerably between faculties and graduate programs.

A master’s program in one department may have very different funding opportunities from a master’s program in another.

This is why applicants should visit the specific graduate department rather than assuming that one university-wide scholarship applies to every master’s student.

When researching Toronto, look for:

Graduate fellowships
Department awards
International awards
Research funding
Supervisor funding
Assistantships

The same approach should be used at other major Canadian universities.

9. McGill University Graduate Funding

McGill University is another popular destination for international master’s students.

Funding opportunities can include:

University scholarships
Faculty awards
Department awards
Research funding
External scholarships
Assistantships

Students should check the specific program because funding differs between disciplines.

A research-intensive master’s program may have more opportunities for supervisor-supported research than a professional course-based program.

10. University of Alberta Scholarships

The University of Alberta offers graduate students a range of awards and funding opportunities.

International applicants should investigate funding at both the university and department levels.

When comparing programs, look for information about:

Guaranteed funding
Entrance awards
Graduate assistantships
Research funding
Tuition support
Faculty scholarships

A program that offers a slightly smaller scholarship but lower tuition may sometimes be financially better than a program advertising a larger award.

11. University of Waterloo Scholarships

University of Waterloo is particularly attractive for students interested in areas such as:

Engineering
Computer science
Mathematics
Data science
Technology
Business
Environmental research

International graduate students should investigate faculty-specific awards and research funding.

Students interested in research should also identify professors whose work matches their proposed area of study.

A strong supervisor connection can be valuable when applying for research-based master’s programs.

12. McMaster University Funding

McMaster University offers graduate programs across many fields, including:

Health sciences
Engineering
Business
Social sciences
Humanities
Science

Funding availability depends on the program.

Applicants should look for graduate awards, department funding, research positions, and assistantships.

Do not assume that an award available to Canadian students is automatically available to international applicants.

Always check the eligibility requirements.

13. Ontario Trillium Scholarships

Ontario has several scholarship programs associated with graduate education.

However, applicants must distinguish between awards for master’s and doctoral study.

For example, Ontario’s official information describes the Ontario Trillium Scholarship as an award for doctoral students, with 75 scholarships worth $40,000 per year and renewable for up to four years. (Ontario)

Therefore, it should not be presented as a general fully funded master’s scholarship.

This is an important example of why students should verify scholarship information on official websites before applying.

14. Scholarships for African Students

International students from Africa can search for scholarships using several approaches.

Do not limit your search to scholarships specifically labeled “African scholarships.”

You can also apply for opportunities listed as:

International student scholarships
Global scholarships
International graduate awards
Developing-country scholarships
Faculty scholarships
Research scholarships
Country-specific scholarships

Students from countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, Rwanda, Cameroon, Zambia, and Zimbabwe may find opportunities through universities and external organizations.

The key is to check eligibility carefully.

15. Scholarships for Nigerian Students

Nigerian students interested in Canadian master’s programs have several possible funding routes.

These can include:

University scholarships
International graduate awards
Faculty funding
Research assistantships
Teaching assistantships
External scholarships
Government-sponsored opportunities
Scholarships from organizations in Nigeria or Canada

A Nigerian applicant should not assume that a scholarship must specifically mention Nigeria.

Many Canadian universities simply classify eligible applicants as international students.

16. Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships Without IELTS

Another popular search is:

“Fully funded master’s scholarships in Canada without IELTS.”

This requires some clarification.

Scholarship eligibility and university admission requirements are not necessarily the same thing.

A scholarship might accept international students, but the university may still require evidence of English-language proficiency.

Depending on the university and program, accepted evidence may include:

IELTS
TOEFL
PTE
Duolingo English Test
English-language education
An institutional exemption
Other approved tests

The exact rules vary.

Therefore, do not assume that a scholarship advertised as “without IELTS” means every Canadian university will admit you without an English test.

Always check the official program requirements.

17. Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships Without GRE

The GRE is also not universally required for Canadian master’s programs.

Many programs do not require it.

Others may request standardized test scores depending on the field.

Before preparing an application, visit the department’s admission requirements.

If the GRE is not required, there is no reason to spend money taking the test simply because an unrelated scholarship website says it is necessary.

18. STEM Master’s Scholarships in Canada

Canada has strong opportunities for students interested in STEM.

Popular fields include:

Computer science
Artificial intelligence
Data science
Cybersecurity
Engineering
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Biotechnology
Environmental science
Robotics
Information technology

Research-based STEM programs can be particularly attractive because students may have opportunities to work with professors on funded research.

UBC, for example, says it has more than 2,200 research supervisors and hundreds of graduate program options, while research-based programs provide opportunities for students to conduct independent research under supervision. (UBC Graduate School)

19. Business and MBA Scholarships in Canada

Business students should also investigate Canadian scholarships.

However, MBA funding can work differently from research-based master’s funding.

Some MBA programs offer:

Entrance scholarships
Merit awards
Leadership scholarships
Women-in-business awards
International student awards
Need-based assistance

Complete tuition-plus-living-expense packages are generally less common than funding for research-based graduate programs.

Students should therefore calculate their total cost carefully.

20. Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships in Engineering

Engineering is one of the strongest fields to consider when searching for Canadian graduate funding.

Potential areas include:

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

Research-based engineering programs may offer funding through supervisors, research grants, fellowships, and assistantships.

A strong research proposal can make your application more attractive.

21. Fully Funded Computer Science Master’s Scholarships

Computer science applicants can investigate funding in areas such as:

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

Research supervisors can be particularly important.

If your research interests match a professor’s existing project, there may be an opportunity to discuss supervision and funding.

However, never assume that contacting a professor guarantees funding.

22. What Does a Fully Funded Scholarship Usually Cover?

Before accepting an award, create a simple budget.

Tuition

How much is the annual tuition?

Fees

Are student fees included?

Housing

Does the scholarship provide accommodation or a housing allowance?

Food

Is there a meal allowance?

Health Insurance

Is health coverage included?

Transportation

Is local or international travel covered?

Books

Are academic materials covered?

Stipend

How much money will you receive each year?

Duration

Is the award renewable?

A scholarship may look excellent until you calculate the amount that remains unpaid.

23. How Much Money Do Master’s Students Need in Canada?

The answer varies by city and lifestyle.

Living in Toronto or Vancouver can be considerably more expensive than living in a smaller Canadian city.

Your budget should include:

Rent
Food
Transportation
Phone
Internet
Health-related expenses
Clothing
Study materials
Personal expenses

Do not calculate your funding based on tuition alone.

A scholarship covering your tuition may still leave a substantial living-cost requirement.

24. Scholarships vs Funding Packages

This is one of the most important concepts for master’s applicants.

Suppose a university gives you:

$15,000 scholarship

and your program costs:

$20,000 tuition

You still have $5,000 in tuition to cover, plus living costs.

But suppose another university offers:

$10,000 scholarship
$8,000 research assistantship
Tuition reduction
Additional departmental award

The second package may actually be more valuable.

Therefore, compare total funding, not just scholarship titles.

25. How to Apply for a Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship

Step 1: Choose Your Field

Start with your academic interest.

For example:

Computer Science → Artificial Intelligence → Master’s → Thesis-based

This is much more useful than searching for “Canada scholarships” without a specific target.

Step 2: Find Suitable Universities

Create a list of perhaps 8–15 programs.

Separate them into:

Highly Competitive

Your dream universities.

Competitive

Programs where your academic profile is a strong match.

Safer Options

Universities where your academic background is comfortably within the admission range.

Step 3: Check Funding Before Applying

Look for:

Scholarships
Fellowships
Assistantships
Tuition awards
Supervisor funding
Department funding

If the university provides no realistic funding route for international master’s students, reconsider whether the program is financially suitable.

26. Find a Potential Supervisor

This is especially important for thesis-based master’s degrees.

Search faculty profiles and identify professors whose research matches your interests.

Read several of their recent research projects.

Then write a professional email explaining:

Who you are
Your academic background
Your research interest
Why their work interests you
Your proposed research direction
Why you believe you are a good fit

Do not send the same generic email to 50 professors.

27. Prepare Your Statement of Purpose

Your statement should explain your academic journey.

A strong statement can answer:

Why this field?

Why this master’s program?

Why Canada?

Why this university?

Why this research area?

What are your career goals?

What impact do you hope to make?

Avoid making the entire essay about wanting to leave your home country.

Focus on education, research, professional development, and future contribution.

28. Build a Strong CV

A graduate CV can include:

Education
Research experience
Publications
Academic projects
Internships
Employment
Technical skills
Conferences
Certifications
Volunteer experience
Leadership
Awards

For research programs, research experience can be particularly valuable.

29. Get Strong Recommendation Letters

Choose people who actually know your academic or professional abilities.

Good choices can include:

University lecturers
Professors
Research supervisors
Department heads
Employers

Give recommenders enough time.

Provide them with:

Your CV
Statement draft
Program details
Scholarship information
Application deadline

This makes it easier for them to write a detailed letter.

30. Apply for Multiple Scholarships

Do not depend on one scholarship.

A better strategy is to combine several funding sources.

For example:

University scholarship + department award + research assistantship

can sometimes create a much stronger funding package than one standalone award.

UBC explicitly lists multiple funding routes, including program packages, awards, assistantships, and external funding. (UBC Graduate School)

31. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Believing Every “Fully Funded” Advertisement

Some websites use “fully funded” simply to attract clicks.

Always verify the scholarship on the university or organization’s official website.

Mistake 2: Assuming Every Canadian Government Scholarship Is for International Students

This is incorrect.

Some federal scholarships have citizenship or residency requirements.

Check eligibility before applying.

Mistake 3: Ignoring the Department

A university may have limited central scholarships but excellent department-level funding.

Always check the graduate department.

Mistake 4: Applying Only to Course-Based Programs

If funding is your main concern, investigate thesis-based and research-based programs.

They may provide more opportunities for research funding and assistantships.

Mistake 5: Waiting Until the Deadline

Some awards require additional documents or nominations.

Start months ahead.

32. Is Canada Better Than the USA for Master’s Scholarships?

There is no universal answer.

The United States has many universities with extremely large financial-aid budgets, particularly for undergraduate students and certain doctoral programs.

Canada has strong university funding and research opportunities, but international master’s students need to investigate individual programs carefully.

Canada can be particularly attractive for students who want a master’s degree followed by Canadian work opportunities.

The Canadian government currently highlights master’s and doctoral study as graduate pathways and states that, as of January 1, 2026, certain graduate students no longer need a provincial or territorial attestation letter. (Canada)

Immigration and study-permit rules can change, so applicants should always verify the latest requirements before making travel or financial decisions.

33. Can International Students Work in Canada?

International students may be able to work while studying if they meet the conditions of their study permit and Canadian immigration rules.

However, employment should not be your primary scholarship strategy.

If your goal is a fully funded master’s degree, prioritize:

Scholarship funding
University funding
Assistantships
External funding

Then consider employment where permitted.

UBC currently states that eligible full-time international students with valid study permits can work on campus without an hourly limit and off campus within the applicable weekly limit. (UBC Graduate School)

Rules can change, so check the current Government of Canada requirements before relying on employment income.

34. Can a Scholarship Pay for Your Visa and Flight?

Not necessarily.

Some scholarships provide travel allowances.

Others do not.

Likewise, a university scholarship may cover tuition but not airfare.

Before accepting an award, look specifically for:

Travel allowance
Relocation funding
Airfare
Visa support
Health insurance
Living allowance

Do not assume these benefits are included.

35. Do Scholarships Cover Accommodation?

Some funding packages can help cover accommodation through a stipend.

Others may provide housing directly.

Most university scholarships do not necessarily provide a free apartment.

This is why your financial calculation should include the actual cost of living in the city where your university is located.

36. Can You Get a Monthly Stipend?

Yes, some graduate funding packages provide living stipends.

The payment can be structured monthly, according to university payroll schedules, or through periodic scholarship payments.

Research assistantships and teaching assistantships can also provide income.

The exact amount depends on the university, department, funding source, and workload.

Always ask for the annual guaranteed amount rather than relying on estimates from other students.

37. What GPA Do You Need?

There is no single GPA requirement for every Canadian master’s scholarship.

Competitive programs may expect strong academic performance.

But GPA is only one part of an application.

Other factors can include:

Research experience
Statement of purpose
Publications
Recommendation letters
Work experience
Research proposal
Leadership
Program fit

A student with a strong research profile may be competitive even if their academic record is not perfect.

38. Can You Get a Scholarship With a Low GPA?

It can be more difficult, but a low GPA does not automatically eliminate every opportunity.

You can strengthen other parts of your application.

For example:

Gain research experience
Complete relevant certifications
Build professional experience
Publish research
Improve your statement
Obtain strong recommendations
Apply to programs where your academic profile is more competitive

Do not apply only to the most selective universities.

39. Can You Apply From Outside Canada?

Yes.

International students can apply to Canadian master’s programs from their home countries.

You do not need to travel to Canada before applying.

The normal process is generally:

Find a program.
Check eligibility.
Prepare documents.
Apply for admission.
Apply for scholarships where required.
Receive an admission/funding decision.
Apply for the necessary immigration documents.
Prepare for arrival.

40. What Documents Are Usually Required?

Prepare the following documents early:

Academic

Bachelor’s degree certificate
Academic transcripts
Course descriptions where required

Identification

Passport
Other identification documents if required

Application

CV
Statement of purpose
Personal statement
Research proposal where applicable

References

Recommendation letters

Language

IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted test where required

Research

Writing samples
Publications
Research portfolio

Requirements vary by program.

41. Best Strategy for 2026–2027 Applicants

If you want a fully funded master’s degree in Canada, do not simply search Google for “fully funded Canada scholarships.”

Use a structured strategy.

First

Choose your field.

Second

Identify 10–15 suitable Canadian master’s programs.

Third

Separate thesis-based and course-based programs.

Fourth

Research funding for each department.

Fifth

Identify potential supervisors.

Sixth

Prepare your academic documents.

Seventh

Apply for university scholarships.

Eighth

Apply for external scholarships.

Ninth

Investigate assistantships.

Tenth

Compare the complete funding package before accepting an offer.

42. A Sample Funding Strategy

Imagine a student applying for a master’s in computer science.

Instead of looking for one scholarship, the student could target:

University admission

↓

International tuition award

↓

Department scholarship

↓

Research assistantship

↓

External scholarship

↓

Additional research funding

This approach can produce a much stronger financial position.

The student should then calculate:

Total tuition − scholarships − tuition awards

and separately:

Annual living expenses − stipend − assistantship income

This gives a realistic picture of whether the degree is affordable.

43. Canada’s Graduate Research Environment

One of the biggest advantages of research-based master’s programs is access to research communities.

Students can work with professors and research groups in areas such as:

Artificial intelligence
Climate science
Medicine
Public health
Engineering
Agriculture
Energy
Economics
Social policy
Environmental science

UBC, for example, reports more than 2,200 research supervisors and a large selection of research-based and course-based graduate programs. (UBC Graduate School)

This makes research-based study an attractive route for students who want both academic training and potential funding opportunities.

44. Is a Fully Funded Master’s in Canada Guaranteed?

No.

Scholarships are competitive.

Even if you meet all eligibility requirements, you may not receive an award.

There may be hundreds or thousands of qualified applicants competing for a limited number of places.

Your objective should therefore be to build the strongest application possible.

45. How to Make Your Application Stand Out

A competitive application should demonstrate three things:

Academic Ability

Show that you can succeed at graduate level.

Research or Professional Potential

Show what you have already done.

Clear Future Direction

Explain what you want to accomplish.

The strongest applications usually feel coherent.

Your academic history, research interests, proposed master’s program, and career goals should make sense together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can international students get fully funded master’s scholarships in Canada?

Yes, but opportunities vary by university, program, citizenship, academic field, and funding source.

International students can pursue university awards, international tuition scholarships, external funding, fellowships, assistantships, and research funding.

What is the biggest master’s scholarship in Canada?

There is no single award that is the biggest for every international student.

The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship—Master’s currently provides $27,000 for one year, but eligibility requirements apply and it should not be confused with a universal international scholarship. (SSHRC)

Is the Canada Graduate Scholarship available to international students?

Eligibility depends on the specific program and citizenship requirements.

International students should read the official eligibility rules before applying.

Do not assume that every Canada Graduate Scholarship is open to foreign applicants.

Can Nigerians apply for Canadian master’s scholarships?

Yes.

Nigerian students can apply for scholarships and funding opportunities that explicitly accept international students.

They can also investigate university-specific awards and research assistantships.

Can I study for a master’s in Canada without IELTS?

Possibly.

Some universities accept alternatives or exemptions depending on your previous education and program.

The exact requirement must be checked with the university.

Can I study for a master’s in Canada without GRE?

Yes, depending on the program.

Many Canadian master’s programs do not require the GRE.

Always check the specific department’s admission requirements.

Can I get a master’s scholarship without work experience?

Yes.

Many academic master’s programs do not require professional work experience.

Research experience, academic projects, strong grades, and relevant extracurricular activities can strengthen your application.

Can a master’s scholarship cover living expenses?

Some scholarships and funding packages provide a stipend that can be used for living expenses.

Others cover tuition only.

Always check the exact award terms.

Do Canadian universities offer master’s assistantships?

Yes.

Research and teaching assistantships are important sources of graduate funding at Canadian universities.

UBC, for example, lists research and teaching assistantships among its graduate funding possibilities. (UBC Graduate School)

Final Thoughts

A fully funded master’s degree in Canada can be an excellent opportunity for an international student, but finding one requires more than searching for a list of scholarships.

The most important thing is to understand how Canadian graduate funding actually works.

Some scholarships are national.

Some are university-based.

Some are available through individual faculties.

Some are connected to research projects.

Others come through teaching or research assistantships.

The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship—Master’s is an important national graduate award, with the 2026 competition offering $27,000 for one year, although students must meet the program’s eligibility requirements. (SSHRC)

For international students, university-level funding can be particularly important.

UBC provides a useful example of the different funding routes available to graduate students, including program funding packages, awards, department funding, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and external scholarships. (UBC Graduate School)

The university also automatically considers eligible international graduate students for its International Tuition Award, showing why students should investigate each university’s funding system rather than searching only for traditional scholarships. (UBC Graduate School)

For students interested in a research-based master’s degree, contacting potential supervisors can also be an important part of the process.

A professor whose research matches your interests may be able to explain whether their department has funding, assistantships, or research opportunities.

Most importantly, do not believe every website promising a “100% guaranteed fully funded scholarship.”

There is no shortcut around a competitive application.

Do not pay someone who promises guaranteed admission, guaranteed scholarship selection, or a guaranteed Canadian visa.

Use official university websites and government resources to verify every opportunity.

Before accepting any scholarship, calculate the complete financial package.

Ask:

How much tuition is covered?

How much funding will I receive?

Is the funding guaranteed for the entire program?

Does it cover living expenses?

Is health insurance included?

Are assistantship payments included?

Can the scholarship be renewed?

What happens if tuition increases?

These questions can make the difference between receiving a scholarship and actually being able to afford your master’s degree.

For 2026–2027 applicants, the best strategy is to start early, choose programs carefully, apply to multiple funding sources, and focus particularly on research-based programs if substantial funding is your priority.

Canada offers excellent opportunities for international graduate students, but the strongest applicants are those who research beyond the scholarship headline and understand exactly how their entire education will be funded.

A scholarship is not just about getting admitted. It is about making the whole degree financially realistic.