Is Studying in Canada on a Fully Funded Scholarship Possible for Indian Students Today?

Studying in Canada is expensive, and for most Indian students, tuition plus living costs can feel like climbing Everest without oxygen. But here’s the tea: fully funded scholarships for Indian students exist, and they actually pay for almost everything. These awards cover tuition, living expenses, and sometimes even books and health insurance, making Canada more than just a dream destination.

The catch? They are highly competitive and demand more than just good grades. Still, for students who plan smart, prepare their profiles, and target the right programs, landing one of these scholarships is very much possible. Canada does not hand out free money; it rewards students who show talent, consistency, and goals. With the right moves, scholarships for international students in Canada can make studying abroad stress-free. So, here we go.

Key Takeaways

• Fully funded scholarships for Indian students cover most study costs, including tuition, living expenses, and sometimes books or health insurance.
• Canada offers multiple scholarships for international students, each with unique eligibility, benefits, and competition levels.
• Strong academics, research experience, and clear goals boost your chances of landing these scholarships.
• Scholarship fit matters more than volume of applications; choosing the right program and university increases your odds.
• Planning early and leveraging resources can make the complex scholarship process easier and more effective.

Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students in Canada

There are fully funded scholarships for Indian students who want to study in Canada. These scholarships usually cover full tuition and also give money for living costs. Most of them are for high-performing students applying to top Canadian universities. These are some of the main scholarships for international students in Canada for 2026 intakes.

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
• Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
• McCall MacBain Scholarships
• UBC International Scholars Program
• Ontario Graduate Scholarships for International Students
• University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
• University of Waterloo International Research Awards

Top Scholarships for International Students in Canada That Cover Almost Everything

Canada offers many strong scholarships for international students in Canada that go beyond just tuition. Here are some of the biggest ones that cover most major costs and help students focus on study, not money:

• Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) are government awards that provide funding to students in research programs.
• The Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program supports students from Commonwealth countries with money for fees and living expenses.
• Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships give large support to students working in the social sciences and humanities.
• Mitacs Globalink Research Awards give funding for research projects with Canadian universities.
• Canada-ASEAN Scholarships help students from ASEAN nations and sometimes have extra support funds.
• Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) funding backs science and tech research with solid financial support.

What Costs Do Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada Actually Pay For?

Fully funded scholarships for Indian students are made to cut down the biggest study costs in Canada. These scholarships usually focus on tuition and living expenses first. Some of them also help with extra costs so students can focus on studies, not bills. Here is what scholarships for international students in Canada usually pay for.

• Tuition Fees: Most fully funded scholarships cover 100% of tuition fees. This can range from CAD 15,000 to CAD 40,000 per year, depending on the course and university.
• Living Expenses: Many scholarships give a monthly or yearly stipend for rent, food, and daily needs. The amount usually falls between CAD 18,000 to CAD 24,000 per year.
• Books and Study Materials: Some scholarships include money for books and supplies. This support is usually around CAD 1,000 to CAD 2,000 per year.
• Health Insurance: A few fully funded scholarships pay for basic student health insurance. This can save students about CAD 600 to CAD 1,000 per year.
• Travel and Relocation Support: Select scholarships offer one-time travel or relocation grants. This amount is usually estimated between CAD 2,000 to CAD 3,000.

Who Can Get Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada as an Indian Student?

Fully funded scholarships in Canada are not luck-based. They go to Indian students who clearly stand out on paper and in real work. Most scholarships look for strong academic scores, usually a high GPA in your last degree. Many also prefer students with research work, projects or internships linked to their field.

Leadership matters a lot. This can be student clubs, social work, startups, or community projects. For research-based scholarships, professors look at your research fit and proposal quality. English test scores, like IELTS or TOEFL, are often required, but the cut-off depends on the university. Fully funded scholarships for Indian students usually go to those who show impact, consistency, and clear goals, not just marks.

How Competitive Are Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students Today?

Fully funded scholarships for Indian students are very competitive because many students want to study in Canada with full support. Thousands of students apply each year, but only a small number of awards are available that cover most costs. This means only the top applicants with strong academics, good test scores, and solid profiles get selected.

Research-focused scholarships can be even harder because they look for specific skills and project fit. Some scholarships may interview applicants, adding another step where competition increases. In simple terms, getting a fully funded scholarship in Canada is possible, but it requires focus, preparation, and a strong application compared to many other applicants.

Smart Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Fully Funded Scholarship in Canada

Fully funded scholarships for Indian students go to people who play the system smart. Selection panels look for signals most students miss. These tips focus on how scholarships are actually judged behind the scenes.

• Apply where Indians apply less: Some Canadian universities get fewer Indian applications for specific programs. Less competition increases your odds even with the same profile.
• Match your story to Canada’s priorities: Scholarships love research and work linked to climate, health, tech, public policy, or social impact. Align your goals with what Canada funds, not just what you like.
• Use professors as gatekeepers: For research programs, one professor backing you quietly can matter more than perfect scores. Email smart, short, and specific.
• Show long-term value, not desperation: Applications that sound like “I need money” get rejected. Those who show “I will contribute and lead” get funded.
• Apply to overlapping funding pools: Some scholarships auto-consider you for extra grants. One application can unlock multiple funds if you choose the right university.

Conclusion

Fully funded scholarships for Indian students are a game-changer if you want to study in Canada without breaking the bank. They cover tuition, living, and sometimes extra costs, but they are super competitive and not for everyone.

Students with strong grades, research experience, and clear goals benefit the most, while those looking for quick or easy funding might get frustrated. Some scholarships have strict rules on work, program choice, or duration, so you must pick wisely. In short, these awards are amazing for serious, prepared students, but not a shortcut.

If you want to play it smart, plan early, target the right programs, and use platforms like Leverage Edu to navigate the process of scholarships for international students in Canada.

FAQs

Q.1: How to get a full scholarship to study in Canada for Indian students?

Ans: Focus on applying early, keeping your grades high, and building research or leadership experience. Write a strong statement of purpose and get good recommendation letters. Target scholarships that match your program and field for the best chances.

Q.2: Can I get a 100% scholarship to study in Canada?

Ans: Yes, Indian students can get fully funded scholarships that cover tuition and living expenses. These are limited and competitive, so you need strong grades, research experience, or leadership achievements. Examples include Vanier, Lester B. Pearson, and McCall MacBain scholarships.

Q.3: What is the 70000 TD scholarship?

Ans: The TD Scholarship is a Canadian award that gives up to CAD 70,000 over four years for international students. It focuses on leadership, community service, and academics, not just grades. Indian students can apply if they meet the eligibility requirements.

Q.4: What is the easiest fully funded scholarship in Canada?

Ans: There isn’t a “super easy” fully funded scholarship, but some awards with fewer applicants or specific field focus can be slightly easier to get. Look for scholarships aligned with your program or research, where competition is lower.

Q.5: Which country gives 100% scholarships for international students?

Ans: Canada is one of the countries that offers fully funded scholarships for international students. Other options include Germany, Norway, and Finland, but Canada stands out because of support for Indian students through scholarships for international students in Canada, covering tuition, living, and extra costs.