Canada is one of the top destinations for international students, and with tuition, living expenses, and travel costs adding up fast, scholarships are essential.
The good news? You can win a $50,000 fully funded scholarship that pays for your tuition, housing, travel, and even personal expenses.
This guide will walk you through how to find, qualify for, and win these scholarships — even if you don’t have perfect grades or a famous name.
Why Study in Canada?
Canada offers more than just quality education:
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Globally Ranked Universities
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Safe and Multicultural Cities
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Post-Graduation Work Opportunities
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Affordable Compared to the US or UK
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Cutting-edge programs in tech, health, and business
Studying in Canada is a launchpad to a global career and permanent residency.
Understanding the $50,000 Fully Funded Scholarship
A fully funded scholarship worth $50,000 typically covers:
| Item Covered | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Up to 4 years of undergraduate or 2 years of grad study |
| Accommodation | On-campus or rent allowances |
| Books & Study Materials | Annual textbook stipend |
| Airfare | Round-trip economy flight from your home country |
| Living Expenses | Monthly allowance for food, transport, and essentials |
| Health Insurance | Full coverage under Canadian plans |
Most $50,000 scholarships are designed for high-potential international students who meet the following criteria:
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Strong academic performance (but not always required)
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Citizenship from a developing or underrepresented country
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Valid study permit eligibility for Canada
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Leadership qualities, community service, or unique skills
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Admission to a recognized Canadian university or college
You don’t always need a perfect GPA — many scholarships value your potential, story, and motivation.
Top $50,000 Scholarships You Can Apply for in 2025
Here are the most generous and real $50,000+ scholarships available to international students:
1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
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Amount: Covers tuition + living (over $50,000/year)
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University: University of Toronto
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Eligibility: International high school students applying for undergrad
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Deadline: January 2025
2. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
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Amount: $50,000/year for 3 years
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Eligibility: PhD applicants
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Focus: Academic excellence, research potential
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Deadline: November 2025
3. University of British Columbia (UBC) International Leader of Tomorrow Award
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Amount: Covers all unmet financial need (~$50K+)
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Eligibility: Undergrads with leadership and community involvement
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Deadline: December 2024
4. University of Alberta International Entrance Scholarship
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Amount: Up to CAD $50,000+
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Eligibility: Top-performing international undergrads
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Bonus: Automatically considered upon admission
5. McGill University Scholarships (Major Entrance Awards)
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Amount: Up to $50,000 or more
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Eligibility: Exceptional international undergraduates
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Bonus: Renewable for 3–4 years
Step-by-Step Guide to Winning One
Here’s how to move from dreaming to getting selected:
Step 1: Choose Your Program Wisely
Apply to programs in STEM, social innovation, public health, or sustainability — areas where funders are actively investing.
Step 2: Research Scholarship Timelines
Each scholarship has its own deadlines, often months before admission dates. Start at least 8–12 months in advance.
Step 3: Build Your Application Profile
This includes:
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A polished statement of purpose (SOP)
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Strong letters of recommendation
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A CV that showcases community impact, leadership, or extracurriculars
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Academic transcripts or equivalent certificates
Step 4: Apply to the University First
You often need a conditional offer of admission before the scholarship application is accepted.
Step 5: Apply for the Scholarship
Write a compelling essay, tailor your documents, and meet the exact criteria. Many applications require 2–3 short answers about goals and values.
How to Craft a Winning Application
Personal Statement Tips
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Tell a story, not just stats
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Show how your past actions align with your future goals
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Tie your academic journey to global issues
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Be authentic — share struggles and wins
Letters of Recommendation Tips
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Ask teachers, employers, or mentors who know you well
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Provide them with your resume and goals
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Let them mention specific projects, traits, or leadership examples
Resume/CV Tips
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Use a clear, modern format
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Highlight international awards, NGO work, volunteering
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Include languages, tools, or global exposure
What to Expect After Winning
If you’re selected, here’s what comes next:
| Milestone | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Award Notification | Email or formal letter from university/sponsor |
| Visa Process | Use scholarship documents to apply for study permit |
| Orientation and Arrival | Pre-departure support, flights, and campus welcome |
| Monthly Stipend | Some scholarships pay monthly, others annually |
| Networking Access | Join elite scholar networks and conferences |
“I didn’t think I’d qualify — I had a 3.2 GPA — but my volunteer work in my village health project stood out.”
— Blessing, Nigeria | UBC ILOT Scholar
“My SOP was reviewed by 4 mentors. I revised it 7 times before applying. Totally worth it.”
— Farhan, Pakistan | Vanier Scholar
“Networking with past winners helped me understand how to write my story and show my impact.”
— Emily, Kenya | Lester B. Pearson Scholar
Final Thoughts
Winning a $50,000 scholarship to study in Canada is possible — not just for the academically elite, but for motivated, impactful, and prepared applicants.
Start now:
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Choose your school and scholarship
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Craft a powerful application
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Get support from mentors or past winners
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Apply early and confidently
Your dream of studying in Canada — fully funded — could be just one application away.