If you are an African student looking for a fully funded scholarship in Canada, there are opportunities that can cover your tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation, and, in some cases, international travel. The most suitable scholarship depends on your level of study, academic record, nationality, and intended course.
In this guide, you will know the scholarship opportunities worth exploring, including their funding benefits, eligibility requirements, and application routes. It also distinguishes comprehensive funding from partial awards, so you can focus on scholarships that match your financial needs.
What Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada Cover
A fully funded scholarship generally provides enough financial support to cover the main costs of studying, although the exact benefits vary by programme. Some cover tuition and living expenses, while others also provide accommodation, health insurance, books, and travel.
Before applying, check whether the scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation, travel, relocation costs, and the full duration of the degree.
Who Can Apply for Fully Funded Canadian Scholarships?
African students may qualify for international undergraduate awards, graduate scholarships, research funding, or programmes supporting students from Sub-Saharan Africa.
Eligibility depends on each scholarship’s rules. Opportunities may be available for undergraduate students, master’s applicants, doctoral candidates, and research students.
Some awards also consider financial need, leadership, community involvement, academic excellence, or a commitment to contribute to development in the applicant’s home country.
1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship — University of Toronto
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is a fully funded undergraduate award for outstanding international students. It is suitable for African students completing secondary school who have excellent academic records and demonstrate leadership, creativity, and community involvement.
What the scholarship covers
The award covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years of undergraduate study at the University of Toronto, subject to the programme’s conditions.
Who is eligible?
- You must be an international student who requires a Canadian study permit.
- You must be in your final year of secondary school or have graduated within the period specified by the university.
- You must be entering your first undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto.
- Your school must nominate you for the scholarship.
- You must demonstrate strong academic achievement, creativity, leadership, and potential to make a positive contribution.
How to apply
Contact your school’s guidance counsellor, principal, or head of school to establish whether it can nominate you. You must also apply for admission to the University of Toronto and complete the separate scholarship application after receiving the nomination.
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2. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program — University of Toronto
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program supports talented students from Sub-Saharan Africa who face financial barriers to higher education. At the University of Toronto, the graduate programme has included selected health-related professional and graduate degrees designed to strengthen health systems and professional capacity across Africa.
What the scholarship covers
Depending on the eligible programme, comprehensive support may include tuition, travel to Canada, accommodation, food, health insurance, learning materials, and other essential expenses. The exact package and eligible courses are determined by the current programme call.
Who is eligible?
- You must meet the citizenship or residency conditions for the relevant programme, generally involving Sub-Saharan Africa.
- You must satisfy the academic and admission requirements of an eligible degree.
- You should demonstrate financial need and a strong commitment to contributing to your community or home country.
- You must meet any additional requirements set for the specific programme and participating university.
How to apply
Check the current programme information for participating degrees, eligibility rules, and application dates. Not every faculty or graduate course is eligible, and application availability may change between intakes.
The university’s published information states that applications for its 2026–2027 graduate intake are closed. Applicants should wait for a new intake announcement before applying.
3. McCall MacBain Scholarships — McGill University
The McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill University support students pursuing eligible master’s or professional degrees. The programme is open to eligible international candidates from Africa and places emphasis on leadership, character, community engagement, and academic ability.
What the scholarship covers
Scholars receive full tuition and fees for an eligible degree, a monthly living stipend during academic terms, and access to leadership development, mentoring, and other programme activities. The programme may also provide funding for summer study or activities under its applicable conditions.
Who is eligible?
- You must meet the academic requirements for an eligible master’s or professional degree at McGill University.
- You must satisfy the scholarship’s degree, graduation-date, and other eligibility conditions for the relevant application cycle.
- You should demonstrate leadership, community engagement, and the capacity to contribute positively to society.
- You must complete the scholarship application and the required university admission process.
How to apply
Review the eligible degree list, application timeline, reference requirements, and selection stages. Prepare evidence of leadership and community involvement alongside your academic documents.
Application dates and eligibility conditions may change from one cycle to another, so confirm the current deadline before applying.
4. University of British Columbia International Scholars Program
The University of British Columbia offers need- and merit-based awards to outstanding international students entering undergraduate programmes. Its International Scholars Program may be a strong option for African students with excellent academic records, clear leadership experience, and significant financial need. The exact award categories, eligibility rules, and application procedures can vary by award and intake.
What the scholarship covers
The amount of support depends on the award and the student’s financial circumstances. Some awards may help cover tuition and living expenses, but the package is not the same for everyone. Confirm the current value, duration, and eligible costs for the specific award.
Who is eligible?
You generally need to be an international student entering UBC directly from secondary school or through an approved transfer route. You must also meet the university’s academic and English-language admission requirements. Additional conditions may apply depending on the award and year.
Strong grades matter, but they are not the only factor. UBC may also consider leadership, meaningful involvement in your community, and evidence that you have made a positive contribution beyond the classroom. You may need to demonstrate financial need and meet the citizenship and other conditions attached to the particular award.
How to apply
Begin by applying for admission to an eligible UBC undergraduate programme. Then follow the current instructions for the International Scholars Program. Gather your academic records, leadership evidence, and financial information early, since the scholarship may require a separate application and may close before the general admission deadline.
Application tip: Start preparing several months early and confirm whether your programme requires a separate scholarship form. The typical deadline is in early December, but dates and procedures vary by award and intake.
5. University of Alberta Graduate Scholarships
The University of Alberta offers several ways for international students to fund master’s and doctoral study. Support may come through graduate awards, research funding, or opportunities managed by individual faculties and departments. Availability and eligibility can vary by programme, department, funding round, and year.
This is not one scholarship with one standard application. Your funding prospects will depend on your programme, academic record, research area, supervisor, and the resources available in your department.
What the scholarship covers
Depending on the award, you may receive help with tuition, an annual stipend, research expenses, or other study-related costs. Some funding packages are substantial, but every award has its own terms, value, duration, and conditions.
Who is eligible?
You must first meet the admission requirements for your chosen graduate programme. You will also need a strong academic record and must satisfy the conditions of the specific award. International eligibility should be confirmed for the relevant competition.
If you are applying for a research-based degree, finding a suitable supervisor may be essential. Your proposed work should fit the department’s research strengths, and you may need to show relevant research experience. Additional requirements can vary by faculty and funding programme.
How to apply
Choose a suitable master’s or doctoral programme and study its funding information carefully. Contact the department to ask whether international applicants are considered automatically for funding or whether separate applications, nominations, or supervisor support are required.
Before accepting an offer, ask for a clear explanation of the package. You should know the total amount, tuition deductions, stipend, duration, renewal conditions, and whether you will be expected to teach or assist with research.
Application tip: Contact potential supervisors and graduate coordinators early, ideally six to nine months before your intended start date. Funding deadlines vary widely and may fall between October and February, depending on the department and award.
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6. University of Waterloo Graduate Funding
The University of Waterloo supports graduate students through university awards, faculty scholarships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and external funding. These opportunities may suit African students applying for research-focused master’s or doctoral programmes. Availability, eligibility, and application procedures vary by programme, faculty, department, and year.
What the scholarship covers
The amount of support depends on the department and the award. Some students receive a combination of scholarships and paid teaching or research work, while others receive a fixed contribution. The structure, value, duration, and conditions of each funding package vary.
Who is eligible?
You must meet the academic admission requirements for your intended programme and satisfy the conditions of the award or assistantship. Research applicants may also need to find a supervisor whose interests align with their proposed work.
Some opportunities require research experience or a particular level of academic standing. If funding includes teaching or research duties, you must also be prepared to meet those employment responsibilities. International eligibility may differ between awards.
How to apply
Check your programme’s funding arrangements before submitting an application. Some students are considered automatically, while other awards require separate forms, nominations, or applications before a specific deadline.
If you receive an offer, ask whether the funding is guaranteed, how long it will continue, whether it is renewable, and whether it depends on teaching or research work. That information will help you plan your finances.
Application tip: Review the funding page for your specific department and ask whether a supervisor or nomination is required. Deadlines vary by programme and award and may fall between November and February.
7. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships
The University of Manitoba offers graduate funding, including the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships, to eligible high-achieving master’s and doctoral students. International students may qualify if they meet the requirements of the relevant competition and graduate programme. Participation and eligibility can vary by department and funding round.
What the scholarship covers
The fellowship provides financial support to selected graduate students. The value and duration depend on the degree level and the rules in effect for that funding round. Confirm the current award amount, duration, and conditions before planning your postgraduate study.
Who is eligible?
You must meet the admission and academic requirements for an eligible master’s or doctoral programme. You must also satisfy the fellowship’s minimum academic standards and any other conditions attached to the competition.
It is important to ask whether your department participates and whether international students can be considered in the particular funding round. Eligibility may differ between departments and competitions.
How to apply
Start by reviewing the university’s graduate funding information, then contact your intended department. Ask whether you need to submit a separate application, provide materials for departmental nomination, or whether the department will consider you automatically after admission.
Use the current fellowship instructions when planning your application, since procedures and deadlines may change between competitions.
Application tip: Confirm departmental participation before preparing a full application and request nomination details early. Deadlines are set by departments or competitions and may fall between December and February, but this is not universal.
8. Canada Graduate Research Scholarship — Doctoral Program
The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship — Doctoral programme supports eligible doctoral researchers through Canada’s federal research funding agencies. It replaced the former Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships programme within Canada’s coordinated doctoral scholarship system. Current award structures, agency responsibilities, and eligibility rules should be confirmed in the latest official guidance.
African students may qualify under the relevant citizenship, residency, programme, and enrolment rules, but eligibility is not determined by nationality alone. Review the current requirements before applying.
What the scholarship covers
The programme provides doctoral funding under its current award terms. Review the current award value, duration, eligible research areas, and conditions attached to the funding, as these details may change by competition or agency.
Who is eligible?
You must meet the programme’s citizenship or residency requirements and be enrolled in, or applying to, an eligible doctoral research programme as specified in the current competition. You will also need to demonstrate academic and research excellence under the programme’s assessment criteria.
The application process may involve your university or a formal nomination by the institution, so follow the instructions provided by the relevant funding agency and your prospective university. Internal university procedures and deadlines may differ from the federal deadline.
How to apply
Review the current programme rules through the Canadian federal research funding agencies and your prospective university. Confirm the correct agency, competition, institutional process, and eligibility requirements before completing the application.
Application tip: Identify the correct federal agency and ask your graduate school about institutional procedures well before the deadline. Deadlines may be in September or October, but universities may set earlier internal deadlines.
9. Study in Canada Scholarships
The Government of Canada’s Study in Canada Scholarships programme supports eligible international students from selected countries, including participating countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is intended for short-term study or research at Canadian postsecondary institutions. Participating countries, eligible activities, and institutional requirements may vary by funding call.
This is not a conventional four-year undergraduate scholarship or a full master’s degree award. It is designed for short exchanges, so it may be most useful if you are already studying at a university in your home country and want to spend a limited period in Canada.
What the scholarship covers
Depending on the approved exchange, the funding may help with international travel, living expenses, health insurance, and visa or study-permit costs. The amount, duration, and eligible expenses depend on the specific funding category, call, and arrangement between the participating institutions.
Who is eligible?
You must be a citizen of a country included in the current programme call and meet the academic and enrolment requirements for the exchange or research opportunity. The list of eligible countries and other conditions may change between calls.
Your home university and the Canadian host institution must also meet the programme’s participation requirements. You will need to satisfy any additional conditions set for the particular exchange.
How to apply
Speak with the international office at your current university and ask whether it has an eligible exchange partnership with a Canadian institution. In most cases, the Canadian host institution submits the application for selected candidates. Students do not usually apply directly to the federal programme, although procedures may depend on the current call.
Application tip: Contact your university’s international office early and ask whether it has an eligible Canadian partner. The 2026–2027 competition had a March 31, 2026 deadline for Canadian institutions, so that round has closed. Future deadlines are typically announced in the autumn or winter, but timing and procedures may vary by call.
Check the latest programme information before making plans, since participating countries, deadlines, eligible activities, and funding conditions may change.
10. McGill University Graduate Funding
McGill University offers funding opportunities for eligible international master’s and doctoral students through fellowships, departmental awards, research assistantships, and external scholarships. African students applying for research-based graduate programmes can explore these options as part of their search for Canadian scholarships and fully funded master’s or PhD opportunities.
Funding and eligibility
Support varies by department and may include tuition assistance, stipends, or paid research work. You must meet the admission requirements and the conditions of each award. Not every funding package covers all expenses, so review the total value carefully.
How to apply
Choose your programme, check its graduate funding arrangements, and contact the department to ask whether you need a separate scholarship application or a research supervisor.
11. University of Calgary Graduate Scholarships
The University of Calgary offers graduate awards and funding opportunities for eligible master’s and doctoral students. African applicants can consider competitive scholarships, research funding, and support administered by individual faculties when planning postgraduate study in Canada.
Funding and eligibility
Award values and eligibility depend on your programme, academic record, research area, and the specific competition. Some awards contribute towards tuition and living costs, while others provide partial assistance.
How to apply
Apply to an eligible graduate programme and review the faculty’s funding information. If you are pursuing research, contact a prospective supervisor and ask about available funding for international students.
12. University of Saskatchewan Graduate Scholarships
The University of Saskatchewan provides graduate funding through scholarships, fellowships, and research opportunities. African students pursuing eligible master’s or doctoral programmes can investigate these options alongside departmental funding and other Canadian university graduate awards.
Funding and eligibility
Requirements differ between awards, but academic performance, admission status, and research suitability can influence selection. Funding may cover part or all of your study costs, depending on the package offered.
How to apply
Identify your intended programme and check the university’s graduate awards information. Ask the department whether international applicants are eligible, how funding decisions are made, and whether a separate application is required.
13. Dalhousie University Graduate Scholarships
Dalhousie University offers scholarships and research funding for eligible graduate students in several disciplines. It is worth considering for African students whose academic interests align with the university’s research programmes and graduate funding opportunities.
Funding and eligibility
Funding may include graduate scholarships, fellowships, and research or teaching assistantships. The amount and duration depend on your programme and award, so admission alone should not be taken as a guarantee of full financial support.
How to apply
Review your department’s funding opportunities before applying. For research-based degrees, ask potential supervisors about available grants and whether they can support an international graduate student.
14. University of British Columbia Graduate Funding
Beyond undergraduate awards, the University of British Columbia provides funding opportunities for eligible master’s and doctoral students. These include merit-based awards, graduate fellowships, and research support that may suit African students seeking graduate funding in Canada.
Funding and eligibility
Available support depends on your degree, faculty, academic record, and research area. Some awards are competitive, and not all cover full tuition and living expenses.
How to apply
Check the funding options for your chosen graduate programme and establish whether you will be considered automatically or need to apply separately. Research applicants should also investigate supervisor funding and departmental support.
15. University-Specific International Graduate Awards
Some of the strongest funding opportunities for African students are not advertised as one national scholarship. Instead, Canadian universities offer awards through individual faculties, graduate schools, and research departments.
When searching for a fully funded master’s or PhD, prioritise programmes that publish a clear funding package covering tuition and a living stipend. Also check the duration, renewal conditions, and whether international tuition is included.
How to find suitable awards
- Choose a degree and research area that match your academic background.
- Identify Canadian universities offering that programme.
- Check the official graduate funding page and confirm international eligibility.
- Compare the total funding with tuition and realistic living expenses.
- Apply for admission and any separate awards required by the university.
How to Improve Your Chances of Winning a Canadian Scholarship
You do not need to apply to every university on this list. Instead, choose opportunities that match your qualifications, intended degree, and financial needs.
- For undergraduate study: Prioritise scholarships such as Lester B. Pearson and eligible university entrance awards.
- For a master’s degree: Explore leadership-based scholarships and university funding for eligible programmes, including opportunities that may provide full or substantial support.
- For a PhD: Focus on research funding, graduate fellowships, and departments offering clear financial packages.
- Prepare strong documents: Keep your transcripts, references, CV, personal statement, and research proposal ready where required.
- Check the full cost: Confirm whether the award covers tuition, living expenses, insurance, and travel before accepting an offer.
A strong application explains why you are suited to the programme, what you intend to achieve, and how your education connects to your future goals. For research degrees, a good match between your proposed work and the department can be just as important as your academic record.
Official Scholarship Resources
Start with these four official resources to check eligibility, funding details, and current application information for study in Canada.
| Scholarship Source | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship | University of Toronto |
| McCall MacBain Scholarships | Official scholarship website |
| UBC Scholarships for International Students | University of British Columbia |
| Canadian Scholarships for International Students | Government of Canada |
Final Thoughts
Studying in Canada on a scholarship is possible for African students, but the best opportunity depends on your qualifications, intended degree, and funding needs. Undergraduate applicants can begin with major international awards, while master’s and PhD candidates should investigate university fellowships, graduate funding, and research support.
Choose a few suitable opportunities, read their requirements carefully, and prepare your applications around what each selection committee values. Most importantly, compare the actual funding package with the cost of your degree so that you can pursue an opportunity you can realistically afford.