Canada has long been one of the most attractive study destinations for international students. Known for its world-class universities, multicultural society, and innovative research ecosystem, the country welcomes thousands of students every year. However, studying abroad can be financially demanding. Tuition fees, accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses often create challenges for international learners.
To make education more accessible, the Canadian government, universities, and private institutions offer numerous scholarships in Canada with living allowance. These fully or partially funded opportunities not only cover tuition but also provide stipends that help students manage their day-to-day living expenses while focusing on their studies.
This article explores the best scholarships in Canada that include living allowances, their benefits, eligibility requirements, and how to apply successfully.
1. Why Choose Canada for Funded Education
Canada consistently ranks among the top countries for higher education, research, and student satisfaction. Its universities are known for academic excellence, strong support services, and career-oriented programs. Beyond academics, Canada’s welcoming immigration policies and pathways to permanent residency make it a strategic choice for international students.
Scholarships that include living allowances add a further advantage — allowing students to pursue their academic goals without worrying about financial stress. The inclusion of stipends or monthly allowances is crucial, as it covers accommodation, meals, transportation, and sometimes even healthcare and study materials.
2. Top Scholarships in Canada With Living Allowance
Let’s explore some of the most prestigious scholarship programs in Canada that provide living stipends for international students.
a. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (Vanier CGS) is one of the most competitive and prestigious awards for doctoral students. It aims to attract and retain world-class researchers who demonstrate excellence in leadership and academic performance.
Benefits:
-
CAD 50,000 per year for three years.
-
Covers tuition, living expenses, and research-related costs.
-
Available for PhD students in health research, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities.
Eligibility:
Applicants must be nominated by a Canadian institution and show exceptional academic and research potential.
b. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto)
The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship is a highly selective undergraduate program offered by the University of Toronto to outstanding international students.
Benefits:
-
Full tuition fee coverage for four years.
-
Comprehensive living allowance to support accommodation and meals.
-
Additional funding for books and incidental expenses.
Eligibility:
Applicants must be nominated by their high schools, demonstrate outstanding academic achievements, and show creativity and leadership qualities.
c. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship supports doctoral students conducting research in social sciences and humanities, with a focus on themes related to human rights, Canada’s future, and global progress.
Benefits:
-
CAD 40,000 per year for three years.
-
Research and travel allowance of up to CAD 20,000 per year.
-
Mentorship and leadership development opportunities.
Eligibility:
Open to both Canadian and international PhD students enrolled at eligible Canadian universities. Applicants must show leadership potential and research excellence.
d. University of British Columbia (UBC) International Leader of Tomorrow Award
UBC’s International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award recognizes exceptional international undergraduate students who demonstrate academic merit, leadership, and community involvement.
Benefits:
-
Covers full tuition and mandatory fees.
-
Provides a proportional living allowance based on financial need.
-
Renewable for up to four years of study.
Eligibility:
Candidates must apply for their first undergraduate degree, have an outstanding academic record, and demonstrate a genuine need for financial support.
e. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
The OGS program is designed to encourage excellence in graduate studies at publicly funded universities in Ontario.
Benefits:
-
CAD 10,000 for two consecutive study terms or CAD 15,000 for three terms.
-
Can be combined with other scholarships to support living costs.
-
Open to both domestic and international students.
Eligibility:
Applicants must be enrolled in or applying to a full-time graduate program in Ontario and have a first-class academic record.
f. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
This federal fellowship is designed for top-tier postdoctoral researchers who contribute significantly to Canada’s research landscape.
Benefits:
-
CAD 70,000 per year for two years.
-
Provides financial freedom to cover living costs and research expenses.
-
Available to both Canadian and international scholars.
Eligibility:
Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent degree and show outstanding research and leadership potential.
g. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF)
The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships support academically strong master’s and doctoral students across all disciplines.
Benefits:
-
Master’s students: CAD 14,000 per year for up to two years.
-
PhD students: CAD 18,000 per year for up to four years.
-
The funds can be used to cover tuition and living expenses.
Eligibility:
Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) and be enrolled full-time in a graduate program at the University of Manitoba.
h. University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarships
The University of Calgary offers entrance scholarships to recognize exceptional international students beginning undergraduate studies.
Benefits:
-
CAD 20,000 renewable annually.
-
Designed to help cover both tuition and living costs.
-
Renewable for up to four years based on academic performance.
Eligibility:
Applicants must have strong academic credentials and meet the university’s English language requirements.
i. University of Waterloo International Master’s and Doctoral Awards
The University of Waterloo provides multiple scholarship opportunities with living stipends for international graduate students.
Benefits:
-
Master’s students: CAD 2,500 per term.
-
Doctoral students: CAD 10,000 per year or more, depending on the faculty.
-
Funding can be combined with research assistantships and teaching fellowships.
Eligibility:
Candidates must be full-time international students with high academic standing and research potential.
j. York University Global Leader of Tomorrow Scholarships
York University in Toronto offers several scholarships with stipends for talented international undergraduates.
Benefits:
-
CAD 20,000 per year for up to four years.
-
Designed to assist with both tuition and living expenses.
-
Renewable based on continued academic excellence.
Eligibility:
Applicants must have outstanding academic records and leadership achievements.
3. What the Living Allowance Covers
The living allowance provided by Canadian scholarships typically includes:
-
Accommodation: Rent or university housing.
-
Meals and groceries: Daily sustenance throughout the study period.
-
Transportation: Local travel costs or public transit passes.
-
Books and materials: Academic supplies and technology.
-
Health insurance: Some scholarships also include medical coverage.
This financial support ensures that students can focus entirely on their studies and research, rather than juggling multiple part-time jobs to meet expenses.
4. How to Apply for Scholarships With Living Allowance
To increase your chances of securing a fully funded scholarship in Canada, consider these steps:
-
Research Early: Start identifying scholarships at least 8–12 months before your intended intake.
-
Meet All Eligibility Criteria: Pay close attention to academic requirements, citizenship restrictions, and research interests.
-
Prepare Strong Application Materials: Write compelling essays, research proposals, and personal statements tailored to each scholarship.
-
Get Recommendation Letters: Obtain letters from academic or professional referees who know your achievements.
-
Apply for Admission First: Many scholarships require you to secure admission at a Canadian institution before applying for funding.
-
Stay Organized: Track deadlines and required documents, as Canadian scholarships often have strict submission timelines.
5. Advantages of Studying in Canada With a Funded Scholarship
-
Financial Freedom: Scholarships with stipends eliminate the need for part-time work.
-
Research Opportunities: Access to top-tier laboratories and global academic networks.
-
Post-Graduation Pathways: Canadian degrees and scholarships often open doors to employment and permanent residency.
-
Diverse Community: A multicultural academic environment that enhances learning and global collaboration.
6. Conclusion
For students dreaming of studying in a country known for excellence, innovation, and inclusivity, Canada stands out as a top destination. The range of scholarships in Canada with living allowance ensures that deserving international students can pursue higher education without financial hardship.
Programs like the Vanier CGS, Lester B. Pearson Scholarship, and UBC ILOT Award demonstrate Canada’s commitment to nurturing global talent and building an inclusive academic community. Whether at the undergraduate, graduate, or postdoctoral level, these scholarships empower students to focus on what matters most — learning, discovery, and leadership.