12 Proven Ways to Study in Canada for Free in 2025 (Fully Funded Opportunities)
Introduction – Why Study in Canada for Free?
One of the most remarkable opportunities for international students is the ability to study in Canada in English while also having the chance to study in Canada for free or the chance to enjoy free education in Canada. This creates a pathway for students around the world to access world-class education without the burden of high tuition costs.
If you’re searching for tuition fee free universities in Canada or wondering how to study in Canada for free for international students in 2025, this blog post offers practical, research-backed strategies to help you make that dream of studying in Canada for free a reality.
One major concern for many international students in Canada is the financial cost of studying abroad. However, there are abundant opportunities to study in Canada for free through full and partial scholarships. These include Canadian government scholarships, university-specific awards, and external grants in Canada that cover tuition fees, living costs, and even travel expenses. If you’re a high-achieving student with strong academic potential, your dream to study in Canada for free can become a reality.
Explore more scholarships in Canada for international students with us.
Additionally, for those concerned about language proficiency exams like IELTS, many universities and scholarship providers now offer alternatives to IELTS, recognizing that not all international students have access to standardized testing centers. As a result, some programs allow you ways to study in Canada without IELTS by providing proof of previous education in English or taking a university-administered test.
The Canadian government and various provincial authorities actively support ways to study in Canada for free. There are scholarships in Canada for African students, Asian students, and learners from across the globe that promote international collaboration and intercultural exchange.
In this article, we present 12 proven strategies that can help you study in Canada for free in 2025. These options include fully funded government scholarships, university-based awards, tuition waivers, and work-study opportunities.
Canada is home to some of the best universities in the world, offering English-taught programs across all major disciplines. Whether you’re interested in business, engineering, humanities, or health sciences, Canadian institutions provide globally recognized degrees and vibrant multicultural experiences.
You can learn more about the benefits of studying in Canada by checking our Canada Study Abroad Guide
Fully Funded Government Scholarships in Canada
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
One of the most prestigious scholarships in Canada, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) are designed to attract top-tier doctoral students. The award provides CAD 50,000 annually for up to three years and is open to both Canadian and international PhD candidates. This makes the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship a top option for those seeking free PhD programs in Canada.
Learn more in our guide to the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships.
Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED)
The Canada-ASEAN SEED Scholarships offer a fantastic opportunity to study in Canada for free for students from ASEAN member countries. The SEED program covers travel, visa, tuition fees, and living costs, making it one of the easiest ways to study in Canada for free.. If you’re from Southeast Asia and aiming to broaden your academic horizons in a Canadian institution, this program can be your gateway to experiencing Canadian education for free
See eligibility details in our article on Canada-ASEAN SEED Scholarships.
Canadian Francophonie Scholarship Program (CFSP)
The Canadian Francophonie Scholarship Program (CFSP) is a fully funded initiative that allows nationals from Francophone developing countries to study in Canada for free. It supports graduate studies in French-speaking institutions across Canada and covers tuition, travel expenses, and living costs. This program funds graduate studies in French-speaking Canadian institutions, covering tuition, travel, and living expenses — ideal for those looking to study in Montreal for free.
Visit the CFSP official website for more details
4. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
Ideal for postdoctoral researchers in Canada, the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships to study for free in Canada offer CAD 70,000 annually for two years. The fellowships are awarded to elite researchers contributing to PhD research in Canada for free
For a detailed breakdown, check our post on the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships 2025.
5. University of Toronto – Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto is one of the most prestigious and competitive opportunities to study in Canada for free. This fully funded undergraduate scholarship in Canada covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years. It is awarded to outstanding international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, creativity, and leadership qualities. It is one of the best ways to attend a Canadian free university.
Read our full breakdown of the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship.
6. University of British Columbia – International Scholars Program
The University of British Columbia International Scholars Program provides one of the most accessible routes to study in Canada for free. UBC offers four major awards under this program, including the highly regarded Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award. These scholarships are renewable and cover full tuition and living expenses, helping students study masters in Canada for free. They are designed for international students who show outstanding leadership and a commitment to service in their communities.
7. University of Calgary – International Entrance Scholarships
The University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarships offer another excellent route to study in Canada for free. These scholarships are awarded to high-performing international students entering the first year of any undergraduate program. Valued at up to CAD 15,000 and renewable based on academic performance, this award helps reduce the financial burden and supports talented students aiming to study at one of Canada’s top research institutions. This award significantly reduces tuition costs and makes the University of Calgary a competitive choice among tuition free universities in Canada
8. McGill University – Entrance Scholarships
The McGill University Entrance Scholarships provide an excellent opportunity for academically outstanding students to study in Canada for free or at a reduced cost. These scholarships include both one-time and renewable awards, ranging from CAD 3,000 to CAD 12,000. These awards help students study in Montreal for free.
Other Ways to Study for Free in Canada for Free
9. Work-Study Programs for International Students
International students with valid permits can work up to 20 hours per week during school terms, and full-time during holidays. On-campus jobs or co-op placements can help cover living costs and provide valuable work experience.
For details, visit Canada’s official work-study program info
10. Exchange Programs and Tuition Waivers
If you’re already enrolled in a university in your home country, look into exchange agreements with Canadian universities. These programs often waive tuition fees and simplify visa processing — a great way to study in Canada tuition-free.
For a details, check our post on the exchange Programs in Canada
11. Graduate Assistantships
Many graduate students in Canada receive funding through teaching or research assistantships. These roles include monthly stipends and tuition waivers, making them perfect for students looking for tuition free colleges in Canada at the master’s or doctoral level.
12. Apply to Tuition-Free or Low-Tuition Provinces
Some Canadian provinces, like Newfoundland and Labrador, offer low-cost education. Memorial University of Newfoundland, for example, is known for its affordable programs and generous funding options. It’s often featured in the list of tuition free universities in Canada for international students.
Top Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship to Study in Canada
Maximize your opportunity to study in Canada for free by following these expert-backed scholarship application strategies:
Start your applications early – Many of the most competitive and fully funded scholarships in Canada close 6 to 12 months before the academic year begins, so plan well in advance.
Craft a personalized and compelling statement of purpose – Tailor each personal statement to reflect the core values and mission of the scholarship provider, whether it’s leadership, academic excellence, or global impact.
Secure strong letters of recommendation – Choose referees who can speak to your academic achievements, leadership potential, and community involvement, ideally from both academic and professional backgrounds.
Highlight your leadership and community service – Many Canadian scholarships favor candidates who demonstrate social responsibility, volunteering, and a commitment to making a difference in their communities.
Apply for multiple Canadian scholarships – Don’t limit yourself. Increase your chances by applying to several tuition-free universities in Canada
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – How to Study in Canada for Free
Can international students study in Canada for free?
Yes, international students can study in Canada for free through a variety of funding options, including fully funded scholarships, research and teaching assistantships, tuition waivers, and exchange programs. These financial aid opportunities are offered by both the Government of Canada and top Canadian universities to help cover tuition, living expenses, travel, and other academic costs.
Do I need IELTS or TOEFL to apply for scholarships in Canada?
While many Canadian universities and scholarship programs require English language proficiency, some institutions now offer opportunities to study in Canada without IELTS or TOEFL, especially if your previous education was in English.
Learn more in our detailed guide: How to Study in Canada Without IELTS in 2025.
Can international students work while studying in Canada?
Yes. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), international students with a valid study permit can:
Work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions
Work full-time during scheduled breaks (e.g., summer or winter holidays)
Participate in co-op or internship programs linked to their course of study
Learn how work-study options support free education in Canada in our blog: Work While Studying in Canada – Everything You Need to Know.
Canada offers some of the most generous and diverse scholarship options in the world for international students. From government-funded programs like Vanier and Banting to prestigious university awards such as the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship, your path to studying in Canada for free is more accessible than ever.
Start your journey today by checking eligibility and deadlines for these programs. Visit our dedicated section on Scholarships in Canada for up-to-date opportunities and application tips.
Check here for our article on 11 ways to study in Denmark for free