Getting a Fully Funded Scholarship in Canada

The quest to migrate to Canada has spread among Nigerians, resulting in more people embracing the educational path. What many have found out is that college education is expensive. Fortunately, there are fully funded scholarships in Canada.

These scholarship programs aim to alleviate the financial burden of college education, providing opportunities for Nigerian students to pursue their academic goals without financial constraints.

In this piece, we will explore various fully funded scholarships in Canada, their benefits, eligibility criteria, and application processes.

 1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (Vanier CGS)

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships is aimed at assisting doctoral students. Winners of the scholarship get CAD 50,000 per year for three years. These scholarships are available to Canadian and international students pursuing doctoral degrees at Canadian institutions. The selection criteria uses academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Vanier CGS, a Canadian institution with a quota for Vanier scholars must nominate you.

You must be pursuing a doctoral degree for the first time.

You must have achieved a first-class average in the last two years of study.

Application Process

To apply for the Vanier CGS, you must get nominated. Your nomination must come from the institution of study.

You will submit your academic records, a research proposal, and letters of recommendation.

 2. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation offers scholarships for doctoral students, specifically in the social sciences and humanities. If you get the scholarship, you will receive up to CAD 40,000 annually for three years, including a travel allowance to support research-related travel.

Eligibility Criteria

To get the Pierre Elliot Trudeau Scholarship, you must be enrolled or accepted in a full-time doctoral program in social sciences and humanities.

You must demonstrate a commitment to engaging with the public and applying your research.

Application Process

You must apply through the Trudeau Foundation online portal.

The application requires submitting a detailed research proposal, personal statements, and reference letters.

 3. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship

The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship provides funding to the best postdoctoral applicants, nationally and internationally, who will positively contribute to the economic, social, and research-based growth of Canada. The fellowships offer CAD 70,000 per year for two years.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for this scholarship, you must have completed a PhD, PhD-equivalent, or health professional degree.

You must fulfill or have fulfilled all degree requirements within a specified time frame.

Application Process

Your application must be endorsed by the host institution to be accepted.

You must submit a research proposal, CV, and supporting documents.

 4. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program

The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program is for international students. You must demonstrate above average academic achievement and creativity to participate in this scholarship. The scholarship provides financial support for your tuition, books, and others annually for four years.

Eligibility Criteria

You must be an international student.

You must be in the final year of secondary school or have graduated no earlier than the previous year.

You must be nominated by their school and apply to the University of Toronto.

Application Process

You can obtain a nomination from your school (High schools not already contacted/verified have to apply to participate in the program).

Next, you apply to study at the University of Toronto to begin your studies in the following academic year.

You have to complete your application for admission by the appropriate deadlines.

You may apply for several programs and may receive admission to them all; however, the Pearson Scholarship, if awarded to you, the financial support becomes accessible if you get into University of Toronto for your first choice of program at the time decided to award you the scholarship.

Once the scholarship board has received your nomination and you’ve applied to the university, you can complete the online Lester B. Pearson Scholarship application.

 5. UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship Program

The University of British Columbia Scholarship recognizes international undergraduate students who demonstrate superior academic achievement, leadership skills, involvement in student affairs and community service, recognized achievement in fields of endeavor.

Eligibility Criteria

Only international students are qualified for this scholarship.

Your entry into UBC must be from a recognized secondary school, college, or other university.

You must have graduated from high school no earlier than the previous year.

You must have achieved academic excellence under difficult circumstances and have no financial means from family or other sources to pursue post-secondary education in your country or elsewhere.

Application Process

You must apply for undergraduate admission to UBC by January 15.

Then you must meet UBC’s English Language Admission Standard by February 15.

You submit the International Leader of Tomorrow Award nomination package by January 15.

Conclusion

A fully funded scholarship in Canada provides an invaluable opportunity for students to pursue their academic dreams without the burden of financial constraints. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel allowances, and other supports. Eligibility criteria and application processes vary across different scholarships, so study the requirements to ensure your qualification before applying.