Top 10 Fully Funded Canadian Scholarships for International Students Without IELTS
It’s no secret that Canada is one of the best places to live and study around the world. Not only does the country offer some of the best universities in the world, but it also provides numerous scholarship opportunities each year that you can apply without having to take any English tests such as IELTS. The following are 10 of the top Canadian scholarships that you can apply without taking any English language tests such as IELTS; this will give you an idea of what scholarship opportunities are available in Canada and also how you can apply for them successfully.
It can be difficult for international students to get funding from scholarships in Canada if you don’t speak English natively. However, there are still many fully funded Canadian scholarships that do not require an IELTS score (the accepted English proficiency test). Not only that, but these scholarships provide enough money to live on while you study at your university of choice! Here’s our list of the top 10 Canadian scholarships without IELTS and how to apply.
1) Banting International Fellowships
The award covers annual living expenses, travel costs from their home country to Toronto and return, health insurance, tuition and mandatory fees. It also includes $1,000 per month to cover academic related expenses. The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship program provides up to three years of funding. Candidates must reapply every year with a new research proposal.
To qualify, applicants must be:
1) fluent in English;
2) enrolled as a graduate student at a university outside of Canada; and
3) currently enrolled or accepted into a graduate degree program outside of Canada.
4) Additionally, they must have completed their PhD degree in Canada within the last 5 years and interested in conducting research with internationally recognized researchers at one of Toronto’s leading research institutions.
2) Mitacs Globalink Research Internships
The Mitacs Globalink Research Internships program is one of the most prestigious and competitive programs in Canada. The program offers students an opportunity to carry out research internships in Canada or abroad, while earning a monthly stipend.
To be eligible, applicants must be pursuing graduate studies at the master’s level or higher and must not have completed their degree by June 30, 2025. They also need to be a citizen from a developing country where there is no substantial research capacity.
Mitacs Globalink is also offering scholarships for international students who don’t meet the eligibility requirements for the Mitacs Globalink Research Internships program but are looking to study at a Canadian university in 2025-2026.
3) Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships
The Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowships are awarded to high-potential undergraduate students from Canada, other than Quebec, who have a demonstrated interest in the study of democratic citizenship. A total of 20 full scholarships are awarded annually, each valued at $100,000 CAD. The scholarship covers tuition fees and living expenses up to $15,000 per year or a maximum of $60,000 CAD over four years. The remaining funds can be used towards the recipient’s personal needs including travel and computer equipment.
To qualify, applicants must be:
- Citizens or permanent residents of Canada;
- Registered as an undergraduate student at a recognized degree granting university in Canada for the 2025-2026 academic year;
- Considered by the selection committee to have excellent academic potential based on a combination of their grades and test scores;
- Committed to engaging with communities across Canada through volunteerism, work experience, study abroad, mentoring others and civic engagement activities;
- Excited about exploring ideas like equity and inclusion while building social capital with individuals from different backgrounds. We believe that having different perspectives is one way we can come together as Canadians, said Dr. William Chambers, president of University Canada West. We want people who understand how difficult it is to go beyond your comfort zone.
(4) Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships is a full-ride scholarship to study in Canada. There are three different streams: humanities, social sciences and sciences, which provide $50,000 each year for 3 years. The application process is competitive and you must have the equivalent of a Master’s degree in your area of study to be eligible.
(5) Killam Fellowships
The Killam Fellowships is one of the most prestigious awards in Canada and is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated high academic achievement and potential. In order to be eligible, applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of Canada, they must have completed at least two years of post-secondary education by the application deadline, they must not have studied in Canada as a full-time student. The award totals $150,000 spread out over five years ($30,000 per year). The award will allow recipients to take a leave from their studies without financial support.
(6) York University Fellowships
York University is a world-renowned university located in Toronto, Ontario. The York University Fellowships is a fully funded scholarship that is open to international students who are enrolled at York University and do not need to submit an essay. This scholarship can cover up to $6,000 of the student’s tuition fees per year.
(7) University of Waterloo Graduate Fellowships
The University of Waterloo Graduate Fellowships is one of the best scholarships for international students without IELTS. Awardees receive an annual stipend of $25,000 in addition to health benefits and other support services. The scholarship is open to students who are in their final year of a Master’s degree program at the university. Applicants should have completed two years of undergraduate studies at Waterloo, or be registered as a full-time graduate student.
8) SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships
The SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships program is one of the most prestigious scholarships in Canada. These fellowships support doctoral students who are enrolled in a full-time doctoral degree at an eligible university within Canada. Applicants must be nationals and residents of countries other than Canada and have completed the equivalent of a four-year undergraduate degree.
(9) CIHR Fellowships
CIHR is a Government of Canada agency with the mandate to promote and support health research. CIHR offers two types of fellowships: Established Fellowship Programs and Individual Fellowships. Established fellowship programs provide funding for predefined periods of time, usually between 2-3 years, while Individual Fellowships are awarded to established health researchers that have a strong track record in their field. The former is more common.
(10) McGill University
McGill is an internationally recognized institution in the field of medical studies and other health-related sciences. It is also a research powerhouse, with many innovative discoveries that have changed the course of human history. McGill University has been ranked as one of the top universities in Canada and around the world by organizations such as Times Higher Education, QS World Rankings, and Academic Ranking of World Universities. The university is located in Montréal, Québec, where students can enjoy a vibrant city life close to nature. McGill has enrolled about 30,000 students from more than 150 countries; there are over 6,700 international students currently studying on campus.
In this article, I introduce you to the top 10 Canadian scholarships available to international students who wish to study in Canada and don’t need to take an IELTS exam. These scholarships are funded by the Government of Canada and are available to high-achieving international students seeking undergraduate, graduate or PhD degrees at Canadian universities.
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