Do you want to study in Canada with full scholarships, monthly stipends, and free housing? Read more below
Canada is one of the most sought-after study destinations in the world. With its world-class education system, multicultural environment, and welcoming immigration policies, thousands of international students apply to Canadian institutions every year. But here’s the best part: you can actually get paid to study in Canada.
Yes, you read that right. If you’re strategic about your applications, you can secure fully funded scholarships, monthly stipends, and even free housing. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to turn your dream of studying in Canada into a paid reality.
Why Study in Canada?
Before diving into how you can get paid to study, let’s understand why Canada is an ideal study destination:
- Globally Recognized Degrees
Canadian degrees are highly respected worldwide, often leading to global job opportunities.
- Affordable Compared to the U.S. and U.K.
Tuition fees and living costs in Canada are generally lower.
- Post-Study Work Opportunities
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students to stay and work in Canada after completing their studies.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency
Studying in Canada can be your first step to becoming a Canadian resident.
Can You Really Get Paid to Study in Canada?
Absolutely. While studying is usually associated with spending money, certain programs and scholarships in Canada are so generous that students effectively get paid through monthly stipends, living allowances, housing, and full tuition coverage.
Here’s how you can make it happen.
Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada
What is a Fully Funded Scholarship?
A fully funded scholarship covers tuition, books, travel, housing, and living expenses. Some even offer additional perks like conference grants or relocation support.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for International Students
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- For: Doctoral students
- Value: $50,000 per year for 3 years
- Includes: Tuition, living costs, research expenses
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto)
- For: Undergraduate students
- Covers: Tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support
- University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program
- Includes: Tuition, living expenses, and housing
- Based on: Financial need and academic merit
- Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships
- Value: Up to $60,000/year
- Perks: Leadership training, networking, and stipend
- Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED)
- For: Students from ASEAN countries
- Offers: Short-term exchange support with stipends
Take Advantage of Monthly Stipends and Living Allowances
Many scholarships in Canada offer monthly stipends to help with day-to-day expenses. Depending on your program and funding source, stipends can range from CAD 1,200 to CAD 3,000 per month.
Types of Monthly Funding:
- Government-Funded Scholarships
- Vanier and Trudeau scholarships include monthly financial support.
- University Assistantships
- Graduate students can get paid through Teaching Assistant (TA) or Research Assistant (RA) positions. Also Read About Fully Funded Graduate Assistantships For International Students In Other Countries.
- Pays CAD 15–30/hour, often 10–20 hours/week.
- External Fellowships
- Organizations like IDRC, CIHR, and Mitacs offer research funding with stipends for international students.
Access Free or Subsidized Housing in Canada
Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses for students in Canada but some scholarship programs include free or heavily subsidized housing.
Examples:
- Lester B. Pearson Scholarship: Covers full residence costs at U of T.
- UBC International Scholars: Includes living arrangements on campus.
- Some Graduate Programs: Offer subsidized family housing for married students or parents.
Pro Tip: Apply early to university housing as spaces are limited, especially for scholarship students.
Choose the Right Programs and Provinces to Study in Canada
Not all Canadian universities or provinces offer the same level of funding. To improve your chances:
Look for:
- Research-intensive universities (University of Toronto, McGill, UBC)
- Smaller universities with aggressive funding policies (Memorial University, University of Manitoba)
- Scholarship-rich provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec
Also, consider programs in STEM, public policy, and healthcare, as they often attract more external funding and government-backed scholarships.
Explore Government and NGO Funding Opportunities
Apart from universities, other institutions provide financial support to international students:
Government of Canada Scholarships:
There are several fully funded canadian government scholarships to apply for in 2025. Click To Read More
- EduCanada: Lists fully funded options for various nationalities
- Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship: For students from Commonwealth countries
NGO and Private Scholarships:
- MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program (for African students)
- Islamic Development Bank Scholarships
- Rotary Foundation Global Grant
Write a Winning Application
Tips for Success:
- Start Early: Application deadlines can be 6–12 months before the program begins.
- Tailor Each Application: Customize your personal statements and research proposals.
- Get Great References: Strong academic and professional recommendation letters can make or break your application.
- Highlight Financial Need (If Applicable): Some scholarships prioritize students from low-income backgrounds.
Combine Funding Sources
You don’t always have to rely on one source. Many students combine multiple scholarships, stipends, part-time jobs, and bursaries to fully fund their studies and even save money.
Example Combo:
- Full-tuition scholarship from university
- Teaching assistant job for monthly stipend
- On-campus housing bursary
- External travel grant for conferences
Conclusion
Getting paid to study in Canada isn’t just a fantasy it’s a reality for thousands of students each year. With the right research, preparation, and strategy, you can secure a fully funded seat at a top Canadian institution, enjoy monthly stipends, and live in subsidized housing while earning a world-class degree.
Whether you’re aiming for undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral studies, Canada offers unparalleled opportunities for international students and with full funding, you won’t just survive there; you’ll thrive.
