Studying abroad has become the dream of millions of students, but tuition fees, living costs, and travel expenses often make it seem impossible. The good news is that the United Kingdom (UK) and Canada—two of the world’s top study destinations—offer several fully funded scholarships that cover tuition, accommodation, living expenses, travel, and even monthly stipends.
This guide explains the best free scholarships for international students in the UK and Canada, eligibility rules, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply directly through official links.
Why Study in the UK or Canada?
The UK and Canada rank among the highest for:
- Quality education
- Global job opportunities
- Post-study work visas
- Safety and living standards
- International student support
Both countries host hundreds of government-funded, university-funded, and private fully funded scholarships designed to support bright students from all backgrounds.
1.Fully Funded Scholarships in the United Kingdom (UK)
The UK is home to some of the world’s top universities—Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, Leeds, Manchester, Glasgow, and more. To attract brilliant students, the UK government and universities offer several full scholarships that cover all study-related expenses.
Below are the most popular free scholarships in the UK for international students.
A) Chevening Scholarships (UK Government – Fully Funded)
The Chevening Scholarship is the UK’s flagship scholarship program. It is fully funded by the UK government and covers 100% of your expenses.
What the Scholarship Covers
- Full university tuition fees
- Travel cost (round trip)
- Visa fees
- Accommodation
- Monthly living allowance
- Health charges
- Extra funds for academic activities
Eligible Programs
One-year Master’s degrees in any field at any UK university.
Eligibility Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- Two years of work experience
- English language ability
- Strong leadership qualities
Official Application Link
B) Commonwealth Scholarships (Fully Funded)
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) offers free scholarships to students from Commonwealth countries.
Benefits
- Full tuition
- Monthly stipend
- Travel allowance
- Thesis/research grants
- Family support (in some cases)
Accepted Levels
- Master’s
- PhD
Given To Students Who
- Cannot afford tuition
- Have excellent academic backgrounds
- Want to contribute to development
How to Apply
C) Gates Cambridge Scholarship (University of Cambridge – Fully Funded)
One of the world’s most competitive free scholarships, covering:
Benefits
- Full tuition
- Living allowance
- Travel
- Academic development funds
- Family allowance
Who Can Apply?
International students applying for:
- Master’s
- PhD
Application Link
D) Rhodes Scholarship (University of Oxford – Fully Funded)
This is one of the oldest and most prestigious scholarships globally.
What It Covers
- Tuition
- Living stipend
- Accommodation
- International travel
- Research and visa fees
Available For
- Full-time postgraduate programs
Apply Here
https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk
E) University-Specific Fully Funded Scholarships
Many UK universities offer their own free scholarships such as:
University of Oxford
- Clarendon Fund Scholarship
https://www.ox.ac.uk/clarendon
University of Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Global Scholarships
https://www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding
University of Manchester
- Global Future Scholarships
https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/masters/funding/
University of Bristol
- Think Big Scholarships
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/students/support/finances/scholarships/
These scholarships cover full tuition, living costs, and often include travel support.
2. Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada
Canada is one of the most welcoming countries for international students, offering excellent post-study work visa options and pathways to permanent residency. It also provides several fully funded scholarships for students at undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels.
Here are the top free scholarships in Canada for international students.
A) Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Government – Fully Funded)
The Vanier CGS is Canada’s highest national scholarship.
What It Offers
- CAD $50,000 per year (3 years)
- Tuition support
- Research funds
Programs Covered
- PhD
- Combined Master’s + PhD
Eligibility
- High academic standing
- Research potential
- Leadership qualities
Apply Here (Official)
B) Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program
This program supports exceptional students seeking free scholarships in Canada.
Benefits
- CAD $17,500 stipend
- Tuition support
- Access to research funding
Application Link
https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/students-etudiants/pg-cs/index_eng.asp
C) University of Toronto – Lester B. Pearson Scholarship (Fully Funded)
One of the best undergraduate scholarships in Canada.
Benefits
- Full tuition
- Books
- Residence support
- Four-year funding
Eligibility
- Exceptional academic achievement
- Leadership & community service
Apply Here
https://future.utoronto.ca/pearson/about
D) University of British Columbia (UBC) Scholarships
UBC offers several fully funded scholarships like:
Major Entrance Scholarships
International Scholars Program
Covers
- Tuition
- Living allowance
- Housing
- Travel support
Application Page
https://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships
E) McGill University Scholarships (Fully Funded)
McGill offers:
- McCall MacBain Scholarships
- Entrance Scholarships
- Graduate Fellowships
These scholarships can cover 100% tuition + stipends.
Apply Here
https://www.mcgill.ca/scholarships
F) University of Waterloo Scholarships
Waterloo offers merit-based and research-based full scholarships.
Details
https://uwaterloo.ca/graduate-studies-postdoctoral-affairs/awards
How to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship
✔ Maintain strong academic results
Even free scholarships require decent academic performance.
✔ Build leadership experience
Volunteer work, internships, and extracurricular activities help.
✔ Write an exceptional personal statement
This is one of the most important scholarship requirements.
✔ Prepare recommendation letters
Choose teachers or employers who know you well.
✔ Apply early
Most free scholarships close 8–12 months before classes start.
✔ Use only official scholarship websites
Avoid any site asking for payment.
