How to get fully funded scholarship in Canada

Fully funded scholarships not only help you reduce the financial burden of tuition fees and living expenses but also open doors to unique opportunities and resources for you.

By securing a fully funded scholarship in Canada, you will connect with fellow scholars and become part of a vibrant academic community.

Connecting with fellow scholarship recipients and alumni will give you access to a valuable network of like-minded individuals who share similar academic interests with you.

In some cases, the relationships you will build within these communities will offer you opportunities while in school and after school.

If you’re interested in getting a fully funded scholarship in Canada, below is how to find and get the scholarship that will match your academic interest.

How can I get a fully funded scholarship in Canada?

There are many ways you can get a fully funded scholarship in Canada, it depends on who is offering the scholarship.

Some scholarship opportunities are offered by the government, while others are offered by private individuals, businesses and NGOs.

Fully funded scholarships are easier to find among government scholarships than individual-sponsored scholarships.

Every scholarship opportunity that is available in Canada has its specific eligibility requirements, so to get one, it must be available to you and you must meet its eligibility criteria.

To get started in getting a fully funded scholarship, research the available options.

• Start with a research 

Fully funded scholarships don’t come until you find them and apply for them. Fortunately, with the internet, you can find just about anything.

One of the easiest ways to get a full scholarship in Canada is to search for available options.

Since there are many different scholarships, you want to look for the ones that align with your academic interest and you are eligible for it.

Some scholarships are open to only students in a particular field of study – you need to find the one that accepts students in your find of study.

Visit the websites of Canadian universities and faculties and look for fully funded scholarships in your field of study.

Another place to search is on Google.com, just type “fully funded scholarships in Canada” and you will receive a bunch of them on the search result pages.

You can also take a look at the Canadian embassy in your country or look for scholarships sponsored by private businesses and NGOs.

If it’s possible, look for other students who have received scholarships in Canada and ask them how to go about applying for the same opportunity.

They will be willing to walk you through what they did during their time.

Always remember, you should only look for scholarship opportunities that accept students in your field of study and you meet the eligibility criteria.

The reason is that applying for every scholarship that comes your way won’t get you the result you are looking for.

When you find a bunch of scholarships, examine the eligibility criteria, are you eligible?

• Check the eligibility criteria – make sure you are eligible before applying 

Once you’ve found a few bunches of scholarships that you’re interested in, (the ones that meet your academic goals) you need to make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria.

This can include things like having a certain grade point average, being involved in extracurricular activities, or having a certain level of proficiency in English.

Every scholarship has its eligibility criteria – you can only apply for the ones you meet its requirements.

You don’t want to apply for a scholarship if you do not meet the eligibility criteria, it will be a total waste of your time because your application will be kicked out.

Make sure you read the requirements carefully and that you meet all of the criteria before you apply.

• Prepare an outstanding application

Since you meet the requirements of the scholarship opportunity, it’s time for the big deal, (preparing a strong application).

Note: You can apply to as many scholarship opportunities as possible – you are not limited to any particular scholarship.

A strong application is crucial to increasing your chances of getting a full scholarship.

For most scholarships, you need to fill out an application form and submit some documents on the application portal

Your application should include a well-written personal statement that highlights your achievements, a detailed resume that showcases your skills and experiences, and letters of recommendation from teachers or professors who can vouch for your qualifications.

Every scholarship opportunity has an application guideline – read the guideline and follow it properly.

Make sure your application is error-free and polished before you submit it.

Once you are done, double-check your application and make sure that it’s in order with the guidelines provided by the scholarship organizers before submitting it.

You can have a friend vet your application for you before you submit it. If you receive feedback on your application—whether it’s from mentors, teachers, or peers—be open to making adjustments.

If possible, connect with past scholarship recipients or alumni of the program, let them check it form you.

They will give you tips about the application process, share their experiences, and offer guidance on following up effectively.

• Apply early

Many scholarships have strict closing dates, so make sure you apply early. It will help you avoid late hour rush which often comes with mistakes.

The earlier you apply, the better. Keep yourself updated on any changes or updates to the scholarship application process.

• Be open to different formats

Some scholarships may request video submissions, creative projects, or presentations in addition to traditional written materials.

You should be open to different formats and mediums, showcasing your adaptability and creativity.

• Follow up

After submitting your application, you can follow up to demonstrate your continued interest.

Following up helps you stay informed about the status of your application, and potentially increase your chances of success.

Consider sending a polite thank-you email to the scholarship committee or the contact person specified in the application instructions.

If there is no online portal or if you haven’t received any updates after sending a follow-up email, it’s appropriate to contact the scholarship committee or the designated contact person.

If the scholarship committee provides multiple contact channels (email, phone, etc.), use the most appropriate one but be sure not to overwhelm them with messages.

Maintain a professional tone in all your communications. Remember that the scholarship committee members are busy individuals

Your follow-ups should be polite.

• Be flexible with your application

Being flexible with your scholarship application is a valuable approach that can increase your chances of success.

If you don’t get a fully funded scholarship, you can still be eligible for partially funded scholarships or other styles of financial resources, so relax.

Some scholarships may have unique requirements, such as interviews, portfolio submissions, or additional documentation.

Be prepared to fulfill these requirements and adapt your application strategy accordingly.

While you may have a preferred institution in mind, be open to exploring different universities or colleges that offer the scholarship you’re applying for.

Consider the unique opportunities each institution provides and how they align with your academic and career goals.

Conclusion

If you have the intention to study in Canada whether for your undergraduate or graduate programs, securing a fully funded scholarship not only eases the financial burden of your education but also enriches your academic experience.

It will grant you access to a supportive academic community, unique opportunities, and a platform to connect with fellow scholars. All of this will contribute to your growth and success.