How I Got a Fully Funded Scholarship to Study in Canada (Step-by-Step Guide)

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✈️ My Journey from Lagos to Canada

In 2022, I was just another ambitious Nigerian graduate, frustrated by the job market, burdened by ASUU strikes, and unsure of what the future held. Like many of you, I dreamed of studying abroad — Canada was my target. But there was just one problem: money. Tuition, flights, proof of funds, and cost of living? It seemed impossible.

Until I found out about fully funded scholarships. This blog post isn’t just motivational fluff — it’s a step-by-step real-life guide based on how I secured mine, and how you can too.

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🎓 Step 1: Know the Types of Scholarships Available in Canada

Before applying, I had to understand the different categories:

• Government Scholarships – e.g., Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Canada-ASEAN Scholarships

• University-Specific Scholarships – offered by schools like UBC, University of Toronto, McGill

• External Scholarships – funded by NGOs, international bodies (like Mastercard Foundation)

💡 I targeted university-specific scholarships because they were easier to personalize and didn’t always require citizenship from certain countries.

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🔍 Step 2: Shortlist Schools with Fully Funded Scholarships

Here are the top universities in Canada that regularly offer full funding:

• University of British Columbia (UBC) – International Leader of Tomorrow Award (ILOT)

• University of Toronto – Lester B. Pearson Scholarship

• McGill University – Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

• University of Alberta – Graduate scholarships for research-based programs

• University of Waterloo – International Master’s and Doctoral Awards

📌 Tip: Apply to programs that are thesis-based or research-oriented — they attract more funding.

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📝 Step 3: Prepare a Killer Application Package

This is where most people fail. I took 2 months to work on my documents. Here’s what I used:

• Academic transcripts & certificates

• Strong personal statement (SOP) – Tied my life story to my goals, showed passion & potential impact

• Updated CV – Focused on academic and volunteer achievements

• Two reference letters – I asked former lecturers to write glowing, specific letters

• Language test results – IELTS Academic (I scored Band 8)

💡 I used Grammarly + ChatGPT to polish my SOP and CV to near-perfection.

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💻 Step 4: Apply Strategically (Don’t Just Spam Applications)

I applied to 3 universities, each with specific tailoring:

• For UBC’s ILOT, I highlighted my leadership roles in community projects

• For McGill’s Mastercard Foundation, I emphasized how I mentored underprivileged kids in Lagos

• For Alberta, I contacted a potential supervisor first (this was crucial for research-based programs)

📌 Quality over quantity! Most scholarships get thousands of applications – make yours personal and powerful.

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⏳ Step 5: Be Patient but Prepared

I got my first acceptance from UBC — with full tuition, living allowance, and health insurance covered. No proof of funds needed!

Next steps:

• Apply for a Study Permit (Canadian Visa)

• Gather documents: scholarship letter, passport, biometrics, medicals

• Pay minimal visa fee (Mine was covered by a waiver)

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🧳 Bonus: What the Scholarship Covered

• 🎓 Full Tuition (CAD $38,000/year)

• 🏠 Accommodation & Living Costs (CAD $15,000)

• ✈️ Travel Allowance (CAD $1,500)

• 📚 Books & Health Insurance

I arrived in Vancouver in early 2023. Cold, scared, but determined.

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❤️ Final Tips to Help You Succeed

• Start early (at least 6–8 months before intake)

• Be honest. Scholarships aren’t just for the smartest — they’re for the most focused and strategic

• Use platforms like:

  • Scholars4Dev

  • Opportunity Desk

  • EduCanada

• Build your CV with volunteer work, short courses, and leadership roles

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