Canada is one of the top destinations for international students seeking high-quality education, global research exposure, and post-study work opportunities. What many students don’t realize is that several Canadian universities offer funding packages that exceed tuition costs—especially for research-based (thesis) Master’s programs.
This guide explains how fully funded Master’s programs in Canada work and lists the top Canadian universities offering generous funding to international students.
What Does “Funding in Excess of Tuition” Mean?
In many academic (research-based) Master’s programs, Canadian universities provide a combined funding package that may include:
- Full or partial tuition coverage
- Monthly living stipend
- Teaching Assistantships (TA)
- Research Assistantships (RA)
- Entrance scholarships and faculty awards
👉 In many cases, the total funding exceeds the tuition fee, helping students cover living expenses, books, and health insurance.
Who Is Eligible for Fully Funded Master’s Programs in Canada?
These funding opportunities are most common for:
- STEM fields (Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Life Sciences)
- Research-based / thesis Master’s programs
- Students with:
- Strong academic record
- Research experience or publications
- Alignment with a faculty supervisor’s research
Top Canadian Universities Offering Fully Funded Master’s Programs
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1. University of Toronto
Best for: Engineering, AI, Data Science, Life Sciences
- Research Master’s students often receive CAD 25,000–35,000 per year
- Funding includes:
- Supervisor funding
- TA/RA roles
- Fellowships and departmental awards
- Popular programs:
- MASc in Engineering
- MSc in Computer Science
- MSc in Biomedical Sciences
2. University of British Columbia
Best for: Computer Science, Environmental Sciences, Biotechnology
- Offers Four-Year Fellowships (FYF) and departmental funding
- Typical funding:
- Tuition + CAD 22,000–30,000 annual stipend
- Strong focus on international research talent
- Ideal for thesis-based MSc programs
3. McGill University
Best for: AI, Neuroscience, Engineering, Public Health
- Competitive funding packages for research Master’s students
- Includes:
- Faculty scholarships
- Teaching assistantships
- Prestigious external awards like McCall MacBain Scholarships (full funding + living stipend)
4. University of Waterloo
Best for: Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics
- Known globally for research excellence
- International Master’s students receive:
- Minimum guaranteed funding
- Additional income from TA/RA positions
- Strong industry-academia collaboration
5. University of Alberta
Best for: Energy, AI, Health Sciences
- One of Canada’s most generous funding universities
- Typical funding:
- Tuition support + CAD 24,000–32,000 stipend
- Offers Graduate Entrance Scholarships for international students
6. Memorial University of Newfoundland
Best for: Budget-friendly fully funded Master’s
- Very low tuition compared to other universities
- Research students often receive funding well above tuition
- Excellent option for cost-conscious international students
Fields with the Highest Funding Opportunities
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If your goal is maximum funding, focus on these areas:
- Computer Science / Artificial Intelligence
- Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil)
- Data Science & Machine Learning
- Life Sciences & Biotechnology
- Environmental & Climate Sciences
How to Maximize Your Chances of Getting Fully Funded
- Choose thesis-based programs only
- Email potential supervisors with a tailored research proposal
- Highlight:
- Research projects
- Publications
- Relevant work experience
- Apply early (8–12 months in advance)
