Canada Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships 2025 Without IELTS
Last updated: August 18, 2025 • Editor: Chgr Team
Looking for a fully funded master’s in Canada without IELTS? For 2025, many Canadian universities accept IELTS alternatives such as TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test, CAEL, or an English‑medium instruction (MOI) waiver in specific cases. Below are full‑ride scholarships and funding pathways (RA/TA packages + major awards) that can cover tuition and living costs. Always verify each program’s English policy and deadlines before applying.
Quick Comparison Table (2025)
| Program/Pathway | University | Coverage | IELTS Policy (2025) | Deadline Window | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McCall MacBain Scholarship | McGill University | Full tuition + living stipend + mentorship | Follows program English req; alternatives/wavers may apply | Aug–Sep (for next fall intake) | mcgill.ca |
| Mastercard Foundation Scholars (Graduate) | University of Toronto (select fields) | Full tuition + living + extras (for eligible African students) | Follows U of T program policy; alternatives often accepted | Program‑specific (often Oct–Jan) | utoronto.ca |
| Research Master’s Funding (RA/TA + Awards) | University of Toronto | Dept packages can cover tuition + living | TOEFL/PTE/CAEL; MOI/waivers by dept | By program (Sep–Jan common) | sgs.utoronto.ca |
| Research Master’s Funding (RA/TA + Awards) | UBC | Dept packages; some effectively full funding | TOEFL/PTE/CAEL; Duolingo/waivers vary by program | By program (Dec–Feb common) | grad.ubc.ca |
| RA/TA + Scholarships | University of Alberta | Funding packages via RA/TA + awards | Alternatives accepted; check dept page | By program | ualberta.ca |
| Research Master’s Funding + IMAE | University of Waterloo | RA/TA + International Master’s Award of Excellence (partial) | Alternatives accepted; waivers case‑by‑case | By program | uwaterloo.ca |
| Research Master’s Funding Guarantee | McMaster University | Many research programs guarantee minimum funding | Alternatives accepted; check program policy | By program | mcmaster.ca |
| Graduate Funding (dept + awards) | University of Saskatchewan | Dept funding + awards; some reach full funding | Alternatives accepted; verify program rules | By program | usask.ca |
| CGS‑M (Tri‑Agency) — stackable | Multiple universities | CAD $17,500 (1 year) + RA/TA to reach full | English proof per host program | Oct–Dec (varies) | nserc-crsng.gc.ca |
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) — stackable | ON universities | Up to CAD $15,000/year + RA/TA to reach full | English proof per host program | Nov–Mar (by school) | ontario.ca |
McCall MacBain Scholarship (McGill University)
Covers: Full tuition, monthly living stipend, leadership development, and mentorship for eligible master’s and professional programs at McGill.
Who it’s for: High‑achieving students with leadership and community impact.
English policy: Follows your chosen program’s rules (TOEFL/IELTS/PTE/CAEL; waivers in some cases).
Deadline window: Typically August–September for the following fall intake.
Official link: mcgill.ca/mccall-macbain-scholars
Mastercard Foundation Scholars (University of Toronto)
Covers: Full tuition and living costs for eligible master’s programs (focused fields; for citizens of African countries).
English policy: Follows U of T program rules; many accept TOEFL, PTE, CAEL, and some consider waivers.
Deadline window: Program‑specific (often October–January).
Official link: mastercardfoundationscholars.utoronto.ca
University of Toronto Research‑Stream Master’s Funding
Covers: Many departments provide funding packages (RA/TA + awards) that can cover tuition and a portion of living costs—some effectively reach full funding.
English policy: TOEFL/PTE/CAEL accepted in most programs; select units may consider MOI or waivers.
How to apply: Contact your target department early; ask for the minimum funding package for international MASc/MSc students.
Official link: sgs.utoronto.ca/funding
UBC Research Master’s Funding Packages
Covers: Departmental RA/TA + university awards; some students receive packages that effectively cover tuition and living, especially in thesis‑based programs.
English policy: TOEFL/PTE/CAEL widely accepted; Duolingo/MOI acceptance varies by unit—verify on your program page.
Official link: grad.ubc.ca/awards
University of Alberta RA/TA + Scholarships
Covers: RA/TA positions combined with graduate scholarships; competitive packages can reach full funding for research master’s.
English policy: TOEFL/PTE/CAEL accepted; waivers may exist for prior English‑medium study (program‑specific).
Official link: ualberta.ca/graduate-studies/awards-and-funding
University of Waterloo Research Master’s Funding
Covers: RA/TA + International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE) (partial) + departmental awards; together these can approach a full package.
English policy: TOEFL/PTE/CAEL accepted in most programs; waivers sometimes granted for English‑medium degrees.
Official link: uwaterloo.ca/graduate-studies-postdoctoral-affairs/awards-funding
McMaster Research Master’s Funding Guarantee
Covers: Many research programs provide a guaranteed minimum funding package (mix of RA/TA/scholarships); strong applicants can secure higher amounts.
English policy: TOEFL/PTE/CAEL typical; MOI/waivers may be considered by some programs.
Official link: gs.mcmaster.ca/future-students/funding
University of Saskatchewan Graduate Funding
Covers: Departmental funding and university‑level scholarships; certain packages can cover most or all costs for thesis‑based master’s.
English policy: TOEFL/PTE/CAEL accepted; confirm any waiver options on the program page.
Official link: grad.usask.ca/funding/scholarships.php
Tri‑Agency CGS‑M (stack with RA/TA)
What it is: The Canada Graduate Scholarships–Master’s (CGS‑M) provides CAD $17,500 for 12 months. Combine with RA/TA/departmental awards to reach a full package.
Eligibility: Research‑oriented master’s, strong academics; citizens/permanent residents of Canada typically apply—some international pathways exist via departmental eligibility and co‑funding. Check rules carefully.
Link: NSERC/CIHR/SSHRC CGS‑M
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (stack with RA/TA)
What it is: OGS provides up to CAD $15,000/year for master’s students at participating Ontario universities. Stack with RA/TA and departmental awards.
Note: OGS alone is not full funding, but when combined with assistantships it can cover tuition and much of living expenses.
Link: Ontario Graduate Scholarship
No‑IELTS: Accepted English Alternatives in Canada
- TOEFL iBT (including Home Edition where accepted)
- PTE Academic
- Duolingo English Test (many schools; grad acceptance varies by program)
- CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language test)
- MOI waiver (letter proving prior degree taught in English—only if the department allows it)
Always check the specific program page. Policies differ by faculty and change yearly.
Study Permit, GIC, Insurance & Banking Tips
- Study permit: Get your Letter of Acceptance, pay the SEVIS equivalent in Canada? No—Canada requires biometrics and an application via IRCC; submit early.
- GIC (Student Direct Stream): Many SDS countries require a CAD $20,635 Guaranteed Investment Certificate (amount subject to change) for proof of funds.
- Health insurance: Some provinces include it; others require university plans. Confirm what your funding covers.
- Banking: Open a student account; compare international transfer fees and cards.
- Housing & connectivity: Compare on‑campus vs off‑campus; consider an eSIM on arrival.
FAQs: Canada Fully Funded Master’s (No IELTS)
Can I really get a fully funded master’s in Canada without IELTS?
Yes—if your target program accepts TOEFL/PTE/CAEL, Duolingo, or an MOI waiver. Combine RA/TA with major awards for full coverage.
Which Canadian scholarship is truly “full ride” for master’s?
McCall MacBain (McGill) is a genuine full‑ride. Others reach “full” via departmental funding packages (RA/TA + awards).
Does every department accept Duolingo?
No. Duolingo is common at the undergraduate level and some graduate programs, but not universal. Check your program.
When should I apply for 2025?
Shortlist programs by September–October 2024, submit between November–January (varies), and secure references/test scores early.
Will an MOI letter always work?
No. MOI waivers are strictly program‑specific. Many departments prefer standardized tests.
Canada offers full‑ride master’s options through the McCall MacBain Scholarship and competitive funding packages across top universities. If you don’t have IELTS, aim for programs accepting TOEFL/PTE/CAEL or Duolingo, and confirm any MOI waivers. Build a funding stack (RA/TA + awards) and apply ahead of deadlines.