Do you dream of studying in the USA or Canada but are worried about visa sponsorship and tuition fees? You’re not alone. Many international students face the challenge of funding their education and securing a visa.
The good news? Numerous fully funded scholarships with visa sponsorship are available in the United States and Canada. These scholarships cover not only tuition and living expenses but also provide support for obtaining a student visa.
This guide includes a curated list of scholarships in both countries, eligibility requirements, benefits, and step-by-step application tips for 2025/2026.
Why Choose Scholarships with Visa Sponsorship?
Scholarships with visa sponsorship offer a complete solution for studying abroad:
✅ Full or partial tuition fee coverage
✅ Monthly stipend for living expenses
✅ Health insurance coverage
✅ Support for visa processing and documentation
✅ Travel allowance in some cases
✅ Legal guidance and official letters for embassy approval
These scholarships make it easier for students from developing countries to access world-class education without financial strain.
🇺🇸 Scholarships in the USA with Visa Sponsorship – 2025/2026
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- Level: Master’s & PhD
- Covers: Tuition, stipend, airfare, visa support, health insurance
- Eligibility: Students from 155+ countries including Nigeria, India, Pakistan, and more
- Deadline: Varies by country (usually May–August 2025)
- Visa: J-1 visa sponsorship through U.S. embassies
2. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship
- Level: Non-degree professional program
- Coverage: Full scholarship, living stipend, visa sponsorship, and travel expenses
- For: Mid-career professionals from eligible countries
- Visa: J-1 visa sponsored by the U.S. State Department
3. AAUW International Fellowships (Women Only)
- Level: Master’s, PhD, Postdoc
- Coverage: Up to $50,000 + visa support
- For: Women from all countries except the USA
- Deadline: November 2025
- Visa: F-1 visa support via institution
4. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program (USA & Canada)
- Partner Schools: Stanford, UC Berkeley, Arizona State University, and others
- Level: Undergraduate and graduate
- Coverage: Full tuition, visa support, airfare, accommodation
- For: Students from Africa
- Deadline: Varies by institution
🇨🇦 Scholarships in Canada with Visa Sponsorship – 2025/2026
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Level: PhD
- Coverage: $50,000/year for 3 years + visa sponsorship
- Eligibility: High academic performance, leadership, research potential
- Deadline: November 2025
- Visa: Study permit letter issued by accepting Canadian university
2. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship – University of Toronto
- Level: Undergraduate
- Covers: Full tuition, books, residence, visa support
- Eligibility: International students with strong academics and leadership
- Deadline: January 2026
- Visa: Direct support from University of Toronto for study permit
3. University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program
- Scholarships: Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award (ILOT), International Impact Award
- Level: Undergraduate
- Coverage: Full funding + visa sponsorship letter
- Deadline: December 2025
- Visa: Support from UBC’s international office
Top 10 University Scholarships in Canada with No IELTS
4. IDRC Research Awards (International Development Research Centre)
- Level: Master’s and PhD
- Eligibility: Students from developing countries
- Coverage: Salary, research funding, visa processing support
- Location: Universities in Canada
- Deadline: October 2025
- Visa: Sponsored through Canadian universities
👉 idrc.ca
5. York University International Student Scholarships
- Level: Undergraduate
- Covers: $20,000–$35,000/year
- Eligibility: High-achieving international students
- Visa: Full support to obtain Canadian study permit
👉 yorku.ca
How to Apply for Scholarships with Visa Sponsorship
Step 1: Shortlist Your Universities
Choose universities that offer both funding and international student support services.
Step 2: Apply for Admission
Scholarship offers are typically tied to your admission. Apply early and meet academic requirements.
Step 3: Submit Scholarship Applications
Some scholarships are automatic, others need separate applications (e.g., Pearson, Vanier).
Step 4: Receive Visa Sponsorship Letter
Once selected, universities provide an official Letter of Acceptance or visa sponsorship letter for your embassy appointment.
Step 5: Apply for Student Visa
- USA: Apply for F-1 or J-1 visa using DS-160 form
- Canada: Apply for a study permit through IRCC or the Student Direct Stream (SDS)
Common Eligibility Requirements
✅ Strong academic background
✅ Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
✅ Leadership or community involvement
✅ Admission into a recognized program
✅ Clear study plan and goals
✅ Proof of funds (if not fully funded)
SEO Keywords to Target
- Scholarships with visa sponsorship in USA
- Canada scholarships for international students with visa support
- Fully funded scholarships with visa sponsorship 2025
- Study in USA with scholarship and visa
- Study in Canada with scholarship and visa
- USA scholarships for Nigerians with visa
- Scholarships that sponsor F-1 visa
- Scholarships that help with Canadian study permit
Canada Scholarship for Nigerian Students – Apply Now
Tips to Increase Your Chances
✅ Apply early – Most competitive scholarships close 6–12 months in advance
✅ Craft a strong personal statement – Share your goals, background, and need for support
✅ Get great references – Academic or professional referees who know you well
✅ Ace your English test – IELTS (minimum 6.5–7.0) or TOEFL (90+)
✅ Check embassy timelines – Schedule your visa interview early once awarded
FAQs
Can I get a scholarship and a visa together?
Yes. Most fully funded scholarships automatically provide the documentation needed to support your student visa application.
Do I still need proof of funds if I get a full scholarship?
No. The scholarship award letter serves as proof of funding, which satisfies the financial requirement for your visa.
Can Nigerians apply for these scholarships?
Absolutely! In fact, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, India, and Pakistan are among the top nationalities awarded Fulbright, Vanier, and other scholarships annually.
What if my scholarship doesn’t cover visa support?
You can still apply for a study permit using your scholarship letter as proof of support. Many Canadian and U.S. institutions help students through the visa process.
Final Thoughts
Studying in the USA or Canada with a scholarship and visa sponsorship is 100% possible — but it requires research, preparation, and timely action.
With scholarships like Fulbright, Vanier, Mastercard Foundation, and Pearson International, your dream of earning a degree from a top university without financial stress can become a reality.
🌟 Apply Early | Apply Smart | Apply Boldly