Studying in Canada is a dream for many international students—but two major barriers often stand in the way: IELTS requirements and high living costs, including health insurance.
The good news? There are scholarships without IELTS with insurance in Canada that can significantly reduce or even eliminate these obstacles.
Many Canadian universities now:
- Accept alternative proof of English proficiency instead of IELTS
- Offer internal English assessments or previous-study exemptions
- Provide fully funded or partially funded scholarships
- Include health insurance coverage for international students
In this comprehensive 2026 guide, you’ll learn:
- How to study in Canada without IELTS
- Top scholarships without IELTS with insurance in Canada
- Eligibility criteria and required documents
- Step-by-step online application process
- Frequently asked questions for 2026 applicants
If you’re serious about studying in Canada without IELTS and want financial support that includes insurance, this guide is for you.
Can You Study in Canada Without IELTS in 2026?
Yes, you can study in Canada without IELTS in 2026 under certain conditions.
Many universities accept:
- Previous education in English
- Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate
- Other English tests (Duolingo, TOEFL, PTE)
- University’s own internal English test
- Completion of English pathway programs
Common Alternatives to IELTS in Canada
Instead of IELTS, universities may accept:
- TOEFL iBT
- Duolingo English Test
- PTE Academic
- CAEL
- Cambridge English (C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency)
- Letter from your previous institution confirming English was the medium of instruction
Important: Scholarship eligibility and admission requirements are separate. You must first qualify for admission without IELTS, then apply for the scholarship.
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| Scholarships Without IELTS With Insurance in Canada |
What Does “Scholarships Without IELTS With Insurance in Canada” Mean?
When we say scholarships without IELTS with insurance in Canada, we are referring to programs that:
- Do not require IELTS specifically (or allow alternatives)
- Offer financial support (partial or full)
- Include health insurance coverage as part of the benefits
What Is Typically Covered?
| Benefit Type | Partial Scholarship | Fully Funded Scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Partial or Full | 100% Covered |
| Living Allowance | Sometimes | Monthly Stipend |
| Health Insurance | Often Included | Included |
| Travel Allowance | Rare | Sometimes Included |
| Research Funding | Graduate Level | Often Included |
Health insurance is mandatory for international students in Canada. Many universities automatically enroll students in a student health insurance plan—and some scholarships cover this cost.
Top Scholarships Without IELTS With Insurance in Canada (2026)
Below are some of the best scholarships available in Canada for 2026 that may not require IELTS and include insurance coverage.
University of Winnipeg President’s Scholarship
The University of Winnipeg is known for accepting students without IELTS under certain conditions.
Why It’s Popular
- Open to international students
- IELTS waiver possible if prior education was in English
- Health insurance available through university plans
Scholarship Benefits
- Award value: $3,500–$5,000 (varies by level)
- Available for undergraduate and graduate students
- Can be combined with other awards
Insurance
International students are enrolled in:
- University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP equivalent in province)
- Student extended health and dental coverage
University of Saskatchewan International Excellence Awards
The University of Saskatchewan offers competitive entrance scholarships.
IELTS Waiver Option
You may not need IELTS if:
- You completed previous education in English
- You qualify through an accepted alternative English test
Benefits
- Up to $10,000 entrance award
- Additional merit-based funding available
- Graduate assistantships available
Insurance Coverage
- Mandatory health insurance plan
- Cost may be covered under certain graduate funding packages
University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson Scholarship
One of Canada’s most prestigious fully funded scholarships.
IELTS Requirement
IELTS is not always mandatory if:
- Your previous education was in English
- You meet alternative language proficiency criteria
Fully Funded Benefits
- Full tuition
- Books and incidental fees
- Full residence support
- Health insurance coverage included
This is one of the top fully funded scholarships without IELTS with insurance in Canada for undergraduate students.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (PhD)
For doctoral students in 2026.
IELTS Policy
IELTS depends on the university’s admission policy—not directly required by Vanier.
Benefits
- $50,000 per year for 3 years
- Research funding support
- Health insurance through host university
Highly competitive and ideal for top academic performers.
University of Alberta Scholarships
The University of Alberta offers multiple scholarships for international students.
IELTS Waiver
Possible if:
- Previous degree was taught in English
- You meet alternative English language requirements
Benefits
- Entrance scholarships up to $15,000
- Graduate assistantships
- Research funding
Insurance
- Students enrolled in Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)
- Supplementary health coverage through student union
McGill University Scholarships
McGill offers entrance and merit-based awards.
IELTS Waiver
Accepted if:
- You studied in English previously
- You meet recognized alternative criteria
Benefits
- One-year entrance scholarships
- Renewable major scholarships
- Graduate fellowships
Insurance
- International Health Insurance Plan (IHI) mandatory
- Often covered through graduate funding
Fully Funded Government Scholarships in Canada
Canadian Government Scholarships (Global Affairs Canada)
Programs such as:
- Canada-ASEAN Scholarships
- Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP)
Benefits may include:
- Tuition support
- Living expenses
- Health insurance
- Travel expenses
English test requirements depend on the host institution.
How to Apply for Scholarships Without IELTS With Insurance in Canada
Follow this step-by-step process for 2026 admission.
Step 1: Identify Universities That Waive IELTS
Search for:
- “University name + IELTS waiver”
- “Study in Canada without IELTS 2026”
- “English medium of instruction acceptance”
Check:
- Official university website
- International admissions page
- English language requirements section
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Most applications require:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of recommendation
- CV (for graduate programs)
- Passport copy
- Scholarship application form (if separate)
Step 3: Apply for Admission First
In most cases:
- Apply to the university program first
- Receive admission offer
- Then apply for scholarships
Some scholarships are automatic; others require a separate application.
Step 4: Apply for the Scholarship
Check:
- Deadlines (often December–March for Fall 2026 intake)
- Scholarship-specific essays
- Additional documentation requirements
Submit before the deadline.
Step 5: Confirm Insurance Coverage
After acceptance:
- Review your offer letter
- Check health insurance enrollment
- Confirm if insurance fees are covered by scholarship
If not included, budget accordingly.
Eligibility Requirements for 2026
Eligibility varies by scholarship but generally includes:
Academic Requirements
- Strong GPA (usually 3.0+ on 4.0 scale)
- Competitive academic ranking
- Research potential (for graduate students)
English Language Requirements
- IELTS waiver eligibility
- Alternative English test scores
- English-medium previous education
Other Criteria
- Leadership qualities
- Community involvement
- Research excellence (graduate level)
Deadlines for 2026 Intake
Typical deadlines:
| Intake | Admission Deadline | Scholarship Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | December 2025 – March 2026 | December 2025 – February 2026 |
| Winter 2026 | June – September 2025 | Varies |
Always verify on the official website.
Benefits of Scholarships Without IELTS With Insurance in Canada
Choosing these scholarships offers multiple advantages:
- No stress over IELTS preparation
- Reduced overall education costs
- Health insurance protection
- Access to world-class Canadian universities
- Strong post-graduation work opportunities
Canada also offers:
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- Pathways to permanent residency
- Multicultural, safe environment
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming IELTS is never required (always confirm)
- Missing scholarship deadlines
- Submitting incomplete documents
- Ignoring insurance details
- Applying to only one university
Apply to multiple institutions to increase your chances.
FAQ: Scholarships Without IELTS With Insurance in Canada (2026)
Can I get a fully funded scholarship in Canada without IELTS in 2026?
Yes, it is possible. Some Canadian universities waive IELTS if you completed previous education in English or meet alternative language requirements. Fully funded scholarships like the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship or certain graduate fellowships may include full tuition, living expenses, and health insurance coverage.
Is health insurance included in Canadian scholarships?
Many scholarships include health insurance either directly or indirectly through university enrollment. In most provinces, international students must enroll in a health insurance plan. Some fully funded scholarships cover this cost, while others require students to pay separately.
What documents are required for scholarships without IELTS in Canada?
Common documents include academic transcripts, degree certificates, Medium of Instruction letter, statement of purpose, recommendation letters, passport copy, and scholarship application forms. Requirements vary by university and scholarship.
Which Canadian universities do not require IELTS?
Several universities may waive IELTS, including:
- University of Winnipeg
- University of Saskatchewan
- University of Alberta
- McGill University
- University of Toronto (case-dependent)
Policies vary by program and applicant background.
When should I apply for Fall 2026 scholarships?
Most Fall 2026 scholarship applications open in late 2025 and close between December 2025 and February 2026. Start preparing at least 6–8 months before the deadline.
Can I use Duolingo instead of IELTS in Canada?
Yes, many Canadian universities accept Duolingo English Test as an alternative to IELTS. Always confirm minimum required scores on the university’s official website.
Conclusion: Start Your 2026 Journey to Canada Today
Studying in Canada without IELTS is possible—and combining that with financial support and health insurance makes it even more achievable.
The key is to:
- Research universities offering IELTS waivers
- Apply early for 2026 intake
- Prepare strong academic and scholarship applications
- Confirm insurance coverage details
- Apply to multiple opportunities
With careful planning, you can secure one of the top scholarships without IELTS with insurance in Canada and begin your academic journey with confidence.