If you are a Nigerian, and you want to study in Canada, then you should apply for at least one of these scholarships that are for Nigerian students to study in Canada.
We have a video of the application process at the end of this article which you can watch to understand the process better.
However, you need to read this guide to pick the right scholarship opportunity.
Applying for one is very okay but if you want to apply for more, that’s even better.
Canada is no doubt, one of the best countries in the world to study – the country is currently ranked third best place to study in the world.
However, studying in Canada costs money, it is costly to study here and for a Nigerian, coming from a country with an unstable economy, funding your academics in Canada won’t be easy.
This is why you need a scholarship – and what’s better than getting one which is specifically for Nigerian students who want to study in Canada?
Getting a scholarship will help you reduce the financial burden of studying in Canada because some of these scholarships are fully funded.
So, they cover your tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, and other miscellaneous costs.
If you want to get a scholarship to study in Canada, we have for you here, a list of easy-to-get scholarships for Nigerian students to study in Canada.
Can a Nigerian apply for a scholarship in Canada?
Yes, as a Nigerian, you can apply for a scholarship in Canada as long as you meet the scholarship’s eligibility criteria. Many scholarship opportunities in Canada are open to Nigerian students and you can apply for them if you meet their eligibility criteria.
Is there 100% scholarship in Canada?
Yes, there are 100% scholarships in Canada – some scholarships in Canada cover 100% of your tuition fees and living expenses, but they are highly competitive – you need to have an excellent academic record to get them.
Types of Scholarships for Nigerian Students to Study in Canada
In Canada, there are different types of scholarships that you can get as a Nigerian
We have:
- Government-sponsored scholarships: These scholarships are offered by the Canadian government and you can apply for them even as a Nigerian. Scholarships like the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program and the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are good examples.
- Institution-specific scholarships: This is the type of scholarship that is sponsored by an institution, some colleges and universities in Canada sponsor different scholarships and they are open to Nigerians.
- Private scholarships: Private scholarships are sponsored by various organizations, foundations, and corporations in Canada.
- Subject-specific scholarships: For this one, the scholarships are only available to students who are studying a particular course. For example, you have something like STEM scholarships, scholarships for Engineering students, arts scholarships, or scholarships for business studies.
- Research scholarships: This one is for graduate students who are doing research work – the purpose of this type of scholarship is to help the students sponsor their research project.
- Fully-funded scholarships: If you are looking for a scholarship that will cover everything for you, this is the type you should apply for – fully-funded scholarships cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs.
- Partial scholarships: Partially funded scholarships cover some part of your expenses and leave the rest for you to cover.
Scholarships for Nigerian Students to Study in Canada
Canada is a fertile ground for Nigerian students. There are over 13,000 Nigerian students currently in Canada, and you can become part of them by applying for any of the scholarships below.
Government Scholarships for Nigerian Students to Study in Canada
- Canada-Africa Research Exchange Grants: This is a grant program that is funded by the Canadian government to support research collaboration between Canadian and African universities or research institutions. If you are a Nigerian student or researcher, you can apply for this opportunity – once your application is approved, you will participate in research programs, workshops, and conferences in Canada. You will also help in promoting academic collaboration between Canada and Africa. To learn more, visit the Canada-Africa Research Exchange Grants.
- Global Affairs Canada (GAC) Scholarship Programs: This is yet another scholarship opportunity for Nigerian students in Canada. This scholarship program aims to promote international cooperation between Canada and other countries. There are many scholarships under this program, for example, you have the Canada-CARICOM Skills Training for the Green Economy Scholarship Program and the Canada-CARICOM Faculty Leadership Program. They are both under this program.
- IDRC Research Awards: The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers from developing countries (which includes Nigeria). Like the Global affairs program, this one has many awards under it. Each award supports research projects that are conducted at Canadian universities or research institutions. The awards are also program-specific, they concentrate on areas such as agriculture, environment, health, and social sciences. If awarded to you, it will cover your travel expenses, living expenses, and research-related costs.
- Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program (CCSP): This is one of the top-rated government-sponsored scholarships in Canada. It is offered by the Canadian government and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. It is open to students from Commonwealth countries, including Nigeria. The scholarship covers your tuition fees, travel expenses, living expenses, and healthcare insurance.
Institution-specific scholarships for Nigerian students to study in Canada
If you want to study in Canada as a Nigerian, one thing you have to keep in mind is that every institution in Canada (college or universities) has scholarships that they offer to international students which includes Nigerian students.
These scholarships exist to help reduce the financial demand for studying in the institution.
Some of them are fully funded; meaning they cover your tuition fees, living expenses and any other expenses while others are partially funded.
| Name of Scholarship | Institution | Scholarship Amount |
| Carleton University Entrance Scholarships for International Students | Carleton University | Up to $16,000 |
| University of Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence | University of Waterloo | Up to $10,000 |
| University of Alberta International Student Scholarship | University of Alberta | $9,000 to $26,000 |
| McGill University Entrance Scholarship | McGill University | Varies (partial or full tuition) |
| President’s Beyond Borders Fund | University of Victoria | Up to $5000 |
| International Scholars Program | University of British Columbia | Up to $35,000 per year. |
| Chancellor’s Scholarship for International Students | Carleton University | $30,000 |
| Schulich Leader Scholarships amount | Dalhousie University | Total of $120,000 |
| International Graduate Student Entrance Scholarships | University of Manitoba | $16,000 (Ph.D.) and $12,000 (Master’s) |
Fully funded scholarships for Nigerian students to study in Canada
Canada has various fully funded scholarships that Nigerian students can apply for, however, these scholarships are hard to get.
If you want to stand a chance, you need to maintain excellent academic records, engage in extracurricular activities and be admissible to Canada.
These scholarships provide you with comprehensive financial support – they cover your tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other related expenses.
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: Just like the name sounds, this scholarship is for students who are pursuing Graduate programs in Canada. The scholarship is sponsored by the Canadian government – the government wants to use the scholarship to attract and retain world-class doctoral students. If you are a Nigerian student who is pursuing a doctoral degree in Canada, you can apply for this scholarship. The scholarship will give you $50,000 per year for up to three years and you can use the money to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs related to your research.
- Trudeau Foundation Scholarships: The Trudeau Foundation is another fully funded doctoral scholarship that you can apply for as a Nigerian student – like the previous one, it is also for doctoral candidates but only for those in the social sciences and humanities. The specific amount for this scholarship is not disclosed publicly however, the amount is enough to cover your covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other research-related expenses – according to those who have benefited from it.
- Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships: If you are a Nigerian student who is conducting research in areas related to the foundation’s four themes: human rights and dignity, responsible citizenship, Canada in the world, and people and their natural environment, then you should apply for this scholarship. Like the Trudeau Foundation scholarship, the amount isn’t specified.
- University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship: This is one of the most popular fully funded scholarships in Canada; meaning, it is highly competitive. To get in, you must be a standout student. Fortunately, it is open to Nigerian students. The scholarship is named after Lester B. Pearson, a former Prime Minister of Canada and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. The scholarship aims to support exceptional students – students with excellent academic records, leadership potential, and a commitment to community service. Official website.
Program-specific scholarships for Nigerian students to study in Canada
In our collection are also program-specific scholarships for Nigerian students in Canada.
If you want to study a particular program in Canada, ensure you check your university or college of interest for scholarships that are open to students in your program of study.
| Name of university | Scholarship | Amount |
| University of Ontario | Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) – Science and Engineering | $15,000 per year for master’s students and $30,000 per year for doctoral students |
| University of Toronto | University of Toronto Faculty of Law Global Leadership Scholarship | Amount not specified |
| University of Alberta | University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry Scholarships | Depends on the particular scholarship |
| University of British Columbia | University of British Columbia (UBC) Sauder School of Business Scholarships | Up to $10,000 |
| McGill University | McGill University Faculty of Engineering International Graduate Scholarship | Up to $42,000 |
| University of Waterloo | University of Waterloo Faculty of Mathematics Scholarships | Ranges from $5000 to $10,000 |
There are many more program-specific scholarships you will find in Canada.
Once you’ve been accepted to study a particular course, go to your institution’s official website and look for available scholarships for students in your program.
Private Scholarships for Nigerian students to study in Canada
You can also find scholarship opportunities that are open to Nigerian students and are sponsored by private individuals or organizations in Canada.
| Name of sponsors | Name of institution | Name of scholarship | Offering amount |
| TD Bank Group | Various universities across Canada | TD Scholarships for Community Leadership | Up to CAD 70,000 |
| RBC Royal Bank | Various universities across Canada | RBC Royal Bank Scholarships | Varies (range from $1,000 to CAD 10,000) |
| Scotiabank | Various universities across Canada | Scotiabank National Scholarship Program | Up to CAD 5,000 |
| Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) | Various universities across Canada | CIBC Youthvision Scholarship Program | Up to CAD 8,000 |
| Sun Life Financial | Various universities across Canada | Sun Life Financial Scholarship Program | Up to CAD 5,000 |
| TELUS | Various universities across Canada | TELUS Future Leaders Scholarship | Up to CAD 10,000 |
| Coca-Cola Foundation | Various universities across Canada | Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship | Up to CAD 1,000 |
| Bell Canada | Various universities across Canada | Bell Canada Scholarship Program | Up to CAD 5,000 |
| Schulich Foundation | Various universities across Canada | Schulich Leader Scholarships | Up to CAD 100,000 |
Requirements to apply for scholarships in Canada as a Nigerian student
As a Nigerian student, you need the following to apply for a scholarship in Canada
- A good academic record: Most scholarship programs in Canada need you to have an excellent academic record, you need a good CGPA, the higher your grades, the better your chances.
- An English Language Proficiency score: Not all schools in Canada require you to present an English proficiency test score but if your school does require it, you need to take the test (IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge English exams) and provide your score.
- Your letter of admission: Before you get a scholarship to study in Canada, you also need to get admission to a Canadian institution – you must do this before applying for scholarships. Once you get admitted, you will be issued a letter of admission – you can use this letter to apply for a scholarship.
- Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement: Before you apply for a scholarship, check if you need to present a statement of purpose or personal statement, many scholarship opportunities in Canada require it. It is a letter that shows your achievements, experiences, and plans.
- Letters of recommendation: You also need to get letters of recommendation, make sure they come from a recognized person like your teachers or professors.
- Research Proposal (if applicable): If you’re applying for research-based scholarships (for anyone at the graduate level), you need to submit a well-detailed research proposal.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV): You have to submit your resume or CV to support your application. Your CV should highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, work experience, volunteer work, and any relevant accomplishments you have.
- Financial documents: If you are applying for a need-based scholarship, then you need to submit your financial statement as proof that you do need financial assistance.
- Passport: This is very important – you need a valid passport – it must be valid till the duration of your program in Canada.
In addition to the above requirements, when applying for a scholarship in Canada, make sure you fill out the scholarship form properly and provide accurate information in your application form.
Furthermore, begin your application early and ensure that you submit your application before the deadline – follow the application guidelines provided by the organizing body.
Does Canada have undergraduate scholarships for Nigerians?
Yes, there are many undergraduate scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students to study in Canada.
If you wish to complete your undergraduate programs in Canada, you can apply for the:
- York University International Entrance Scholarship Program
- Carleton University Entrance Scholarships for International Students
- UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award (University of British Columbia)
- University of Saskatchewan International Excellence Awards
- Humber College International Entrance Scholarships
- Concordia University Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students
- University of Winnipeg President’s Scholarship for World Leaders
They are available to Nigerian students who wish to complete their undergraduate program in Canada.
In summary, getting a scholarship to study in Canada as a Nigerian student is great – it helps you handle the financial demands of studying in Canada.
This way, you can focus on your studies and you don’t have to work part-time to fund your studies.
You can find more information about scholarships for Nigerian students to study in Canada in the video below.