Canadian Scholarships for Nigerian Students

One of the major reasons you might consider studying abroad is that the universities within Nigeria might not be able to guarantee you the high-quality education you would get outside.

This is why Canada is one of the most coveted study destinations for international students including Nigerian students. Canada is located in North America and is the second-largest country in the world (after Russia). The country is known for its vast expanses and natural beauty. Canada offers a diverse variety of opportunities and experiences to visitors. The universities, colleges, applied arts and science institutions as well as the technical schools in the country provide a rich amount of study options for international students.

About 37 Canadian universities are ranked among the top 300 global universities, according to the rankings made by Times Higher Education.

However, studying in Canada does not come cheap, though it is less when compared with other study destinations such as the US and UK.

The good news is that bursaries, grants, and scholarships are available for international students hoping to study in Canada at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. It is important to apply as early as possible because scholarship funding is highly competitive and limited.

Nigerian students can also research scholarship opportunities to study abroad offered by organizations in Nigeria.

You might want to read on German scholarships for Nigerian Students

The process of applying for scholarships can be overwhelming. This is why we have curated a selection of Canadian scholarships for Nigerian Students offered by the Canadian government, non-governmental organizations, and individual Canadian universities for all degree levels and also how to apply for these scholarship programs.

CANADIAN GOVERNMENT-FUNDED SCHOLARSHIPS FOR NIGERIAN STUDENTS

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships Program

This scholarship is available to international doctoral students wishing to study in Canada at a participating university. It was launched by the Canadian government in order to improve Canada?s ability to attract highly qualified doctoral students. To be considered eligible for a Vanier Scholarship, you need to possess leadership skills and also have a high academic performance in your Master's program in either Natural sciences, Engineering, Humanities, Health Sciences or Social Sciences. You would also be evaluated based on your research potential. This is the most common foreign scholarship opportunity for Nigerian Ph.D. students.

IDRC Research Awards

This is a scholarship scheme for students from developing countries (including Nigeria) to undertake a master's or doctoral degree research program at a recognized Canadian university.

NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships

These are scholarships, grants, and awards available to academically outstanding students hoping to undertake a study in Engineering or Natural Sciences at an accredited Canadian University.

Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship

This scholarship opportunity is available to international students planning to undertake postgraduate study either in Natural Sciences, Social Sciences or Health Research. The scholarship runs for 2 years and is valued at $70,000 per year.

CANADIAN NON-GOVERNMENTAL SCHOLARSHIPS FOR NIGERIAN STUDENTS

Trudeau Scholarships and Fellowship

This scholarship is given by the Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation and it is available to international students hoping to undertake their doctoral study in Canada. It is open to students in field of research in social sciences and humanities. It lasts for a maximum period of three years with a maximum value of $60,000 per year.

Anne Vallee Ecological Fund

These scholarships are available for international students undertaking animal research at a doctoral degree level at a Canadian University in British Columbia and Quebec.

Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship

This scholarship is worth $2,000 and is available to students currently enrolled in Canada as a high school, undergraduate or graduate student.

UNIVERSITY-SPECIFIC SCHOLARSHIPS FOR NIGERIAN STUDENTS

Ontario Trillium Scholarship

This scholarship is valued at $40,000 per year and is awarded to incoming international doctoral students of the University of Waterloo. They must hold a valid study permit and must have been registered full time in a degree program in the university.

Carleton University Awards for International Students

This scholarship is open to international graduate students hoping to study at Carleton University.

Concordia University International Undergraduate Awards

This scheme awards various scholarships to international students to study at Concordia University, Canada. This opportunity is open to international students including Nigerian students at undergraduate level.

Fairleigh Dickinson Scholarships for International Students: These scholarships are available to international students at all degree levels, undertaking study at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Canada.

University of Waterloo International Master?s and Doctoral Award:  This scholarship is available to international students who have enrolled full-time in a research-based graduate degree program at the University of Waterloo.

It is valued at $2,045 per term for 2 years (for Master?s) and $4,090 per term for 3 years (for Ph.D.). This scholarship is given based on the academic progress of the student.

You could also read Student Life in Canada: A Nigerian Girl?s Experience

University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships

These are merit-based awards that are available to international students of any nationality who intend to register as full-time graduate students (Masters or Ph.D.) at the University of Manitoba. The scholarship is valued at $18,000 for Ph.D. and $14,000 for Master's per year. To be eligible for this scholarship, you must have attained a minimum GPA of 3.75 in the last two years of study at a recognized University based on Bachelor, Masters or Doctoral degree. The scholarship is open to students in all fields of study except those in the College of Medicine and in the Master of Business Administration Program (MBA).

McGill University Scholarships and Student Aid

This is available to international students enrolled in graduate and postdoctoral studies at McGill University.

Queen?s University International Scholarships

This includes a number of scholarships open to international students to study at Queen?s University, Kingston, Canada.

University of Saskatchewan International Student Awards

These merit-based scholarships are open to undergraduate international students looking to study at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada.

Simon Fraser University Financial Aid and Awards

Simon Fraser offers a range of scholarships and other funding opportunities to domestic and international students planning to study or currently studying at the University.

International Student Scholarships at Humber College Canada

Humber College Canada offers a range of scholarships to international students at undergraduate level to study at the University.

Western University International President?s Entrance Scholarships

These scholarship opportunities are available to international students undertaking study at Western University at all degree levels.

Other University-specific scholarships include:

• York University International Student Program.
• University of Calgary International Scholarships.
• University of British Columbia Graduate Scholarships.
• University of British Columbia Leaders of Tomorrow Award.
• University of Alberta International Scholarships.
• Quest University Canada.
• HEC Montreal Scholarships.
• Dalhousie University Scholarships.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A CANADIAN SCHOLARSHIP

In applying for a Canadian scholarship, it is important to have taken an English proficiency test. This could either be TOEFL or IELTS. Since Canada is a bilingual country, you could also take French tests.

It is also important to understand the application process and adhere to the deadline specified by the awarding institution or organization. Note that the eligibility requirements and application offers differ from one scholarship to the other. For example, some scholarships may require you writing an essay with references from past employers or teachers. Others award scholarships based on creative skills, leadership skills, academic performance or other extracurricular achievements. It is important for you to stay abreast with deadline information and requirements requested by the different awarding organizations and institutions.

Generally, in applying for a Canadian Scholarship, you should:

• Start exploring for scholarships from your home country, Nigeria.
• Contact your chosen university/ organization awarding the scholarship.
• Plan ahead
• Research additional opportunities.

To study in Canada, you would need to obtain a Canadian study permit which will serve as your Canadian student visa for the duration of your stay.

Click here to meet with a consultant to ensure a hitch-free visa application.

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