If you’re looking for Canadian Scholarships for Nigerian students, this article is for you. Canadian schools have become some of the most sought-after locations for international students looking for top-notch academic programs and unique cultural experiences as higher education becomes more and more globalized.
Among these aspiring scholars are Nigerian students keen on expanding their horizons and achieving academic excellence internationally.
Recognizing the immense potential and talent Nigerian students bring, Canadian universities and organizations have been offering many scholarships and financial aid opportunities tailored specifically to support their educational journey.
We have shared information about the top scholarship websites for updates, and in this post, we delve into the various Canadian scholarships for Nigerian students, shedding light on their transformative impact on shaping the future leaders of Nigeria and fostering stronger ties between the two nations.
Scholarship Opportunities In Canada for International Students
A scholarship is a type of financial help offered to students based on a variety of factors, including academic excellence, potential for leadership, extracurricular success, or financial necessity. Grants or monies that do not demand repayment are known as scholarships, and as such, they are highly sought-after sources of financial aid for students pursuing higher education.
Due to its top-notch educational institutions, diversified cultural milieu, and dedication to global education, Canada has emerged as a popular choice for international students.
The nation aggressively supports diversity and inclusivity; this philosophy is reflected in its scholarship programs, which are intended to draw bright students from all over the world, including Nigerians.
- Academic Merit Scholarships: Canadian universities and colleges offer numerous merit-based scholarships recognizing outstanding academic achievements. These scholarships reward students with high academic records, irrespective of their nationality.
International students, including Nigerians, who excel academically, can compete for these scholarships to partially or fully cover their tuition fees, making Canadian education more accessible and affordable.
- International Excellence Scholarships: Many Canadian institutions have introduced international excellence scholarships that aim to attract the best and brightest minds from all over the globe.
These highly competitive scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and potential contributions to the university community and beyond. Such opportunities create a conducive learning environment that fosters cross-cultural exchange and diverse student perspectives, enriching the educational experience.
- Country-Specific Scholarships: Some Canadian universities and organizations offer scholarships that specifically target students from certain countries, including Nigeria. These country-specific scholarships acknowledge the unique challenges that international students might face when studying abroad and seek to create a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Such scholarships often consider factors such as cultural adaptation, language proficiency, and socio-economic background, providing tailored financial support for students from Nigeria and other countries.
Also Read: Top Uk Scholarships for Nigerian Students
- Research-Based Scholarships: Canada is known for its robust research programs and cutting-edge innovations. As part of its commitment to advancing research, the country offers research-based scholarships to attract international students passionate about exploring new frontiers in their respective fields.
These scholarships not only cover tuition but may also provide stipends for living expenses and research-related costs, allowing scholars to dedicate themselves to their academic pursuits fully.
- Government Scholarships and Grants: Through agencies like Global Affairs Canada, the Canadian government offers various scholarships and grants that support international students’ educational endeavors.
These initiatives strengthen Canada’s position as a global leader in education and foster long-lasting relationships with other countries, including Nigeria.
List of Fully Funded Scholarship In Canada For Undergraduate
The list of fully funded scholarships In Canada is listed below:
1. Loran Scholars Foundation–$100.000
First on our list of Canadian scholarships for Nigerian students is the Loran The Loran Scholars Foundation, established in Toronto in 1988. It is a national charitable organization that bestows scholarships upon students entering Canadian universities.
These scholarships are awarded to Loran Scholars, recognizing them as recipients of the country’s most substantial undergraduate merit award. These prestigious scholarships’ selection criteria are character, dedication to service, and exceptional leadership potential.
How do you win the Loran scholarship?
To win the Loran Scholarship, you must follow the steps below:
- Your volunteer hour commitments and your community involvement efforts throughout high school.
- Your part-time job or any work experience.
- Your extracurricular activities, inside and outside of school.
- Your grades and academic achievements
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2. UDEM Exemption Scholarship–$27,300
The next on our list of Canadian scholarship for Nigerian students is the UDEM Exemption Scholarship. The University of Montréal, founded to provide higher education, has evolved into a renowned institution serving a diverse global community for over 135 years.
Exciting opportunities are now available for the 2023-2024 academic year, as the university offers tuition fee exemption scholarships for international students worldwide. These scholarships cover undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs, providing recipients up to $27,300 annually.
Students worldwide are encouraged to apply and be part of this remarkable journey of learning, discovery, and growth at the University of Montréal.
To receive the scholarship, follow these steps:
- Apply for admission to the study programs of your interest, ensuring you meet the application deadlines and admission requirements.
- After submitting your application, monitor your file through the Centre étudiant platform. You will receive an admission notice there within a few days.
- Upon receiving the admission offer, accept it to initiate the evaluation process. There’s no need to apply separately for the UdeM Exemption Scholarship, as new candidates’ files will be automatically considered for eligibility and the scholarship amount.
Once your evaluation is complete, you’ll be notified of the awarded scholarship amount via email. Print and keep this document for future reference.
By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to receiving the scholarship at the Université de Montréal.
Also Read: 15 Best Australian Scholarships for International Students
3. SFU (Simon Fraser University) Entrance Scholarship Program–$120,000
SFU (Simon Fraser University) offers the Entrance Scholarship Program to attract and engage exceptional students who have the potential to make valuable academic and community contributions during their time at the university.
- Does SFU Offer Entrance Scholarships?
Yes, the Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarship (USES) Program is specifically designed for domestic and international high school applicants who showcase outstanding promise in their academic and community involvement.
- How to Win the SFU Scholarship
To be eligible for the SFU entrance scholarship, high school students must demonstrate excellence in both academic and extracurricular activities.
Applicants should have an average grade of 90% or above to apply. For those in the International Baccalaureate (I.B.) program, a minimum of 31 I.B. points are also acceptable.
By meeting these criteria, students have the opportunity to win an SFU entrance scholarship and become part of a vibrant university community.
Related: How to Get Free Scholarships In Nigeria
4. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship–$40,000
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation offers a comprehensive scholarship that covers tuition fees and living expenses for the entire duration of the doctoral program.
In addition to the tuition fees, the scholarship also includes funding for travel, research, and other activities related to the doctoral program, allowing students to focus on their studies entirely.
As a Fellow of the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation, selected candidates will receive an annual allowance of $40,000 for three years. This allowance is intended to cover reasonable tuition and living expenses during the doctoral studies.
Additionally, the Fellows will receive an annual search and travel allowance of $20,000 for three years to support their research and academic activities.
- Eligibility
To be eligible for this prestigious scholarship, applicants must be admitted to a full-time doctoral program at any university, with the research topic falling under humanities and human sciences. Moreover, they must be international students holding Canadian Permanent Residency (P.R.) status.
By meeting these eligibility criteria, aspiring doctoral students can receive the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation scholarship, which offers substantial financial support and fosters a conducive environment for their academic pursuits.
5. International Major Entrance Scholarship
The International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES) are offered to outstanding international students starting their undergraduate programs at UBC. These scholarships are granted upon enrollment in the first year at UBC and are potentially renewable for up to three more years, contingent on the availability of funds.
To be eligible for the IMES, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:
- Be an international student planning to study at UBC with a valid Canadian study permit (student visa). Changes in citizenship status may affect eligibility for the IMES.
- Be a new student at UBC, directly transitioning from secondary school.
- Demonstrate exceptional academic accomplishments, intellectual potential, and noteworthy involvement in extracurricular activities and the community.
- I am not being nominated for a need-and-merit-based International Scholars award.
The number and level of IMES awards each year are subject to change based on funding availability.
How much is the UBC International Major Entrance scholarship?
The IMES cost is $20,000 for the first year of study. UBC aims to admit 125 IMES scholars; however, accepting the scholarship offers will determine the final number of recipients.
6. Citizens of the World Excellence Scholarship for International Students–$15.000
For the summer 2023, fall 2023, or winter 2024 semesters, international students who have submitted for admission are encouraged to apply for the Citizens of the World Excellence scholarship. This scholarship’s main objective is to promote and honor academic excellence.
Students who are interested in the scholarship must fill out the online application and make sure it is submitted by the deadline in order to be considered.
Applicants must have applied for full admission to Université Laval and had their application fully processed in order to access the application form. Please be aware that processing the admission request can take a few days.
We encourage all qualified overseas students to apply and use this chance to further their academic goals.
7. Western Admission Scholarship Program–$8,000
Western University provides transfer student scholarships to ten individuals transferring into an upper year of an undergraduate program at the main campus from another post-secondary institution. These scholarships are automatically awarded based on the final admission average; no separate application is necessary.
The university offers a selection of entrance scholarships for international students commencing their full-time, first-year studies at Western’s main campus. These scholarships are exclusively available to international students and aim to support them as they embark on their academic journey at Western University.
8. Chancellor Thirsk Chancellor’s Scholarship–$15,000 (Renewable)
The Chancellor Thirsk Chancellor’s Scholarship is available annually for high school students entering their first year in any undergraduate faculty at the University of Calgary.
The scholarship can be renewed for the second, third, and fourth years, subject to the recipient achieving a minimum GPA of 3.60 while completing at least 30.00 units during the previous fall and winter terms.
The University of Calgary expects the recipient to remain engaged in activities beyond the classroom. Therefore, each year, the recipient must submit their Co-Curricular Record and a statement detailing their leadership and involvement in campus/community activities during the most recent academic year for review and approval by the Undergraduate Awards.
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9. UOttawa President’s Scholarship–$30,000
The prestigious President’s Scholarship is granted to one full-time undergraduate student in each direct-entry faculty member at the University of Ottawa. Valued at $30,000, this scholarship is highly regarded and sought after.
To be eligible, applicants must be bilingual, proficient in English and French, and have achieved an impressive admission average of 92% or higher. Additionally, they must demonstrate strong leadership qualities and a dedicated commitment to academic and extracurricular activities.
Recipients of the President’s Scholarship can renew it for the three subsequent years, provided they remain enrolled full-time and maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 8.50.
This scholarship offers significant financial support and recognizes and encourages outstanding individuals who exemplify academic excellence, leadership, and active involvement in various aspects of university life.
10. President’s International Distinction Scholarship–120,000CAD
In Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, the University of Alberta was founded in 1908. As a “Comprehensive academic and research university” (CARU), it is a well-known public research university. With a focus on research, the institution provides a wide range of professional and academic programs that lead to undergraduate and graduate credentials.
The President’s overseas Distinction Scholarship is intended to lessen the financial burden on deserving overseas students, allowing them to continue on the path to academic success and pursue a top-notch education.
To be eligible for this scholarship program, interested students must enroll in an undergraduate degree program and submit the online application.
Additionally, applicants need to provide certified true copies of their original documents. A certified true copy is a photocopy of an original document verified, stamped, and signed as an authentic replica by the issuing institution.
List of Masters Scholarships In Canada
For masters students seeking masters scholarships in Canada, here are the ten masters scholarships in Canada:
11. Medicine & Dentistry Schulich Scholarships–$112,000 (Medicine), $44,800 (Dentistry)
Schulich Scholarships are awarded to students entering the first year of the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) program and Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program based on academic achievement and demonstrated financial need.
These scholarships will continue for up to four years, provided recipients progress satisfactorily and demonstrate financial need each year.
For students seeking a Medical Schulich Scholarship, there are two essential steps to follow. Firstly, they must complete an online Admission Bursary Application. Additionally, they are required to submit the Schulich Scholarship Supplemental Application.
As for those interested in a Dentistry Schulich Scholarship, the process involves either completing an Admission Bursary Application or a Financial Assistance Application. Alongside this, they must also submit the Schulich Scholarship Supplemental Application.
For the Fall/Winter 2023-24 Financial Assistance Application, students can access it through the Student Center by the end of August 2023.
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12. McCall McBain Scholarship–Tuition Fee + $2.000 Per Month
The McCall MacBain Scholarship is a prestigious full scholarship to support individuals pursuing masters or professional studies at McGill University in Canada.
The application process commences on June 1, 2023. Prospective candidates must meet certain eligibility criteria and adhere to specific application deadlines based on their nationality and educational background.
Applicants must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or have refugee status in Canada to be eligible for the scholarship. Additionally, they should possess a bachelor’s degree or be on track to graduate before August of the following year.
Those interested in seeking admission to an eligible full-time master’s or professional program at McGill University are encouraged to apply. The application deadline for Canadian and U.S. university students, graduates, and Canadians studying abroad is September 27. On the other hand, all other applicants must submit their applications by August 24.
Winning the McCall MacBain Scholarship entails fulfilling the eligibility requirements, preparing a compelling application, and demonstrating outstanding academic achievements, leadership skills, and a solid commitment to contributing to the community and society.
The selection process is highly competitive, and only the most exceptional candidates will be awarded this prestigious scholarship opportunity.
13. Trudeau Foundation Scholarships–$60,000
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation offers prestigious doctoral scholarships in the humanities and social sciences, highly regarded for their scope and stature in Canada. Key points of this scholarship include:
Up to fifteen scholarships are awarded annually to Canadian and international doctoral candidates. Eligible applicants must be enrolled full-time and in their first or second year (or in the process of enrolling) of a doctoral program in the Humanities and Social Sciences.
Each scholarship is valued at up to $60,000 per scholar and can be awarded for three years.
Fields of research in Humanities and Social Sciences covered by this award include Human Rights and Dignity, Responsible Citizenship, Canada in the World, and People and their Natural Environment.
One out of four scholars per year may be a non-Canadian (permanent resident or foreign national) enrolled full-time in a doctoral program at a Canadian institution, with special consideration given to students from emerging nations.
14. The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF)–$14,000
The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF) are merit-based awards open to students of any nationality who will be registered as full-time graduate students (Master’s or Ph.D.) at the University of Manitoba. Key points of this scholarship are:
The scholarship costs $18,000 (Ph.D.) and $14,000 (Master’s) for 12 months. Eligible students can receive fellowships for up to 24 months during their Master’s program and up to 48 months during their Ph.D. program.
Students in all fields of graduate study, except those in the College of Medicine and the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, are eligible to apply.
Applicants should have a minimum GPA of 3.75 (above B+) in each of the last two years of study at a recognized university based on a Bachelor’s, Master’s, Graduate Diploma, or Doctoral Degree.
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15. Ontario Trillium Scholarship–$40,000
The Ontario Trillium Scholarship program aims to attract highly qualified international students to pursue their Ph.D. studies in Ontario. Key points of this scholarship are:
Each Ontario Trillium Scholarship (OTS) is valued at $40,000 annually and is renewable for up to three years.
Waterloo selects six new awardees every year. Eligible recipients must be international students with a valid Canadian study permit and should intend to pursue full-time graduate studies at the doctoral level in a degree-granting program.
16. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)–$15,000
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) program, funded by the provincial government, encourages excellence in graduate studies at the masters and doctoral levels. Key points of this scholarship are:
The scholarship is valued at $15,000 annually and can be held for at least two consecutive terms. Eligibility extends to students in all disciplines of academic study, including international students studying in Ontario with a valid student study permit.
Candidates must have achieved a first-class average (minimum of A-/80%) in the last two full-time academic years. The same scholarship application form also considers candidates for the Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST), valued at $15,000 per year.
Students can accept the OGS or QEII-GSST award for at least two terms (receiving $10,000 in total) or three times (receiving $15,000 in total). Both awards are non-renewable.
17. UBC Graduate Global Leadership Fellowships–$18,200
The UBC Graduate Global Leadership Fellowships offer doctoral study opportunities to promising leaders from developing countries, supporting outstanding individuals engaged in humanitarian and development work in their home countries. Key points of this scholarship include:
The fellowship provides a scholarship value of $18,200 per year and tuition coverage for four years. Two new companies will be offered each year. Eligible applicants must be citizens of developing countries, such as India.
18. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships–$70,000
The Canadian government offers Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships to international students pursuing postgraduate studies in natural and social sciences or health research. Key points of this scholarship include:
Seventy fellowships are awarded annually, with up to 140 active awards at any given time. Each company is valued at $70,000 per year and can be held for a maximum of two years.
19. Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program (CGS M)–$17,500
The Canada Graduate Scholarships-Master’s (CGS M) Program aims to foster research skills and support the training of highly qualified personnel by assisting students who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in undergraduate and early graduate studies. Key points of this scholarship are:
The scholarship is valued at $17,500 for a non-renewable duration of 12 months.
Eligible candidates must be enrolled in, have applied for, or intend to apply for full-time admission to a suitable graduate program at the master’s or doctoral level at a Canadian institution with a CGS M allocation.
20. The University of Waterloo International Master’s and Doctoral Awards
The University of Waterloo offers the International Master’s and Doctoral Student Awards, providing excellent funding opportunities for international students pursuing research-based graduate degree programs. Here are the critical points of this scholarship:
Eligible students must be enrolled full-time in research-based graduate degree programs at the University of Waterloo and should possess a valid Canadian study permit. Candidates must meet the academic progress requirements of their program and should have no outstanding probationary admission requirements.
Additionally, they should not be concurrently receiving external awards or sponsorships nor be self-funded. The scholarship is valued at $2,045 per term and is awarded two years for Master’s students or $4,090 for three years for Ph.D. students.
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Canadian Scholarships for Nigerian Students (Summary)
The availability of 20 Canadian scholarships for Nigerian students opens up a world of opportunities for aspiring scholars from Nigeria to pursue their educational dreams in Canada. These scholarships cover various academic disciplines and levels of study, ranging from undergraduate to doctoral programs, providing financial support and recognition to deserving students.
As Nigerian students aspire to enhance their knowledge and expertise in an international academic environment, these scholarships serve as a stepping stone towards achieving academic excellence and fostering cross-cultural exchange.
By embracing these scholarship opportunities, Nigerian students can access world-class education and contribute to their home country’s development by gaining valuable skills and experiences abroad.
As the partnership between Canada and Nigeria continues to strengthen, these scholarships act as a bridge of collaboration, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between the two nations. Ultimately, these scholarships empower Nigerian students to become global leaders, bringing positive change to their communities and the world.
