Canada is one of the top study abroad destinations for Nigerian students looking for world-class education and exciting career opportunities. With some of the world’s best universities and colleges, Canada offers a high quality of education, multicultural society, high standard of living and easy post-study work and immigration policies.
However, studying in Canada can be expensive for international students with tuition fees starting from $20,000 per year. Scholarships serve as a huge relief, helping students fund their Canadian education through financial aids, grants and waver of tuition fees.
In this blog post, we will explore the top 10 ongoing Canadian scholarships for Nigerian students in 2023. Whether you are looking to pursue your bachelor’s, master’s or PhD, these scholarships can make your Canadian student dreams affordable.
Let’s get right into the scholarships.
Also Read: How to Get Fully Funded Graduate Scholarships at the University of Hawaii 2024-25
1. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship
The University of Manitoba offers over $15 million in funding and scholarships to graduate students yearly. Nigerian students accepted for masters or PhD programs are eligible for the Manitoba Graduate Fellowship worth $14,000 per year. Additional departmental scholarships, research assistantships and teaching assistantships are also available.
Eligibility: Nigerian students admitted into research-based graduate programs at the University of Manitoba.
Application Deadline: Same as UManitoba graduate program admission deadline
2. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier Scholarships are Canada’s most prestigious doctoral awards aimed at attracting and retaining world-class doctoral students. Up to 167 Vanier scholars are selected yearly, receiving $50,000 per year for 3 years. All PhD disciplines including STEM, social sciences, arts and humanities are eligible.
Eligibility: Nigerian students admitted into a doctoral program at an eligible Canadian University.
Application Deadline: November
3. University of Alberta Doctoral Recruitment Scholarship
The University of Alberta offers up to 15 Doctoral Recruitment Scholarships yearly to domestic and international students starting their PhD at the institution. The scholarship is valued at $40,000 per year for 4 years. All PhD disciplines offered at UAlberta are eligible.
Eligibility: Nigerian students beginning their doctoral studies at University of Alberta
Application Deadline: January
4. University of British Columbia Masters Scholarships
UBC offers several competitive entrance scholarships to incoming international master’s students including the International Leader of Tomorrow Award, Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award and more. The awards range from $5,000 to $3 million in funding over several years.
Eligibility: Nigerian students starting master’s study at UBC in any field.
Application Deadline: December
Also Read: What are the Easiest Scholarships for International Students to Get in Canada?
5. University of Waterloo International Master’s and Doctoral Student Awards
The University of Waterloo provides merit-based scholarships to over 300 international master’s and PhD students annually. The scholarships are valued at $2,500 – $10,000 for masters students, while doctoral students receive $5,000 – $35,000 per year.
Eligibility: Nigerian students starting master’s or PhD programs at Waterloo
Application Deadline: Varies by department
6. Carleton University Entrance Scholarships for International Students
Carleton University offers $4 million in entrance scholarships to new undergraduate and graduate international students annually. The awards range from $1,000 – $20,000 for master’s students and $17,500 – $35,000 for PhD students. All programs are eligible.
Eligibility: Nigerian students beginning undergrad or postgrad programs at Carleton.
Application Deadline: Same as admission deadline
7. York University International Student Scholarship
York University offers the International Student Scholarship reserved for outstanding international students applying for bachelor’s or master’s programs. It covers 100% of tuition fees, valued at up to $35,000 per year. Students must have a minimum A- average.
Eligibility: Nigerian students admitted to undergrad/master’s programs at York University.
Application Deadline: November
8. University of Saskatchewan Scholarships for International Students
The U of S awards over $1 million annually in entrance scholarships to new undergraduate and graduate international students. The scholarship amounts range from $500 to $50,000 for the full program duration. Students must have high academic achievement.
Eligibility: Nigerian students beginning degree programs at the University of Saskatchewan
Application Deadline: October
9. Simon Fraser University Graduate Fellowships
SFU grants fellowships worth $18,200 – $21,000 per year to international students beginning full-time graduate studies. Additional Faculty and donor awards of $5,000 – $25,000 are also available competitively across programs. Students must have a GPA of at least 3.33/4.33.
Eligibility: Nigerian students starting master’s or PhD programs at SFU.
Application Deadline: Varies by department
10. University of Windsor International Student Scholarships
The University of Windsor offers $1 million annually in entrance scholarships and bursaries to incentivize international student recruitment. Scholarships range from $1,000 – $5,000 for undergrads and $1,000 – $10,000 for graduate students per year.
Eligibility: Nigerian students joining bachelors, masters or PhD programs at Windsor.
Application Deadline: Same as admission deadline.
Also Read: How to Apply for Canada’s Fully Funded Scholarships in 2023 Without IELTS
Application Tips
Here are some tips to help you put your best application foot forward for these competitive Canadian scholarships:
- Apply early: Meet the specific scholarship deadline and ensure you submit your complete application on time.
- Highlight achievements: Impressive academic grades, awards, leadership experience, publications and recommendations will make you stand out.
- Write strong essays: The scholarship essays or statements are your chance to sell yourself. Make them compelling.
- Get university support: Discuss with faculty advisors how to strengthen your overall application.
- Apply to multiple: Increase chances by applying to several university and external scholarships.
- Follow instructions: Carefully adhere to all requirements outlined for each scholarship application.
Leveraging Canadian Scholarships for Academic Success
With tuition fees for international students in Canada starting from around $20,000 to $60,000 per year depending on the program and institution, scholarships provide essential financial support.
The ones highlighted in this post can significantly lower the financial burden faced by Nigerian students and families financing a Canadian education. This allows brilliant but economically disadvantaged students to access leading research universities like Waterloo, UBC, McGill, University of Toronto and more.
Apart from the funding support, students who win these competitive scholarships also benefit from the prestige of being recognized as outstanding talent. This opens further doors for research funding, excellent job offers after graduation and fast-tracked permanent residency application.
With Canada accelerating efforts to attract over 500,000 international students by 2024, Nigerian students have an advantage by leveraging the ongoing scholarship opportunities highlighted in this article.
So if you are a gifted Nigerian student who has secured admission into a Canadian university to pursue your bachelor’s, master’s or PhD, apply to as many relevant scholarships as possible. The effort could yield life-changing dividends.
With diligent hard work, tenacity and a touch of genius, grab the scholarship spotlights shining from Canada. Let funding not limit your academic abilities and career aspirations. The key to a fully-funded Canadian education is within your reach. Go for it!
You might also like: uLesson Group’s 2023 Graduate Training Program For Young Nigerians
FAQs about Canadian Scholarships for Nigerian Students
How do I find scholarships I am eligible for?
Look up scholarships offered by your target Canadian universities on their websites and scholarship database. Search for external scholarships funded by organizations, foundations, private companies etc. Talk to your school counselor or teachers who may know special opportunities. Discuss with the international office and professors at your chosen Canadian university. You can also check out scholarship listing platforms like ScholarTree, Scholly, UniScholars etc.
What are my chances of winning scholarships as a Nigerian?
Your chances are good if you have excellent grades, test scores, achievements and meet scholarship criteria. Take time to make a compelling case for yourself in applications and interviews. Be strategic in the amount and types of scholarships you apply for. Apply to all scholarships you are eligible for to maximize your chances.
How much funding can I realistically get?
Funding amounts range from $500 to fully funded multi-year packages covering tuition, accommodation etc. Undergraduate scholarships range between $1,000 – $10,000 per year on average. Graduate scholarships average $15,000 – $30,000 per year. Some doctoral awards are over $50,000. With a good strategy, you can fund 50% – 100% of your Canadian degree costs through scholarships.
When should I begin applying for scholarships?
You can start searching for scholarships at least 12 months before your programme begins. Have your applications ready 4-6 months before deadlines to submit well in advance. Some awards have deadlines right after admission offers while others are year-round. Be organized.
How do I write strong scholarship essays?
Share your background story and what fuels your academic interests. Be engaging. Link past achievements to your future goals and prove you are deserving. Show how the scholarship will help you academically and make a difference. Follow provided essay prompts closely and showcase your strengths. And finally, put time into multiple review and revision to refine essays.
