Canada is a destination for Nigerian students seeking a world-class education and offering either fully funded or partially funded scholarships.
Scholarships in Canada are run by governments and major universities to attract exceptional brains from Nigeria.
These scholarships also help in covering tuition, living allowances, accommodation, and other academic expenses.
Scholarships for Nigerian students to study in Canada in 2026 are opened and prospective applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
In this article, we discuss the top Canadian scholarships available to students, including eligibility, award amounts, deadlines, and application procedures. Visit these scholarship programmes and begin your application now.
Comprehensive List of Scholarships for Nigerian students to study in Canada
Here is a detailed breakdown of the most popular Canadian scholarship for Nigerian students.
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The official Vanier CGS website states that this is Canada’s most distinguished graduate award. Important: This award is solely for doctoral (PhD) students, not master’s students.
- Value: CAD $50,000 per year for up to 3 years
- Total Value: CAD $150,000
- Level: Doctoral programmes only (PhD, MD/PhD, JD/PhD)
- Why Include This: Vanier represents the pinnacle of Canadian graduate financing for Nigerian students considering pursuing a PhD after completing their Master’s degree or those seeking to combine Master ‘s-to-PhD programs.
What are the Eligibility requirements?
- Nominated by a Canadian institution having a Vanier CGS quota.
- Pursuing the first doctoral degree.
- completed no more than 20 months of doctoral studies.
- First-class average throughout the last two years of full-time study.
- According to the Vanier eligibility page, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and foreign citizens are all eligible for nomination.
- Selection Criteria: Academic Excellence, Research Potential, and Leadership (equally weighted).
- Application: Candidates cannot apply directly. You must be nominated by a Canadian university having Vanier funds.
- Deadline: The deadline varies with the nominating institution (usually September-November for the following year).
2. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
Nigerian undergraduates can compete for the University of Toronto’s flagship award. The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is a four-year fully financed program that includes tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residential costs.
It acknowledges academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement. The application date for the 2026 intake is November 7, 2026.
3. University of Waterloo International Awards.
The University of Waterloo provides merit-based funding to those interested in conducting research. The foreign Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE) provides approximately CAD 2,500 per term to master’s students, while the International Doctoral Student Award (IDSA) helps cover the foreign tuition differential for PhD candidates.
- IMAE: approximately CAD $2,500 per term
- International Doctoral Student Award (IDSA): Helps cover international tuition differential
- Level: Master’s and PhD
- Deadline: February 1, 2026, for some programmes.
4. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF)
This merit-based funding helps high-achieving graduate students. The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships provide about CAD 20,000 per year for master’s students and CAD 25,000 per year for PhD students to help cover tuition and living expenses.
Eligibility: Nigerian students enrolled at Manitoba colleges
- Value: Varies
- Application: Through the Nigerian Association of Manitoba.
- Note: If you are admitted to a Manitoba institution, you should look into this Nigeria-specific option.
5. University of Calgary Graduate Awards.
Master’s and PhD students at the University of Calgary have access to a variety of internal scholarships. These University of Calgary Graduate Awards are frequently awarded through a central competition or departmental nomination, with financial levels depending on the program and award type.
- Value: Varies by award; some programmes offer CAD $20,000/year, renewable
- Level: Master’s and PhD
- Deadline: March 1, 2026, for some programmes (PARTIALLY OPEN)
Note: The December 1, 2026, deadline has passed for some programmes. Check specific programme deadlines.
6. Dalhousie University Scholarships
Dalhousie offers extensive support for graduate research. The scholarships include the 1‑Year Master’s Scholarship (CAD 20,000), the Research Excellence Scholarship (approx. CAD 35,000/year), and the famous Killam Predoctoral Scholarship (up to CAD 42,000 per year) for doctoral candidates.
7. McGill University Scholarships & Student Aid
International graduate students at McGill might be funded through departmental prizes, university fellowships, and external grants.
Tuition reimbursement and research stipends are common forms of support. Competitive grants, such as the McCall MacBain Scholarship, have earlier, distinct deadlines.
8. University of Saskatchewan’s International Student Awards
Outstanding Nigerian undergraduates are automatically considered for these admission awards when they apply.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Excellence Award is valued at CAD 20,000, while the International Excellence Award is worth CAD 10,000.
- Deadline: February 28, 2026
- Value: Varies by programme and award type
- Level: Master’s and PhD
- What It Covers: Tuition support and living stipend
9. UBC International Scholars Program
The University of British Columbia’s flagship program provides a number of need-and-merit-based rewards.
Scholarships such as the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award might cover complete tuition, living expenses, and books. The admission date for consideration was November 15, 2026.
10. Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS)
According to Legit. The Ontario Graduate Scholarship is a merit-based prize given to full-time Master’s and PhD students at Ontario’s participating universities.
- Value: CAD $5,000 per term
- Most recipients receive CAD $10,000 (two terms) or CAD $15,000 (three terms) per academic year
- Level: Master’s and PhD
- Eligibility: International students who have a valid study permit may apply through their university’s graduate studies office.
- Application: Contact your Ontario university’s graduate studies office.
- Deadline varies by university (many early 2026 dates have passed; check with specific universities).
How to Apply for Canadian Scholarships as a Nigerian: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Get WES Credential Evaluation
Nigerian degrees must be evaluated by World Education Services (WES) before being applied for in Canada.
- Create a WES account and pay the evaluation charge.
- Request an official transcript from your Nigerian university.
- WAEC/NECO results may be required.
- Choose Course-by-Course ICAP Report.
- Processing time: 4-8 weeks after all documents are received.
- If you haven’t already, start doing this right away.
Step 2: Meet the English Language Requirements.
Most Canadian colleges require:
- IELTS: Minimum of 6.5 overall (some programs require 7.0+).
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum of 90+ (varies by program).
- Certificates should be less than two years old.
- Some scholarships waive English requirements for students from English-speaking nations or universities with English as a medium of instruction.
Step 3: Research Programmes and Contact Supervisors
This step is critical for research-based Master’s programs.
- Identify universities with programmes that match your interests.
- Research faculty members whose work is similar to yours.
- Email potential supervisors before applying.
A supervisor who is willing to work with you greatly improves your prospects of admission and funding.
Step 4: Prepare Application Documents
Required Documents such as
- Official transcripts (sent directly from institution or via WES)
- WES ICAP evaluation report
- Statement of Purpose/Research Proposal
- Letters of Reference (typically 2-3)
- CV/Resume highlighting research and publications
- English proficiency scores
- Passport copy
For Nigerian Applicants (Additional):
- WAEC/NECO certificates
- NYSC certificate (if applicable)
- Degree certificates
- Professional certifications
Step 5: Apply for Admission First
Most Canadian scholarships require admission before scholarship consideration:
- Apply through the university’s graduate admissions site.
- Pay the application fees.
- Submit all required paperwork.
- Many scholarships are automatically awarded upon acceptance.
- Some require a separate scholarship application.
Step 6: Apply for the Study Permit
Upon receiving acceptance and funding confirmation:
- Apply online with IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).
- Need acceptance letter from Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Proof of Financial Support (Scholarship Award Letter)
- Processing times vary. (Apply early)
Tips to Win Scholarships for Nigerian Students to Study in Canada
- Maintain excellent grades
- Apply early
- Write strong essays
- Show leadership
Common Mistakes Nigerian Applicants Make
Avoid these typical rejection-causing mistakes:
- Not receiving the WES evaluation early enough, which takes 4-8 weeks minimum.
- Applying for extremely competitive scholarships
- Missing deadlines
- Generic declarations of purpose. Customize for each programme.
- Not contacting supervisors before applying
- Missed English proficiency deadlines
- Applying to only one university
- Submitting incomplete applications
- Ignoring departmental funds
- Not following up on applications
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Nigerian apply for a scholarship in Canada?
Yes. Nigerian students are eligible for numerous undergraduate and graduate scholarships, including the UBC International Scholars Program, Lester B. Pearson Scholarship, Vanier CGS, and the Ontario Graduate Scholarship.
What is the best time to apply for scholarships?
Most application deadlines for the Autumn 2026 intake occurred between November 2025 and January 2026 (many of which have since passed). Begin preparing for the Autumn 2027 intake now, with applications due between September 2026 and January 2027.
What country provides scholarships to Nigerian students?
Several countries provide scholarships, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, and France.
Canada is a popular destination due to its high-quality education system and welcoming policies toward international students.
Conclusion
Studying in Canada as a Nigerian student is easier than ever, especially if you have access to the appropriate scholarships.
From the Vanier Graduate Scholarship to the Ontario Trillium, and from the University of Toronto to York University, dozens of fully financed scholarships await brilliant Nigerian students in 2026.
Remember, many of these scholarships cover more than just tuition, so choose wisely. And once you’ve received your scholarship, don’t forget about the next important step: locating a safe, pleasant home to live in.