Canada scholarships for Nigerian students provide financial assistance and support that can greatly help them pursue their education abroad. In fact, scholarships cover some or all of the costs associated with studying. Eventually, this financial support reduces the financial burden on Nigerian students and their families.
Additionally, Canada is renowned for its high-quality education system and academic institutions. Canada scholarships for Nigerian students provide them with the opportunity to access and benefit from this world-class education. They can enroll in institutions that may have been financially inaccessible otherwise.
Below, we have compiled a list of ten scholarships for Nigerian students aspiring to pursue their studies in Canada. These scholarships provide financial support and valuable opportunities for academic and personal growth.
10 Exciting Canada Scholarships for Nigerian Students to Explore
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (Vanier CGS) programs is a scholarship opportunity for doctoral students. It offers $50,000 per year for three years. This scholarship program is available for Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and foreign citizens, including Nigerians.
To apply, you need to be nominated by a Canadian institution. Make sure to contact the university or college where you want to study. On the other hand, the scholarship covers various research areas like:
- Health
- Natural sciences or engineering
- Social sciences and humanities
Check with the institution for the deadline to submit your application.
2. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships program offers funding to outstanding postdoctoral candidates who can contribute to the economic, social, and research development of the country. The program aims to attract and keep talented postdoctoral researchers from around the world.
Each year, 70 fellowships are granted, providing a taxable amount of $70,000 per year. The fellowship is for a duration of two years and cannot be renewed. It is important to work closely with your prospective host institution to complete the application process successfully.
The application deadline is September 20.
3. Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships
The Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships is a scholarship opportunity in Canada provided by the University of Toronto, which is a renowned university established in 1827. These scholarships are given every year to exceptional students from around the world, including Nigerian students.
Furthermore, the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships cover tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years. This scholarship is specifically for first-entry undergraduate programs at the University of Toronto. Each year, approximately 37 students are chosen as Lester B. Pearson Scholars.
To be considered for this scholarship, you need to be nominated by your school and apply for undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto.
4. Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Awards
The Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Awards are Canada scholarships for Nigerian students offered by the University of British Columbia. They provide financial assistance to exceptional international students who demonstrate financial need.
In particular, the awards cover the full cost of the student’s program and living expenses, and the specific value depends on the applicant’s financial situation. The awards can be renewed for up to three additional years of undergraduate study or until the completion of the degree, whichever comes first.
To be eligible, you must meet the university’s admission requirements, including both general and degree-specific criteria, as well as the English Language Admission Standard.
5. International Doctoral Student Award
The University of Waterloo offers the International Doctoral Student Award (IDSA) to eligible students enrolled full-time in a doctoral program. The value and duration of the award can vary.
Nigerian students, along with other international graduate students, are eligible to apply if they are registered full-time in a doctoral program at the University of Waterloo.
To qualify, you must meet the academic progress requirements of your program. Additionally, you should not be receiving excessive funding or tuition awards from external sources that exceed the minimum funding value.
6. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program aims to create a strong network of young individuals and institutions working towards inclusive and fair socio-economic transformation in Africa.
Since its start in 2012, the program has helped approximately 40,000 young people in Africa, including Nigerian students, pursue secondary or higher education. If you are interested in the program, you should apply directly to the university of your choice.
For undergraduate studies, applicants must be 29 years old or younger at the time of application, while for graduate studies, applicants must be 35 years old or younger at the time of application.
7. PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) is an agency established by the Nigerian government in 1973.
Its primary objective is to develop human capacity and promote research, training, and education in the oil and gas sector of Nigeria. Additionally, the fund provides scholarships and grants to Nigerian students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies both within Nigeria and abroad.
Particularly, the PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme provides financial support to successful scholars pursuing master’s and doctorate degrees. The scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses.
Scholars have the opportunity to study at recognized universities in the United Kingdom, North America, and some parts of Europe.
8. International Entrance Scholarships
Humber College offers Canada scholarships for Nigerian students in the form of International Entrance Scholarships. These scholarships are available for students enrolling in graduate certificate, diploma, and advanced diploma programs at Humber College.
The scholarship provides a $2,000 reduction in tuition fees over the first two semesters of study. A total of 20 scholarships will be awarded to new students starting in September.
To be eligible, students must have received their acceptance letter, confirmed their offer, and submitted a scholarship application by the end of May.
9. Entrance Scholarships for American and International High School Students
Carleton University offers renewable Entrance Scholarships for Nigerian students. If you have been accepted into Carleton University with an admission average of 80% or higher and meet the language requirements, you will be automatically considered for these fully-funded scholarships in Canada.
These scholarships are available for students starting in the fall semester. The value of the scholarship will be determined based on your admission average at the time of acceptance.
10. General International Undergraduate Scholarships
The University of Alberta offers a range of undergraduate scholarships, including the General International Undergraduate Scholarships, with a total annual value of $34 million.
The university awards the $5,000 International Admission Scholarship to outstanding students based on their admission average. Additionally, the top 5% of students in each faculty have the opportunity to receive the Gold Standard Scholarship, which can be up to $6,000.
Exceptional students entering their first year of undergraduate studies with a high admission average and demonstrated leadership qualities, while holding a Student Visa Permit, may qualify for a significant scholarship of up to $120,000, distributed over four years.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, these ten scholarships provide wonderful opportunities for Nigerian students to pursue their studies in Canada and experience the benefits of an international education. These scholarships not only alleviate financial burdens but also foster cultural exchange through exposure to diverse perspectives.
