A Comprehensive Guide to Scholarships in Canada for Nigerian Students
Canada is a leading study destination, renowned for its high-quality education, diversity, and improved career prospects. However, the costs of an international education can seem prohibitive for students from developing nations like Nigeria without financial assistance.
The good news is, Canada offers a wealth of dedicated scholarships for Nigerian students across academic levels and disciplines. These scholarships aim to make Canada’s world-class universities more accessible by subsidizing tuition, accommodation, and other expenses.
This detailed guide provides an overview of major Canadian scholarships available to Nigerian students, eligibility criteria, application tips, and FAQs.
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Government of Canada Scholarships for Nigerian Students
The Canadian government provides some of the most prestigious and generous scholarships available to Nigerian students:
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Who it’s for: Nigerian PhD students demonstrating excellence in research and academics
What it covers: $50,000 stipend per year for 3 years
Key facts:
- Must have completed no more than 20 months of doctoral studies
- Selection based on innovative research potential, academic standing, and leadership skills
- Requires Canadian citizenship, permanent residency or valid study permit
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships
Who it’s for: Nigerian PhD candidates engaged with policy, governance, human rights etc.
What it covers: Up to $60,000 annually for 3 years
Key facts:
- Strong engagement with public, private, and non-profit organizations
- Seeking measurable social impact through research
- Up to 15 scholarships awarded per year
Commonwealth Scholarships
Who it’s for: Nigerian students pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies in Canada
What it covers: Varies, covers tuition, living expenses, and travel
Key facts:
- For short-term (6-12 months) or full degree programs
- Focus on specializations beneficial to Nigerian development
- Prestigious and highly competitive
University Scholarships in Canada for Nigerian Students
Besides federal awards, some leading Canadian universities provide scholarships aimed at Nigerian students:
University of Alberta
- Sam Oboh Memorial Scholarship – $5,000 towards undergraduate tuition and accommodation
- International Student Bursary – Needs-based bursaries up to $4,000
University of Toronto
- Lester B. Pearson International Undergraduate Scholarships – Covers tuition, fees, room & board
- Africa Graduate Scholarship – $5,000 – $10,000 for Nigerian graduate students
University of British Columbia
- International Major Entrance Scholarship – $5,000 for undergraduate first-year students
- Graduate Global Leadership Fellowships – $18,000/year for Nigerian graduate students
McGill University
- Principal’s International Recruitment Scholarships – 100% tuition coverage for up to 4 years
- Graduate Out-of-Province Bursaries – Needs-based funding up to $8,000/year
Tips for Nigerian Students to Win Canadian Scholarships
Here are some top tips for Nigerian students to secure Canadian scholarships:
- Start early – Begin your scholarship search 12-18 months before you intend to study. Many deadlines are 6-12 months before the academic year.
- Get excellent grades – Aim for at least a First Class or Upper Second Class degree to be competitive.
- Prepare well for standardized tests – Perform very well in tests like IELTS, GRE, GMAT.
- Apply widely – Cast a wide net and apply to a range of university, federal, provincial and external scholarships.
- Tailor your applications – Customize each application to the target scholarship. Follow instructions meticulously.
- Obtain strong recommendations – Secure letters from professors highlighting your academic excellence and potential.
- Demonstrate financial need – For needs-based scholarships, submit documents proving hardship and why you require aid.
Answers to Common Canadian Scholarship Questions
Here are some frequent questions Nigerian students have about studying in Canada:
What are my chances of getting a scholarship to study in Canada as a Nigerian student?
Your chances are best if you have outstanding academics, test scores, essays, and references. Undergraduate entrance scholarships are very competitive. Highlight experiences beyond just grades.
What costs do most Canada scholarships for Nigerian students cover?
Scholarships can cover tuition, accommodation, textbooks, medical insurance, stipends for living expenses, and one-time travel costs in some cases. Each scholarship package is different.
When should I start applying for scholarships for Fall 2023 intake?
You should start looking for scholarships actively around August 2022 and finalize applications between October 2022 to January 2023 in most cases. This is 6-12 months before the academic year starts.
What are my options if I don’t win a full scholarship?
Partial scholarships still lower your costs. You can apply for student loans, bursaries, and on-campus part-time work programs. Some universities also offer scholarships after you begin the program based on academic performance.
Which scholarships don’t require me to return to Nigeria right after graduating?
Most university-funded and external scholarships don’t dictate where you work post-graduation. Some federal scholarships require recipients to return to Nigeria for 1-2 years before applying for permanent residency in Canada.
What precautions should Nigerian students take to avoid scholarship scams?
Be wary of unsolicited scholarship offers requiring upfront fees. Verify legitimacy of any organization offering awards directly through official channels. Exercise caution when sharing personal information.
Conclusion
- Canada has a range of prestigious scholarships aimed at helping Nigerian students fund their education and lower financial barriers.
- Major government awards provide tens of thousands in funding for undergraduate and graduate degrees.
- Leading Canadian universities offer dedicated scholarships and bursaries for Nigerian applicants and students.
- Starting preparation early, achieving academic excellence, and submitting strong applications is key.
- With scholarships, top Nigerian students can study at Canada’s best universities and realize their educational dreams.
FAQs
What are some reputable scholarship search platforms for Canada?
Some good free scholarship search databases are Scholaro, ScholarshipsCanada, UniScholars, EduCanada, and AfterSchoolAfrica. Always verify details directly on scholarship websites.
Where can I get help and advice on applying to Canadian scholarships?
Reach out to the international admissions office and financial aid department of your desired Canadian universities for guidance. Local education consultants and student groups can also provide assistance.
How do I estimate my chances of winning a specific scholarship?
Assess factors like your grades, test scores, extracurriculars, essay quality, letters of recommendation, and any gaps since university. Understand the competitiveness based on award amount and expected applicant pool.
Can I use one scholarship offer to negotiate with another Canadian university?
Leveraging one offer against another is generally not encouraged. Make a strong case tailored to each university and scholarship separately based on your specific background and fit.
What should I do if my scholarship applications get rejected?
Analyze the potential reasons, improve your credentials if required, and reapply more competitively next year. You can also appeal rejections within 1-2 weeks in some cases by providing additional information.