Over the past decade, Canada has quietly become one of the most preferred destinations for Nigerian students seeking quality education abroad. With its globally recognized universities, affordable tuition compared to the United States and the UK, and a welcoming multicultural environment, Latest Scholarships in Canada for Nigerian Students (2025) Canada has positioned itself as a hub for African talent. According to Statista, Canada now ranks among the top five countries for international students, with Nigeria being one of the fastest-growing source countries.

Yet, while dreams of studying abroad often glitter, the reality of tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses can weigh heavily on Nigerian families. This is where scholarships come in not just as financial relief, but as a golden key that unlocks world-class education opportunities.

1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship University of Toronto

Offered by the University of Toronto, the Lester B. Pearson scholarship is specifically designed for exceptional international students.

• Eligibility: Nigerian secondary school graduates who show outstanding academic performance, creativity, and leadership. Applicants must be nominated by their high school.

• Benefits: Full tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence support for four years.

• Real-Life Relatability: Think of it as the Canadian equivalent of Chevron’s national scholarships in Nigeria but on a global stage. Many Nigerian students from modest backgrounds have transformed their lives through this pathway.

2. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) is one of the most prestigious awards available to postgraduate students globally. Established by the Canadian government, this scholarship seeks to attract world-class doctoral students.

• Eligibility: Open to Nigerian and other international students pursuing a PhD or combined MA/PhD program. Applicants must demonstrate leadership skills and a high standard of academic achievement.

• Benefits: Up to CAD $50,000 per year for three years.

• Why It Matters: This scholarship doesn’t just cover tuition it allows students to focus fully on research, innovation, and academic excellence. For instance, a Nigerian PhD candidate researching renewable energy can leverage this funding to address Nigeria’s ongoing power challenges

3. Trudeau Foundation Scholarships

Focused on leadership and public policy, this scholarship is ideal for students passionate about Africa’s development.

• Coverage: Up to CAD 40,000 per year, renewable for four years.

• Level: Doctoral (PhD).

• Bonus: Includes mentorship and leadership training with global policy experts.

• Why Apply: Nigerians in social sciences, law, and humanities often shine in this category.

4. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

Ontario remains a hub for international students, and this provincial program is one of its most respected.

• Coverage: Up to CAD 15,000 per year.

• Level: Master’s and PhD.

• Tip: Deadlines vary by university so apply early.

5. Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program

Sponsored by Global Affairs Canada, this program targets scholars from Commonwealth countries.

• Coverage: Tuition, living stipends, and travel allowances.

• Level: Master’s and PhD.

• Why It Stands Out: Nigeria, as a Commonwealth nation, gets priority access.

6. Université de Montréal Exemption Scholarships

Canada’s French-speaking institutions are equally generous.

• Coverage: Up to CAD 27,300 annually in tuition reductions.

• Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD.

• Why Apply: You don’t need a separate scholarship application—just admission into UdeM.

7. University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship

Perfect for ambitious undergraduates.

• Coverage: Up to CAD 60,000 across four years.

• Requirement: Strong academic record and leadership qualities.

• Extra Point: Calgary offers a relatively lower cost of living compared to Toronto or Vancouver.

8. University of Alberta International Entrance Award

Alberta has one of the most generous entrance awards for undergraduates.

• Coverage: Up to CAD 120,000 spread across four years.

• Perk: Consideration is automatic upon admission.

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9. University of British Columbia International Major Entrance Scholarships (IMES)

UBC’s International Leader of Tomorrow Award (ILOT) targets undergraduates who not only excel academically but also engage in community service.

• Eligibility: Nigerian students with strong academic records and proven leadership in community or extracurricular activities.

• Benefits: Covers tuition and living expenses based on the student’s financial need.

• Why It’s Evergreen: Many Nigerian students with volunteer experience perhaps in NGOs like Teach for Nigeria or Red Cross Nigeria are prime candidates for this award.

10. University of Saskatchewan International Excellence Awards

Affordable education with strong scholarship support.

• Coverage: CAD 10,000 renewable annually.

• Advantage: Lower cost of living in Saskatchewan makes this scholarship even more valuable.

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11. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF)

The University of Manitoba provides fellowships for full-time master’s and PhD students, including Nigerians.

• Eligibility: Academic merit is the main requirement.

• Benefits: CAD $14,000 annually for Master’s students and CAD $18,000 annually for PhD students.

• Local Connection: This fellowship has helped many Nigerian engineers and health professionals upscale their knowledge before returning home to contribute to Nigeria’s infrastructure and healthcare systems.

12. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships

For postdoctoral researchers ready to impact global academia.

• Coverage: CAD 70,000 annually for two years.

• Why Apply: Perfect for Nigerian academics seeking to build research portfolios in Canada.