Best Universities in Canada for Nigerian Students

Canada is a haven for millions of international students. It is home to more than 4,00,000 international students and the number keeps growing due to the excellent studying and employment opportunities in Canada. In recent years, Nigerian immigration to Canada has tripled making them the fourth largest represented group in the country. If you are someone from Nigeria, planning to study and immigrate to one of the friendliest countries then here are the best universities in Canada for Nigerian students.

University of Northern British Columbia

The University of Northern British Columbia is a public university in British Columbia, Canada. The university offers more than 100 courses for UG, PG, and doctoral degrees. 

University Name	University of Northern British Columbia
Type	Public Research university
Location	Prince George, Canada
International students	300+
Popular Programs	Arts, Health Science, Education, MBA
Acceptance Rate	70-75%
Application Fee	CAD 135 (Nigerian Naira 44043)

Also Read: Best Colleges in Canada

University of Ottawa

Established in 1848, the University of Ottawa is a public university that is based in Ontario, Canada.  It is home to more than 8,000 international students and the programs are offered in both full-time and part-time modes.

University Name	University of Ottawa
Type	Public university
Motto in English	God is the master of the sciences
Location	Ontario, Canada
Founded	1848
Student Population	41,000+
Campus	Urban
Acceptance Rate	24%
Application Fee	CAD 110 (Nigerian Naira 35887)

Laval University

Also Read: MBA in Canada

Based in the Quebec province of Canada, Laval University is a public university. It is home to more than 7,000 international students that come from around the world. Laval University offers popular courses in subjects such as science, management, and arts. It has been ranked #414 by the prestigious QS World University Rankings as of 2022. 

University Name	Laval University
Type	Public university
Motto In English	By the grace of God, to no one equal
Location	Quebec, Canada
Founded	1852
Student Population	40,000+
Campus	Urban, Suburban
Acceptance Rate	59%
Application Fee	CAD 92.50 (Nigerian Naira 30177)

Dalhousie University

Dalhousie University is a research-based university in Canada that offers more than 190 degrees in 13 faculties. It is home to over 20,000 students who are enrolled in either postgraduate courses or undergraduate courses.  

University Name	Dalhousie University
Type	Public university
Motto In English	Teaching promotes the innate ability
Location	Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Founded	1818
Student Population	20,000+
Acceptance Rate	60-70%
Application Fee	CAD 115 ( Nigerian Naira 37518)

University of Alberta

The University of Alberta is a public research university located in Edmonton, Canada, and is one of the top 5 universities in Canada. The University of Alberta is best known for its excellent business courses.   

With more than 7,000 international students, the University of Alberta is also one of the most diverse educational institutes in Canada. 

University Name	University of Alberta
Type	Public Research university
Motto In English	Whatsoever things are true
Location	Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Founded	1908
Student Population	42,000+
Acceptance Rate	58%
Application Fee	CAD 125 (Nigerian Naira 40780)

Do you know that the University of Alberta is an Alma mater to the former Prime Minister of Canada, Joe Clark?

University of Manitoba

The University of Manitoba is a public research university based in the province of Manitoba, Canada. The University of Manitoba is among the largest universities in Canada. The university has an excellent reputation for being a top research institute in Canada. 

University Name	University of Manitoba
Type	Public Research university
Motto In English	Flourish/Prosper
Location	Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Founded	1877
Student Population	30,000+
Popular Programs	Business, Management, Architecture
Acceptance Rate	52%
Application Fee	CAD 110 (Nigerian Naira 35887)

Did you know that the University of Manitoba is the first university in western Canada? 

University of Winnipeg

The University of Winnipeg is a renowned public research university in Canada that is home to over 700 international students from around the world. The university offers a variety of courses such as BA in acting to BSc in Computer Science, the University of Winnipeg got it all. 

University Name	University of Manitoba
Type	Public Research university
Motto In English	Let Light and Truth Flourish
Location	Manitoba, Canada
Founded	1871
Student Population	9,000+
Campus	Urban
Acceptance Rate	75%
Application Fee	CAD 125 (Nigerian Naira 40780)

Also Refer: What are the Requirements to Study in Canada?

Admission Process

To get admission to your dream university in Canada, the first step is to make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria set by the respective university. The eligibility requirements may vary for different universities and courses but mention below is a general eligibility criterion to study in Canada as a Nigerian Student:

• You must have a Senior School Certificate issued by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
• For undergraduate courses, you are expected to have a WAEC or NECO result with at least five/six credits including English and Mathematics.
• For Postgraduate Courses, you must have obtained a minimum of a Second Class Lower (2:2) with a high GPA in the last two years of your undergraduate studies or Second Class Upper (2:1).

English Language requirements

Students from Nigeria are not required to provide proof of their English language proficiency in Canada.

How to apply?

Canadian Universities do not have a specific application process or portal such as the UCAS Portal in the United Kingdom. You’ll have to go through the official website of the selected University to start the application process. However, the following is a general procedure for applying for the best universities in Canada for Nigerian students:

• Choose a program and a university where you want to study. You will be required to choose between a French or an English-taught curriculum.
• The next step is to apply for a study permit in Canada.
• After you’ve selected your choices, you can go to the college or university’s website that will help you explore more about the application process, deadlines, seat availability, admission requirements, scholarship opportunities, and so on.
• Register yourself on the university’s website and complete the application form by providing and submitting the necessary information and documents.

Documents Required

• Academic Transcripts
• Relevant proof of financial assistance
• Proof of identity
• Passport
• Cover/motivation letter
• Health status
• Certificate of Social ties
• Police certificate 

Cost of Studying

The cost of studying in Canada will be based on the chosen program, however, we’ve mentioned the average cost of tuition fees per year for Nigerian students:

Cost of studying	Amount in CAD	Amount (in Nigerian Naira)
UG courses	CAD 14,162- CAD 29,714	46,20,302 – 96,95,065
PG courses	CAD 13,437 – CAD 17,744	43,83,773 – 57,98,704
MBA	CAD 27,397	89,38,173
Ph.D./Doctoral	CAD 10,240	33,40,763

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Canada as an International Student ranges from CAD 800 to CAD 1,000 (Nigerian Naira 260997 – 326246) per month. You can check out Leverage Edu’s Cost of Living Calculator for a detailed breakdown to manage your expenses as an international student in different cities in Canada.

Relevant Reads:

List of Canadian Scholarships for Nigerian Students	Postdoctoral Fellowship in Canada: A Guide
List of International Scholarships for Nigerian Students	Top 5 Universities in Canada for International Students in 2024
Canada Memorial Scholarship 2024: Eligibility, Benefits, Application	Personal Essay on “Why I want to Study in Canada”: Samples, Do’s and Don’t’s

FAQs

This was all about the Best universities for Nigerian students in Canada. Are you a Nigerian student and want to study in Canada? Then call our Leverage Edu experts on +91 86306 84298 and get started on an incredible journey to your dream university! You can drop a mail at [email protected] and our experts will reach out to you.