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Canada remains a prime destination for Nigerian students seeking world-class education, and the 2026-2027 academic year brings a wealth of prestigious scholarship opportunities designed to turn this aspiration into reality. These highly sought-after programs, ranging from undergraduate to doctoral levels and spanning diverse fields from STEM to Humanities, often offer comprehensive coverage as a major benefit. This coverage typically includes full tuition and mandatory fees, a generous living stipend to cover accommodation and daily expenses, health insurance, and sometimes even a travel allowance, effectively removing financial barriers. Successful applicants will not only receive financial backing but will also gain access to an exceptional learning environment, state-of-the-art research facilities, and a vibrant, multicultural community that fosters leadership and academic excellence.
In this blog, we provide a detailed list of the top Canadian scholarships for Nigerian students for the 2026-2027 intake, including specific eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and tips to maximize your success.
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Types of Canadian Scholarships for Nigerian Students
Canadian scholarships for Nigerian students can be categorized based on the funding source, the degree level, and the award criteria. Understanding these types will help prospective students streamline their search for the 2026-2027 academic year.
| Funding Source Category | Scholarship Type | Description | Coverage |
| Government-Funded | Federal Government Scholarships (e.g., Vanier CGS, Banting Fellowships) | Highly competitive, prestigious awards for PhD and Postdoctoral students with exceptional academic merit and leadership potential. | Often Fully Funded (Tuition, Stipend, Benefits). |
| Provincial Government Scholarships (e.g., OGS, Québec Merit Scholarship) | Merit-based awards offered by provincial governments (like Ontario or Quebec) for Master’s and PhD students at participating universities within that province. | Partial to near-Full funding (Stipend + Tuition portion). | |
| University-Funded | Prestige Entrance Scholarships (e.g., Lester B. Pearson, UBC ILOT) | Awards offered directly by top universities to attract high-achieving Undergraduate international students. Requires a separate, rigorous application. | Often Fully Funded (Tuition, Fees, and Living Allowance). |
| Automatic Entrance Scholarships | Awards automatically considered based on the student’s high school/previous academic average upon admission to an Undergraduate program. | Typically Partial Funding (One-time or renewable tuition reduction). | |
| Graduate Assistantships (RA/TA) | Funding for Master’s and PhD students in exchange for work as a Research Assistant (RA) or Teaching Assistant (TA). Managed by the faculty/department. | Usually covers tuition and provides a modest stipend (Near-Full Funding). | |
| External/Private | Foundation/NGO Scholarships (e.g., Aga Khan Foundation) | Awards offered by private foundations or global organizations, often targeting specific fields of study, countries, or demographics. | Varies widely, can be Full (Grant + Loan) or Partial. |
| Field/Discipline-Specific Awards | Scholarships designated for students pursuing specific programs like STEM, Engineering, or Humanities. | Varies, usually Partial Funding (e.g., Schulich Leader Scholarships for STEM). |
List of Canadian Scholarships for Nigerian Students
Landing a scholarship is a crucial step for Nigerian students aiming to study in Canada. The following list highlights key, high-value Canadian scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year, including their coverage and specific eligibility criteria.
| Scholarship Name / Institution | Level of Study | Coverage | Eligibility Criteria for Nigerian Students |
| Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto) | Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) | Fully Funded: Covers full tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years. | – Must be an international student (non-Canadian). – Must be in your final year of senior secondary school or have graduated no earlier than June 2025. – Crucially, you must be nominated by your high school. – Must apply to a U of T undergraduate program. |
| McCall MacBain Scholars Program (McGill University) | Master’s or Second-Entry Professional Undergraduate | Fully Funded: Covers full tuition and fees, a living stipend (approx. CAD $2,300/month), a relocation grant, and leadership development. | – Must be an international student applying to an eligible full-time Master’s or professional program at McGill. – Focuses on exceptional character, leadership, and community engagement. – Must have earned or be on track to earn your first bachelor’s degree by August 2026. |
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) (Government of Canada) | Doctoral (PhD) | Fully Funded: CAD $50,000 per year for up to three years. | – Must be an international student pursuing your first doctoral degree. – Must be nominated by only ONE Canadian university with a quota. – Must have achieved a first-class average (or equivalent) in each of the last two years of full-time study. – Must be pursuing research in Health, Natural Sciences, or Social Sciences/Humanities. |
| University of British Columbia (UBC) International Leader of Tomorrow Award | Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) | Need-Based/Variable: Value is proportional to financial need and can cover full tuition and living expenses. | – Must be an international student entering your first undergraduate degree. – Must demonstrate superior academic achievement, leadership skills, and extracurricular involvement. – Must demonstrate significant financial need that would prevent you from attending UBC without the award. |
| York University International Entrance Scholarships (Various Levels) | Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) | Partial Funding: Ranges from CAD $2,500 to $37,500 (depending on academic average). | – Must be an international student applying directly from high school. – Automatic consideration based on high academic admission average (typically 75% or higher equivalent). – Must enroll full-time. |
| Graduate Research/Teaching Assistantships (RA/TA) (All Universities) | Master’s and Doctoral | Near-Full Funding: Tuition waivers (or covered by award) plus a generous monthly stipend/salary. | – Must be accepted into a full-time Master’s or PhD program. – Must be selected by a professor/supervisor to work on a research project (RA) or by the department to teach/grade (TA). – Strong academic record and relevant experience are required. |
Also Read: Nigerian Students in Germany: A Comprehensive Guide
Details of Top Canadian Scholarships for Nigerian Students
These details of top Canadian scholarships are important for Nigerian students planning their applications for the 2026-2027 academic year, as these top-tier awards require early preparation and alignment with specific criteria.
1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto)
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is the University of Toronto’s most prestigious and highly competitive undergraduate award for international students, recognizing those who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, creativity, and leadership potential to contribute positively to the global community. It offers a fully-funded package, covering full tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years of an undergraduate degree at U of T, with approximately 37 scholars selected globally each year. Eligibility for Nigerian students requires them to be an international student in their final year of secondary school (or graduated no earlier than June 2025) and applying to U of T for the first time, but the critical requirement is securing a nomination from their high school before the University’s early October deadline, after which the nominated student completes a separate, detailed scholarship application by early November 2025.
| Benefits | Fully Funded: Covers full tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence for four years. |
| Degree Level | Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) |
| Eligibility | Must be an international student in final year of high school (or graduated no earlier than June 2025). Must be nominated by your high school. Exceptional academic and leadership record. |
| Application Process & Deadlines | 1. School Nomination (Due: Oct 10, 2025). 2. Apply to U of T via OUAC (Due: Oct 17, 2025). 3. Complete Pearson Scholarship application (Due: Nov 7, 2025). |
2. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) program is a cornerstone of the Canadian government’s strategy to attract and retain world-class doctoral students across Canada, providing a highly generous award of $50,000 CAD per year for three years during the student’s doctoral studies. This award is available to international students, including Nigerians, pursuing a first doctoral degree (or a joint graduate program like MD/PhD) in Health research, Natural Sciences and Engineering, or Social Sciences and Humanities, but the most important eligibility hurdle is that the applicant must be nominated by only one Canadian university which has a Vanier CGS quota. To be considered, candidates must not have completed more than 20 months of their doctoral studies as of May 1st of the award year, and must have achieved a first-class academic average in each of the last two years of full-time study, demonstrating both outstanding research potential and strong leadership skills through a required personal leadership statement.
| Benefits | Fully Funded: Covers full tuition/fees, a living stipend (approx. $2,300 CAD/month), and relocation grant. |
| Degree Level | Master’s or Second-Entry Professional |
| Eligibility | Must be an international student applying to an eligible full-time Master’s program at McGill. Focuses on leadership, character, and community engagement. |
| Application Process & Deadlines | Submit the McCall MacBain Scholarship application first |
3. McCall MacBain Scholars Program (McGill University)
The McCall MacBain Scholars Program at McGill University is a flagship fully-funded graduate scholarship that focuses holistically on exceptional character, community engagement, leadership potential, and entrepreneurial spirit, in addition to academic strength, for students pursuing a Master’s or a second-entry professional undergraduate program. The scholarship provides full coverage of tuition and fees for the full normal duration of the program, a living stipend of $2,300 CAD per month during academic terms, a one-time relocation grant, and robust leadership training including mentorship and retreats. Nigerian applicants must be international students applying for a full-time eligible program at McGill for Fall 2026, and must have earned their first bachelor’s degree by August 2026 (with flexible criteria for recent graduates and older applicants), requiring a detailed application that precedes the McGill graduate admissions process, with international application deadlines typically in August 2025.
| Benefits | Fully Funded: $50,000 CAD per year for three years of doctoral study. |
| Degree Level | Doctoral (PhD) |
| Eligibility | Must be an international student pursuing a first PhD degree in Health, Sciences, or Social Sciences. Must be nominated by only ONE Canadian university (quota system). First-class average in the last two years of study. |
| Application Process & Deadlines | Internal University Nomination process begins (typically June-August). Final University Submission to Vanier (Deadline: Oct 30, 2025). |
4. Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award (University of British Columbia – UBC)
The Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award is a primary component of the UBC International Scholars Program, designed to support outstanding international undergraduate students who demonstrate superior academic achievement, exemplary leadership skills, and impactful community involvement, but who also have a clear and demonstrable financial need that would otherwise prevent them from pursuing a UBC degree. The award value is proportional to the student’s financial need, and can range up to covering full tuition and living expenses, and is renewable for up to three additional years provided the scholar maintains satisfactory academic standing. Eligibility requires the Nigerian student to be an international student entering UBC from a recognized secondary school for their first undergraduate degree, must meet UBC’s high admission requirements, and must be nominated by their high school or a non-profit organization, with the application process often beginning as early as September and closing around mid-November 2025.
| Benefits | Need-Based/Variable: Value is proportional to financial need (can cover full tuition and living costs). |
| Degree Level | Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) |
| Eligibility | Must be an international student entering the first undergraduate degree. Must demonstrate superior academic achievement, leadership, and significant financial need. |
| Application Process & Deadlines | 1. Must be nominated by school or non-profit. 2. Submit award application (Due: Nov 17, 2025). 3. Apply for UBC admission (Due: Dec 1, 2025). |
Tips for a Successful Canadian Scholarship Application for Nigerian Students
Successfully applying for a prestigious Canadian scholarship requires a strategic, detailed, and personalized approach, especially for competitive international applicants from Nigeria. Here are the top tips for Nigerian students aiming to secure a scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year:
- Start Early (12-18 Months): Begin preparing application documents, transcripts, and references by late 2025; most major scholarship deadlines are in October/November 2025.
- Secure Nomination First: For awards like Pearson and Vanier, prioritize securing your high school’s or university department’s nomination—this is the first and hardest hurdle.
- Target the Mission: Research the scholarship’s values (leadership, community, innovation) and tailor every essay to show how your Nigerian experiences align with that mission.
- Polish Your GPA/Results: Maintain a stellar academic record; a First-Class Honours equivalent is the standard for most top-tier graduate scholarships.
- Use Storytelling: In your personal essay, focus on specific, measurable achievements and challenges overcome (Show, Don’t Tell) rather than just listing job titles or grades.
- Secure High-Quality References: Choose referees (teachers, supervisors) who know you well, and give them clear instructions and ample time (minimum four weeks) to write personalized, strong letters.
- Contact a Supervisor (Graduate Only): If applying for a research-based Master’s or PhD, secure a professor/supervisor before you apply. Their acceptance is key to RA/TA funding.
- Excel on English Tests: Aim for high proficiency scores (e.g., IELTS 7.0+) well above the minimum requirement to boost your competitiveness in a global pool.
- Articulate Your Vision: Clearly state why a Canadian education is necessary for your career goals and how you will apply that knowledge to benefit Nigeria or your home community.
- Proofread and Review: Have at least two different people (preferably a current international student or academic) review your essays for clarity, grammar, and alignment with the scholarship criteria.
Why Study in Canada for Nigerian Students?
Studying in Canada has become increasingly attractive for Nigerian students due to a potent combination of academic quality, career prospects, and a welcoming society. Here is a breakdown of the important reasons why Canada is an excellent choice:
- Globally Recognized Degrees: Canadian universities consistently rank high, ensuring your degree is valued and respected by employers worldwide, including in Nigeria.
- Safety and Stability: Canada is globally recognized for its peaceful environment, low crime rates, and political stability, providing a secure place to study.
- Clear Work Permit Pathway: Graduates from eligible programs can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), allowing up to three years of work experience in Canada.
- Multicultural Environment: Canada is highly diverse and welcoming, with large, established Nigerian and African communities that help ease the transition and provide a strong support system.
- Work While You Study: Study permits allow you to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during school and full-time during breaks, helping to offset living costs and gain experience.
- Affordable Tuition: Compared to the US and UK, Canadian university tuition fees are generally more competitive while maintaining high quality.
- Innovation and Research: Canadian institutions are leaders in research and technology, offering access to state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge programs.
- Pathway to Residency: Canadian education and work experience significantly increase your chances of qualifying for Permanent Residency through programs like Express Entry.
- High Quality of Life: Canada offers excellent public services, healthcare, and infrastructure, contributing to a high overall quality of life.
- Bilingual Advantage: Studying in Canada offers exposure to both English and French, which can provide a significant competitive advantage in the global job market.
Also Read: 8 Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad for Nigerian Students
FAQs
Obtaining a 100% scholarship (fully funded) in Canada is highly competitive, requiring students to target prestigious, low-volume awards like the Lester B. Pearson (Undergraduate), McCall MacBain (Graduate), or Vanier CGS (Doctoral). Success hinges on possessing exceptional academic performance (First-Class equivalent), demonstrating outstanding leadership and community impact, and securing a formal nomination from your school or Canadian university department.
Getting a scholarship to study in Canada typically requires outstanding academic excellence, securing a nomination from your university or high school (for top awards), and submitting a compelling application that demonstrates exceptional leadership and community engagement. You must start your search and application process early (up to a year in advance) and meet all specific academic and language requirements set by the university or funding body.
Yes, most Nigerian students must provide proof of English language proficiency like the IELTS Academic test to study in Canada, as required by the majority of universities. However, a growing number of Canadian institutions may waive this requirement if the student can prove that their previous four years of education (high school or university) were conducted entirely in English, or if they hold a degree from a recognized Nigerian university. It is essential to check the specific policy of each university you are applying to, as requirements vary greatly.
The academic percentage or GPA required for a Canadian scholarship is highly competitive and generally starts at a minimum of 80% (or 3.3 GPA equivalent), but for fully-funded, prestigious awards like the Vanier CGS or Pearson Scholarship, applicants typically need a First-Class Honours (or equivalent, often 90%+). While partial entrance scholarships might begin at 80-85%, candidates must also demonstrate strong leadership, extracurricular involvement, and financial need to secure the most substantial funding.
The minimum score for a scholarship in Canada is highly variable and depends heavily on the specific award. For prestigious, fully-funded scholarships like the Vanier CGS or Pearson, applicants typically require an academic equivalent to a First-Class Honours degree (often a GPA of 3.7/4.0 or 85%+), demonstrating academic excellence. For general entrance or departmental scholarships, the minimum is lower, often requiring a “high academic standing” or meeting the university’s top admission averages.
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