Top 9 Scholarship Opportunities in Canada for Nigerian Students

9 minute read
10 shares
Scholarship Opportunities in Canada for Nigerian Students

Do you dream of studying in Canada, the land of stunning landscapes, top-ranked universities, and multicultural cities? For brilliant Nigerian students like you, that dream can become reality with scholarships for Nigerian Students. Canadian universities offer a wealth of funding opportunities to help deserving Nigerian students pay for their higher education. Get ready to unlock your academic potential and launch your future in Canada. Let’s explore scholarship options designed specifically for Nigerian students. These are the list of scholarships that accept international students with low GPAs. 

9 Best Scholarship Oppertunties in Canada for International Students 

The following are the top scholarship opportunities a Nigerian student can apply for. Do note that most of these scholarships are partially funded. This means you have to cover rest of your tuition fees, and your living expenses.

S.NoScholarship NameBenefits
1International Entrance Scholarship (University of Regina)CAD 3,000 in tuition or housing credit
2International Entrance Scholarships (Humber College)CAD 2,000 tuition discount (two payments of CAD 1,000 in first year)
3Okanagan College Penticton Campus High School Entrance ScholarshipsCAD 1,000 award for first-year full-time studies
4Kimokran (Toronto) Scholarship for International StudentsCAD 1,000 for students with GPA ≥ 3.3 and community service
5Douglas International Regional Entrance Awards & Education Entrance ScholarshipsCAD 1,000–2,000 tuition reduction
6SAIT Entrance ScholarshipAmount varies depending on program; reduces tuition fees
7International High School Entrance Scholarships (King’s University College)CAD 1,500–5,000 renewable for up to four years
8Entrance Scholarships (Academic Excellence – Saint Thomas University)CAD 500–5,000 tuition reduction
9Concordia University of Edmonton (CUE) University Entrance ScholarshipCAD 1,000–5,000 per year for up to four years (total CAD 4,000–20,000)

International Entrance Scholarship

The International Entrance Scholarship is automatically considered for all international students applying to an Undergraduate degree program. Students must have an admission GPA of at least 85% to be eligible. The scholarship provides a choice of either CAD 3,000 in tuition costs or a housing credit.

NameInternational Entrance Scholarship
Host University University of Regina (REGINA)
Grant / Amount CAD 3,000 in tuition or housing credit
Application Deadline Tied to the admission application deadline
Official Link https://www.uregina.ca/admissions/apply.html

Eligibility Criteria

The International Entrance Scholarship is open to all Nigerian students applying to an undergraduate degree program at the University of Regina. You require a minimum grade point average of at least 85% to obtain this award.

How to Apply 

There’s no separate application needed for this scholarship. Students are automatically considered when you submit your application for admission to an Undergraduate degree program. Students can apply through the university’s application portal at https://www.uregina.ca/admissions/apply.html.

International Entrance Scholarships

New students who are beginning their Diploma or advanced diploma programs at Humber College are eligible to apply for this International Entrance Scholarship. During the first year of study, it offers a discount on tuition costs of CAD 2,000, which is broken down into two payments of CAD 1,000 every semester.

NameInternational Entrance scholarship
Host University Humber College
Grant / Amount CAD 2,000, broken down into two payments of CAD 1,000 every semester
Application Deadline Feb 1st
Official Link https://international.humber.ca/student-services/managing-your-finances/scholarships-awards.html

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this International Entrance Scholarship you must be a new international student applying to your chosen program directly from Secondary School (high school) and have a strong academic record. Humber College does not specify a minimum grade requirement but a strong application will improve your chances.

How to Apply 

The application for this scholarship is automatic. When you submit your application for admission to your chosen diploma or advanced diploma program at Humber College, you’ll automatically be considered for the International Entrance scholarship if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Okanagan College Penticton Campus High School Entrance Scholarships

The Okanagan College Penticton Campus High School Entrance Scholarships are indeed available to Nigerian students, as long as they meet the general eligibility criteria for international students. The Okanagan College Penticton Campus High School Entrance scholarship offers awards of CAD 1,000 for students entering the first year of full-time studies in any program at the Penticton campus. Students must be registered in a minimum 60% course load.

NameOkanagan College Penticton Campus High School Entrance Scholarships
Host University Okanagan College
Grant / Amount CAD 1,000
Application Deadline There is no specific deadline for this scholarship. It is automatically considered upon admission.
Official Link https://www.okanagan.bc.ca/financial-aid-and-awards

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all international students, including Nigerians, entering the first year of full-time studies (minimum 60% course load) in any program (university studies, degree, diploma, or certificate) at the Okanagan College Penticton Campus.

How to Apply 

There’s no separate application for the Okanagan College Penticton Campus High School Entrance scholarship. Individuals are automatically considered when you submit your application for admission to a full-time program at the Penticton campus.

Kimokran (Toronto) Scholarship for International Students

Students from Nigeria who are interested in pursuing their education in Canada and are searching for financial assistance may take advantage of the Kimokran (Toronto) Scholarship for International Students offered by George Brown College. George Brown College is accepting applications from Nigerian students for the Kimokran Scholarship, which is worth CAD1,000. Community service and a grade point average of at least 3.3 are required. 

NameKimokran (Toronto) Scholarship for International Students
Host University George Brown College
Grant / Amount CAD 1,000
Application Deadline April 13
Official Link https://www.georgebrown.ca/

Eligibility Criteria

International students (including Nigerians) can apply. You must be registered in a full-time diploma or degree program, have secured a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 (at least two full semesters), and have demonstrated participation in activities that contribute to the college community, department, or broader community

How to Apply 

For these scholarships, there is no additional application form that must be filled out. In most cases, the college’s scholarship administration system is used to handle the application process. 

Douglas International Regional Entrance Awards & Education Entrance Scholarships

The Douglas International Regional Entrance Awards & Education Entrance Scholarships are open to all international students, including Nigerians, applying for undergraduate programs at Douglas College in Canada. The scholarship award Ranges from CAD 1,000 to CAD 2,000 to be used towards tuition fees. This scholarship helps reduce tuition fees for international students, making studying at Douglas College more affordable for Nigerians.

NameDouglas International Regional Entrance Awards & Education Entrance Scholarships
Host University Douglas College
Grant / Amount Ranges from CAD 1,000 to CAD 2,000
Application Deadline The deadlines are typically January 31 for the Summer semester, May 31 for the Fall semester, and September 30 for the Winter semester.
Official Link https://www.douglascollege.ca/international-students/prospective-students/scholarships-and-awards

Eligibility Criteria

This scholarship is open to all international students, including Nigerians. To apply, you must be a first full-time undergraduate student at Douglas College. Typically, you need an above-average GPA in your previous studies (though the specific minimum GPA isn’t publicly available). Strong academic performance increases your chances.

How to Apply 

There is no need to submit a separate application. When you submit your application to Douglas College for acceptance, you will find that you are immediately considered for the Douglas International Regional Entrance Awards & Education Entrance Scholarships.

SAIT Entrance Scholarship

This scholarship is automatically considered for all new international students enrolling in a full-time program (excluding Continuing Education courses). The value of the scholarship varies depending on the program you choose. This can significantly reduce your financial burden. You’re automatically considered for this scholarship upon admission to SAIT.

NameSAIT Entrance Scholarship
Host University Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Grant / Amount Varies
Application Deadline No deadline. The scholarship is tied to admission application.
Official Link https://www.sait.ca/tuition-and-financial-aid/student-awards

Eligibility Criteria

Applications are open to all new international students, including Nigerians. You must be enrolling in a full-time program. However, students of Continuing Education courses are ineligible.

How to Apply 

To apply, submit your application for admission to a full-time program at SAIT. You’ll be automatically considered for the scholarship upon successful admission.

International High School Entrance Scholarships

The International High School Entrance Scholarships offer a range of awards between CAD 1,500 and CAD 5,000, renewable for up to four years based on maintaining satisfactory academic standing. Reduces tuition fees for their undergraduate studies in Canada. It was Renewable for up to four years, making it a valuable financial aid throughout their degree.

NameInternational High School Entrance Scholarships
Host University King’s University College
Grant / Amount $1,500 and $5,000 renewable
Application Deadline April 1st
Official Link https://www.kings.uwo.ca/future-students/finances/funding/entrance-scholarships/

Eligibility Criteria

The International High School Entrance Scholarships are open to all new international students, including Nigerians. To be eligible, you must be applying for a direct-entry undergraduate degree program from secondary school (high school). You must also have a strong academic record. While a specific minimum GPA isn’t available online, a good performance in your WAEC or NECO exams will strengthen your application.

How to Apply 

To be eligible for these scholarships, you do not need to submit a separate application. Upon submitting your application for admission to an undergraduate degree at King’s University College, you will be immediately evaluated for these opportunities.

Entrance Scholarships (Academic Excellence)

The Saint Thomas University (STU) Entrance Scholarships (Academic Excellence) program is a great opportunity for Nigerian students to receive financial aid for their undergraduate studies in Canada. The scholarship amount ranges from CAD 500 to CAD 5,000, which can be used to reduce your tuition fees at STU. Reduces the financial burden of studying abroad in Canada. Encourages academic excellence for incoming undergraduate students.

NameEntrance Scholarships (Academic Excellence)
Host University Saint Thomas University
Grant / Amount CAD 500 to CAD 5,000
Application Deadline No deadline. The scholarship is tied to the admission application (typically March 1st for the Fall semester)
Official Link https://www.stu.edu/admissions/

Eligibility Criteria

This scholarship is open to all new undergraduate students, including Nigerians. Applicants require a strong academic record, with a minimum admission average of 80% or its equivalent . (Nigerian secondary school qualifications).

How to Apply 

Applicants for this scholarship do not need to submit a separate application. When you submit your application for admission to an undergraduate program at STU, together with your academic transcripts, you are immediately considered for admission to the department.

Concordia University of Edmonton (CUE) University Entrance Scholarship

The Concordia University of Edmonton (CUE) University Entrance Scholarship is a great option for Nigerian students seeking financial aid for their undergraduate studies in Canada. This scholarship significantly reduces tuition fees for your entire undergraduate program at CUE, making studying in Canada more affordable. It rewards academic excellence from the very beginning of your studies at CUE. The scholarship amount is based on your final high school grades (converted to an award average):

  1. 95% or higher: CAD 5,000 per year for four years (total CAD 20,000)
  2. 90% – 94.9%: CAD 3,750 per year for four years (total CAD 15,000)
  3. 85% – 89.9%: CAD 2,000 per year for four years (total CAD 8,000)
  4. 80% – 84.9%: $1,500 per year for four years (total CAD 6,000)
  5. 75% – 79.9%: $1,000 per year for four years (total CAD 4,000)
NameConcordia University of Edmonton (CUE) University Entrance Scholarship
Host University Concordia University of Edmonton
Grant / Amount Varies
Application Deadline The deadline is April 1st for Fall admission and August 1st for Winter admission.
Official Link https://concordia.ab.ca/student-services/financial-aid/scholarships-awards/

Eligibility Criteria

You must be coming directly from high school. (If you’ve completed university-level credits or taken time off between high school and applying, you might still be eligible. The scholarship requires a minimum award average of 75% in your final high school studies (WAEC or NECO exams will be considered).

How to Apply 

This scholarship does not need a separate application to be submitted. Whenever you submit your application for admission to CUE as a first-year student, together with your official final high school transcripts, you are immediately considered for admission.

To learn more about scholarships in Canada, watch this video:

How much GPA is Needed for a Scholarship in Canada for Nigerian Students?

Every scholarship has different criteria. Therefore, the GPA requirement also varies. You really have to check specific scholarship eligibility criteria to know. However, in general a a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent, is required to get a scholarship in Canada. 

The more competitive a scholarship is (for example, a fully funded scholarship), the higher GPA might be required to stand. You might require a GPA of 3.5 or even 3.7 and above. Therefore, we can say that the GPA requirements vary depending on the scholarship value and prestige, university and program.

Also Read: Top UK Scholarships for Nigerian Students

How to Get a 100% Scholarship in Canada?

A 100% scholarship means a fully funding scholarship. These scholarships are mostly competitive as many students around the world apply for it. The scholarships are open not just for Nigerian students but for international students in general. You can get these scholarships if you demonstrate academic excellence, leadership qualities, and/or financial need. The fully funded scholarship can be from a university or even the Canadian government. They can even be specific to certain programs or fields of study.

Tips To Get A Fully Funded Scholarship

To get a fully funding scholarship follow the tips below. These tips are not just for fully funding a scholarship but for any scholarship in general. 

  1. Research and find out the fully funded scholarship opportunities in Canada for Nigerian students. 
  2. Ensure that you are maintaining a high GPA. This will be incredibly useful if you are applying to merit-based scholarships. 
  3. Ensure that you are taking part in extracurricular activities or at least volunteering 
  4. Learn how to write compelling personal statements as you wil require it during your scholarship application
  5. Check out the scholarship deadline, gather the necessary documents and then apply early.

Fully Funded Scholarship Opportunities in Canada for Nigerian Students

The following are some of the top fully funded scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students. The scholarships listed below include Scholarships from Canadian government, and even private organisations.

S.No.Scholarship NameProvider / UniversityBenefits 
1Lester B. Pearson International ScholarshipUniversity of TorontoCovers full tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for 4 years.
2International Major Entrance Scholarship & International Scholars ProgramUniversity of British Columbia (UBC)Competitive entrance awards for outstanding international students; some are renewable for up to 3 additional years.
3Schulich Leader ScholarshipsSchulich Foundation (Canadian universities)Full tuition and living expenses for undergraduates in STEM fields.
4Vanier Canada Graduate ScholarshipsGovernment of Canada (for PhD students)CAD50,000 per year for 3 years toward doctoral studies.
5Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s (CGS-M)Government of Canada$17,500 for 1 year; highly competitive for graduate students in all disciplines.
6Trudeau Foundation ScholarshipsPierre Elliott Trudeau FoundationUp to $60,000 per year for up to 3 years for doctoral candidates in social sciences and humanities.

Also Read: Fully Funded International Scholarships For Nigerian Students in 2025

FAQs

Which university in Canada has fully funded scholarships?

Alberta University offers more fully funded scholarships in Canada. Other University of Alberta awards include the International Entrance Leadership Scholarship, International Country Scholarship, and International Student Scholarship.

How can a Nigerian get a scholarship to study in Canada?

Nigerians can apply for Canadian scholarships by researching available opportunities, meeting eligibility criteria, and submitting strong applications.

Can I get a 100% scholarship to study in Canada?

Fully-funded scholarships covering all expenses are rare, but some Canadian scholarships offer significant financial assistance, reducing the overall cost.

Who is eligible for scholarships in Canada?

Eligibility varies, but typically, students with strong academic records, financial need, and specific criteria set by scholarship providers can apply.

Scholarships for Nigerian Students Why do Nigerian students favor overseas institutions?
What are the Requirements to Study in Canada?MBA in Canada
Best Universities in Canada for NigeriaBest Colleges in Canada

This was all about the” Scholarship Opportunities in Canada for Nigerian Students” Are you exploring study-abroad scholarships? Still trying to figure out how to go about it? Let the professionals at Leverage Edu take care of your academic journey! You may enlist the assistance of Leverage Edu specialists to assist you with the application process to realize your goals. Call us immediately at 1800-572-000 for a free 30-minute counselling session.

Leave a Reply

Required fields are marked *

*

*