If you have ever thought about leaving Nigeria for postgraduate studies, possibly Canada may have been one of your dream countries.
Canada is one of the safest countries in the world and a home to some of the most respected universities globally. For years now, Nigerian students have been making their way to schools in Canada, not just for the quality of education but because of the affordable cost compared to the UK, USA or some other countries, especially when you get a fully funded scholarship in Canada.
The truth is that nobody wants to carry the burden of international tuition fees if they can avoid it. A standard master’s program in Canada without any support can cost you anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000 per year, excluding living expenses, health insurance, and travel. That’s a lot. Especially when converted to naira.
But there are always scholarship opportunities in Canada specifically for African students, and many of them cover not just tuition but accommodation, travel costs, and even monthly stipends. In fact, some scholarships come with health insurance coverage for international students and additional research funding.
Why Study in Canada?
There are over 640,000 international students currently studying in Canada, and a good percentage of them are from Africa especially Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. Now, the real question is: why are so many African students choosing Canada over places like the UK, US, or Australia?
Here are a few real reasons:
Postgraduate Work Permit (PGWP)
When you finish your studies in Canada, you are eligible for a work permit that allows you to live and work in the country for up to three years. This can eventually lead to permanent residency in Canada through the Express Entry program, which is a dream for many students looking to secure a future abroad.
Opportunities for High paying Jobs
Unlike some other countries, Canada has a booming economy with a strong demand for skilled graduates in healthcare, engineering, tech, finance, and education. Many Nigerian students who graduate end up getting jobs that pay far above the Canadian average income. So even if you spend on school fees initially, you will likely be able to get high paying jobs that can compensate for whatever you might have spent.
Lower Cost of Living in Smaller Cities
While cities like Toronto and Vancouver are expensive, many scholarship-friendly schools are located in provinces like Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia where the cost of living is affordable; rent is cheaper, transport is easier, and part-time job opportunities for students are plenty.
So if you’ve been asking yourself, “Is it worth applying for a Master’s scholarship in Canada?” The answer is a YES. Especially now, when most universities are actively trying to increase their diversity by attracting bright students from Africa.
The Types of Scholarships Available for African Students
Not all scholarships are created equal, and understanding the different types available in Canada can help you know exactly what to look out for.
1. Fully Funded Scholarships
A fully funded scholarship in Canada typically covers tuition fees, accommodation, feeding, books, research costs, and in some cases, travel expenses and monthly stipends.
Examples of this type of scholarship include: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, MasterCard Foundation Scholarships, Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships
These scholarships are highly competitive, and they usually go to students with strong academic backgrounds, leadership qualities, and proven commitment to community development.
If you are applying for one of these, you will need to prepare strong personal statements, letters of recommendation, and in many cases, have international-standard research proposals.
2. Partially Funded Scholarships
These types of scholarships help reduce the burden but don’t cover everything. They might offer tuition discounts, graduate assistantships, or research funding. Some come from Canadian universities directly, while others are offered by external organizations, such as NGOs or development programs.
Even if a scholarship doesn’t cover all your costs, combining it with a part-time job in Canada (which international students are legally allowed to do for up to 20 hours/week during semesters) can make your stay very manageable.
Common examples of such scholarship include:University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship, York University International Student Scholarships, Dalhousie University Graduate Funding
Each of these requires a separate application process; some automatically consider you when you apply for admission, others require an additional scholarship application.
How to Apply for Canadian Scholarships
If you want to apply for a master’s scholarship in Canada as a Nigerian, you need to do it smartly. It’s not about rushing to fill forms, it’s about planning, knowing what each scholarship is really asking for, and applying with the right timing.
Decide on Your Course of Study and Area of Interest
You need to clearly define the field you want to pursue. Is it public health, data science, renewable energy, nursing, civil engineering, or international development? Canada has top universities that specialize in these areas, but your interest must align with available graduate funding opportunities.
Remember, most Canadian scholarships for international students are tied to research-based master’s degrees, not coursework-based. So, be sure your program allows research.
Research for Schools That Offer Scholarship Programs
Many Nigerians make the mistake of searching “scholarships in Canada” on Google without knowing which school they want to attend. That’s not how it works. Most scholarships are tied to admission into a specific Canadian university.
So your best bet is to Search for universities in Canada that offer your program; Check if those universities offer institutional scholarships; Shortlist about 5 to 7 schools based on affordability, program quality, and scholarship availability
Examples of schools that offer graduate funding for African students include: University of British Columbia, McGill University, University of Toronto, University of Alberta, Simon Fraser University.
Prepare the Right Documents
You need to put together all the documents they may require for the scholarship application. Some of the documents most times may include: Transcripts, Statement of purpose or research proposal, Academic CV, Two or three reference letters, Language test results (IELTS/TOEFL), Valid international passport, etc.
Some universities may allow you to apply for admission and scholarships without IELTS if you studied in English. This is common for Nigerian students, but you may need a letter from your university stating that your program was taught in English.
Apply Early
Most top scholarships in Canada have deadlines between November and February for the next academic year. You need to apply at least 8 to 12 months before your intended start date. If you wait too late, even the best application won’t be considered.
Conclusion
Canada is not just a dream for people who have money or connections. Thousands of Africans, including Nigerians from places also wish to study in Canada; and many are already studying there through graduate scholarships that paid for everything for them.
You don’t need to be the best in your class or have first-class honours before you start your journey. What you need is information, preparation, and the will to take the first step. The Canadian education system is looking for bold, driven, and visionary young minds from Africa who are ready to create change.
Yes, the process might be long and tiring, but in the end, it’s worth the effort. With the right documents, a solid statement of purpose, and a good understanding of how to approach Canada graduate programs, you have a great chance of getting the opportunities.
Aside from taking care of your study expenses, there are also a lot of other benefits that these scholarships offer after your studies. Some of such benefits are: international student financial aid, student jobs, low-cost health insurance for international students, and even Canadian immigration options, etc.