Canadian Degree but No Job? Here’s What Nigerian International Students Can Do.
Real talk for Nigerian international students and new graduates facing underemployment.
You’ve got the degree. You’ve polished your résumé. You’ve applied everywhere. Still, no one’s calling back. Or worse, they do, and then ghost you after the second interview.
Sound familiar?
If you’re a Nigerian international student or recent graduate in Canada wondering why your degree isn’t opening doors like it should, you’re not alone and you’re not doing anything wrong.
Let’s talk about what’s really going on, and more importantly, what you can do next.
You Have the Degree But Not the Job
A lot of Nigerian immigrants in Canada are finding themselves here:
You graduate with a good GPA, but can’t land a “Canadian job.”
You’re stuck in shift work or roles that have nothing to do with your field.
You keep hearing “You need Canadian experience” even for entry-level jobs.
This can feel confusing, frustrating and honestly, discouraging. Especially when your family back home assumes “once you graduate, you blow.”
Here’s the truth: "Getting a Canadian degree doesn’t always guarantee a Canadian job".
Not because you’re not smart. But because the system isn’t as straightforward as it seems.
🔍 4 Reasons Nigerian Immigrants in Canada Struggle to Get Hired
Understanding why this is happening helps take the shame off your shoulders.
- Canadian Work Culture is Relationship-Driven
A lot of hiring happens through networks and referrals not just résumés. If you're new to the country, your network is still growing.
- Lack of “Canadian Experience” Is a Barrier
Yes, it’s unfair. But many companies still expect you to have local job history even for junior roles.
- Your Degree Isn’t the Whole Package
In some fields, a degree is just step one. You may need certification, licensing, or niche experience.
- Immigrant Bias is Real
Unspoken biases around accents, schools, or “foreign-sounding” names still exist and slow down opportunities.
✅ 5 Steps Nigerian Grads in Canada Can Take to Get Ahead
- Apply for Related Roles, Not Just “Dream Jobs”
Don’t limit yourself to jobs with your exact title. Look for adjacent roles that help you build skills in your field.
Example: Marketing grads can start in content, social media, or community roles to build brand experience.
- Get One Strong Canadian Reference
You don’t need a perfect job to gain credibility. Volunteer, intern, or help a small business anything that gives you a supervisor who can vouch for you here.
- Earn a Certification That Counts
Depending on your field, this can be a game changer. Here are some high-value certifications:
- Tech: Google UX, AWS Cloud, Meta Ads
- Finance: CPA Pathway, Canadian Securities Course
- Project Management: PMP, CAPM
- Healthcare: NNAS, licensing for nurses or medical professionals
- Build a Portfolio or Side Project Don’t wait to be hired to prove yourself.
Start a blog, design case studies, offer freelance help, something you can show.
Hiring managers love seeing initiative.
- Join Immigrant-Focused Job Programs
These programs offer job placement, resume support, and mentorship.
Start here:
- ACCES Employment (Ontario)
- TalentLift (nationwide)
- Canadian Immigrant Fair
- Local LinkedIn groups & Nigerian WhatsApp job circles
💬 Bonus: How to Answer “Why Don’t You Have Canadian Experience?”
Say this:
“I moved to Canada for school and focused on building my education. Now I’m ready to apply those skills in a Canadian work environment.”
Polite. Professional. No apologies needed.
👣 What You Can Do This Week Here’s a small action plan to move forward:
- ✅ Review your résumé to highlight transferable skills
- ✅ Reach out to someone in your field for a 15-minute chat
- ✅ Apply to 3 roles outside your exact degree title
- ✅ Sign up for one newcomer support program
- ✅ And if you’re still sending money home… → Switch to a platform that helps you keep more of your naira
👉 Send with Paper — no hidden fees, real rates, fast delivery
Whether you're sending money home or managing life as a newcomer, we’re here to make things less stressful.
