Scholarship and Study Opportunities for Nigerians in Canada: Your Ticket to Academic Success.

Scholarship and Study Opportunities for Nigerians in Canada: Your Ticket to Academic Success.

Dreaming of studying in Canada? You’re not alone and you’re not out of options. From full-ride undergraduate awards to funded master’s and PhD opportunities, there are scholarships with your name on them. This guide shows you exactly where the money is, how to win it, and what to do next so you can study (and later work) in Canada without stress.

At Paper, we help Nigerians in Canada move money smoothly across borders, so tuition, fees, and family support don’t get in the way of your goals. Let’s get you funded.

Why Canada Should Be Your Study Destination

 Canada isn’t just famous for maple syrup and beautiful landscapes; it’s also home to some of the best universities and colleges in the world. Schools like the University of Toronto, McGill University, and University of British Columbia offer cutting-edge programs and a welcoming vibe for international students.

Plus, studying in Canada comes with perks like:

  • A diverse, supportive community
  • Possibilities for part-time work while studying
  • Post-graduation work permits to kick-start your career
  • Pathways to permanent residency

Why Canada should be on your shortlist

 World-class schools + diverse cities (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, and more).

  • Work while you study: Eligible students can work up to 24 hours/week off-campus during academic terms, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (IRCC). [Government of Canada +1]
  • Stay after graduation: A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) can be up to 3 years, depending on program length (IRCC). Government of Canada IRCC

Sweet Scholarships You Should Know About 

Always confirm details on the official pages—dates and values can change year to year.

A) Government & National Programs 

  • Canada Graduate Scholarships – Doctoral (CGS-D / Tri-Agency) 

National PhD funding administered via Canadian universities. Internal university deadlines typically fall in Oct–Nov. 

Learn more: NSERC • SSHRC • CIHR. Government of Canada

  • Study in Canada Scholarships (Global Affairs Canada) 

Short-term exchanges (institutions apply on your behalf). Next call usually opens early in the year—start preparing from October.

Official info: EduCanada program hub.

  • Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Programme 

Availability varies—search current federally listed opportunities on EduCanada and your target university’s funding page from October onward.

B) Provincial Programs

  •  Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) 

Merit award for Master’s/PhD; internationals are eligible at some schools (limited quotas). Most campus deadlines run Oct–Jan (e.g., Western’s window opens Dec 1; due Jan 30). 

Start here: OSAP OGS info • Western timeline. Graduate Studies - Western University

  • Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship (AGES)

 Provincial award open to international students; amounts often $11,000–$15,000 (e.g., $12,000 at UAlberta). 

Department nominations and campus deadlines commonly fall Oct–Jan. [University of Alberta]  [Studentaid.alberta]

OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program) and StudentAid BC 

Hubs for provincial grants/loans and scholarship directories (primarily for residents). Useful to understand local funding ecosystems and linked awards. [OSAP • StudentAid BC.]

C) University “Flagship” & Entrance Awards 

  • Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (U of T, ON) 

U of T’s most prestigious full undergrad award (tuition, books, residence for four years). School nominations & admissions windows run Oct–Nov—check the page each year for exact dates. 

Official: future.utoronto.ca/pearson-scholarships.

  • UBC International Scholars Program (BC) 

Four life-changing awards for top international undergrads. Next key deadline: Nov 15 (award application); Dec 1 for UBC admissions (for award consideration).

 Program overview • Dates & deadlines. UBC Undergraduate Admissions

  • University of Calgary – Entrance Awards

 Many entrance awards open Oct 1 with deadlines into March; keep your admission on track to access the awards application.

 Awards hub • Sample listings showing Oct 1 open and March 1 deadline. University of Calgary in Alberta

  • York University – International Entrance & President’s Scholarships 

Major competitive awards; institutional cycles typically open in Dec with deadlines in Feb (track from Oct). 

York international scholarships page. Future Students York University

D) Graduate Entrance & Department Awards (Great Win-Rates)

  •  UAlberta Graduate Entrance Scholarship – $17,500 (Master’s) / $21,000 (PhD); some units add international top-ups. Dept nomination—watch Oct–Dec. [University of Alberta]
  • Waterloo IMAE (International Master’s Award of Excellence) – $2,500/term up to 5 terms; faculty nomination, often auto-considered on admission (track program deadlines Oct–Dec). University of Waterloo
  • UMGF (University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship) – up to $20k/yr (Master’s) or $25k/yr (PhD); department-recommended; departmental windows commonly start Oct. University of Manitoba

E) Community & Private Scholarships 

Don’t overlook Nigerian-Canadian associations and professional groups (often less competition):

  • Nigerian Canadian Association (GTA) – updates & community support: ncagta.com.
  • Council of Nigerian Professionals (CNP) – mentorship & events: cnpngo.ca.
  • Nigerian & Canadian Business Network (NCBN) – business network: ncbn.ca.

Tips to Crush Your Scholarship Applications 

  • Start Early: build a tracker with award, link, amount, deadline, requirements, status.
  • Craft a Winning Personal Statement: show impact with numbers, your Canada/program fit, and your future value to Nigeria + Canada.
  • Collect Strong Recommendations: ask mentors who know your work well; send your CV, SOP draft, and 5 bullet outcomes; give 3–4 weeks.
  • Gather Your Documents: transcripts, test scores, IELTS/TOEFL (if needed), passport, activities, and proof of funds.

Beyond Scholarships: Other Smart Moves 

  • Work part-time (if eligible): up to 24 hours/week during terms; unlimited during scheduled breaks. Government of Canada
  • Join co-op programs for paid experience—many Canadian degrees include co-ops/internships.
  • Use the PGWP after graduation: up to 3 years depending on program length. Government of Canada

How Paper Makes Your Study Journey Smoother 

Paying tuition and sending money home doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Paper ensures your transfers are safe, fast, and cost-effective so you can focus on your studies and life in Canada—send without stress.

Your Dream Is Within Reach! 

Studying in Canada can be life-changing and with the right scholarships and information, it doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Start exploring the options, apply widely, and tap into the Nigerian community for support.

Paper is right here to keep your money transfers simple and affordable, so nothing slows you down.

Start today and make that dream study journey glow with success!

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