Step 3: How To Study in Canada 2026 - Scholarships for Nigerian Students

Canadian scholarships for international students are competitive but possible. You need excellent grades, strong leadership experience, and early application. But if you get it right, it can change everything.

I remember my friend Bola's story. She had a first class degree from UNILAG, but no money for Canada. She applied to every scholarship she could find. She got rejected by three. Then the fourth one came through. Today she's finishing her Master's in Vancouver. She tells me all the time: "If I had given up after the first rejection, I wouldn't be here. "So don't give up. Let me show you what's available.

Government of Canada Scholarships

Global Affairs Canada offers several programs specifically for students from eligible countries and Nigeria is included.

Study in Canada Scholarships (SICS)

This is one of the most accessible government scholarships for Nigerian students.

Important: These are for research placements or course based exchanges, not full degree programs. You apply through your home university's international office, not directly to Global Affairs Canada.

Scholarship Value

Application Process

• You must be enrolled full-time at a post-secondary institution in an eligible country
• You must be paying tuition fees to that institution at the time of application
• For research exchanges, you need a Canadian professor to supervise you
• For course based exchanges, your home institution must have an exchange agreement with the Canadian university

Eligible Expenses Covered

The scholarship funds can contribute to:

• Visa or study/work permit fees
• Airfare (round-trip, most direct and economical route)
• Health insurance
• Living expenses (accommodation, utilities, food)
• Ground public transportation
• Books and supplies required for study or research

Computers and other equipment are not covered.

Key Eligibility Rules

• You cannot hold or have a pending application for Canadian citizenship or permanent residency
• You cannot already be enrolled in a degree, diploma, or certificate program at a Canadian institution
• You cannot hold another scholarship from Global Affairs Canada
• You must be proficient in English or French, the scholarship does not cover language training
• Fields like pharmacy, medicine, dentistry, or clinically oriented research involving direct patient care are excluded

2026 Application Timeline

University Specific Scholarships

Most Canadian universities have their own scholarships for international students. You need to check each university's website because deadlines and amounts vary widely.

Popular ones include:

• Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at University of Toronto: fully funded for undergraduates
• UBC International Scholars Program: covers full tuition and living expenses
• University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships: $20,000 to $25,000 per year
• University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship: $20,000 renewable

Essential Resources for Your Journey

• To help you prepare for every stage of your move, here are some useful services:

  Travel & Connectivity

  • ✈️ Flights & Car Rentals: Book affordable flights to Canada through Aviasales . For ground transportation, DiscoverCars offers rental options at Canadian airports .
  • 📱 Stay Connected: Get an eSIM for Canada to avoid roaming charges. Airalo offers affordable data plans for international students , while Yesim provides coverage in 150+ countries .

  Travel Insurance & Health Coverage

  • 🛡️ Travel Insurance: EKTA Traveling offers comprehensive travel health insurance with COVID-19 coverage, ideal for visa compliance . SafetyWing provides flexible "Nomad Insurance" for students and remote workers worldwide with 10% commission for referrals .

  Language & Learning

  • 📚 Improve Your English: Use Preply to book one-on-one online tutoring to prepare for IELTS or improve academic English before arrival .

  Tours & Experiences

  • 🎒 Explore Canada: Plan your Canadian adventures with GetYourGuide for tours and activities across major cities.
  • 🏨 Accommodation: Book short-term stays with Booking.com while finding permanent housing.
  • 🎟️ Activities & Attractions: Use Klook or KKday for discounts on local experiences and travel essentials .

Nigerian Reality Check: Scholarships Are Not Guaranteed

Let me be straight with you.

These scholarships are competitive. Government scholarships like SICS are for short term exchanges, not full degree programs. So, if you're planning to do a full Master's or PhD, you'll likely need a combination of:

• University specific scholarships
• Teaching assistantships
• Research assistantships
• Personal funds
• Family support

My advice: Apply for everything you qualify for. Even if you get a small scholarship, it reduces the burden. And start early, very early.

Disclaimer: This information is for general purposes only. Always verify current policies with official sources (IRCC, universities, and scholarship providers) before making decisions.