Canada remains one of the most sought-after destinations for Nigerian graduates pursuing postgraduate education abroad. With scholarship values ranging from CAD $15,000 to CAD $50,000 annually (approximately ₦15.4 million to ₦51.4 million at current exchange rates), fully funded Canadian programmes offer Nigerian students access to world-class education without the crushing financial burden.
Many Nigerian students I have worked with at NG Career missed out on excellent Canadian opportunities, not because they were unqualified, but because they discovered scholarships only after deadlines had passed, or they assumed only the famous national awards like Vanier existed. The reality is that university-specific funding often provides the same financial support with less competition. This guide focuses on scholarships with applications still open as of late January 2026, plus guidance for those planning ahead for Fall 2027 intake.
Important Note: Several major scholarship deadlines for Fall 2026 intake closed in November 2025 through January 2026. This guide clearly indicates which opportunities remain open and provides planning guidance for future application cycles.
Can a Nigerian Apply for Scholarships in Canada?
Yes, Nigerian students are eligible to apply for most Canadian graduate scholarships. According to information from EduCanada, Canada actively welcomes international students from all nationalities, and many scholarship programmes specifically target students from developing countries.
According to Legit.ng, Nigerian students are eligible for programmes such as the UBC International Scholars Program, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, and the Ontario Graduate Scholarship, among many others.
What Nigerian Students Need to Apply
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Study Permit | Required for all international students studying in Canada |
| Credential Evaluation | WES Course-By-Course ICAP report for Nigerian degrees |
| English Proficiency | IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent (certificates must be less than 2 years old) |
| Academic Transcripts | Official transcripts sent directly from your Nigerian institution |
| Valid Passport | Must be valid for duration of intended study |
Important for Nigerian Applicants: Your Nigerian degree must be evaluated through World Education Services (WES) using their Course-by-Course ICAP report. This process takes 4-8 weeks, so start immediately if you have not already.
Scholarships Still Open for Application (Late January 2026)
Before diving into the full scholarship list, here are the opportunities with deadlines that have not yet passed:
| Scholarship | Deadline | Value (CAD) | Value (Naira) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Study in Canada Scholarships | Newly opened (Jan 22, 2026) | Varies | Varies | ✅ OPEN |
| University of Saskatchewan | February 28, 2026 | $18,000+/year | ₦18.5M+/year | ✅ OPEN |
| University of Calgary (some programs) | March 1, 2026 | $20,000/year | ₦20.6M/year | ✅ OPEN |
| University of Waterloo (select programs) | February 1, 2026 | $2,500/term | ₦2.6M/term | ⚠️ Check Status |
| Adamawa State Scholarship (Canada/Australia) | February 13, 2026 | Full funding | Full funding | ✅ OPEN (Adamawa indigenes only) |
Note: Many Fall 2026 intake deadlines closed between November 2025 and January 2026. If you missed these deadlines, see our section on “Planning for Fall 2027 Intake” below.
Study in Canada Scholarships 2026 (Just Opened!)
According to EduCanada, Global Affairs Canada’s Study in Canada Scholarships opened applications on January 22, 2026. This is a government-funded programme for short-term research or course-oriented exchanges.
According to EduCanada:
Deadline: March 31, 2026 (11:59 PM EDT)
Value: $10,200 CAD for 4 months (approximately ₦10.5 million)
Level: Graduate and research exchange
Important Notes:
- Applications opened January 22, 2026
- This is for short-term inbound mobility to Canadian institutions
- Students must be enrolled full-time at a post-secondary institution in an eligible country
- Project activities must be completed no later than September 30, 2027
What It Covers:
- Tuition support
- Living expenses allowance
- Travel support
Eligibility: International students from eligible countries (Nigeria included)
Check current application details at EduCanada Scholarships
What Is the Scholarship for International Students in Canada 2026?
Canada offers several categories of scholarships for international students pursuing graduate studies in 2026:
Government-Funded Scholarships:
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (doctoral level only)
- Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Study in Canada Scholarships (newly opened)
- Provincial scholarships (Ontario Graduate Scholarship, Quebec programmes)
University-Specific Scholarships:
- Automatic funding upon admission
- Competitive merit-based awards
- Teaching and Research Assistantships
Foundation Scholarships:
- Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation (doctoral)
- Various private foundations
According to ApplyKite, most fully funded scholarships cover tuition and living expenses, with values ranging from CAD $15,000 to CAD $60,000 per year (approximately ₦15.4 million to ₦61.7 million).
Fully Funded Masters Scholarships in Canada for Nigerians 2026
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships ⚠️ DOCTORAL ONLY
According to the official Vanier CGS website, this is Canada’s most prestigious graduate scholarship. Important: This scholarship is for doctoral (PhD) students only, NOT Masters students.
Value: CAD $50,000 per year (approximately ₦51.4 million/year) for up to 3 years
Total Value: CAD $150,000 (approximately ₦154.2 million)
Level: Doctoral programmes only (PhD, MD/PhD, JD/PhD)
Why Include This: For Nigerian students considering a PhD after their Masters, or those applying to combined Masters-to-PhD programmes, Vanier represents the pinnacle of Canadian graduate funding.
Eligibility:
- Must be nominated by a Canadian institution with Vanier CGS quota
- Pursuing first doctoral degree
- Completed no more than 20 months of doctoral studies
- First-class average in last two years of full-time study
According to the Vanier eligibility page, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and foreign citizens are all eligible to be nominated.
Selection Criteria: Academic Excellence, Research Potential, and Leadership (equally weighted)
Application: Candidates cannot apply directly. You must be nominated by a Canadian university with Vanier allocation.
Deadline: Varies by nominating institution (typically September-November for following year)
Learn more at the official Vanier CGS website
2. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
According to Legit.ng, the Ontario Graduate Scholarship is a merit-based award for full-time Masters and PhD students at participating universities in Ontario.
Value: CAD $5,000 per term (approximately ₦5.1 million/term)
- Most recipients receive CAD $10,000 (two terms) or CAD $15,000 (three terms) per academic year
- In Naira: approximately ₦10.3 million to ₦15.4 million/year
Level: Masters and PhD
Eligibility: International students with a valid study permit can apply through their university’s graduate studies office
Application: Through your Ontario university’s graduate studies office
Deadline: Varies by institution (many early 2026 deadlines have passed; check specific universities)
Status: 🔄 CHECK WITH SPECIFIC UNIVERSITY — Deadlines vary
Check OGS deadlines at your target Ontario university
3. University of Saskatchewan Graduate Scholarships ✅ STILL OPEN
The University of Saskatchewan offers graduate funding opportunities for international students.
Deadline: February 28, 2026 ✅ OPEN
Value: Varies by programme and award type
Level: Masters and PhD
What It Covers: Tuition support and living stipend
Explore University of Saskatchewan Graduate Funding
4. University of Calgary Graduate Awards ✅ PARTIALLY OPEN
According to Legit.ng, the University of Calgary offers various merit-based graduate scholarships and awards for Masters and PhD students.
Value: Varies by award; some programmes offer CAD $20,000/year (approximately ₦20.6 million/year) renewable
Level: Masters and PhD
Deadline: March 1, 2026 for some programmes ✅ PARTIALLY OPEN
Note: December 1, 2025 deadline passed for some programmes. Check specific programme deadlines.
Explore University of Calgary Graduate Awards
5. University of Waterloo International Master’s Awards ⚠️ CHECK STATUS
According to Legit.ng, the University of Waterloo offers merit-based awards including the International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE).
Value:
- IMAE: approximately CAD $2,500 per term (approximately ₦2.6 million/term)
- International Doctoral Student Award (IDSA): Helps cover international tuition differential
Level: Masters and PhD
Deadline: February 1, 2026 for some programmes ⚠️ CHECK STATUS
Explore University of Waterloo Graduate Funding
6. Nigerian Association of Manitoba Scholarship
This scholarship is specifically designed for Nigerian students studying in Manitoba, Canada.
Eligibility: Nigerian students enrolled at Manitoba institutions
Value: Varies
Application: Through the Nigerian Association of Manitoba
Note: This is a Nigeria-specific opportunity worth exploring if you are admitted to a Manitoba institution.
Scholarships with Passed Deadlines (For Future Reference)
The following scholarships had deadlines that have already passed for Fall 2026 intake. They are listed here for students planning Fall 2027 applications:
McCall MacBain Scholarships (McGill University)
According to McCall MacBain Scholars:
Status: ❌ CLOSED for 2026 cohort
Value: Full tuition + CAD $2,000/month stipend (approximately ₦2.1 million/month) + relocation grant
Level: Masters and PhD
Past Deadlines:
- Canada and United States: September 24, 2025
- International applicants: August 20, 2025
For Fall 2027: Applications will open June to August/September 2026
Note: Excellent opportunity for Fall 2027. Begin preparing in early 2026.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (UBC)
Status: ❌ CLOSED — October 2024 deadline for Fall 2025 cycle
Value: Full tuition + living stipend + mentorship
Level: Masters
Special Focus: African students (Nigerian students eligible)
Note: Monitor UBC website for Fall 2027 application opening.
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF)
Status: ❌ CLOSED — December 1, 2025 deadline passed
Value:
- Masters students: approximately CAD $20,000 per year (₦20.6 million/year)
- PhD students: approximately CAD $25,000 per year (₦25.7 million/year)
Level: Masters and PhD
Monitor for Fall 2027 at University of Manitoba Graduate Studies
Dalhousie University Scholarships
Status: ❌ CLOSED — December 31, 2025 deadline passed
Key Awards:
| Award | Value (CAD) | Value (Naira) | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Year Master’s Scholarship | $20,000 | ₦20.6M | Masters |
| Research Excellence Scholarship | $35,000/year (up to 4 years) | ₦36M/year | Masters/PhD |
| Killam Predoctoral Scholarship | $42,000/year | ₦43.2M/year | Doctoral |
Monitor for future cycles at Dalhousie Graduate Studies
McGill University Graduate Funding
Status: ❌ CLOSED — January 15, 2026 deadline passed for most programmes
Value: Varies by programme and award
Monitor for future cycles at McGill GPS
Fully Funded LLM Scholarships in Canada
For Nigerian law graduates seeking fully funded LLM (Master of Laws) programmes in Canada, several options exist:
Universities with LLM Funding:
| University | Law School | Funding Options | Deadline Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| McGill University | Faculty of Law | Graduate fellowships, entrance scholarships | Check specific dates |
| University of Toronto | Faculty of Law | Graduate funding packages | Check specific dates |
| York University | Osgoode Hall Law School | Graduate assistantships, scholarships | Check specific dates |
| University of British Columbia | Peter A. Allard School of Law | Merit-based funding | Check specific dates |
Tips for Nigerian Law Graduates:
- Contact the admissions office of each law school directly about funding
- Many LLM programmes offer teaching assistantships
- Research assistant positions may provide additional funding
- Consider universities with strong research focus in your area of interest
CGPA Requirements for Masters Scholarships in Canada
How Much CGPA Is Required for Scholarship in Canada for Masters?
According to various scholarship requirements, most Canadian universities and scholarships require minimum academic performance:
| CGPA Range (4.0 scale) | Nigerian Equivalent | Scholarship Eligibility | University Admission |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5+ | First Class Honours | Eligible for most competitive scholarships | Strong admission chances |
| 3.0-3.49 | Second Class Upper (2.1) | Eligible for many scholarships | Standard requirement |
| 2.5-2.99 | Strong Second Class Lower | Limited scholarship options | May be admitted |
| 2.2-2.49 | Second Class Lower (2.2) | Few scholarship options | Possible with experience |
Can a 2.2 Graduate Do Masters in Canada?
Yes, but options are limited. Some Canadian universities accept Second Class Lower (2.2) graduates, particularly if you have:
- Relevant professional work experience (2-5 years)
- Research publications or conference presentations
- Strong statement of purpose explaining your academic journey
- Excellent recommendation letters
- Relevant certifications or additional qualifications
Universities That May Consider 2.2 Graduates:
- Some programmes at smaller universities
- Professional Masters programmes (MBA, MEng)
- Programmes that value work experience alongside academics
Can a 2.5 GPA Get Me Accepted in Canadian Universities?
Yes, a 2.5 GPA (approximately 65-69%) can get you admitted to some Canadian graduate programmes, though scholarship eligibility becomes limited. To strengthen your application:
- Highlight relevant work experience
- Secure strong recommendation letters
- Write a compelling statement of purpose
- Consider conditional admission pathways
- Gain research experience if possible
Can I Get a 100% Scholarship to Study in Canada?
Yes, it is possible to receive 100% scholarship coverage for Canadian graduate studies. According to Legit.ng, highly competitive awards such as the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships and comprehensive university funding packages can cover full tuition and living expenses for international students.
Fully Funded Options Include:
| Scholarship | Coverage (CAD) | Coverage (Naira) | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanier CGS | $50,000/year + research costs | ₦51.4M/year | Doctoral only |
| Some University Packages | Full funding with TA/RA positions | Varies | Masters/PhD |
| Provincial Awards + Supplements | $15,000-$25,000/year | ₦15.4M-₦25.7M/year | Masters/PhD |
What “Fully Funded” Typically Covers:
- Complete tuition waiver
- Monthly living stipend (varies by programme)
- Health insurance
- Some include travel grants and research allowances
Which Fully Funded Scholarship Is Easiest to Get?
No scholarship is truly “easy” to obtain, but some are less competitive than others. Based on my experience helping Nigerian students:
| Scholarship Type | Competition Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Vanier CGS | Very High (166 awarded nationally) | Top academics with research potential |
| Provincial Scholarships (OGS) | High | Strong academics at Ontario universities |
| University Graduate Awards | Medium | Most qualified applicants |
| Teaching/Research Assistantships | Medium-Low | Research-focused students |
| Departmental Funding | Varies | Students matching supervisor needs |
What Is the Easiest Way to Get a Full Scholarship?
Practical strategies that increase your chances:
- Apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously rather than focusing on one competitive award
- Contact potential supervisors before applying as professors often have research funding to support students
- Target smaller or newer universities that may have less competitive funding pools
- Apply for TA/RA positions as these provide tuition waivers plus stipends
- Align your research with funded projects as supervisors actively recruit students for specific grants
- Consider universities outside major cities where competition may be lower
What Is the Best Time to Apply for Scholarships?
The ideal timeline for Canadian graduate scholarships:
| Timeframe | Action |
|---|---|
| 18-15 months before start | Research universities, start WES evaluation |
| 12-9 months before start | Contact supervisors, take English tests |
| 9-6 months before start | Prepare documents, request references |
| 6-3 months before start | Submit applications (most deadlines fall here) |
| 3-1 months before start | Receive decisions, apply for study permit |
Current Situation (Late January 2026):
- Many Fall 2026 deadlines have passed (November-January cycle)
- Some opportunities remain (February-March deadlines)
- Ideal time to begin preparing for Fall 2027 intake
Planning for Fall 2027 Intake
If you missed Fall 2026 deadlines, use this time to prepare a stronger application for Fall 2027:
Timeline for Fall 2027:
| Month | Action |
|---|---|
| January-March 2026 | Research programmes, identify potential supervisors |
| April-June 2026 | Start WES evaluation, take English proficiency tests |
| July-September 2026 | Contact supervisors, draft application documents |
| October-December 2026 | Submit applications (most Fall 2027 deadlines) |
| January-March 2027 | Submit remaining applications, receive decisions |
| April-August 2027 | Accept offers, apply for study permit, prepare for arrival |
Key Deadlines to Monitor for Fall 2027:
- McCall MacBain: Typically August
- Mastercard Foundation: Typically October
- University of Manitoba: Typically December
- Dalhousie: Typically December
- McGill: Typically January
How to Apply for Canadian Scholarships as a Nigerian: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Get WES Credential Evaluation
Nigerian degrees require evaluation through World Education Services (WES) for Canadian applications.
Process:
- Create WES account and pay evaluation fee
- Request official transcripts from your Nigerian university
- WAEC/NECO results may also be required
- Choose Course-by-Course ICAP report
- Processing time: 4-8 weeks after all documents received
Start this immediately if you have not already.
Step 2: Meet English Language Requirements
Most Canadian universities require:
- IELTS: Minimum 6.5 overall (some programmes require 7.0+)
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum 90+ (varies by programme)
- Certificates must be less than 2 years old
Some scholarships waive English requirements for students from English-speaking countries or English-medium universities.
Step 3: Research Programmes and Contact Supervisors
This step is crucial for research-based Masters programmes:
- Identify universities with programmes matching your interests
- Research faculty members whose work aligns with yours
- Email potential supervisors before applying
- A supervisor willing to work with you significantly increases admission and funding chances
Step 4: Prepare Application Documents
Required Documents:
- Official transcripts (sent directly from institution or via WES)
- WES ICAP evaluation report
- Statement of Purpose/Research Proposal
- Letters of Reference (typically 2-3)
- CV/Resume highlighting research and publications
- English proficiency scores
- Passport copy
For Nigerian Applicants (Additional):
- WAEC/NECO certificates
- NYSC certificate (if applicable)
- Degree certificates
- Professional certifications
Step 5: Apply for Admission First
Most Canadian scholarships require admission before scholarship consideration:
- Apply through university graduate admissions portal
- Pay application fees
- Submit all required documents
- Many scholarships are automatic upon admission
- Some require separate scholarship application
Step 6: Apply for Study Permit
After receiving admission and funding confirmation:
- Apply online through IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)
- Need acceptance letter from Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Proof of financial support (scholarship award letter)
- Processing times vary (apply early)
Cost of Living in Canada for Nigerian Students
Even with scholarships, understanding costs helps with planning:
| Expense | Monthly Estimate (CAD) | Monthly Estimate (Naira) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (shared accommodation) | $600-1,200 | ₦617,000-₦1.23M |
| Food and groceries | $300-500 | ₦309,000-₦514,000 |
| Transportation | $100-150 | ₦103,000-₦154,000 |
| Phone and internet | $50-100 | ₦51,000-₦103,000 |
| Personal expenses | $100-200 | ₦103,000-₦206,000 |
| Total Monthly | $1,150-2,150 | ₦1.18M-₦2.21M |
Annual Living Costs: CAD $14,000-26,000 (approximately ₦14.4M-₦26.7M) depending on city
Good News: Most fully funded scholarships factor these costs into their stipends.
Common Mistakes Nigerian Applicants Make
Avoid these errors that commonly lead to rejection:
- Not getting WES evaluation early enough (takes 4-8 weeks minimum)
- Applying only to highly competitive scholarships (diversify your applications)
- Missing deadlines (many Fall 2026 deadlines passed in November-January)
- Generic statements of purpose (customise for each programme)
- Not contacting supervisors before applying (crucial for research programmes)
- Missing English proficiency deadlines (book tests early)
- Applying to only one university (apply to 5-10 programmes)
- Submitting incomplete applications (use checklists carefully)
- Ignoring departmental funding (TA/RA positions are often available)
- Not following up on applications (check status regularly)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Nigerian apply for a scholarship in Canada?
Yes, Nigerian students are eligible for most Canadian graduate scholarships. According to official sources, Nigerian students can apply for programmes such as the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (doctoral only), Ontario Graduate Scholarship, and numerous university-specific awards. You need WES credential evaluation, English proficiency proof, and valid study permit.
How much CGPA is required for scholarship in Canada for Masters?
Most competitive scholarships require a minimum 3.0/4.0 CGPA (Second Class Upper/2.1 equivalent). For prestigious awards like Vanier (doctoral), first-class average in the last two years of study is required. Standard university admission typically requires minimum 3.0 CGPA.
Can a 2.2 graduate do Masters in Canada?
Yes, some Canadian universities accept Second Class Lower (2.2) graduates, but scholarship options are limited. Strengthen your application with relevant work experience (2-5 years), research publications, strong recommendations, and a compelling statement of purpose.
Can I get a 100% scholarship to study in Canada?
Yes. Awards like Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (CAD $50,000/year, approximately ₦51.4 million/year, doctoral only) and comprehensive university funding packages can cover full tuition and living expenses. University funding packages combining scholarships with TA/RA positions also provide full funding.
Which fully funded scholarship is easiest to get?
No scholarship is “easy,” but university-specific graduate awards and teaching/research assistantships are generally less competitive than national scholarships like Vanier. Contacting supervisors before applying and aligning your research with their funded projects increases your chances significantly.
What is the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship?
According to the official Vanier website, the Vanier CGS provides CAD $50,000 (approximately ₦51.4 million) per year for up to 3 years for doctoral students only demonstrating academic excellence, research potential, and leadership. Up to 166 scholarships are awarded annually. Note: This is for doctoral (PhD) programmes only, NOT Masters.
What is the best time to apply for scholarships?
For Fall 2026 intake, most application deadlines fell between November 2025 and January 2026 (many have now passed). For Fall 2027 intake, begin preparation now and submit applications between September 2026 and January 2027.
Which Canada scholarships are still open for application?
As of late January 2026, scholarships still accepting applications include:
University of Saskatchewan (February 28, 2026)
University of Calgary (March 1, 2026 for some programmes)
Study in Canada Scholarships (newly opened January 22, 2026)
Waterloo (check specific programme deadlines)
Your Application Checklist
For Scholarships Still Open (Immediate Actions):
- Check University of Saskatchewan deadline (February 28, 2026)
- Check University of Calgary deadline (March 1, 2026)
- Review Study in Canada Scholarships (just opened)
- Submit WES evaluation if not already done
For Fall 2027 Intake (Planning Phase):
- Start WES credential evaluation
- Research universities and programmes matching your interests
- Identify potential supervisors
- Take English proficiency test (allow 2-3 months)
- Draft statement of purpose
- Request reference letters (give referees at least 4 weeks)
- Contact potential supervisors via email
Mark Key Deadlines:
- McCall MacBain: August 2026
- Mastercard Foundation: October 2026
- University of Manitoba: December 2026
- Dalhousie: December 2026
- McGill: January 2027
Canada offers excellent fully funded Masters opportunities for Nigerian students, from prestigious national scholarships to comprehensive university funding packages. While several Fall 2026 deadlines have passed, opportunities remain for current applications, and now is the perfect time to prepare a strong application for Fall 2027.
For Nigerian students also considering European options, see our guides on scholarships in Germany without IELTS for Nigerians and our comprehensive DAAD Scholarship application guide.
Your next steps: If applying for still-open scholarships, submit applications immediately. If preparing for Fall 2027, start your WES evaluation today and begin identifying potential supervisors. The students who succeed are those who plan early and apply strategically.
Exchange rate used: 1 CAD = approximately ₦1,028 NGN. Verify all deadlines on official university and scholarship websites before applying, as dates change annually. Naira values are approximate and subject to currency fluctuations.
