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Dreaming of studying in Canada without worrying about tuition, rent, or research costs? You’re not alone—and the good news is, you’re not out of options either! In fact, more than 15,000 Nigerian students were enrolled in Canadian institutions in 2024, many of whom benefitted from generous fully funded scholarships. From government-backed PhD programs to university entrance scholarships for undergrads, Canadian institutions are rolling out the red carpet for bright minds from Nigeria. So, if you’re a Nigerian student looking to study in Canada in 2025 without breaking the bank, you’ve landed in the right place! In this guide, we will talk about top fully funded scholarships in Canada for Nigerian Students. Let’s dive in!
Government-Funded Scholarships for Nigerian Students in Canada
Canada is becoming one of the top study destinations for Nigerian students, especially for those seeking quality education backed by full financial support. In 2024 alone, over 3,000 Nigerian students applied for Canadian government-funded scholarships, with a growing number successfully securing placements in PhD and postdoctoral programs. This surge reflects Canada’s commitment to global academic inclusion and its growing partnerships with countries like Nigeria.
These fully funded Canadian scholarships are more than just financial aid—they help students in getting their dream education in university of their choice. Whether you’re eyeing a doctoral program in public health or conducting postdoctoral research in engineering, Canada has a scholarship for you in 2025. Below are key government-funded scholarships in Canada for 2025:
| Scholarship | Study Level | Annual Value (CAD) | Duration | Eligible Fields |
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship | PhD | CA$50,000 | 3 years | Health Sciences, Natural Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences, Humanities |
| Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships | Postdoctoral | CA$70,000 | 2 years | Health, Natural Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences, Humanities |
| Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship | PhD | CA$60,000 | 3 years | Human Rights, Global Affairs, Civic Engagement, Responsible Leadership |
University-Specific Scholarships for Nigerian Students in Canada
Canada remains one of the top destinations for Nigerian students—and universities across the country are making it even more attractive with generous scholarship programs. In fact, as of 2024, over 5,700 Nigerian students were enrolled in undergraduate programs at Canadian universities, with hundreds receiving partial or fully funded scholarships to support their academic journey.
University-specific scholarships in Canada are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and extracurricular involvement. Some are automatically awarded based on your high school results, while others may require a separate application or even a school nomination. Some scholarships cover up to 100% of tuition + accommodation, saving students CA$25,000–CA$50,000 annually. Below are top university scholarships in Canada for Nigerian students:
| Scholarship Name | University | Level | Annual Value (CAD) | Duration |
| Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship | University of Toronto | Undergraduate | Full tuition, books, residence | 4 years |
| University of Waterloo International Funding | University of Waterloo | Undergraduate | Up to CA$10,000 | Varies |
| University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship | University of Calgary | Undergraduate | CA$15,000 | 1 year |
| York University Automatic Entrance Scholarships | York University | Undergraduate | CA$60,000–CA$100,000 (total) | 4 years |
Provincial Scholarships for Nigerian Students in Canada
Did you know that Canadian provinces offer their own fully or partially funded scholarships to attract top international talent. In fact, Ontario alone awarded more than 3,000 scholarships to international students last year, many of whom came from West African countries including Nigeria. Provincial scholarships like the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) and the prestigious Ontario Trillium Scholarship (OTS) are ideal for Nigerian students aiming for master’s and PhD programs at universities in Ontario.
With up to CA$160,000 over four years, OTS can completely fund your doctoral education and living expenses. Applications for OGS typically open in October and close in January–March, depending on the university. These awards are merit-based and offer generous funding support, covering everything from tuition to research expenses. Following are top provincial scholarships in Canada for Nigerian students:
| Scholarship Name | Province | Level | Annual Value (CAD) | Duration |
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) | Ontario | Master’s & PhD | CA$5,000 per session | Up to 3 sessions (CA$15,000 total) |
| Ontario Trillium Scholarship (OTS) | Ontario | PhD | CA$40,000 per year | Up to 4 years (CA$160,000 total) |
Conclusion
Studying in Canada as a Nigerian student is more achievable than ever—especially when you have access to the right scholarships. From the Vanier Graduate Scholarship to the Ontario Trillium, and from the University of Toronto to York University, there are dozens of fully funded opportunities waiting for talented Nigerian students in 2025.
These scholarships don’t just cover your tuition—many also pay for your accommodation, research expenses, living costs, travel, and health insurance, giving you peace of mind while you focus on your studies. And once you’ve bagged your scholarship, don’t forget your next big step—finding a safe, comfortable place to live.
That’s where University Living can help! From student-friendly neighborhoods to verified off-campus accommodations, we’ve got your housing sorted—so you can focus on chasing those academic dreams stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top fully funded scholarships in Canada for Nigerian students in 2025?
The top fully funded scholarships include the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships, Trudeau Foundation Scholarship, Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, Ontario Trillium Scholarship, and York University Automatic Entrance Scholarships. These cover tuition, living costs, airfare, and sometimes even research expenses.
Can Nigerian students get scholarships to study in Canada in 2025?
Yes, absolutely! Canada offers numerous fully and partially funded scholarships to Nigerian students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Universities, provincial governments, and the federal government all have dedicated programs for international students.
How can I apply for a fully funded scholarship in Canada from Nigeria?
Start by shortlisting scholarships like Vanier CGS, Lester B. Pearson, or OGS based on your study level. Visit official websites, check deadlines, gather documents (academic transcripts, reference letters, IELTS/GRE if required), and submit your application online. Some may require a nomination from your school or university.
Which Canadian universities offer full scholarships to Nigerian undergraduate students?
Top universities that offer full scholarships include:
1. University of Toronto – Lester B. Pearson Scholarship
2. York University – Automatic Entrance Scholarships
3. University of Calgary – International Entrance Scholarship
These scholarships often cover tuition, books, and residence.
Do I need IELTS to apply for scholarships in Canada as a Nigerian student?
Most fully funded scholarships require proof of English proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent tests—especially at the graduate level. However, some universities may waive it if your previous education was in English.
What is the value of the Ontario Trillium Scholarship for Nigerian students?
The Ontario Trillium Scholarship (OTS) provides CA$40,000 per year for up to 4 years (CA$160,000 total) for international PhD students, including Nigerians. It covers tuition, research, and living expenses.
