Canada continues to be a prime destination for international students seeking high-quality education, and the Canadian government has a variety of grants and scholarships available to support students from all around the world, including Nigerians. These financial aids make studying in Canada more accessible by reducing the financial burden of tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs. Whether you’re pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral program, there are plenty of opportunities to secure funding for your studies in 2025. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top Canadian government grants and scholarships for international students.
1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS)
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are among the most prestigious scholarships in Canada. This scholarship is designed to attract world-class doctoral students to Canadian universities, providing financial support for those who demonstrate leadership potential, a high level of academic achievement, and a commitment to research.
Key Features:
- Amount: $50,000 per year for three years.
- Eligibility: Open to international students, including Nigerians, pursuing doctoral studies at a Canadian university.
- Coverage: Covers tuition, living expenses, and the cost of a study permit (free visa).
- Application Process: Students must be nominated by the institution they wish to attend. Applications are typically submitted through the institution.
How to Apply: First, secure admission to a Canadian university for a doctoral program. Afterward, your chosen institution will nominate you for the Vanier CGS. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and submit a comprehensive research proposal along with academic records.
2. Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program
The Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program offers scholarships to students from Commonwealth countries, including Nigeria, who wish to pursue graduate studies in Canada. This program is funded by Global Affairs Canada and is aimed at promoting the development of education and global cooperation.
Key Features:
- Amount: Covers full tuition fees, living expenses, and airfare.
- Eligibility: Open to students from Commonwealth countries, including Nigeria, pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree.
- Coverage: Full tuition, travel costs, and living expenses, plus the cost of your study permit.
- Application Process: Applicants must apply through their home country’s national scholarship office for nomination.
How to Apply: Nigerian students interested in this scholarship should apply through the Nigerian government’s scholarship body. If selected for nomination, you can then apply directly to the Canadian government for the scholarship.
3. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) program offers funding for graduate students studying at participating universities in Ontario, Canada. The scholarship is open to both Canadian and international students, including Nigerians, and is awarded to those who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement.
Key Features:
- Amount: Up to $15,000 for one year.
- Eligibility: Open to international students enrolled in graduate programs at participating universities in Ontario.
- Coverage: Tuition fees and living expenses.
- Application Process: Students must apply through the graduate office of their chosen Ontario-based university.
How to Apply: To apply, you must first be accepted into a graduate program at an Ontario university. After acceptance, you can submit your application for the OGS program, which will require your academic records and a personal statement.
4. The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship supports students who wish to pursue doctoral studies in social sciences and humanities. It is designed for international students, including Nigerians, who want to make a significant contribution to public policy.
Key Features:
- Amount: Up to $60,000 per year for three years.
- Eligibility: Open to international students pursuing a doctoral degree in social sciences or humanities at Canadian universities.
- Coverage: Full tuition, research expenses, and living allowances, as well as the cost of a study permit.
- Application Process: Application is done through the foundation’s online portal, and students must submit a research proposal along with other supporting documents.
How to Apply: Interested students should visit the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation website for application instructions. You’ll need to submit your research proposal, academic history, and letters of recommendation from professors or industry experts.
5. University-Specific Scholarships for International Students
In addition to national-level scholarships, many Canadian universities offer their own grants and scholarships for international students. Some of the most well-known universities, such as the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia (UBC), and McGill University, provide scholarships to help cover tuition fees for international students.
Key Features:
- Amount: Varies depending on the institution and program.
- Eligibility: Varies by university, but generally open to international students, including Nigerians.
- Coverage: Typically covers full or partial tuition fees, and sometimes living expenses.
- Application Process: Students must apply directly to the university for admission, and then they can apply for any available scholarships.
How to Apply: Visit the admissions page of your chosen university to learn about the scholarships available. Most universities will require you to apply for admission first, and then you can apply for any scholarships they offer.
6. The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program is another great opportunity for undergraduate students. This prestigious scholarship is offered by the University of Toronto and covers full tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support.
Key Features:
- Amount: Full tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence support for four years.
- Eligibility: Open to international students, including Nigerians, who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.
- Coverage: Full tuition, housing, and living expenses, as well as the cost of your study permit (free visa).
- Application Process: You must be nominated by your school for the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship.
How to Apply: Begin by applying for admission to the University of Toronto. If your school nominates you, you can submit your scholarship application through the university.
Conclusion
In 2025, there are plenty of opportunities for international students, including Nigerians, to receive grants and scholarships to study in Canada. These scholarships not only reduce the financial burden of studying abroad but also provide additional support such as covering the cost of study permits and living expenses. Whether you’re aiming for an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral program, the Canadian government, along with individual universities, offers various funding options to help make your dream of studying in Canada a reality.
Make sure to check the eligibility criteria and deadlines for each scholarship, and start your application process early to secure your spot in one of Canada’s world-renowned institutions.
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