Are you a Nigerian postgraduate student thinking about studying in Canada but burdened by the cost of tuition? There is no need to be discouraged, as scholarships are also available to Nigerian students to help them achieve their academic goals in the Great White North.. Here is a list of the top six Canadian Scholarships for Nigerian Master’s Students.

How to apply for a Canadian scholarship from Nigeria?

1. Check your Eligibility

Before you start the scholarship application process, check if you are eligible for the award or scholarship. Factors such as nationality, required course, age, and grade are very vital. If none of these are specified, you can go ahead with the application. 

2. Apply Early

Some scholarship opportunities have a deadline; however, you do not have to wait until the last day before you apply. Most scholarship providers consider early applicants. It’s a first-come, first-served situation.

You must, therefore, start the process early. Draw up an outline portraying relevant dates for each scholarship, including application submission deadlines, document collection, and a letter of recommendation request. You’ll need enough time to prepare a good application!

3. Write a convincing statement of purpose

Your statement of purpose is an important part of your scholarship application and gives you a platform to share your personal experiences and goals. Write a personal statement that shows your academic journey, career plans, and the reasons you want to earn a master’s degree in Canada.

Show your interest genuinely and use the right words to share your interest and your goals. You do not need to write a lengthy essay; at least 500–1000 words would do, highlighting your skills, interests, passions, and career goals.

4. Get letters of recommendation

Letters of recommendation considerably influence your application. Pick people who know you well and can attest to your academic excellence, integrity, and potential to succeed in graduate school for your recommendation letters.

Give them sufficient time to write sincere and substantial recommendations that present your strengths and meet the scholarship criteria.

5. Review and apply

Get a reviewer to go through your application. Sometimes, you need a second eye to spot the slightest error that could ruin the entire application. Review your essay attentively; check for grammar, clarity, and cohesiveness. Ensure that your application conveys a refined and professional feel to the committee.

Once you are satisfied, you can then go ahead, upload all the necessary documents, click on the apply button, and wait for feedback from the organizing committee.

Dive in as we look at the Canadian Scholarships for Nigerian Master’s Students.

Masters in Canada: 6 Top Scholarships for Nigerian Students

1. The Government of Alberta International Student Scholarship Program  ((ELAP | SEED)

The Government of Canada offers several scholarship programs to support Nigerians and other candidates who wish to conduct research in Canada on a short-term basis. See the amount and duration below:

Award Amount	Duration	Level of Study	Program
$12,700 CAD	5-6 months	Graduate	SEED, Study in Canada Scholarships
$11,100 CAD	5-6 months	Graduate	ELAP
$10,200 CAD	4 months	Undergraduate; Graduate	SEED, Study in Canada Scholarships
$8,200 CAD	4 months	Undergraduate; Graduate	ELAP

2. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program

Nigerian students in graduate studies at the master’s and doctoral levels can apply for a merit-based scholarship through the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program. Awards are available to graduate students in all disciplines of academic study at participating schools in Ontario.

Each award is jointly funded by the Province of Ontario (two thirds) and the school offering the award (one third).

Value and Duration

The OGS is valued at $15,000 for one year.  A recipient will be awarded $5,000 per semester for up to three semesters.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

1. Be registered or intend to register in an eligible program on a full-time basis.
2. Be registered or intend to register full-time in the summer, fall, or winter semester following the OGS application deadline.
3. Have not exceeded the lifetime maximum of government-funded support or maximum OGS support available for their current level of study (see Maximum Support).
4. Master’s students must have completed, as of December 31 prior to the application deadline*, between zero and 12 months of full-time studies at the master’s level.
5. Must have achieved a first-class average (minimum A-) in each of the last two completed years of study (full-time equivalent). 

How to apply

• Use your school’s OGS application. They are normally available in October.
• If you’re applying to more than one graduate program at different schools, submit an OGS application for each school.
• Contact the Graduate Studies Office at the school you plan to attend for details on their application process.

Deadlines

Application, document, and review details for this scholarship vary by school. Check with your school’s Graduate Studies Office for details.

3. Myer Horowitz Graduate Students’ Association Graduate Scholarship At University of Alberta

Myer Horowitz Graduate Students’ Association Graduate Scholarship is one of the prominent scholarships that the University of Alberta, Canada, gives to exceptional graduate students who stand out.

The Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) sets up this scholarship to reward academic excellence, leadership potential, and positive contributions to the life of the university. The scholarship is open to students of all academic disciplines and provides funds to help recipients cover costs related to research and other scholarly undertakings.

Location	Qualification	Funding Type	Deadline	Value of Awards
Canada	Postgraduate	Fee Waiver/Discount	Check the school website	1400 CAD

Eligibility

• This scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic merit.
• Nominees must have received no or limited financial support from the University of Alberta.
• The nominee may hold the scholarship only once.
• Please review the Open Competition webpage for the application form and additional information.
• Open to Canadian citizens
• Open to permanent residents
• Open to foreign nationals holding Canadian study permits
• Open to applicants in doctoral programs
• Open to applicants in master’s programs
• Open to applicants in course-based study programs
• Open to applicants in thesis-based study programs

4. Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships

The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate leadership skills, community involvement, and academic achievement.

Eligibility

Scholars must:

1. Be citizens of a Commonwealth country (but not Canadian)
2. Be 35 years of age or under at the time of application
3. Be proficient in the language of instruction at the Canadian university to which they have applied
4. Reside in Canada throughout the period of study and commit to their studies on a full-time basis while at the Canadian university
5. Scholars may pursue their graduate degree in any discipline
6. Anyone who has applied for Canadian citizenship or permanent residency is not eligible.

Benefits:

The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship provides recipients with a stipend of $6,000 for one academic year

5. York University International Regional Scholarship

York University offers a range of scholarships for international students, including the York International Regional Scholarship and Postgraduate Teaching Funding for international (including EU) students.

The International Regional Scholarship supports international undergraduate and postgraduate students and help them excel. While the postgraduate taught funding for international scholarships is to help students with tuition fees and living expenses.

These opportunities are open to students who pay tuition fees at the overseas rate. If you’re unsure whether you’re classified as a UK or international student for fee purposes, check your fee status.

Eligibility

Nigerian students pursuing a Masters degree in Canada at York University are eligible to apply for this scholarship.

Benefits: International Regional Scholarship Funding: up to $9,000 (first year of study).

How to apply

All undergraduate and postgraduate students holding an offer at York will be automatically considered. 

6. University of British Columbia Graduate Support Initiative

The Graduate Support Initiative is a program for funding graduate students through entrance scholarships, multi-year funding packages, tuition awards, and scholarship top-ups. GSI funding cannot be used as payment for employment, nor will it replace funding for TA-ships. 

Eligibility

Students in all fields of graduate study at the UBC-Vancouver campus are eligible to receive GSI funding, except for those enrolled in the programs listed below:

• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Business Analytics
• Master of Data Science
• Master of Digital Media
• Master of Engineering
• Master of Engineering Leadership
• Master of Health Leadership and Policy in Clinical Education
• Master of Health Leadership and Policy in Senior Care
• Master of Management
• Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs

GSI funding is available to both:

1. Canadian
2. Permanent Resident
3. International

Degree Level:

• Masters
• Doctoral

Read also: Masters Degree: US Universities Accepting 2.2 Graduates

Conclusion

Going for a Master’s degree in Canada as a Nigerian student is an exciting chance that is made even easier by these top scholarships, especially if you are contemplating Canadian universities.

Through funding and the provision of financial aid, you will be equipped with the resources to accomplish your academic goals. In addition, you need some vital skills to boots your application. Visit the links here start the application process.